Portfolio Executive Podcast

Are law firms truly ready for AI, or are they just adding new technology on top of old problems?In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Ben Sears from ‘Technotherapy’ explores with hosts Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill the rapidly changing landscape of AI, technology and legal services. Ben discusses why traditional law firms must rethink their approach to innovation, why data quality and cybersecurity are critical foundations for AI adoption, and how automation could fundamentally transform the future of legal work.The conversation examines the challenges facing law firms as they move away from legacy systems and processes, the evolving role of the CTO, and how fractional leadership can help organisations navigate complex technological change.With AI creating both opportunities and disruption across professional services, Ben shares why firms need to embrace change, understand their data, and prepare for a future where technology reshapes how legal services are delivered.You’ll discover:Why AI is particularly well suited to professional services like lawWhy many traditional law firms struggle to adopt new technologyHow poor data management can limit the success of AI initiativesWhy “rubbish in, rubbish out” still applies when implementing AIHow cybersecurity and data governance are becoming essential prioritiesThe potential impact of automation on the future of legal servicesWhy the legal industry could be facing its own “Kodak moment”How CTOs are becoming increasingly important within law firmsThe value of fractional leadership in helping businesses navigate changeWhy collaboration and communication can reduce duplication and inefficiencyHow legal professionals can stay ahead of technological disruption TimeStamps:00:00 Introduction to ‘Technotherapy’ and AI in Law03:06 Challenges of AI Adoption in Traditional Law Firms05:54 The Impact of AI on Legal Practices08:47 Data Management and Cybersecurity in Law12:01 The Future of Legal Services and Automation15:11 Navigating Change in the Legal Industry18:00 The Role of CTOs in Law Firms20:48 Embracing Fractional Leadership in Law23:57 Preparing for the Future of Work in LawGuest & Host Links:Ben Sears: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/ben-sears/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.

What if building a powerful brand was more like dating than marketing?In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ hosts Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill chat with Esther Stanton Gibbons, the creative force behind ‘Holy Custard’, to explore how emotional connection, authenticity, and storytelling shape unforgettable brands.Esther shares the origin story of Holy Custard and reveals why branding isn’t just about strategy—it’s about making people feel something. From bold takes like “make them hate you, make them love you” to the idea that “people act because they feel,” this conversation dives deep into what truly drives customer behaviour..We also unpack the surprising parallels between marketing and dating, the challenges of building brands across global markets, and how to use AI responsibly without losing the human touch. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or creative leader, this episode is packed with insights on building meaningful relationships with your audience.You’ll discover:Why emotional connection matters more than perfect messagingHow to think about branding like dating (and why it works)The real story behind Holy CustardWhat most brands get wrong about authenticityHow to stand out by embracing strong reactionsSmart, human-first ways to use AI in marketingWhy community is becoming a key leadership advantageTimeStamps:00:00 Introduction to Portfolio Executives03:32 The Significance of Branding07:19 Building Relationships in Marketing11:11 The Emotional Connection in Branding15:06 Navigating AI in Marketing18:40 Transitioning to Fractional Executive Roles22:29 The Value of Community in Executive Roles Guest & Host Links:Esther Stanton-Gibbons: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/esther-gibbons/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.

Are your photos helping your personal brand—or quietly damaging it?In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill sit down with branding photography expert Jo Scott to explore how the way you present yourself visually can shape perception, build trust, and influence professional success.In a world where people often encounter you online before ever meeting you, your images are doing more talking than you think. Jo shares how to create authentic, impactful branding photos that don’t just look good—but communicate who you really are. You’ll discover:•  Why personal branding is critical in today’s professional landscape•  How branding photography shapes first impressions and credibility•  What makes a powerful and authentic professional image•  Why consistency in your visual identity builds trust•  The process behind creating effective branding photos•  How to align your personality and purpose with your imagery•  The difference between technically good photos and communicative ones•  Why pre-shoot planning is key to getting the right results TimeStamps:00:00 The Importance of Personal Branding02:29 Creating Lasting Impressions05:07 The Pre-Shoot Discovery Process07:58 Distinguishing Headshots from Branding Photography10:42 The Power of Visual Storytelling13:16 Challenging Perceptions in Photography16:03 Measuring Success in Branding Photography Guest & Host Links:Jo Scott: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/jo-scott/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.    

