The future of work is no longer defined by climbing a single ladder to the top. Increasingly, experienced professionals are discovering the advantages of building fractional portfolios, which bring together advisory, non-executive and fractional roles across multiple organisations.
At Connectd, we see this transformation taking place every day. Our members are not simply exploring the possibilities of portfolio work but are actively creating new revenue streams, rediscovering purpose, and helping founders to accelerate the growth of their businesses.
The following stories highlight the different ways in which our members have achieved this success with the support of Connectd.
Dani Saadu: a career transition with proven ROI
When Dani enrolled in Connectd’s Transition to Portfolio programme, he wanted to understand how his corporate skillset, built through his Head of People roles across numerous sectors, could be applied in the context of early-stage businesses. The programme enabled him to reframe his professional experience and present it in a way that immediately resonated with startup founders and teams.
That shift in perspective quickly translated into opportunity. Dani secured his first remunerated non-executive role which gave him the momentum to continue building his portfolio and amplify his personal brand. Danny has featured in a number of industry podcasts and event panels and is currently balancing his NED position with his Head of Talent Management role at a global tech company.
Dani reflects: “Connectd made the transition less daunting. I went from uncertainty to securing paid work with startups who genuinely valued my input.”
Brian Fitzpatrick: expanding expertise to embrace mentorship
With more than twenty-five years of experience across both corporate environments and startups as a pioneer in digital media innovation, Brian worked with global companies including WPP, Bertlesman and AOL before pursuing a portfolio career, serving as Chairman, board member and investor, supporting some of the UK’s most exciting tech and media startups.
In 2020, he added mentorship to his portfolio, joining Connectd to provide support and guidance to professionals launching their own portfolio journeys. For Brian, the motivation is not only imparting the vast knowledge and experience he has gained, but also about helping others to build the confidence necessary to step into a new way of working, one that may initially feel unfamiliar and a little daunting.
Brian explains: “What makes Connectd’s Transition to Portfolio programme unique is how it combines training, mentoring and real-world placements. It does not just build knowledge, it builds confidence. As the community of skilled advisors and fractionals grows, alongside Connectd’s dedicated events, members are also able to tap into peer-to-peer support and learning”
Michael Horsley: from Big Four background to fractional success
With a Big Four background and a successful corporate career spanning customer success, operational strategy, and organisational transformation, Michael joined Connectd’s Transition to Portfolio programme to leverage his experience in advisory and fractional roles.
Michael explains: “The strategic advisory education gave me a solid foundation to build my profile on the platform. Leveraging that knowledge led me to my first advisory role. After working with the founder for five to six months, I was able to convert that pro bono role into a paid fractional position - proving the value I was bringing to the business.”
Having completed both the Board Advisory and NED pathways of the programme, Michael has secured several board positions and has also become a Leader in Residence at Leeds University Business School, where he plays a key role in guiding the next generation of founders and business leaders. As a qualified ICF Coach and EMCC-accredited Mentor, he has recently joined Connectd’s team of expert mentors to offer founders and advisors the support they need to thrive.
Evelyn Kim: pro bono positions to remunerated roles
Evelyn, who previously served as Director of Product at Estée Lauder Group, joined Connectd’s Transition to Portfolio Programme. For her guaranteed pro bono placement, she was matched with Eleusia Beauty, a skincare startup in the Connectd network. Evelyn’s knowledge of product development and go-to-market strategy proved essential during the company’s early stage, enabling Liz to refine her launch strategy and establish a strong foundation.
What began as a temporary pro bono placement evolved into an ongoing collaboration. Today, Evelyn continues to serve as Go-to-Market Advisor, this time on a remunerated basis that combines a day rate with KPI-linked bonuses. The relationship has developed into a strong partnership, one that combines Evelyn’s global expertise with the founder’s entrepreneurial vision.
Each of these journeys illustrates how Connectd provides the right environment for professionals to unlock opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. Whatever your level of experience, Connected can tailor the support, guidance and practical opportunities needed to build confidence in the move from corporate to fractional work. Our network of dynamic and fast-growing startups offer the perfect environment for building the skills, experience and connections required to convert pro bono opportunities into paid engagements.
A fractional portfolio career represents much more than flexibility and autonomy. It enables professionals to make their expertise work harder, to create multiple streams of income, and to play a meaningful role in shaping the growth of ambitious businesses.
Connectd can provide access to specialist training, expert mentoring, and hands-on placements that will enable you to leverage your skills to launch an exciting and rewarding new career. Thousands of professionals have already taken this step, and many are now enjoying careers that are both financially sustainable and personally fulfilling. The next success story could be yours.
