PORTFOLIO CHICK: The mother of reinvention

So, how does one go from being a managing director at an investment bank to creating a portfolio life? Well, it's not as easy as you might think. For the first time in 25 years, I am the master (or mistress actually) of my own destiny. No more hiding behind going to the office every day to pitch, execute and win business, manage people and deal with the day-to-day successes, failures and challenges that come with the territory.

No: life as I knew it has changed completely. I now need to ask myself the really tough questions, "who do I want to be? ", "what do I want to do ? " and I can no longer look up to the voices and figures of authority for the answers.

I am a daughter, a wife, a mother and my own person with goals, objectives and ideals. In mid-life and free from the corporate embrace, how do I make the most of my time, my skills and my energy?

First, a little bit of context. The autumn freefall of the markets, precipitated by the Lehman collapse, hit me hard both financially and emotionally. After 18 years at a firm that I grew up with and loved, it was a tough reckoning.

I decided to take the philosophical approach. I had a great time, a successful career and opportunities and experiences along the way which have contributed to who I am and to the life that I am privileged to lead.

Having said all of this though, I was a bit shaken by the sudden loss of status and wealth. So what did I do? I decided to do the headhunter rounds. It was exhausting and tedious at worst and prompted ideas and good exchanges at best. They are an interesting bunch! Partly because I am interested in redirecting myself and redefining my work, they didn't have a lot of answers but it was a useful step in the process.

I managed through my own network to gain a foothold in academia and have volunteered to mentor and coach business school students and use my knowledge and experience in an academic environment for the last few months whilst I create a broader plan.

I have completely dismissed full-time work options to embark on what I call a portfolio life. The opportunities are immense!