From uncertain beginnings to working with a top-tier client: How Crispin built his freelance portfolio career.
After relocating and becoming a freelance consultant, Crispin Thorold sought coaching to regain direction, clarity, and confidence. Through structured coaching, he overcame inner challenges, strategically increased his visibility, gained an ideal client at the United Nations, and received prestigious industry recognition.
“I needed to find the resources within myself to do what I really wanted to do.” – Crispin Thorold
As an international strategic communications advisor and former journalist with 25 years of experience, Crispin Thorold has worked in over 40 countries. After a family relocation to Canada, he planned to set himself up as an independent consultant and grow his business as a freelance advisor in human rights and international law.
Hear Crispin tell his story (180 sec)
As he transitioned to working from home, he found himself without a team or a boss to brainstorm, bounce ideas off or be held accountable. He slowly began to feel isolated and lacked focus on the critical activities to pursue his professional goals while funding his family’s personal needs.
“Suddenly, I was on my own, and I just really didn't know how to put one foot in front of the other. I lost a lot of confidence.” – Crispin Thorold
He recognised the need for a clear offer, a succinct pitch, different systems, and more confidence to succeed as a freelance consultant. While having outstanding expertise in strategic communications, he lacked the business-building skills to bring these to market most effectively.
In addition, he dreamed of a portfolio career that combined his interests in conflict, human rights, communications, and psychology. He already served on the council of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and volunteered on a trauma helpline, and he plans to develop his career further by training as a psychologist.
With a long-term vision of a portfolio career that combined his interests, Crispin sought new approaches to organizing his work and life. His goal was not just to be productive but also to be calm and stress-free as he embarked on this new professional chapter.
Feeling the weight of his career transition, Crispin sought a solution. He signed up for my career transition coaching to help him plan his transition, shape his consulting offering, and plan his next professional years.
In coaching, we
Identified the skillset he needed to have the organisation, structure and security to develop his portfolio career in the long term while reaching his short- to medium-term income targets.
Planned the high-impact, high-return activities that didn’t burn him out in the process.
Established practices and strengthened existing systems that reduced overwhelm, kept focus on top priorities and removed distractions from new projects/ideas.
Not long into coaching, he secured a long-term advisory role for the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, which leveraged his strength in conflict communication and media relations.
“Simone helped me see that I had the resources within myself to pursue the career path I wanted. Week by week, I saw that progress through our work. I found myself an exceptional client who was doing exactly the kind of work that I wanted to do.” – Crispin Thorold
As coaching progressed, Crispin’s mindset shifted. Through practical exercises, he reduced the interference of the “inner critic”. As his self-criticism reduced and his confidence grew, he took bold action to increase his visibility.
A few months later, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations awarded him the 2024 Independent PR Practitioner of the Year award.
In parallel, he honed skills that will serve him long-term: practical skills to stay disciplined on critical tasks (e.g. connecting with new people); mental skills to reign in perfectionism and set boundaries; emotional skills to switch off from the taxing work in human rights and conflict.
“It’s been a dramatic change for me in the amount that negative [thought] processes impact my working life.” – Crispin Thorold.
Crispin was at a crossroads regarding how to use his expertise in new, fulfilling ways. He wanted to give his portfolio career the best chance of succeeding, and he recognised that he needed to become proficient in new skills and systems to achieve his goals.
Through coaching, he found the resources and ability to align his career with his values. He built confidence, gained focus, and developed a clear strategy in the process. By overcoming internal and external obstacles, he crafted a meaningful work path balanced with his personal aspirations.
Crispin’s experience demonstrates the long-term impact of strategic coaching. If you need support navigating your career transition, Book a free 45 min discovery call to discuss your challenge.
Crispin took part in my Your Transformation coaching journey that combines resilience and mental fitness training with one-to-one coaching for global professionals in international development, humanitarian and social impact.
