Portfolio CPO Heatmap · Smithfield CPO Readiness Index

Portfolio company	Comm.	Oper.	Pers.	GTM	Infl.	AI	Score	Band

Severity × Readiness

Severity = count of red signals present (0–6). Readiness = CRI score (0–600).

How to use this template

A ten-minute workflow for an IC paper or board prep. Print at A4, double-sided, or share as PDF.

Score each portco

For every portfolio company, score the CPO on the six dimensions of the CPO Readiness Index. Use 1 for foundational gaps, 5 for exit-ready strength. Each score should be evidence-anchored · pattern with measurable outcome, not self-description.

Read the matrix

The Severity × Readiness matrix plots each portco. Urgent quadrant: high severity (4 or more red signals) plus low readiness (CRI < 451). That is the company to brief the next board call on, not the one with the loudest CEO.

Brief the action

Each quadrant has a default action. Urgent: replace or scaffold. Stabilise: lean in with the existing leader, pace intervention. Watch: coach up while the runway holds. Coast: compound the strength, do not over-correct.

The six dimensions of the CPO Readiness Index

01 · Commercial MandateOwns the P&L case for the roadmap; speaks board language.

02 · Operational IntegrityPortfolio is defensible at exit; failure modes absent.

03 · Personal CapabilityHigh-agency, financially fluent, intellectually honest, judgment-led.

04 · GTM CoherenceProduct, sales, customer success move in sequence.

05 · Timing FitMatched to the company's actual product problem.

06 · AI DurabilityBuilds with AI; reasons about all three layers.