Explore every episode of the podcast Portfolio Executive Podcast

Are your photos helping your personal brand—or quietly damaging it?

In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill sit down with branding photography expert Jo Scott to explore how the way you present yourself visually can shape perception, build trust, and influence professional success.

In a world where people often encounter you online before ever meeting you, your images are doing more talking than you think. Jo shares how to create authentic, impactful branding photos that don’t just look good—but communicate who you really are.

 You’ll discover:

•  Why personal branding is critical in today’s professional landscape

•  How branding photography shapes first impressions and credibility

•  What makes a powerful and authentic professional image

•  Why consistency in your visual identity builds trust

•  The process behind creating effective branding photos

•  How to align your personality and purpose with your imagery

•  The difference between technically good photos and communicative ones

•  Why pre-shoot planning is key to getting the right results

TimeStamps:

00:00 The Importance of Personal Branding

02:29 Creating Lasting Impressions

05:07 The Pre-Shoot Discovery Process

07:58 Distinguishing Headshots from Branding Photography

10:42 The Power of Visual Storytelling

13:16 Challenging Perceptions in Photography

16:03 Measuring Success in Branding Photography

Guest & Host Links:

Jo Scott: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/jo-scott/

Valerie Merrill: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/valerie-merrill/

Gareth Wax: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/gareth-wax/

Explore the Portfolio Executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.

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Could the Arctic power the future of AI, data centres, and global energy systems?

In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill sit down with Jeff Krehmer, fractional engineering expert and author of Infinite Resources, to explore how radical thinking in engineering and energy could reshape the way the world builds, powers, and sustains itself.

From Arctic development to AI-driven data centres, Jeff explains how interconnected systems—energy, water, food, and infrastructure—may hold the key to solving some of today’s biggest global challenges.

You’ll discover:

•          What fractional engineering is—and why it’s changing how complex projects are delivered

•          How the Arctic could become a major hub for sustainable energy, water, and food production

•          Why data centres may soon be limited more by power than compute

•          How temperature differentials and waste heat can unlock new energy efficiency systems

•          Why holistic thinking is essential for tackling climate change and infrastructure demand

•          The biggest risks in engineering projects, including scope creep and misalignment

•          How engineers build trust quickly when entering high-stakes environments

•          Jeff’s vision for integrating energy, food, and water systems into one sustainable model

TimeStamps:

00:00 Introduction to Fractional Executives

02:23 Understanding the Role of a Fractional Executive

05:11 Choosing the Right Projects

07:30 Building Trust as an Outsider

09:30 Innovative Energy Solutions

13:44 Exploring Infinite Resources

19:49 Holistic Approaches to Energy, Food, and Water

22:49 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Guest & Host Links:

Jeff Krehmer: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/jeff-krehmer-p-eng-cswp/

Valerie Merrill: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/valerie-merrill/

Gareth Wax: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/gareth-wax/

Explore the Portfolio Executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are charities failing to make an impact—or just failing to tell their story effectively?

In this insightful episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill sit down with Dr David Simmons to explore the evolving world of charities, storytelling, and the future of work. From building trust with funders to navigating a rapidly changing, AI-driven landscape, David shares powerful lessons from his diverse career and deep experience in social impact.

You’ll Discover

•          Why impact storytelling is essential for charity success

•          How trust directly influences funding and longevity

•          The importance of adaptability in a volatile, uncertain world

•          How AI is transforming how organisations measure and prove impact

•          Why community work often leads to unexpected, meaningful outcomes

•          What it means to build a portfolio career in today’s economy

•          How strong leadership communicates long-term impact effectively

TimeStamps:

00:00 Introduction to Charity Effectiveness

00:34 David's Cosmopolitan Upbringing and Its Impact

04:56 The Role of Morale in Organisations

06:29 Building Trust and Measurable Impact in Charities

11:52 Communication Strategies for Charities

15:25 Adaptability in the Modern Workforce

20:01 The Future of AI in Charitable Work

22:52 Additional Insights

23:03 Closing Thoughts

Guest & Host Links:

David Simmons: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/david-simmons/ 

Valerie Merrill: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/valerie-merrill/

Gareth Wax: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/gareth-wax/

Explore the Portfolio Executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the most powerful untapped resource in the world isn’t technology—but the wisdom of everyday people?

