We’re feeling rather festive here at TPC, so want to spread some holiday cheer! Enjoy £100 off the cost of our Catapult course with code CATAPULTXMAS
The mantra, ’you can’t control what others do, only how you react’ has been a constant companion since I read this little number!
Jan 03 2025
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What a delight it has been this year for Zarir 'Zed' Vakil and I facilitating our first Portfolio Peer Forum of TPC Members … 12 Monthly Virtual Meetings, 11 Case Issue-Processings, 10 Elements of our Portfolio Success Model … and a partridge in a pear tree! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us to all TPC Members, wishing you success and happiness onwards and upwards with a great year in 2025.
It has been such a gift journeying with these Portfolio Peer Forum members this year, helping each other find a pathway which is prone to success, deeply engaging in the collective intelligence power of peers, in a confidential, safe and transparent circle of trust with no competitors. At its core we issue-process ”Cases” for the members, taking a full hour each month to process one member’s Case (of an issue, challenge, problem, opportunity etc they have with their portfolio career journey) which we help them frame/prepare in advance and then faci…
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A huge thank you to Mike Richardson and Zarir 'Zed' Vakil, the incredible co-leaders of this forum, and to all my fellow forum members Nicola Andrews, James Bebbington , Pete Domican, Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge, Mala Morris, Susan Moritz, Michael Shea, Ilaria Vilkelis and Emma Wallace for bringing such enthusiasm, passion, and honesty to every session.
This forum has been an invaluable space—a true sanctuary for sharing business challenges and receiving unvarnished, actionable advice and insights from peers who deeply understa…
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Thanks Mike Richardson and Zarir 'Zed' Vakil for setting this up. It is a great tool to put some perspective into what you are doing and each meeting is like a short Master Class of different approaches and ideas – each one helpful in a new way!
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Thanks Mike Richardson my partner in crime, I could not have put it better myself. And to our stellar members of Forum ONE, (great pic!) thank you for putting your faith in both of us and the very kind comments already left here. It has been both humbling and inspiring to navigate you and us in this thing they call a Portfolio Life. Life being the operative word! I look forward to our continuing journey together in 2025, bring confidence and prosperity to your version of success.
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I truly enjoy this group and its ”collective brain” working its magic on all the different issues members bring to the table. Thanks to Mike and Zed for facilitating the forum, and to the whole group for your commitment to helping each and every one of us grow!
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I’m definitely learning so much about myself in the process of helping others. Thanks to Mike and Zed for getting this up and running and to the other members of the group for their wisdom and support.
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Fantastic to reflect on a full year of growth and collaboration across all forum members! I love the discussions and insights that supporting one member brings for everyone. 100% the power of collective intelligence at work, and in such a trusted and supportive space. So much thanks go to Mike, Zed and all my fellow forum members – bring on 2025’s sessions!
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Hello, this sounds like a fantastic initiative! Do you still have any opportunities to get involved?
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This is a great support group with who you can be yourself, ask questions, share concerns which you would otherwise not do. Every ’case’ is dealt with professionally and with care giving the case owner many options to move ahead. Highly recommended for anyone considering a portfolio career
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I would like to echo the comments from my other Peer Forum family members.
The experience has been fantastic and the feedback and input very helpful. As a Solopreneur or Portfolio Professional we, by definition, spend a lot of time working alone. Having a group of peers with diverse professional background that will be a sounding board for thoughts and ideas is extremely valuable. The cohesion of the group builds every month and I am looking forward to what 2025 will bring, with case rev…
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Morning all, I have had some spare time on my hands recently and wanted to speak about my experiences in FMCG & the board room (whilst also trying to grow my business)
If you are interested have a read, its only 3 minutes, but I am sure many people can relate personally to experiences they have had during your careers
Have a good holiday!
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Hello! I am a Chief of Staff from a seed stage UK medtech, looking to launch in the US soon. I am in the process of undertaking our ”US Discovery” project, and have been tasked with user research. If anyone has any experience or advice on recruiting consumers in the US to interview (basic 15-minute zoom conversations) please do give me a shout. It would be much appreciated. Thanks!
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Hi Nicole Wong – tagging a few members who might be able to advise: Chris Meadows Mederic Kate Callahan Sophie Stumpf Ashly Beverage Bobby LaCivita Corissa Saint Laurent Jose Luis Cham
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I don’t have specific experience in this Nicole, but certainly happy to share some thoughts with you and help in any way I can. Feel free to reach out to me at: [email protected]
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And he’s off! 👋 Yesterday we said goodbye to the indomitable Charlie Rogers.
After nearly 2 years of hard work and expert coordination, his presence will be greatly missed by all of us here at TPC 😭 But he is off for good reason – to pursue his own ventures and support the younger generation in navigating the future of work landscape via the Undefinable Community. A concept that surely will succeed with such a competent pair of hands at the helm.
