How about a transition to portfolio career?

„A portfolio career is a career and not a phasing out of an executive career, i.e. it needs commitment and focus like an executive career“. („Board member of SMI’s in the banking and insurance industry“).

Shaperion also accompanies C-level and board members during the transition to an individualized portfolio career. With this newsletter we share our experience.

What are the prerequisites for a successful transition?

In order to start this project with the necessary energy and resilience, it is important – if necessary – to strengthen the seven pillars of resilience with daily routines. This is followed by an overview of one’s own resources such as: Experience, skills, interests, cultural contribution, USP, time, network and finances.

The earlier values, purpose and legacy are defined, the clearer and easier future decisions can be based on them. A 360 feedback (incl. family & stakeholders etc.) sharpens self-perception and external perception and provides insight into credibility, marketability and reputation. In addition, it provides clarity on one’s own target portfolio and realistic implementation.

«“It is recommended to gain experience with board mandates already during the executive career, especially listed ones, as this greatly facilitates and accelerates the career change“. („Board member of a listed bank and insurance company“).

What are the advantages and challenges related to portfolio careers?

Focusing on one’s strengths, expertise and favourite topics increases effectiveness and professional fulfillment. Designing one’s own work promotes work-life balance and increases flexibility in the way one works and in controlling one’s agenda.

It is important to stay well organised and disciplined with the increased variety and complexity of different part-time engagements and to learn to deal with uncertainty, setbacks and fluctuating income. A lifelong learner remains goal- and result-oriented, creative, open and continuously builds up/expands marketability on the most important topics with a long-term perspective.

«You have to feel comfortable with more indirect influence, it’s not about power, ego or money but about content“. (BoD of major bank and insurance company)

What is the transition from C-level to board level all about?

It is worthwhile to focus on the necessary mindset shift. Courageously letting go of the tried and tested, switching from a tendency towards political, short-term KPIs/commitment to an ecosystem mindset (CEO, employees, investors, stakeholders, environment).

With a strategic orientation, the company’s security and development must be subordinated to everything and at the same time, as a team player, constructively challenge, convince and humbly lead by asking, observing and listening.

With increasing challenges, the current BoD needs an ESG and sustainability DNA with a solid grounding in AI, cyber security, supply chain management and a willingness to remain an employer of choice – even for the next generation but one.

With a long-term perspective, patiently sticking to one’s target portfolio (industry, company size, culture, geography, etc.), knowing that the selection process will take several months.

Most of our clients do not have entries in board databases. Based on their network and seniority level, they assume that they can open the necessary doors with their strategic network when the time comes.

«You have to feel comfortable with more indirect influence, it’s not about power, ego or money but about content“. „You need a broad network that has to be built up and maintained; the majority of board mandates come through recommendations”. „It is recommended to gain experience with board mandates already during the executive career, especially listed ones, as this greatly facilitates and accelerates the career change“. („Board member of listed bank and insurance company“).

Interested in becoming your own CEO? Let us be your sparring partner to prepare your next career move and consolidate your experience, expertise, skills and talent in line with your vision, purpose and values.