EPISODE 7| 27.3.2025

Beyond the Layoff- Building an Unshakable Portfolio Career 

In this eye-opening episode of the Strategic Thinkers Podcast, Sean M Atkinson sits down with Abby Schommer, co-founder of CalPal and host of The Marginalized Podcast, to explore how portfolio careers can transform professional vulnerability into unshakable resilience.

Key Topics:
✅ How layoffs can fundamentally change your perspective on work
✅ Building a portfolio career with multiple income streams
✅ Starting with freelancing platforms to develop client relationships
✅ The emotional journey of career transitions and rebuilding confidence
✅ Time management strategies for balancing multiple clients
✅ How to set boundaries that protect your time and value
✅ Using CalPal to prevent double-booking across multiple calendars
✅ Converting freelance projects into long-term professional relationships
✅ Why continuous business development matters even when busy
Resources:
CalPal: https://getcalpal.com
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Use code STRATEGICTHINKERS50 for 50% off your first three months of any paid CalPal plan (launches April 15th)
The Marginalized Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MarginalPodcast
About Abby Schommer:
Abby has been leading growth strategy for pre-seed startups to Fortune 100 companies for over 10 years, and is now on a mission to empower small business owners through accessible technology. She's the Co-Founder of CalPal, a tool that centralizes calendar and time management for independent professionals juggling multiple clients. Abby is passionate about making time for her family and herself alongside her portfolio career where she's also a marketing consultant for eCommerce and Gaming companies. 
Apart from that, Abby loves democratizing information through conversations with industry leaders - many of which she hosts on her podcasts, Marginal (by CalPal) and Going Deep (with Plunge Games). Across all facets of work and life, Abby believes in the power of technology and human connection to drive meaningful social impact.
💬 Share your questions for Abby and I will invite her back for a Q&A episode!
👍 Like, comment & share if you found value in this episode!
#PortfolioCareers #FreelanceLife #TimeManagement #CareerResilience #JobSecurity #CalPal #Podcast

📌 Timestamps:00:00
Introduction to Portfolio Careers
05:03
Building Resilience in Uncertain Job Markets
11:29
Taking Control: The Shift to Portfolio Careers
17:21
Finding Clients and Building a Freelance Career
23:27
Navigating Confidence and Emotional Well-being
29:55
The Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptability
37:02
The Birth of CalPal: A Solution for Freelancers
41:50
Proactive Time Management Strategies
47:59
Building a Business While Maintaining Other Income
53:21
Navigating Layoffs and Job Market Challenges