Leaders with Ambition

It’s no surprise that our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition has thrived as an executive coach. Steve Rowan brings a truly unique mix of professional bona fides, personal learnings and spot-on intuition.A highly successful former Chief Financial Officer, Steve shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana his journey through a broad range of professional services jobs, including high-stakes stints helping legal firms manage fast-paced mergers as well as reorganization and expansion.You’ll find out why this seasoned mentor, a Senior Advisor at LHH’s International Centre for Executive Options (ICEO), believes that the healthiest workplace cultures provide the heftiest bottom line results – not to mention sustained employee satisfaction and retention.Steve also lets us in on why Impostor Syndrome isn’t all bad and how intentional work-life choices equate to long-term career success.“I think the world of work now is way harder and less forgiving than when I started,” says our guest. “It's really important now for people to be pretty focused on their career and goals as early as possible.” Don’t miss a rare window into this expert’s recommended strategic first steps!

Heather Vadgama- Chief Marketing Officer at WalkersWhen our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition was starting out, marketing and business development were relatively new to the world of legal services. Today Heather Vadgama, Chief Marketing Officer at Walkers, takes pride in the fact that it’s a discipline studied at university. As she shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana, Heather’s understanding of the profession has advanced along with her confidence in an evolving global skill set that showcases her resilience.Additionally, as a board member with the Legal Marketing Association, this C-suite leader is focused on helping junior colleagues begin building robust networks to ensure ongoing growth and opportunity. You’ll learn why Heather believes giving team members a sense of safety – including permission to fail – is critically important to effective leadership and how a stint in the world of Big 4 consulting pushed her to do what she does best: take on challenges and navigate unfamiliar situations.“Deep down I think I feel most comfortable … when I’m in an environment that is uncertain,” says Heather. “I think it’s some sort of drive to get through it and succeed. That’s really what I enjoy!”Chapters00:00 Introduction to Heather's Journey02:14 Cultural Curiosity and Early Experiences05:57 Transitioning into Legal Marketing10:52 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking13:37 Career Growth and Opportunities in London17:11 Expanding Horizons at Simmons and Simmons18:05 The Big Four Experience at KPMG21:17 Adapting to Change During the Pandemic24:59 Stepping into the CMO Role at Walkers28:57 Building a Strong Team Culture32:34 Current Challenges for CMOs40:27 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations

Alessandra Almeida Jones explains on this episode of Leaders With Ambition that she began tapping into her bedrock confidence only after she committed to being authentic and admitting limitations (which we all have, of course). As Global Chief Marketing Officer for Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, our guest brings the culmination of her varied life experience to building both the firm’s brand and a vibrant, inclusive workplace culture. A native of Brazil, Ale (as she prefers to be called) has eagerly raised her hand for every opportunity. Starting as a junior marketing generalist and relatively new arrival in the U.K., she has always been intentional about staying open and constantly expanding her foundational skill set. Ale is also all about fortifying her growing network through “service to others.” Learn how this dynamic boardroom leader has adapted to different professional services environments and why she is passionate about the role of sponsorship. All along the way, Ale has also prioritised diversity, equity and inclusion based on action and follow-through – not just best intentions. You’ll also find out how an in-house mentor early in her career gave Ale the tools she needed to lean into leadership and what marketing challenges are most pressing in the face of today’s hyper-competitive job market and myriad new technologies. “All of us have challenge areas as leaders and development areas,” says our guest. “I think it’s really important to signal that so that people around you can support you.” Key Takeaways -The importance of diversity and inclusion in creating a truly inclusive workplace -The transition from managing to leadership and the role of emotional intelligence -The value of being a generalist in marketing and continuously learning and adapting -The significance of building relationships and serving others in professional services firms Work with intention and determination, but also work smartly. -Value the lived experience and don't rush career progression. -Build strong relationships and connections with colleagues and stakeholders. -Embrace vulnerability as a superpower in leadership. -Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in law firms. -Address challenges in talent recruitment, technology integration, and cross-functional collaboration. 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:53 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Diversity in the Workplace 10:19 From Managing to Leadership: The Role of Emotional Intelligence 18:07 The Power of Being a Generalist in Marketing 27:24 Building Relationships and Serving Others in Professional Services Firms 29:28 The Power of a Sense of Belonging 35:40 Intention, Collaboration, and Vulnerability in Leadership 45:04 Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Law Firms