Please join us in giving Charlie a huge thank you and sending him all the luck for his future endeavours – we can’t wait to see where he goes 🚀
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Hi all! TPC are looking to create more accounting and tax-focused content for you all in the new year and I would love to know what topics you’re most interested learning more about. Let me know if you have any burning questions about these subjects!
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments here or send me a direct message 🙂
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Thrilled to announce I’m co-founding a cybersecurity enterprise, iSOOS Systems. Our focus is on continuous cyber audit and process assurance. Open to connecting with others in the field to exchange insights and explore how we can better align with industry needs.
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Tagging some members who might want to discuss Neil Taggart Saloni Kataria David Claridge Roy Whitehead Vlad Galu Dave Maddock Antonio CHEN T. H. Nick Haley Paolo Carner Matt Palmer Andy Thompson Caitlin E Trang Tran
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Thanks for the tag Ben Legg. Hi Dan Alexander. I have experience leading cyber security transformation initiatives, and can help define and deliver the roadmap for your new venture. I’ll DM you.
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Thanks for the tag, Ben
Hi Dan Schonfeld, I operate a digital marketplace that helps Security, Resilience & Defence stakeholders scale their Sales & Marketing and Operations capability, dynamically, across conflict zones to cyberspace.
As a demand gen platform, Marshal is developing ways to ”better align with industry needs” by converging diverse risk management expertise through a single point of reference, to make it easier for buyer and supplier to source, review and connect…
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We’re feeling rather festive here at TPC, so want to spread some holiday cheer! Enjoy £100 off the cost of our Catapult course with code CATAPULTXMAS
There’s nothing quite like a fresh start for the new year, so why not sign up to our January cohort to give your portfolio career a boost in 2025
Find out more about what we cover in this 8 week programme here: https://portfolio-collective.com/catapult/
And see what previous graduates have to say via our Trustpilot page: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/portfolio-collective.com
Make sure you register soon – the code expires at midnight (GMT) on Sunday 22nd December! We hope you’re able to join us
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Hi all, we’re looking for a community builder who’s passionate about health and fitness.
If you have experience building communities with brand ambassadors, I’d love to hear from you.
Job link here:
https://portfolio-collective.com/jobs/optimi-health-community-builder/
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Tagging a few people who may be interested, or be able to recommend suitable people Marjo Palanee Hamish Dickie Tari Matanga megan smolen Yalin Solmaz Julia Trzcińska Sian Young
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Thanks for this, Piers!
Some other community members who may be able to lend a hand: Jane Murray, Simone Lehnert, Charlie Rogers, Aušrinė Keršanskaitė, Claire Moss, Emma Cragg, Tari Matanga, Amy Chao, Ceysa McKechnie, Samantha Poole
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Thank you for the tag. I can definitely help with building communities, using influencers, or creating raving fans!
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A B2B SaaS startup that I mentor is looking for a fractional Head of Customer Success. Likely 2 days per week.
At this stage, the founder is keen to chat with TPC members who are either interested themselves, who can just help her work out ’what good looks like’ or who can recommend others who might be suitable.
If interested, please let me know in a comment to this post, or in a message
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Intro made (via email)
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Intro made (via email)
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Intro made (via email)
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Intro made (via email)
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Ben Legg happy to learn more and help. Apologies for the belated reply, I was out of the country for a project. Appreciate an intro, as you know I have customer success experience from Salesforce, as well as one of my startup clients. Thanks!
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Hi All, We are hiring and looking for someone new to join our wonderful team here at TPC. Exciting!
We are looking for a team coordinator to help the team deliver our mission of supporting our amazing community as we get excited for everything to come in 2025. The ideal person is likely excited about the future of work, portfolio careers and community, has immaculate attention to detail and experience with and ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects across the team.
If you think you or you someone you know would be suited for this role and excited to join the TPC team, then more details and how to apply can be found in the link below.
https://portfolio-collective.com/jobs/the-portfolio-collective-team-co-ordinator/?swcfpc=1
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I can confirm this is an excellent job! And the people even better
Tagging some community members who might be interested or know someone who would be a good fit! Marina Kipfer, Brendan McKnight, Myriam Tisler, Mwenya Kawesha, Anna Dunn, Ben Willmott, Katharine Pratt
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What BOOK has accelerated your consulting/ freelance/ fractional/ portfolio career?
For me that book is Million Dollar Consulting Proposals by the brilliant Alan Weiss, thrust into my orbit whilst conducting research on pricing for my second consulting clients (a creative consultancy) in 2010.
It came up twice in conversation this week so I feel called to share it with EVERYONE!
Having accidentally landed my first consulting role by accident, this book gave me a solid methodology to ensure I never slipped into ’freelance mode’.
Instead it ensured I charged value-based fees based on deliverables (more on that in his book ’Value-Based Fees: How to Charge – and Get – What You’re Worth’) — and gave me a ONE-PAGE consulting proposal template that helps you clearly present your value-infused offer.
