Portfolio Executive Podcast

Are you fixing marketing problems… or redesigning your entire marketing strategy for real business growth?In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill chat with Rachael Wheatley unpacking the true role of a fractional CMO—and why modern businesses need more than just tactical marketing fixes. If you’ve ever wondered whether your marketing is working as a system, this conversation will challenge how you think about marketing leadership, operations, and long-term success.You’ll discover:• Why marketing leaders should act more like architects than plumbers• What a fractional CMO actually does day-to-day (and what they don’t do)• How to assess your marketing capability across the whole business• Why customer engagement and marketing success depend on internal alignment• The importance of finding allies and champions within your organisation• When it makes sense to hire a fractional CMO vs. a full-time marketing leader• How marketing strategy and operations drive sustainable business growth• The different ways fractional CMO engagements evolve—from short-term fixes to long-term partnershipsTimeStamps:00:00 Architect vs. Plumber: Rethinking Marketing Roles03:00 Understanding the Role of a Fractional CMO06:07 Building Relationships and Finding Champions08:51 The Day-to-Day of a Fractional CMO11:53 When to Hire a Fractional CMO15:05 The Common Arc of Engagement18:07 Key Takeaways for Businesses in NeedGuest & 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.

Can businesses grow without losing sight of sustainability and impact?In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive Podcast’ Rene Bonomi shares with Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill his journey from Brazil to Cornell and explores the ideas that have shaped his approach to sustainable finance, impact entrepreneurship, and global business.From biotech startups and European accelerator programmes to founding ‘Bonomics’, Rene discusses how financial education, sustainability, and strong communities can help entrepreneurs build businesses that are designed not just for growth, but for lasting impact.We explore why understanding your numbers is essential before making business decisions, how businesses can balance growth with sustainability, and what entrepreneurs can learn from working across different cultures. Rene also shares his experiences supporting impactful projects spanning charities, NGOs, startups, and entrepreneurial communities.Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, founder, or business leader, this conversation offers practical insights into building sustainable businesses and creating meaningful impact. You'll discover:•          How Rene Bonomi’s journey from Brazil to Cornell shaped his perspective on business and impact•          Why sustainability is essential for long-term business growth•          How to balance ambitious growth with sustainable business practices•          Why entrepreneurs need to understand their numbers before making important decisions•          How financial education can empower entrepreneurs to build stronger businesses•          The role of cross-cultural understanding in successful international business•          Key differences between doing business in Brazil, the US, and other cultural environments•          How strong relationships and community support can create meaningful opportunities•          What Rene has learned from working with charities, NGOs, startups, and impact projects•          How a fractional CFO can help businesses make more informed financial decisions Time Stamps00:00 Introduction to Rene Bonomi and his background02:02 Rene’s journey from Brazil to Cornell and his focus on impact03:53 Experience in biotech startups and European accelerator programmes05:38 The founding of Bonomics and its mission07:04 Balancing growth and sustainability in business08:31 Rene’s training academy and its practical approach11:00 Impactful projects and community building12:35 Cross-cultural business insights between the US and Brazil14:00 Adapting to different cultural environments15:53 Key financial advice for business owners16:51 Rene’s vision for his role as a fractional CFO Guest & Host Links:Rene Bonomi: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/rene-bonomi/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 wasting time and money on marketing tactics that aren't actually reaching the right customers?In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ marketing expert Paul Rees explores with Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill the common marketing pitfalls facing SMEs and explains why having a clear strategy matters more than simply doing more marketing.From “spray and pray” marketing to identifying your ideal customer, Paul shares practical insights into how businesses can focus their efforts, avoid costly mistakes and make their marketing more effective.The conversation also explores the growing role of AI in marketing — and why businesses should use AI to augment human expertise rather than replace it. You'll discover•          Why “spray and pray” marketing can waste valuable time and resources•          Why SMEs need a clear marketing strategy before investing in tactics•          How to identify and focus on your ideal target audience•          The difference between strategy and tactics and why both matter•          How targeted marketing can help businesses scale more effectively•          How AI can augment marketing expertise and where human judgement remains essential•          Common marketing habits businesses should consider leaving behind•          Why tracking and measuring results is critical to marketing success•          How focusing on the right customers can improve marketing efficiency and business growth•          The value of community and networks, including the Portfolio Executive TimeStamps00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest02:05 Early warning signs of poor marketing strategy04:21 Universal marketing strategies across business sizes07:24 The role of strategic targeting in marketing09:29 Using AI to augment marketing efforts11:59 Common marketing habits to let go of13:16 Scaling business through targeted marketing14:55 The importance of tracking and measuring marketing results15:56 Community and network benefits of the Portfolio Executive16:42 Closing remarks and future outlook Guest & Host Links:Paul Rees: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/paul-rees/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 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 podcast01:45 Meeting Charles McLachlan and initial coaching experience02:44 The impact of coaching on personal and professional growth04:08 Charles's multi-dimensional perspective and wisdom06:02 Understanding the whole person in a portfolio career07:56 Managing the bumpy ride of a portfolio career08:26 The ripple effect of external systems on personal life09:28 The importance of recognising diverse talents and interests10:26 Long-term client relationship strategies12:02 Building a sustainable business model13:23 Harnessing AI to boost productivity and decision-making14:56 The value of community and networking for portfolio executives16:55 Support and learning within the Portfolio Executive group19:03 Cross-pollination of ideas across diverse fields20:04 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. 

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.