In this thought-provoking episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ hosts Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill sit down with Rhonda L. Bowen to explore the vision behind the Midwise Alliance—a groundbreaking platform designed to empower what she calls the “middle society.”

Rhonda shares how this often-overlooked group holds immense untapped wisdom that could reshape global innovation, business, and collaboration. We dive into how digital tools like Estonia’s e-residency are opening doors for global entrepreneurship, and how emerging technologies like AI and blockchain are reshaping the future of work and participation.

This conversation challenges traditional hierarchies and explores a more inclusive, collaborative future—where diverse voices and lived experience are not just valued, but essential.

You’ll Discover:

•          Why the “middle society” may be the missing link in solving global challenges

•          How the Midwise Alliance is creating space for shared wisdom and co-creation

•          The real opportunity behind Estonia’s e-residency for global entrepreneurs

•          How AI is both a powerful tool and a potential risk—and how to navigate both sides

•          Why age is no barrier to entering the digital economy

•          The role of blockchain and token economies in creating fairer global systems

•          How diverse perspectives lead to better, more sustainable innovation

•          “AI has two sides: creation and destruction.”

•          “Age is no barrier to digital entrepreneurship.”

TimeStamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Midwise Alliance

07:07 – Expanding the Vision of Middle Society

10:35 – Integrating AI into the Midwise Alliance

15:37 – Navigating Compliance in a Global E-Company

19:43 – Lessons from Building the Midwise Alliance

22:36 – The Future of Inclusive Innovation

22:47 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next

Guest & Host Links:

Rhonda L. Bowen: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/rhonda-l-bowen/

Valerie Merrill: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/valerie-merrill/

Gareth Wax: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/gareth-wax/

Explore the Portfolio Executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is hiring more people actually slowing your business down?

Many growing businesses assume that bringing in more people will solve their problems—but what if hiring is actually masking deeper issues?

In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill are joined by Business Scaling Specialist David Parry to unpack the myth of hiring as a silver bullet. They explore why growth challenges often persist despite new hires, and what leaders should focus on instead.

From role clarity and onboarding to motivation and strategic planning, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you scale your team the right way.

 You’ll discover:

•          Why hiring alone won’t fix underlying business problems

•          The importance of clearly defined roles and expectations

•          How to design processes before expanding your team

•          What effective onboarding really looks like

•          How motivation and environment impact performance

•          How to balance structure without stifling creativity

TimeStamps

00:00 Introduction to Business Scaling and Hiring Challenges

01:40 The Reality of Hiring: More Than Just a Silver Bullet

02:29 Why Structural Problems Persist Despite New Hires

03:48 The Importance of Role Definition and Expectations

05:05 Matching Skills to Role Levels and Avoiding Mismatches

05:49 The Goldilocks Hire: Finding the Right Fit

06:47 Setting Clear Goals and Boundaries for New Hires

08:46 Dealing with Long-Term Reluctance and Failed Hires

09:58 Supporting and Onboarding New Team Members

10:51 Motivating and Growing Your Team

11:29 The Role of Leadership in Onboarding and Support

13:09 The Impact of Environment and Motivation on Performance

14:37 Case Study: The Cost of Mismatched Expectations

15:54 Controlling Growth Without Stifling Creativity

16:32 Rules and Freedom in Business Management

17:32 Designing Business Strategy Before Hiring

18:49 The Merlin Strategy: Envisioning Future Business Success

19:55 Aligning Strategy, Structure, and Resources

20:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Business Growth and Hiring

20:45 Additional Insights

20:56 Closing Thoughts

Guest & Host Links:

David Parry: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/david-parry/

Valerie Merrill: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/valerie-merrill/

Gareth Wax: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/gareth-wax/

Explore the Portfolio Executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you focusing too much on short-term wins—and unknowingly holding your business back long-term?