​We’re highlighting the power of resiliency – and flexibility – when Claire Cavanagh, Head of Talent Acquisition at Bird & Bird, unpacks her fascinating career trajectory on this episode of Leaders With Ambition. She shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana the critical role that openness has played in driving her professional services career steadily upward, even amidst the zig-zag of life challenges such as divorce and a pandemic. A big part of Claire’s ability to recruit top legal talent and promote retention through healthy workplace cultures lies in her lived experience and empathy. She has learned through a variety of roles and in differing work environments that the best leaders are generous with compliments and positive reinforcement. “Our careers are not in vacuums. We are amongst colleagues all the time and need to feed off each other,” says our guest. “We should be encouraging each other to really be the best we can be.” That ethos extends to Claire’s passion for sponsorship, enabling the long-term success of women and people of colour as they climb through executive ranks. A deeply felt commitment to growth and development, inclusion and equity, are at the heart of a robust network that Claire has cultivated since the outset of her career. Even when confronted with life’s inevitable setbacks, this top legal recruitment expert has stayed true to a defining authenticity that has deepened her, both professionally and personally. You won’t want to miss words of wisdom from a woman who is all about thoughtful leadership – and paying it forward!

On this episode of Leaders With Ambition we welcome Becky Lowe, UK & International Head of Talent Acquisition for the global law firm CMS. She was born into a family that emphasised hard work and resiliency, but open-mindedness is the secret sauce that has turbocharged her human resources career. Becky has held a variety of HR roles in the manufacturing and professional services sectors, including a stint overseeing a staff of 800 at a Big 4 accounting firm. As she explains to Host Nicky Acuna Ocana; “I’m not afraid to stretch people and take them out of their comfort zone because that’s the kind of support I’ve had and that’s what has enabled me to grow.” Not only does Becky make it a practice always to raise her hand, she also brings authenticity, candour and transparency to everything she does. The goal? This leader is always looking for ways to add value – by enabling transparency, advocating for equity and inclusion, honouring the needs of team members and fostering optimal conditions in the workplace and at home. Learn about the leadership lessons that have shaped Becky’s successful career – from training intensively as an executive coach to learning how to parent a neurodiverse son to embracing the art of listening as a tool for professional development. According to Becky, it’s all about being brave and embracing failures as a gateway to growth – for ourselves and in mentoring others! If you enjoyed this discussion, please click here to find previous episodes of Leaders with Ambition.

​What does success look like at the highest level of corporate marketing? Nicky Acuna Ocana’s guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition is Jon Brewer, Chief Marketing Officer at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He exemplifies what it is to lead Marketing and Business Development professionals through hard work, innovation and perpetual curiosity. You’ll learn how competitive gymnastics shaped Jon’s character, building resilience and focus. He shares why promoting career advancement, tapping the wisdom and support of peers, communicating clearly across channels and staying ahead of transformational new technologies have been cornerstones for an award-winning career. Find out how this dynamic leader stays fully engaged with Orrick’s globally distributed teams, what keeps him up at night and why legal marketing as a whole benefits when strategic marketing leaders share best practices for swiftly changing times. “I’ve been a CMO for five years and in professional services for 35,” says our perennially curious guest. “I’m still learning – and if anybody doesn’t think they’re still learning, they probably aren’t doing it right!”

As a Black woman breaking new ground in the area of Legal Project Management, Blandine brings to bear not only her law degree but also an unshakeable ability to demonstrate strength and advocate for herself as well as others. During this insightful conversation, Blandine highlights the benefits of maintaining purpose through self-awareness, networking, and bravery. You’ll also learn how authenticity, self-confidence, and openness to mentoring have formed the cornerstones of an extraordinary career – one that has taken Blandine from helping to manage the legal and financial fall-out after Lehman Brothers’ dissolution to establishing the critical ROI that business services have to offer law firms. And all along the way, wherever she has worked, Blandine has contributed to building healthier, more diverse cultures, most recently at DLA Piper and Norton Rose Fulbright. “What drives me is bringing order to chaos and solutions to people’s problems,” explains Blandine, who exemplifies what it means to identify a core skill set, passion, and purpose - then wield them in transformational ways! You'll also hear Blandine's take on the current challenges facing law firms as well as her advice on strategies for young people looking to build a dynamic, fulfilling career in professional services. If you enjoyed this discussion, please click here to find previous episodes of Leaders with Ambition.