Could the Arctic power the future of AI, data centres, and global energy systems?In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill sit down with Jeff Krehmer, fractional engineering expert and author of Infinite Resources, to explore how radical thinking in engineering and energy could reshape the way the world builds, powers, and sustains itself.From Arctic development to AI-driven data centres, Jeff explains how interconnected systems—energy, water, food, and infrastructure—may hold the key to solving some of today’s biggest global challenges. You’ll discover:•          What fractional engineering is—and why it’s changing how complex projects are delivered•          How the Arctic could become a major hub for sustainable energy, water, and food production•          Why data centres may soon be limited more by power than compute•          How temperature differentials and waste heat can unlock new energy efficiency systems•          Why holistic thinking is essential for tackling climate change and infrastructure demand•          The biggest risks in engineering projects, including scope creep and misalignment•          How engineers build trust quickly when entering high-stakes environments•          Jeff’s vision for integrating energy, food, and water systems into one sustainable model TimeStamps:00:00 Introduction to Fractional Executives02:23 Understanding the Role of a Fractional Executive05:11 Choosing the Right Projects07:30 Building Trust as an Outsider09:30 Innovative Energy Solutions13:44 Exploring Infinite Resources19:49 Holistic Approaches to Energy, Food, and Water22:49 Final Thoughts and Future DirectionsGuest & Host Links:Jeff Krehmer: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/jeff-krehmer-p-eng-cswp/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. 

What if the most powerful untapped resource in the world isn’t technology—but the wisdom of everyday people?In this thought-provoking episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ hosts Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill sit down with Rhonda L. Bowen to explore the vision behind the Midwise Alliance—a groundbreaking platform designed to empower what she calls the “middle society.”Rhonda shares how this often-overlooked group holds immense untapped wisdom that could reshape global innovation, business, and collaboration. We dive into how digital tools like Estonia’s e-residency are opening doors for global entrepreneurship, and how emerging technologies like AI and blockchain are reshaping the future of work and participation.This conversation challenges traditional hierarchies and explores a more inclusive, collaborative future—where diverse voices and lived experience are not just valued, but essential.You’ll Discover:•          Why the “middle society” may be the missing link in solving global challenges•          How the Midwise Alliance is creating space for shared wisdom and co-creation•          The real opportunity behind Estonia’s e-residency for global entrepreneurs•          How AI is both a powerful tool and a potential risk—and how to navigate both sides•          Why age is no barrier to entering the digital economy•          The role of blockchain and token economies in creating fairer global systems•          How diverse perspectives lead to better, more sustainable innovation•          “AI has two sides: creation and destruction.”•          “Age is no barrier to digital entrepreneurship.” TimeStamps:00:00 – Introduction to the Midwise Alliance07:07 – Expanding the Vision of Middle Society10:35 – Integrating AI into the Midwise Alliance15:37 – Navigating Compliance in a Global E-Company19:43 – Lessons from Building the Midwise Alliance22:36 – The Future of Inclusive Innovation22:47 – Final Thoughts & What’s NextGuest & Host Links:Rhonda L. Bowen: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/rhonda-l-bowen/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.