What’s your favourite career-boosting book?
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Hi Stephanie, do you think the book Million Dollar Consulting by the same author is a prerequisite? Have you read that one too?
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Thanks for sharing, Stephanie! This is something that we often talk about with community members, so will bear this in mind next time we have a query come our way
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Less career specific, but definitely a book that helped with general living of life and drastically impacted how I approach work: Happy by Derren Brown
The mantra, ’you can’t control what others do, only how you react’ has been a constant companion since I read this little number!
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Anyone know of VC/early investors in the B2B SaaS space? I’m working with xpub, an AI startup streamlining the RFP process. They’re rapidly growing ARR and are halfway through their current round ($750k committed), but looking for strategic investors who can contribute more than just a check. Any introductions would be welcome!
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I might have some contacts, DM me.
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Hi Jacob Lehman,
Is it European investrs you are after? If so, Alex Feyler’s list is good: https://angelinvest.ventures/europe-vc-list/
Best Wishes,
Ben
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Sounds like they’re at an interesting point in their journey! Thanks for sharing
Tagging some community members who may be able to help/have contacts who can help: Eric Braune, James Du Boulay, Thomas Hamilton, Alex Fries, Suzannah Steele, Catherine Cheng, David Laliberte, Atanas Georgiev
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Good Morning & hello for the 2nd time this week!
I joined last week — but signed up with my Linkedin profile which populated my username & url with my spam email address 😉 Just created a *new* profile so my url is my name /stephanie-holland BRANDING IS EVERYTHING!
So here I am again, saying hello!
I’m deeply passionate about marketing since my first agency role in 2001. 24 years later I still love Marketing as a way of letting your audience know you can help them.
I’ve been a marketing consultant and fractional CMO for 14 years and love alternating work contracts with passion projects like writing books and launching women’s health projects.
Can’t wait to meet you all at virtual and live events. I live on the beach in Portugal but am in London frequently — including over Xmas.
Have a great day!
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Hello Stephanie! Are you still reading as much as you used to and sending the book on for a future life!? Look forward to your next book recommendation and catching up when you are in London.
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What serendipity to cross paths with you here Tommy! A modern classic that is Universally relevant for all is The Four Agreements – I didn’t read that until 2015 – but I believe you were born with an inate understanding of the principles in the book. Looking forward to catching up!
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Thanks Ben – I got a heads up from Mark Varley on how to complete the profile! He recommended TPC last week, and good call!
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Thanks for bearing with us, Stephanie Holland! And thank you for the recommendation Mark Varley
Can’t wait to hear even more about yout portoflio career past and future, Stephanie
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Hi Everyone. I’m looking for a bit of advice from anyone used to devising legal agreements for contractors.
Specifically, it’s about an agreement for a contractor delivering training services on behalf of a company. I’m particularly keen to get advice on the insurance and liability part – eg how long the company should expect the contractor to retain their liability insurance after the project ends and what sort of minimum amount they should cover.
Does anyone have any experience to help me evaluate these items?
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I saw in a post further down the feed that Alexandra Geelan has legal expertise. I’m unable to @tag her but I’m sure you can DM for info.
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Thank you!
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Tagging some lawyers here Jill Morgan Alexandra Geelan Janey McGill
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Thanks Ben! I’ll reach out
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Thanks for thinking of me Ben Legg and Stephanie Holland – Stephanie Kirk and I have connected and are touching base next week.
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University of Bath – Mentoring Opportunity
If anyone lives in/ near Bath (UK) or has links to the university, you can apply to mentor their aspiring entrepreneurs via the link below.
More information about the Bath Entrepreneurs also attached.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzOpwtzG3pcCCBVy4JJsWmJRWNdOYDTICSFwTTT1grBr3TgA/viewform
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Sounds like a fun opportunity! Tagging some members who live in Bath/Bristol: Rebecca Banks, Sarah O'Neill, James Samuels, David Baxter, Alison Barrett
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Thanks!! @benlegg and TPC Team – its (literally) right up my street! I already work with some Bath Uni spin outs. James
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That’s great James Samuels – enjoy!
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Thanks for the info Ben – a little early for me in my journey but will definitely looking for similar opportunities next Summer!
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They are keen for a few more. Any interest Charlie Hunt David Cullimore Dominic Bridgman James Pople Richard Tarring Paul Fowler John Courtney Joe Poole Tim Dyer John Blake Alex Bailey Lea Hartkopf James Samuels
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A big warm thank you to all! I have been looking forward to each and every meeting. To challenge and be challenged! To see my limitations mirrors in those of others, to see my ambitions reflected in those of others. Different stories, common challenges. A special thank you to Mike and Zed for their guidance and infectious passion! May 2025 bring us all more interesting conversations and new sparring partners! Happy Holidays to you all and a special thought to baby Emma’s baby who is celebr…
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