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What does it really take to build a successful portfolio career — beyond skills, experience, and ambition?


In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ David Simmons shares his journey as a portfolio executive with hosts Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill and explores the transformative impact of holistic coaching, the importance of community, and how AI can help executives create more sustainable and effective businesses.


Through his experience working with Charles McLachlan, David reveals how understanding the whole person — not just professional capabilities — can unlock hidden strengths, improve decision-making, and create a more balanced approach to career growth.


The conversation also explores the challenges of building a portfolio career, maintaining long-term client relationships, leveraging AI to increase efficiency, and why community and networking are essential for thriving as an independent executive.


You'll discover:

•          How holistic coaching can uncover strengths and abilities you may not recognise in yourself

•          Why portfolio executives need to focus on the whole person, not just their professional expertise

•          How community and networking provide support, collaboration, and new opportunities

•          Practical ways AI can reduce workload and improve business decision-making

•          Strategies for building sustainable client relationships and a long-term portfolio career

•          The importance of work-life balance when navigating the uncertainty of portfolio work

•          How sharing ideas across different industries can spark innovation and new perspectives

 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to David and the podcast

01:45 Meeting Charles McLachlan and initial coaching experience

02:44 The impact of coaching on personal and professional growth

04:08 Charles's multi-dimensional perspective and wisdom

06:02 Understanding the whole person in a portfolio career

07:56 Managing the bumpy ride of a portfolio career

08:26 The ripple effect of external systems on personal life

09:28 The importance of recognising diverse talents and interests

10:26 Long-term client relationship strategies

12:02 Building a sustainable business model

13:23 Harnessing AI to boost productivity and decision-making

14:56 The value of community and networking for portfolio executives

16:55 Support and learning within the Portfolio Executive group

19:03 Cross-pollination of ideas across diverse fields

20:04 Final thoughts and encouragement for executives

 

Guest & Host Links:

David Simmons: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/david-simmons/

Valerie Merrill: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/valerie-merrill/

Gareth Wax: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/gareth-wax/

Explore the Portfolio Executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.

 

","author_name":"Charles McLachlan"}