Portfolio Executive Podcast

What if the future of leadership isn’t full-time—and the most valuable executives are those who work fractionally across multiple businesses? With a host of special guests, presenters Valerie Merrill and Gareth Wax explore the world of portfolio executives, fractional leadership, and creating careers out of that. You will discover what makes the portfolio executive community so unique, from its diverse, global network of talent to the powerful blend of skills and perspectives its members bring. Explore the portfolio executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes. Follow us to find out more, and join us on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Portfolio Executive Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Charles McLachlan, with 12 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Charles McLachlan hosts Portfolio Executive Podcast, a business show with 12 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #2

  Portfolio Executive Podcast Series 2 Episode 2: Is AI Challenging the Legal Profession?

  Aug 17, 202625 minS2

  Are law firms truly ready for AI, or are they just adding new technology on top of old problems? In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ Ben Sears from ‘Technotherapy’ explores with hosts Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill the rapidly changing landscape of AI, technology and legal services. Ben discusses why traditional law firms must rethink their approach to innovation, why data quality and cybersecurity are critical foundations for AI adoption, and how automation could fundamentally transform the future of legal work. The conversation examines the challenges facing law firms as they move away from legacy systems and processes, the evolving role of the CTO, and how fractional leadership can help organisations navigate complex technological change. With AI creating both opportunities and disruption across professional services, Ben shares why firms need to embrace change, understand their data, and prepare for a future where technology reshapes how legal services are delivered. You’ll discover: Why AI is particularly well suited to professional services like law Why many traditional law firms struggle to adopt new technology How poor data management can limit the success of AI initiatives Why “rubbish in, rubbish out” still applies when implementing AI How cybersecurity and data governance are becoming essential priorities The potential impact of automation on the future of legal services Why the legal industry could be facing its own “Kodak moment” How CTOs are becoming increasingly important within law firms The value of fractional leadership in helping businesses navigate change Why collaboration and communication can reduce duplication and inefficiency How legal professionals can stay ahead of technological disruption   TimeStamps: 00:00 Introduction to ‘Technotherapy’ and AI in Law 03:06 Challenges of AI Adoption in Traditional Law Firms 05:54 The Impact of AI on Legal Practices 08:47 Data Management and Cybersecurity in Law 12:01 The Future of Legal Services and Automation 15:11 Navigating Change in the Legal Industry 18:00 The Role of CTOs in Law Firms 20:48 Embracing Fractional Leadership in Law 23:57 Preparing for the Future of Work in Law Guest & Host Links: Ben Sears: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/ben-sears/ 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.

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  Episode #1

  Portfolio Executive Podcast Series 2 Episode 1: Branding Like Dating

  Aug 11, 202628 minS2

  What if building a powerful brand was more like dating than marketing? In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive’ hosts Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill chat with Esther Stanton Gibbons, the creative force behind ‘Holy Custard’, to explore how emotional connection, authenticity, and storytelling shape unforgettable brands. Esther shares the origin story of Holy Custard and reveals why branding isn’t just about strategy—it’s about making people feel something. From bold takes like “make them hate you, make them love you” to the idea that “people act because they feel,” this conversation dives deep into what truly drives customer behaviour.. We also unpack the surprising parallels between marketing and dating, the challenges of building brands across global markets, and how to use AI responsibly without losing the human touch. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or creative leader, this episode is packed with insights on building meaningful relationships with your audience. You’ll discover: Why emotional connection matters more than perfect messaging How to think about branding like dating (and why it works) The real story behind Holy Custard What most brands get wrong about authenticity How to stand out by embracing strong reactions Smart, human-first ways to use AI in marketing Why community is becoming a key leadership advantage TimeStamps: 00:00 Introduction to Portfolio Executives 03:32 The Significance of Branding 07:19 Building Relationships in Marketing 11:11 The Emotional Connection in Branding 15:06 Navigating AI in Marketing 18:40 Transitioning to Fractional Executive Roles 22:29 The Value of Community in Executive Roles   Guest & Host Links: Esther Stanton-Gibbons: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/esther-gibbons/ 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.

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  Episode #10

  Portfolio Executive Podcast Episode 10: Personal Branding Through Photography

  Aug 4, 202619 minS1

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

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  Episode #9

  Portfolio Executive Podcast Episode 9: Harnessing Arctic Power

  Jul 28, 202626 minS1

  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 s ustainable energy, water, and food production •          Why d ata 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.

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  Episode #8

  Portfolio Executive Podcast Episode 1: Digital Nomad

  Jul 20, 202623 minS1

  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.

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