Is hiring more people actually slowing your business down?Many growing businesses assume that bringing in more people will solve their problems—but what if hiring is actually masking deeper issues?In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill are joined by Business Scaling Specialist David Parry to unpack the myth of hiring as a silver bullet. They explore why growth challenges often persist despite new hires, and what leaders should focus on instead.From role clarity and onboarding to motivation and strategic planning, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you scale your team the right way.  You’ll discover:•          Why hiring alone won’t fix underlying business problems•          The importance of clearly defined roles and expectations•          How to design processes before expanding your team•          What effective onboarding really looks like•          How motivation and environment impact performance•          How to balance structure without stifling creativity TimeStamps00:00 Introduction to Business Scaling and Hiring Challenges01:40 The Reality of Hiring: More Than Just a Silver Bullet02:29 Why Structural Problems Persist Despite New Hires03:48 The Importance of Role Definition and Expectations05:05 Matching Skills to Role Levels and Avoiding Mismatches05:49 The Goldilocks Hire: Finding the Right Fit06:47 Setting Clear Goals and Boundaries for New Hires08:46 Dealing with Long-Term Reluctance and Failed Hires09:58 Supporting and Onboarding New Team Members10:51 Motivating and Growing Your Team11:29 The Role of Leadership in Onboarding and Support13:09 The Impact of Environment and Motivation on Performance14:37 Case Study: The Cost of Mismatched Expectations15:54 Controlling Growth Without Stifling Creativity16:32 Rules and Freedom in Business Management17:32 Designing Business Strategy Before Hiring18:49 The Merlin Strategy: Envisioning Future Business Success19:55 Aligning Strategy, Structure, and Resources20:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Business Growth and Hiring20:45 Additional Insights20:56 Closing Thoughts Guest & Host Links:David Parry: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/david-parry/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. 

Are you focusing too much on short-term wins—and unknowingly holding your business back long-term?In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ hosts Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill chat with Rachael Wheatley exploring the constant tension between short-term profits and long-term purpose—and why getting the balance right is critical for sustainable growth.They dive into the often-misaligned relationship between sales and marketing, highlighting how clarity in business objectives can transform performance. They unpack the shift from “busy work” to meaningful marketing, and why metrics like customer lifetime value matter far more than quick wins.You’ll also hear how creating the right kind of tension in your business can actually drive innovation, and why bringing in a fractional CMO can provide the strategic direction many growing companies lack.You’ll discover:•          Why focusing only on short-term profits can limit long-term growth•          The real reason sales and marketing often feel misaligned—and how to fix it•          How to move from busy marketing activity to meaningful strategy•          Why customer lifetime value is a critical metric for success•          How creating tension between short- and long-term goals can drive innovation•          The role of a fractional CMO in scaling your business effectively•          Why purpose-led businesses (including B Corps) outperform traditional models•          How clarity in your business strategy unlocks better results TimeStamps:00:00 Introduction to Short-Term Profits vs Long-Term Purpose01:06 Understanding the Tension Between Marketing and Sales03:02 The Importance of Clarity in Business05:33 From Busy Work to Meaningful Marketing07:10 The Need for a Balanced Approach09:36 Metrics That Matter for Long-Term Success12:07 Creating Tension for Growth15:14 The Role of Marketing in Business Strategy17:18 B Corp and Long-Term Purpose19:19 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsGuest & Host Links:Rachael Wheatley: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/rachael-wheatley/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.

What would you do if you only had ONE chance to get a negotiation right?No second meeting. No follow-up. No room for error.In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill are joined by global strategist Rhonda L. Bowen to unpack the art of one-chance negotiations—the kind that can make or break deals, especially when working with governments and regulatory bodies.Rhonda shares powerful, real-world insights on how to prepare for high-stakes conversations where the pressure is high and the margin for error is zero. From mindset and human behaviour to strategic influence and shared interests, this episode is packed with practical tools you can apply immediately.You’ll discover:• What a one-chance negotiation really is—and why it matters• How mindset and human factors influence outcomes• How to use the Pin Triangle to uncover true interests and needs• Strategies for preparing for high-stakes negotiations• How to handle third-party influences (like regulators or pressure groups)• Why asking the right questions is your most powerful toolTimeStamps00:00 Understanding One-Chance Negotiation07:17 Preparing for High-Stakes Negotiations12:29 Common Mistakes in Negotiation17:30 The Human Element in Negotiation19:49 Skills for Portfolio Executives24:05 Additional Insights24:16 Closing ThoughtsGuest & Host Links:Rhonda L. Bowen: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/rhonda-l-bowen/ 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.