In this candid and inspiring conversation, Ha Nguyen shares how her 25-year career evolved from being one of the first product managers at eBay to co-founding a $100M venture fund — and ultimately becoming a fractional COO and advisor for mission-driven startups.

She discusses how her time in VC gave her a unique perspective on what investors look for, how to help founders make the leap from founder to CEO, and why fractional work isn’t just a trend — it’s the next evolution in how we define meaningful careers.

Ha also breaks down her idea of the “portfolio career” — blending consulting, board work, angel investing, and community building to create freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. Along the way, she reflects on partnership, trust, and what it really takes to build long-term success outside traditional corporate structures.

Key Takeaways:

• Fractional work offers both autonomy and stability.

• Founders often struggle with the transition from builder to leader.

• Trust is the foundation of every successful partnership.

• The W-2 model is no longer the only “safe” path.

• The future belongs to professionals who can diversify their impact.