This is part 2 of a 2 part guest blog by Nicola Manning.
Here is the link to part 1 in case you missed it.
https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/nicola-mannings-portfolio-career/
How has your portfolio career changed over time?
I’ve only been working part time at McMillan Williams since last year so it’s early days as far as my portfolio career is concerned, but I’ve certainly benefited from part time working to enable me to devote time to the Guild of Entrepreneurs in its own start-up phase which has been a fantastic opportunity.
When people ask you ‘what do you do?’ – what do you reply?
It depends I suppose, on how they have met me and which career emphasis feels more appropriate at that juncture – and how much time they have to hear the “full works concert” I guess!
To what extent did your portfolio career happen by chance/luck and to what extent was it planned?
Not planned (by me) at all but I believe strongly in destiny and I would simply say that I rose to meet my destiny (not always the straightest or most comfortable path) as various life events were placed in my path for me either to seize or to turn away from and it’s turned out all right!
What do you most love about having a portfolio career?
Variety! I am and always have been hugely active and a multi-tasker, so it is just playing to my strengths I guess!
What are the challenges of having a portfolio career?
Having enough hours in the day to do everything sometimes. I’m often replying to emails at 5am or midnight! But it usually works out OK.
Who or what helps you to manage your portfolio career?
No-one but me but I’m pretty well organised with my time after having brought up 5 children and ran compliance across what was latterly 17 separate office locations.
How do you approach marketing your portfolio career?
It’s more about marketing me as the brand I think, and I find that people will approach me if they feel that there is something I can do to add value to their own project or initiative.
What if any, is the personal brand used for your portfolio career?
See above.
What skills/experience/qualities does someone need to have a portfolio career?
Experience in running and managing businesses (especially being part of the senior management team at MW during its massive expansion and change programme from 2008-2014) and my life experiences good and bad, have helped shape my own career hugely.
What advice would you give to someone considering a portfolio career?
Use every opportunity to make a difference somewhere! Not always easy/possible when you are stuck in an employment situation and possibly not able to reach your true potential as a result. You will know when the time is right for you.
What benefits do portfolio careers bring specifically to women and mothers, rather than to men?
Flexibility outside the restraints of 9-5 (if you’re lucky) office work but it ought to work just as efficiently for men too!
What are your top 5 tips to successfully manage a portfolio career?
- Try not to compartmentalise your different roles too much or you may miss things that have the potential to join up activities and projects, with others.
- Keep your energy and enthusiasm alive for all that you are doing and if you lose that in any area, you probably need to find a different project or role.
- Likewise, don’t focus too much on one project or role to the detriment of the others.
- Aim for a “bigger picture” involvement rather than overtly focused on detail otherwise it’s probably too weighted and not suitable as part of a portfolio anyway.
- Always look for opportunities wherever you go and whomever you meet.
More
View Nicola Manning’s LinkedIn profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolamanning
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