Like financial portfolios, skill portfolios benefit from strategic construction:
Core Holdings
Essential skills everyone should develop: - Basic problem solving without tools - Emotional regulation for self and others - Network building and activation - Clear communication under pressure
These foundational skills support all others.
Specialty Additions
Unique skills that differentiate you: - Rare language capabilities - Specialized technical knowledge - Unique cultural access - Distinctive experience base
These specialties command premium value.
Hedge Skills
Abilities that protect against specific vulnerabilities: - Basic medical for health crises - Security awareness for safety concerns - Financial literacy for economic disruption - Technical basics for digital failures
These might never generate income but prevent catastrophic failure.