In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ hosts Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill chat with Rachael Wheatley exploring the constant tension between short-term profits and long-term purpose—and why getting the balance right is critical for sustainable growth.

They dive into the often-misaligned relationship between sales and marketing, highlighting how clarity in business objectives can transform performance. They unpack the shift from “busy work” to meaningful marketing, and why metrics like customer lifetime value matter far more than quick wins.

You’ll also hear how creating the right kind of tension in your business can actually drive innovation, and why bringing in a fractional CMO can provide the strategic direction many growing companies lack.

You’ll discover:

•          Why focusing only on short-term profits can limit long-term growth

•          The real reason sales and marketing often feel misaligned—and how to fix it

•          How to move from busy marketing activity to meaningful strategy

•          Why customer lifetime value is a critical metric for success

•          How creating tension between short- and long-term goals can drive innovation

•          The role of a fractional CMO in scaling your business effectively

•          Why purpose-led businesses (including B Corps) outperform traditional models

•          How clarity in your business strategy unlocks better results

TimeStamps:

00:00 Introduction to Short-Term Profits vs Long-Term Purpose

01:06 Understanding the Tension Between Marketing and Sales

03:02 The Importance of Clarity in Business

05:33 From Busy Work to Meaningful Marketing

07:10 The Need for a Balanced Approach

09:36 Metrics That Matter for Long-Term Success

12:07 Creating Tension for Growth

15:14 The Role of Marketing in Business Strategy

17:18 B Corp and Long-Term Purpose

19:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest & Host Links:

Rachael Wheatley: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/rachael-wheatley/

Valerie Merrill: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/valerie-merrill/

Gareth Wax: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/gareth-wax/

Explore the Portfolio Executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would you do if you only had ONE chance to get a negotiation right?

No second meeting. No follow-up. No room for error.

In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill are joined by global strategist Rhonda L. Bowen to unpack the art of one-chance negotiations—the kind that can make or break deals, especially when working with governments and regulatory bodies.

Rhonda shares powerful, real-world insights on how to prepare for high-stakes conversations where the pressure is high and the margin for error is zero. From mindset and human behaviour to strategic influence and shared interests, this episode is packed with practical tools you can apply immediately.

You’ll discover:

•What a one-chance negotiation really is—and why it matters

•How mindset and human factors influence outcomes

•How to use the Pin Triangle to uncover true interests and needs

•Strategies for preparing for high-stakes negotiations

•How to handle third-party influences (like regulators or pressure groups)

•Why asking the right questions is your most powerful tool

TimeStamps

00:00 Understanding One-Chance Negotiation

07:17 Preparing for High-Stakes Negotiations

12:29 Common Mistakes in Negotiation

17:30 The Human Element in Negotiation

19:49 Skills for Portfolio Executives

24:05 Additional Insights

24:16 Closing Thoughts

Guest & Host Links:

Rhonda L. Bowen: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/rhonda-l-bowen/ 

Valerie Merrill: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/valerie-merrill/ 

Gareth Wax: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/gareth-wax/ 

Explore the Portfolio Executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you accidentally holding your own business back as it grows?

What if the very skills that made your business successful are now the thing preventing it from scaling?

In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Gareth Wax, Valerie Merrill, and guest David Parry unpack the growth paradox—why being great at what you do isn’t always enough to take your business to the next level.

They explore the limits of founder intuition, the critical role of systems and processes, and how to build a business that can grow beyond you. If you’re feeling the strain of scaling or noticing cracks as your business expands, this conversation is packed with practical insight.

You’ll discover:

•  When founder intuition becomes a limitation

•  Why systems and processes drive sustainable growth

•  How to create alignment through shared purpose

•  Practical ways to overcome resistance to structure

•  How to balance passion with process

TimeStamps

00:00 Introduction to Growing Pains and the Portfolio Executive

01:12 What is Growing Pains and Why It Matters

02:17 When Does Founder Intuition Stop Being Enough?