​Strong, healthy workplace cultures start with intentionality and, as we learn on this episode of Leaders With Ambition, clearly defined core values are the bedrock. Nick Waterworth, co-founder and Executive Chair at the Ambition Group, shares with host Nicky Acuna Ocana the forward-thinking global recruitment company’s origin story, from its inception in 1999 to the bright post-pandemic future now taking shape. You’ll learn about the ethos that shaped what Nick and his co-founder Paul Lyons envisioned as their mission right from its outset, including both a focus on a personalised customer experience and a global approach that has made Ambition an innovative industry leader across the UK, Asia, Australia and the U.S. Even as Ambition has navigated steady growth through the decades, its corporate ethic and personality have remained the same: Intimate, values-driven and rooted in well-established networks, deep relationships and industry knowledge. This lively conversation covers the entire journey, from Nick’s career highlights to the inevitable bumps along the way to a host of exciting new projects hitting their stride. He also offers advice about the importance of engaging mentorship and gives us a glimpse into his leadership priorities in the face of a global pandemic. (Hint: Nick emphasised transparency, communication and empathy – a formula that resulted in his team emerging from Covid-19 stronger than ever.) The episode concludes with words of wisdom from Nick, who shares a bit of the secret sauce behind Ambition’s special alchemy: A close-knit culture, shared purpose and honesty.

​Professional success stories often focus on skill, confidence and good luck. But in this episode of Leaders With Ambition we are hearing from a corporate warrior whose superpower was in many ways born of vulnerability. Tammy Bessinger, FS UK Markets Finance Lead with a Big 4, has built an enormously successful consulting career in part due to key skills learned as the result of medical and emotional challenges; skills like resiliency, empathy and authenticity. As she shares with Host, Nicky Acuna Ocana, Tammy did not come to her corporate success and trusted advisory position without first navigating trauma – and acquiring insights that have made her not only a richer resource for senior leaders but also a more intuitive and compassionate leader of teams. You’ll learn about the tools Tammy, a native of South Africa, has learned and why she believes we should embrace – rather than marginalize – the fact that we are all human and subject to hardship. It’s okay not to be okay! Tammy’s insights about taking a pause to reflect and paying it forward for others going through … life … provide a thought-provoking perspective. Find out why it’s possible to balance just getting on with it (as Tammy has done) with self-awareness (which has given her the ability to relate both to the busy leaders with whom she consults and the colleagues who help her deliver successful solutions). Tammy’s story of trial and triumphs is your invitation to examine vulnerability – and its gifts – from a new perspective. If you enjoyed this discussion, please click here to find previous episodes of Leaders with Ambition.

​It’s okay not to know! That’s the message from Maureen Penfold, Managing Partner at Moore Kingston Smith and Nicky Acuna Ocana’s guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition. Her career reflects a unique mix of authenticity and confidence – including the ability to seek the counsel of others. Navigating a traditionally male-dominated professional services firm has required clarity and communication, says Maureen, whose steady hand guided Moore Kingston Smith’s evolution through the pandemic. But in the end, above all else, “it’s really about those relationships and the people around you that make you successful.” You’ll learn about how this mother of two adult sons has balanced personal and professional demands (having a supportive partner is key) and why inclusivity and mentorship are so important – especially in today’s fast-paced, global workplace environment. Maureen ticks off some of the challenges currently faced by large accounting firms (such as managing technological advances and regulatory requirements) and she also shares words of wisdom for anyone just getting started on their professional path; “Nobody knows everything. Just because you don’t know doesn’t mean the world is going to fall apart. You can learn!” says Maureen. “Authenticity is realising that you can learn from others.”

​The travel bug – with its freedom, independence and insights into cultures of all kinds – attracted Lee Curtis from an early age. As he shares on this episode of Leaders With Ambition, his father’s decision to launch the family on a two-year sailing adventure maps directly to a peripatetic, entrepreneurial career that has led to Lee, from Nottingham, becoming Head of Global Sales at Simmons & Simmons. Having developed business and marketing teams across three continents (Australia, Asia and UK), Lee brings all the skills, passion and curiosity that make him an intrepid traveller in his role selling legal services. He explains to Host Nicky Acuna Ocana the trajectory of his career development and how he has arrived at the forefront of Fintech, taking Simmons & Simmons’ innovative suite of tech tools to clients with tremendous success. “I’m passionate about the application of supporting technology to enable efficiency in the way we deliver legal services,” says Lee, “That’s what I do on a daily basis.” He’s also challenging the status quo by demonstrating that BD and marketing functions are critical to promoting legal services in today’s fluid, competitive marketplace. With his engaging personality and great ability to form connections, Lee’s career highlights will come as no surprise. But he also talks about some of the hurdles he faces day to day as a non-lawyer working among the brilliant legal minds. The episode closes with three pieces of advice that anyone working in the corporate world won’t want to miss. “Five years ago at Simmons, we were still talking about sales as a dirty word,” says Lee. Find out why that’s not the case anymore and how more and more law firms are getting onboard with business development and marketing as being essential to global growth and success!  If you enjoyed this discussion, please clickhere to find previous episodes of Leaders with Ambition.

