Mini biog
I am a business consultant, advisor and NED with ambitious and growing businesses. Over 35 years I have managed growth in excess of £160m organically and through acquisitions; business start-ups including franchising and internet trading; and business restructuring including disposals. My early career was marketing products and customer development, progressing into strategy and planning. I gained experience in procurement, supplier partnerships and supply chain management along the way. I moved into general management with my first acquisition of a multi-site distribution business and then was Managing Director of a multi-site manufacturing and distribution business. I have broad sector and market experience working in automotive, rail, leasing, capital equipment, technology and consumer goods. Geographic experience includes several European markets, North America, Asia (including India, Japan, Korea) and Australia.
What are the components of your portfolio career e.g. study, paid freelance work, part time job, volunteering etc.?
Currently I am a director and shareholder in three businesses and provide consulting services to two further businesses. I have recently started volunteering with Young-Enterprise as a business advisor.
How did your portfolio career come about?
In 2011 I completed a significant business disposal resulting in an opportunity to evaluate what career challenge I wanted to embrace next. At the time due to family circumstances, I decided to pursue a portfolio career. This enabled me to reduce my working hours and gave me significant flexibility around my work.
How has your portfolio career changed over time?
Since 2012 I have seen a consistent flow of challenges from clients all seeking help to overcome hurdles that they found difficult (in some cases impossible) without assistance.
When people ask you ‘what do you do?’ – what do you reply?
“Less than I use to” but still helping business owners and leaders to overcome challenges and solve problems.
To what extent did your portfolio career happen by chance/luck and to what extent was it planned?
My switch to a portfolio career was not planned. It was the response to family circumstances which were outside of my control.
What do you most love about having a portfolio career?
The aspects of a portfolio career that I enjoy most are the variety of challenges, the flexibility in terms of time management and being able to spend a lot more time working from home.
What are the challenges of having a portfolio career?
A portfolio career can bring some uncertainty in terms of regular income. Working with typically five businesses at a time, it does require the need for a discipline of time management and of being focussed.
Who or what helps you to manage your portfolio career?
Self-discipline.
How do you approach marketing your portfolio career?
I am fortunate in that I spend little time marketing myself. The engagements I get come from referrals, people I know and have worked with or worked for and who know what I can do and how I do it. Staying in touch with a network of colleagues is important so that they are aware I am still active and occasionally available.
What if any, is the personal brand used for your portfolio career?
I work with a group of consultants at HEART of business and this alongside my own name are the “brands” I have become known by.
What advice would you give to someone considering a portfolio career?
Careful planning is required for those considering a portfolio career and ensuring that it provides remuneration from the early stages, or they have a financial cushion in place to enable it to have time to grow. Also planning the services you will provide and to whom, working capital requirements, collaboration with trusted associates and how you will manage taking on the running of a business yourself. Ideally find a mentor or coach or a supportive group who can help you.
What 5 tips can you share for people considering a portfolio career?
1 It is not for everyone, do an honest assessment of your skills and capabilities and of your strengths and weaknesses.
2 Make a plan. You will be running a business.
3 Be clear how you are going to win business, doing what and for whom.
4 Know how you will make yourself distinctive and able to compete.
5 Collaborate, build (or join) a team you can trust.
View Stuart McHale’s LinkedIn profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-mchale/
Browse the No Limits Creative web site:
https://www.nolimitscreative.co.uk/
Read about the Heart of Business (HOB) network:
Visit the Partner in Business web site:
http://www.partner-in-business.co.uk/
Interested in creating your own portfolio career? E mail Energise to arrange your free 20-minute telephone consultation: