He brings together practical advice, thought-provoking questions and real-life stories (including mine) to show that a portfolio career isn't just a fallback option; it's a dynamic, rewarding way to work that's increasingly relevant in today's world.
Careers are too important to leave in the hands of others.
Building a portfolio career is not a linear path, nor is it a quick fix. It requires resilience, a willingness to take risks and a commitment to lifelong learning. My journey may not be typical of a portfolio career but it has prepared me to guide those who are ready to embrace this path. Through this book, I hope to share insights and strategies that will help you take control of your career, find work that aligns with your values and build a life that's both fulfilling and financially secure.
Making the leap to a portfolio career isn't about having all the answers from day one. It's a journey of exploration - understanding your skills, identifying what drives you and learning how to position yourself to add value in different contexts. This book provides you with insights, tools and strategies to help navigate that process.
Table of Contents:
Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Contributors
Chapter One
Welcome to the work revolution: Your guide to thriving in a portfolio career
Journey to a portfolio career: Lessons from John Marsland
Chapter Two
A tapestry of talents: Unpacking the portfolio career
Reasons for choosing portfolio working
Key takeaways from this chapter
Chapter Three
Seizing the moment: Why a portfolio career is today's ultimate employability strategy
Shift in employment patterns and preferences
Technological advancement and globalisation
Changing perspectives on career longevity and retirement
Key takeaways from this chapter
Chapter Four
Crafting your unique blend: Unearthing skills, passions and interests for your portfolio journey
Identifying what you value
Identify your passions and motivated talents
Identify your skills - Map your skills against those required in the market
Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from David Mellor
Key takeaways from this chapter6
Chapter Five
Creating your portfolio: Strategic planning
Start early by developing your network
Explore your options and develop your skills
Get a side hustle
Get a mentor
Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from Sue Mandelbaum
Taking the plunge
Key takeaways from this chapter
Chapter Six
Valuing your expertise: A guide to pricing and practicalities
Admin angst
Your business structure
Accounts advice
Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from Barry Joinson
Don't forget insurance
A word on IR35
Key takeaways from this chapter
Chapter Seven
Presenting your best self: Mastering personal branding and promotion
Skills needed to sell yourself and market your offer
Crafting your elevator pitch: you in 30 seconds
Telling your story
Drafting your online presence
Personal branding checklist
Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from Mike Grant
Key takeaways from this chapter
Chapter Eight
Cultivating connections: The art of networking and relationship building
The 6Rs of good networking
Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from Carol Ashton
The role of social networks
Key takeaways from this chapter
Downloading your LinkedIn contacts
Chapter Nine
Mastering the clock: Effective workload and time management strategies7
Lessons on managing time
Strategies to tackle procrastination
The support you have and need
Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from Michaela Henshaw
Look after your health and work-life balance
Key takeaways from this chapter
Chapter Ten
Never too early: embracing the portfolio career as a young professional
Six steps to your portfolio career
Things to watch out for
Key takeaways from this chapter
Chapter Eleven
Boardroom bound: Venturing into non-executive director roles in your portfolio journey
Guidance for getting your first NED role
Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from Mark Sismey-Durrant and Paul Mussenden
Some words of warning
Trustee and other roles
Key takeaways from this chapter
Chapter Twelve
Volunteering: Giving back
The benefits of volunteering
Where to find opportunities
How to get the gig
Strategically plan your volunteering
Key takeaways from this chapter
Chapter Thirteen
It's all about you:
What's next? Write your own adventure
Chapter Fourteen
Concluding thoughts: Designing your future with a portfolio career
Appendix One: Access to Fuel50
Appendix Two: Our stories -notes from the interviews referenced
References
About the Author :
Every step of my path has been driven by the same principles that underlie this approach - seeking purpose, making calculated choices and staying open to change. I haven't always known where each decision would take me but I've always trusted in the power of learning, resilience, and connection to move me forward.
Following a career in HR Leadership in the NHS, I learned that great teams need more than just policies; they need leaders who understand and appreciate the human side of business.
My career took a turn when my then-employer invited me to move from HR into operations management - a chance to lead from the centre, overseeing the 'back 12 office' while managing revenue-generating activities. It was here that I gained hands-on experience in areas beyond HR, like managing IT projects and relocating an entire dealing room. These years shaped my business acumen and taught me the importance of agility and a broad skill set - qualities I now see as critical for anyone pursuing a portfolio career.
