The pandemic gave us time to reflect on our careers and to recognize what gives us joy – and what doesn't. For some, this meant reassessing priorities and taking control of their professional journeys. Today, more and more communicators are foregoing the traditional full-time career paths, instead pursuing portfolio careers that reflect their interests and passions to work with purpose, clarity and flexibility.
While not a new concept, per se (see independent consulting), portfolio careers offer a new way to think about, talk about and craft a professional future that works best for one's professional identity and potential. It also endorses the idea of bringing a mix and match of interests, skills and talents to new ventures and different business models. And here's the advantage: the discipline, skills and ethics behind public relations are highly transferable.
Whether you’ve spent years in the corporate world, or are just beginning your career journey, it's a great time to consider a portfolio career of your own.
Speakers:
Clarke Sanders, Hustle Photog
Clarke Sanders [she/her] began her journey as a creative entrepreneur after some time in the corporate and agency world as a marketing specialist, and quickly discovered her talents, passions and even mission all aligned when she was behind the lens of her camera. Representation has been at the core of all of the work Clarke creates, and "selfishly" she loves the reactions of Black and brown folks when they can't believe they're the person in the photo. Hustle Photog is the name of her commercial and editorial photography business that centers BIPOC talent and businesses. Learn more about Hustle Photog on their website hustlephotog.com and follow them on Instagram @hustlephotog to see all of the cool new work that gets updated a little faster!
Kelly Groehler, APR
Kelly Groehler, APR, is a strategist, founder and advocate who works at the intersections of technology, innovation and social impact. She is a strategic adviser to founders and C-level leadership teams at some of the world's largest brands and corporations. She’s also the co-founder and CEO of Alice Riot, a fine art licensing & consulting agency that connects brands, products & experiences - both physical and meta - with works by women contemporary artists. Plus, she is the creator and host of a new content series, WTAF: Women, Travel, Art, Food. Kelly served in 2004 as president of Minnesota PRSA. Today, she’s on the board of the Goldstein Museum of Design at the University of Minnesota and a member of The Impact Guild. She's also incredibly bullish on the metaverse and is actively launching VR and NFT projects in partnership with women artists, brands and fine art institutions.