How to "Belong" with a Portfolio Career

What does Future Proofing have to do with Belonging?

I’ve been banging on about belonging all month in our blog. What the heck do these Future Proof Masterclasses have to do with Belonging?

Well, allow me to digress to our origins. 

The REASON I started the Future Proof course was to teach people what I had learned about thriving in a new future of work. 

The REALITY of what we co-created was a community of people that functions a little bit like the office of the future. 

What are the best parts of work beyond a paycheck?

🥂🙌 Socializing, serendipity, culture, purpose, brand as beacon for people and ideas

🚌🧐Learning, co-creating, inspiration, thought sparring, constructive conflict

🖨️Free printing

(oof, I know that last one isn’t sustainable but doesn’t it still give you a frisson of excitement when you can print something without using your own toner!)

When we first invited super successful people to design their “what’s next” we found that a big draw was not just to define values, narrative and network. 

It is the opportunity to recreate the best bits of work that either aren’t happening at work or aren’t available because you have embraced a life that in many cases doesn’t have an office or permanent colleagues. 

You want to brainstorm and share ideas. You need to solicit feedback, challenge and new perspectives. You get a kick out of creating interesting new projects together, be they books, workshops or movements.

In short, you and I, we thrive because we belong to one another and to something bigger than ourselves.

In Seth Godin parlance, we are a tribe. The Future Proof Tribe.

How do Future Proof Masterclasses foster Belonging?

During the pandemic, we had guest experts coming in to speak about future proofing life and work to our nascent little course. It was a time when everyone was scared, isolated, being furloughed or reconsidering work. Also a time when the walls softened. We were more…one. It seemed like there was space in the universe for people from all walks of life to come together and talk about these things. Not just Harvard alumnus or people who could pay, just anyone. 

So we threw the doors open and invited everyone to this part of the Future Proof course.

To learn from someone who had dedicated their lives to studying an idea. 

To learn from each other. 

And it was good. But tiring. So we stopped. And now we’re back. 

Because…each of you brings your unique experiences, perspectives, and ideas. It fosters a culture of respect and appreciation for our differences, enhancing creativity and innovation.

And people feel like they belong…to each other. 

And Diana…is happy :)

Fostering Belonging is one of my life’s missions. 

When you see your experiences and perspectives reflected in the larger narrative, you feel seen, heard, and valued. You feel more engaged, productive and loyal.

By including a range of voices, and truly listening to them, we spark innovation and drive growth.

Creating brave spaces where people speak up helps organizations better anticipate challenges, navigate change, and demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.

Don’t forget, we belong to each other. And we do damn good work when we do!

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