David Bergey

1. Can you tell us about your professional background and the key skillsets you bring to your portfolio career? 

I’ve spent the past 15 years building and scaling remote sales organisations, from implementing inside sales teams from scratch to taking smaller companies and growing them to generate hundreds of millions.

That experience gave me the ability to shape strategy and go-to-market models, working across every department in a business. It’s this breadth of perspective I now bring to startups, helping founders shape their vision and turn it into reality.
 

2. What motivated to join the Transition to Portfolio programme?

I’d become increasingly curious about the portfolio world and understanding what Board Advisors, NEDs, and chairs actually do. Alongside that, I had a strong desire to share my expertise beyond a single employer and support multiple businesses with their strategies. 

The programme felt like the right way to broaden my horizons, expand my network, and meet great people while giving back through my own experience. 

3. What impact has completing the Transition to Portfolio programme had on your portfolio career?

I’m still at the beginning of the journey, focusing mainly on Board Advisory roles, but one of the biggest and most immediate impacts has been the expansion of my network. I already had a solid network, but the programme has opened up a completely new sphere; diversifying the individuals and companies I connect with. That’s probably the number one benefit so far.

4. Which aspects of the programme helped you the most to prepare for future portfolio opportunities?

I’d highlight two things. First, the training; I was initially sceptical because it was entirely online, but if you really apply yourself, the exercises and self-reflection are invaluable. It pushed me to think deeply about my successes, challenges, and transferable skills, and gave me long-term clarity on why I’m pursuing this path. Second, the support from Connectd has been fantastic, the platform is easy to use, and I always get rapid answers to my questions.

5. Can you share a key moment or lesson that shaped your approach to advisory work? 

It wasn’t a single moment, but more a realisation. I came from large corporations where decision-making is structured, process-driven, and often slow. Moving into the startup world flips that completely, it’s fast-paced, dynamic, and full of trial and error. As a board advisor, especially around GTM strategy, the key is blending both worlds: bringing the rigour and processes of a corporate environment while embracing the creativity and speed of a startup. Striking that balance is an ongoing lesson I really value.

6. Do you feel more confident and prepared to take on these roles after participating with Connectd?

Short answer: yes. 

Traditionally, breaking into advisory roles depends heavily on your network and, to some extent, luck, ie., being in the right place at the right time. But without prior experience, it’s hard for anyone to put you forward, even if they believe in your ability. Through Connectd, I not only received training and mentorship but also the chance to gain hands-on experience. That’s transformed my confidence from simply believing I could do it to being able to demonstrate that I already have.