Lewis Hall, Global Relationship Director at Barclays, shared his experience of Connectd's Transition to Portfolio program and the wider Connectd community.
That's the extraordinary magic of Connectd - providing not just the tools but the community that makes the journey not just worthwhile, but genuinely exceptional.
Embarking on the Connectd adventure has been an exhilarating journey so far! I made the bold and exciting decision to immerse myself in the startup ecosystem in the US but, in truth, I was a little unsure of where to start. What fueled my decision, you ask? It was Connectd's unwavering commitment to not just creating a community but fostering a thriving ecosystem of groundbreaking startups. Having seen first hand the impact startups can drive within larger corporates, and within the wider economy, it was a no brainer to be more involved in this startup ecosystem.
This platform has proven to be more than just a catalyst for professional development—it has become the driving force behind exposing me to a diverse array of thrilling projects and collaborations. Not only that, but Connectd has also played a pivotal role in satiating my insatiable hunger for acquiring new skills.
Connectd isn't just a platform; it's my invaluable key to unlocking and exploring exciting opportunities within the dynamic realm of startups. Working with the team at Connectd and my mentor on the Transition to Portfolio program has transformed the pursuit of portfolio opportunities into nothing short of an adventure!
I've had the privilege of delving into projects with founders I would have never previously had the chance to meet and be exposed to. I have loved the opportunity to pass on my knowledge within fintech and work with truly game-changing individuals. It has also been great to work with other advisory board members with a wide range of skills including fundraising, marketing and sales.
While I'm still on the journey to fully flesh out this facet of my professional life, Connectd has seamlessly integrated into my strategy, becoming an integral component of my career development. That's the extraordinary magic of Connectd - providing not just the tools but the community that makes the journey not just worthwhile, but genuinely exceptional.