​Being bold may not always come naturally to Jess Gowar, who is Nicky Acuna Ocana’s guest on this episode of Leaders with Ambition. But she has cultivated her capacity for clear, straightforward communication and in doing so, has risen to become Partner for Markets & Clients at BDO UK. Originally from Canada, Jess is a dynamic marketing professional who has evolved from a new arrival in London (when she literally got lost at the airport) to becoming a leader, mentor and exemplary industry networker. In this episode, Jess shares her career journey, philosophy about branding, thoughts on the value of data-driven marketing approaches and the constant work-life juggle. Variety and challenge are the elements, Jess says, that bring the fun! This conversation serves as a reminder of the importance of connecting with authenticity and candour, even for those of us who are introverts by nature. The work that Jess has done to carve out a place for marketing at the leadership table is incredible. The episode wraps up with Jess’s thoughts on career lessons, highlights and challenges – as well as this advice to keep in mind; “I don’t like being wrong, but when I make mistakes I want to learn from them,” she says. “I think making mistakes is more valuable than not making them and that challenges me to be bold in ways that I might not naturally be.” If you enjoyed this discussion, please click here to find previous episodes of Leaders with Ambition.

Confident, not cocky. It’s a description that  perfectly describes Host Nicky Acuna Ocana’s guest, Peter Skinner on this episode of Leaders with Ambition. Having moved through the ranks of many of the UK’s most influential law firms, Peter has at every juncture taken the opportunity to stretch himself and bring others along as well. Currently Head of Business Development & Marketing at Wedlake Bell, he is sharing with us  insights into his professional journey and lessons learned along the way (including those picked up through bumps in the road). Peter gives a big  shout-out to the mentor who shaped his understanding of what it means to  effectively manage people, providing them the permission and safety to try new things. It is, he says, about creating a supportive workplace culture that honours authenticity, diversity and the freedom to fail. Peter also welcomes his teams to challenge the boss and ask for his time when they need it. Having made amazing inroads as a Europe board member for the Legal Marketing Association, Peter tells us about his commitment to advancing education, networking  and live events that reflect his passion for ongoing growth and development. For this BDM leader, each and every day offers an invitation – for him and  those around him – to learn, evolve and engage. “Create the right environment  and the people who work beside and with you will perform and deliver,” he says.  “It makes a learning environment that people very much want to be in.”

Susanne Pugsley’s highly successful career trajectory has been defined by the professional and personal commitments she has consistently honoured. In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, we learn how this dynamic mentor and pioneer in the area of legal marketing carved out a niche that was anything but foregone. As she explains to Host Nicky Acuna Ocana, the first critical career decision Susanne made was to change course when her vision of becoming a Lawyer proved not to be the right fit. We learn about what it looks like to stay nimble, adapt to evolving opportunities and always remain true to oneself.

​Host Nicky Acuna Ocana’s guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition has had an impressive and fascinating career in Marketing and BD. Starting out as a creative with a love of words, Eddie Bowman explored several sectors early on (including a stimulating and fun experience working for the advertising giant Ogilvy & Mather) before migrating into the world of Big Five accounting and ultimately legal services. All throughout, as a marketing leader, he was learning lessons daily about how to align teams and make projects happen. His skillsets proved a perfect fit for his role as business development marketing lead at Simmons & Simmons – a fantastic partnership from which he recently stepped down after more than six years. In this episode, Eddie reflects on a variety of topics, including how to combat Imposter Syndrome, lead with quiet, inspiring authority and build trust among peers up and down the firm. He also shares career lowlights, highlights and thoughts on the traits that are critically important to achieving one’s full potential – in order to derive meaning from as well as success on the job. That certainly describes Eddie’s track record over a long career, but he also has no problem humbly admitting that there were times when he fell short. “Pursue with rigour and desire each new opportunity and I promise you, the other benefits that you need will follow,” says Eddie. We look forward to seeing where this dynamic leader lands next! If you enjoyed this discussion, please hit subscribe!

