MONEY WITHOUT MATH

Exploring a Portfolio Career with Deanah Baker

Karen Coyne, CFP®

The traditional career timeline of working full-time for decades and then withdrawing abruptly is not only outdated, it’s loaded with challenges from decreased income to loss of identity and purpose. 

Enter the portfolio career. Unlike the typical career path comprised of one employer and one income stream, a portfolio career might include multiple roles, organizations, and/or income streams. After an impressive 32-year career with Walmart, guest Deanah Baker is exploring a world where work is more than a single job. Instead of retreating to retirement, Deanah is directing her energy and deep expertise to serve on boards, consult, and nurture her network. 

Key conversations in this episode include:

  • Deanah's journey from single company loyalty to exploring multiple ventures. [00:02:15] 
  • The mental shift from a fast-paced retail career to a slower yet purposeful path. [00:04:24] 
  • Embracing a "portfolio career": leveraging past expertise while discovering new passions. [00:08:16] 
  • Enriching the next chapter of life with genuine mentorship and community support. [00:13:20] 
  • Defining personal work-life balance when time is no longer dictated by corporate demands. [00:16:51] 
  • And more

Connect with Karen Coyne: 

Connect with Deanah Baker:

About Our Guest: 

Deanah Baker is a former global CPG/B2C retail executive at Walmart, now consulting with high-growth organizations to drive sustained profitability and market share expansion.

Deanah partners with business leaders to develop multi-year strategies that deliver differentiated revenue growth and profitability.

She transforms innovative ideas into successful products, brands, and initiatives that enhance sales performance and customer experience.

Deanah advises CEOs on organizational changes that optimize teams and support new business ventures.

She equips leaders and teams with deep industry knowledge, merchant and supplier criteria, and problem-solving skills to drive win-win business outcomes.

Deanah has held senior officer roles in omnichannel merchandising, managing $25 billion P&Ls. She led the launch of multiple private label and national brands, generating over $10 billion in annual revenue. She also spearheaded the implementation of RFID-driven real-time inventory tracking, enabling curbside pickup and delivery for the Apparel Division.