Building a Portfolio Career

www.portfolioprofessionals.org

AIM & SCOPE

Concept

Charles Handy is credited with first using the term 'Portfolio Career' and has attracted a significant number of followers to its concept of freedom, flexibility and independence. Over the past twenty years, this has been a theory whose time had not yet arrived, one which appeared to have limited application, and lacked status. Now, after further changes to working practices, job security and pensions, the concept of the Portfolio career can be seen as a real option for a professional career. Building a Portfolio Career is a practical guide for those who are serious about exploring it.

Content

Building a Portfolio Career moves the concept of the portfolio career from being an opt-out, semi-retirement option to one with real professional status.

It has been published in a new edition to reflect the economic environment of 2009 and 2010

The book guides through the leap of faith in the decision, demonstrates the positives of work/life balance and magically shows how this major change is actually close to the existing lifestyle of many.

With humour and practical wisdom, it answers the questions :

- is this for me ?
where am I now ?
where do I want to get to ?
how do I get there ?
what are the ups and downs of portfolio life ?
can I do it ?
if so, what are the secrets of success ?

The book uses experience and case histories from those who've been through the decision already and are happily portfolioing on the 'other side'

STYLE

Building a Portfolio Career is based on practical experience and written with authority, but the overriding aim is for the reader to recognise themselves through the content and, in doing so, be persuaded that a career as a Portfolio Professional has potential for them.

The book includes:

Real-life case studies of Portfolio Professionals
Interactive exercises, tools and models to assist the reader
Pieces by specialist contributors ranging from company set-up to executive fitness

Each of these is enhanced and expanded on the associated website : www.portfolioprofessionals.org

Ultimately, the style of the book is honed to the target market. Our target readership is educated, experienced, and many will have been involved in career planning.

AUTHORS

The three authors have each made the move from high-level mainstream careers to become Portfolio Professionals.

Adrian Bourne's extensive experience with UK and multinational companies included ten years as Divisional Managing Director of Nestle UK.

His roles as a Portfolio Professional include work as Non-Executive Director, Executive Coach, Consultant, and Adviser in a broad range of profit and not-for-profit organisations. He has been coaching with The Success Group for ten years across many industries

Christopher Lyons had a distinguished career in the financial area, including 24 years at Abbey National plc.

His roles as a Portfolio Professional include interim management, business consulting, and a number of independent directorships. He holds a Masters degree in finance and is a visiting fellow of Kingston Business School.

Colin McCrudden had thirty years experience in general management following senior positions in marketing, sales, and procurement, including ten years as Managing Director with foodservice distributor, Cearns & Brown.

His roles as a Portfolio Professional include working as Non-Executive Director, Consultant, and Adviser in a wide range of industry sectors. His broader portfolio includes charitable work, managing a consumer wine website, and lecturing/writing on wine.

Back to home page

Individuals

People, and the quality of relationship that they create.... is the area where personal performance can have a direct and sustainable positive impact on profit and growth. More...

Teams

Working together is as important for a top team as it is in a rowing eight. When the whole leadership team is moving in the same direction, the momentum takes organisations with them. More...

Organisations

Working together is as important for a top team as it is in a rowing eight. When the whole leadership team is moving in the same direction, the momentum takes organisations with them. More...