Build a Career that’s Yours—The Power of a Purpose-Driven Portfolio

My first job out of college? Selling Dove soap. (Technically, a “cleansing bar.”) I was a junior executive at a global ad agency, and I was really good at it.

But as much as I succeeded, I quickly realized that selling soap wasn’t what I wanted to dedicate my career to.

Three years later, I launched my first social enterprise, which grew to become one of the top 1% of women-owned businesses in the U.S.

And more than the financial success, it gave me the resources to help people around the world step into their full leadership potential. I’ve been able to create this impact because of my portfolio career—a career shaped on my terms, with purpose at its core.

Why a Portfolio Career?

For purpose-driven leaders, the pursuit of a meaningful career isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s essential.

In a rapidly evolving job market, traditional single-track roles don’t always offer the fulfillment or flexibility that purpose-oriented professionals seek.

A portfolio career—a dynamic approach where you blend various roles and projects—gives you ownership, resilience, and the chance to align work with what matters to you.

I’m hearing this desire from seasoned women leaders, particularly those aged 45-65: You’re ready to build a career that reflects your values, skills, and ambitions. A portfolio career offers a path to achieve that.

The Benefits of a Purpose-Driven Portfolio Career

• True Ownership A portfolio career empowers you to design a professional life that’s yours. By selecting projects and roles that align with your core values, you shape your journey based on what drives you, not just on predefined roles.
• Flexibility and Freedom Rather than being confined to one position, a portfolio career allows you to balance multiple projects that resonate with your purpose and values.
• Resilience Through Diversification Portfolio careers naturally diversify your skills, income, and experiences, building resilience. By working across different sectors, you’re protected from disruptions in any single industry.
• Opportunities for Impact For purpose-driven leaders, a portfolio career creates space for initiatives with true meaning. Combining work across consulting, nonprofits, and board roles allows you to support causes you care about while applying your skills for maximum impact.

Steps to Building a Purpose-Driven Portfolio Career

1. Define Your Purpose and Values Start by identifying the causes that inspire you. Clear values inform the roles and projects you pursue, ensuring alignment with what you find fulfilling.
2. Build Your Brand Ownership over your career means crafting a compelling personal brand. Share your professional narrative, emphasizing the causes you care about and the skills you bring to make a difference.
3. Embrace Adaptability Portfolio careers thrive on flexibility. Keep growing your skills across sectors, and see each shift as a chance to broaden your impact.
4. Expand Your Network Connect with like-minded professionals. Networking with those who value purpose and impact opens doors to meaningful collaborations and projects.
5. Focus on Financial and Time Management Portfolio careers require strong financial planning and time management. Organize your time and budget to stay productive and sustain the career you’ve built.

The Next Chapter Accelerator: Build Your Portfolio Career

The Next Chapter Accelerator by the WILD Network and Sharpbrain Advisors is designed to equip purpose-driven leaders with the skills to build and manage a meaningful, resilient portfolio career.

Beginning Nov. 13 With monthly MasterClasses led by industry experts, it provides a roadmap for shaping your professional journey. Each session is crafted to help you take ownership of your career, allowing you to select work that aligns with your goals.

Here’s what’s ahead in our MasterClasses:

?? Nov. 13: Goal Setting for Your Next Chapter

?? Nov. 20: Thought Leadership – Build Authority in Your Field

?? Dec: Securing Corporate & NGO Board Positions

?? Jan: New Business Models

?? Feb: Financial Planning for Your Master Plan

?? Mar: Navigating Change with Confidence ?? Apr: Building the Network You Need

The Next Chapter Accelerator provides the structure and support to build a career that’s meaningful, fulfilling, and truly your own.

Are you ready to start your next chapter? Ready to build a career on your terms?

Apply Here to secure your spot in the Next Chapter Accelerator and start taking ownership of your career. Spaces are limited.