03:38 Supporting the Founder as Business Grows

04:40 Recognising the Signs of Scaling Challenges

05:41 The Importance of Documented Processes

06:56 Creating a Shared Vision and Growth Plan

08:30 The Role of Systems and Processes in Scaling

10:11 Overcoming Resistance to Process Implementation

12:30 Case Study: Scaling a Distribution Network

14:14 Balancing Passion and Systematisation

14:57 The Impact of Team Alignment and Culture

18:48 Bridging the Gap Between Purpose and Growth

20:00 Advice for Founders on Scaling Strategies

Guest & Host Links:

David Parry: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/david-parry/

Valerie Merrill: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/valerie-merrill/

Gareth Wax: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/gareth-wax/

Explore the Portfolio Executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if chaos isn’t something to survive—but something you can lead through and win?

In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ hosts Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill chat with Tom O’Kelly and Andrew Stickland diving into the art of leading when everything feels uncertain. From navigating fast-moving challenges to making clear, confident decisions under pressure, our experts unpack what it really takes to stay steady in turbulent times.

You’ll discover:

•Why staying calm and focusing on what doesn’t change is your biggest advantage

•How small, decisive steps can cut through uncertainty

•The importance of creating a safe space for honest, transparent conversations

•When to limit change to avoid overwhelm and decision paralysis

•How to reframe chaos as a catalyst for growth and innovation

TimeStamps

00:00 – Introduction: What Does It Mean to Lead Through Chaos?

01:56 – Understanding Chaos: When and Why It Happens

03:48 – Clarity in Crisis: The Power of Small Steps

05:23 – Fail Fast, Learn Faster: Adapting on the Go

07:29 – Building Trust: Creating Space for Honest Dialogue

09:08 – Governance Matters: Tracking Decisions Effectively

11:20 – Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Overwhelm & Overthinking

13:02 – Visual Tools for Simplifying Complexity

15:14 – Balancing Risk and Growth in Uncertain Markets

15:58 – Spotting Opportunity in the Midst of Chaos

Guest & Host Links:

Tom O’Kelly: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/tom-okelly/ 

Andrew Stickland: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/andrew-stickland/ 

Valerie Merrill: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/valerie-merrill/ 

Gareth Wax: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/gareth-wax/ 

Explore the Portfolio Executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the biggest risk of AI isn’t what it can do—but how confidently it can be wrong?

In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ hosts Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill chat with Andrew Stickland and Robin Davis exploring how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the workplace, from boosting efficiency to introducing new risks that professionals can’t afford to ignore. They break down the realities of working with AI today—covering prompt engineering, accuracy challenges, ethical concerns, and the evolving role of creativity in an AI-driven world.

You’ll discover:

•Why prompt engineering is quickly becoming a critical career skill

•How and why AI “hallucinates”—and what that means for your work

•Practical ways to validate and verify AI-generated outputs

•The hidden risks of using AI without proper governance or guardrails

•How deepfakes and AI-generated content are reshaping trust

•The balance between AI automation and human creativity

•How professionals can leverage AI to enhance—not replace—their work

TimeStamps

00:00 – Introduction to AI and the Panel

01:09 – How Experts Use AI in Their Work

01:52 – The Art & Science of Prompt Engineering

02:59 – AI Challenges: Inconsistency & Cognitive Drift

03:58 – AI Hallucinations and Accuracy Risks

05:07 – Why Validation Matters

06:05 – Legal and Ethical Concerns

07:17 – Should AI Be Regulated?

08:10 – Training Users to Think Critically

08:56 – Governance and Ethical Guardrails

10:02 – Shadow AI and Lack of Oversight

11:10 – Deepfakes and AI Misinformation

11:41 – AI’s Impact on Art and Creativity

12:42 – AI as a Creative Tool

13:27 – Enhancing Creativity with AI

15:00 – The Rise of Prompt Engineering Careers

Guest & Host Links:

Robin Davis: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/robin-davis/

Andrew Stickland: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/andrew-stickland/ 

Valerie Merrill: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/valerie-merrill/ 

Gareth Wax: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/gareth-wax/  

Explore the portfolio executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the introduction to the Portfolio Executive podcast.

Featuring Gareth Wax, Valerie Merrill and Charles McLachlan.

You can find more information here:

https://portfolioexecutive.biz/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.