Change, challenge and growth are all central drivers in the career of Adam Soames, featured guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition. In many ways his 27-year career in professional services reflects perfectly the very things that he avidly loves about team sports: collaboration, creativity, hard work and hard play! With his MBA and executive coaching certification, Adam is well known for bringing a fresh, motivational style, most recently as Global Head of Business Development & Strategy at Hogan Lovells. The insights he acquired through his world travels early in life and the tireless entrepreneurialism his parents modelled have contributed to Adam's success, working in high-profile roles leading transformation across highly competitive business development and marketing environments within accounting, consulting and legal. This lively conversation with host Nicky Acuna Ocana highlights the importance of networking, mentoring and – above all else – continually challenging ourselves to stretch and grow. A lifelong learner, Adam has keen advice for young Business Development and Marketing professionals, especially those looking to garner trust in a legal context: “It’s quite tough when you first go into law,” he says, “but the beauty of it is that lawyers respect specialists … and when you’ve demonstrated what you can do and deliver, they really let you get on with things.” Adam revisits career accomplishments as well as lessons learned while navigating bumps along the way. The episode wraps with Adam sharing six pieces of wisdom – including seeing challenges as opportunities, staying agile when circumstances demand that we adapt and always remembering “the first rule of selling in any world – but particularly professional services: If you don’t ask, you don’t get!”

​Rob Fowler’s career has been defined by grit, tenacity and a powerful commitment to paying forward the mentoring that  has guided him at every juncture of his career, from the braveness of attending law school without a training contract to his current role helping to  shape the leadership agenda at Taylor Wessing as Head of Talent Acquisition. As he shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana on this episode of Leaders with Ambition, Rob has incorporated a passion for growth and inclusivity into every role he  has played – within both legal and business environments. He offers thoughts about how to advance meaningful, inclusive leadership agendas, the power of networking at every stage of you career and why we all should consider authenticity  a non-negotiable. By enhancing our personal brands through education and  awareness, Rob believes, we are also bringing along the wider business brand. You’ll get an inside look at the role ongoing development plays within Rob’s  Talent Acquisition Team as well as a front-row seat on some of the successes and challenges that have shaped his career. The episode wraps up with a list of development  resources and words of wisdom for anyone in search of the confidence and  support to make a leap – whether in the realm of law, business or diversity and inclusion.

Host Nicky Acuna Ocana’s guest on this  episode of Leaders with Ambition epitomises resilience, both personal and  professional. Sheetal Sanghvi, a Partner specialising in Innovation Reliefs at  RSM UK, has risen through the ranks over the past two decades through a  combination of adaptability, hard work and openness to support. Her story of perseverance, which starts with the loss of her father at a very young age, will inspire you to meet challenges with optimism, knowing that “you can only achieve if you have experienced failure” When her lack of technical expertise was an impediment, she sought education. When her career in corporate tax seemed hindered, she pivoted. And when a broken ankle (suffered during the RSM company football tournament!) side-lined her in recovery, she used it as an  opportunity to reassess and re-orient her career path. “I know that whatever comes my way I can deal with, personally or professionally,” she says. That’s self-evident in the super-sized confidence that Sheetal brings with her into any situation. She shares career achievements as well as challenges  and wraps up with valuable advice. By her example Sheetal is showing younger  women – especially Asian woman – that they, too, can bring their authentic  selves to work and find a niche that they love. “And if you do that,” she says, “you never have to work a day in your life.” Sheetal is certainly a testament  to that!

​Cultivating and nurturing relationships with contacts as early as possible in our careers is key to the kind of success and longevity enjoyed by Nicky’s guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition. Kristina Kicks, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory, entered a traditionally male-dominated sector that she has navigated successfully, thanks to her work ethic and the robust network she has cultivated throughout her career. Having decided early on to specialise in insolvency, Kristina never stood down from challenges. To the contrary, she fundamentally believes that there is something positive to learn from every challenge. This engaging conversation highlights how Kristina has balanced her commitment to family and friends with a robust career path, including nearly two decades of steady advancement and leadership roles at Grant Thornton. She shares career peaks as well as insights into how best to manage the inevitable stumbling blocks, thoughts on the importance of diversity and her dedication to serving professional organisations supporting the growth of newcomers and established peers alike. Words of wisdom from this pioneering role model will undoubtedly resonate, as will Kristina’s fundamental commitment to fairness and a values-driven approach that has helped her and the teams she leads to reach ever greater heights.

In this episode of the Leaders with Ambition podcast, host Nicky Acuna Ocana interviews Jules Stott, a seasoned marketing and business development professional. Jules shares her journey from a working-class background in Wales to becoming a partner at AlixPartners. The conversation explores themes of resilience, career pivots, the importance of networking, and the evolution of leadership. Jules emphasises the significance of mentorship, setting goals, and the challenges faced in the current business landscape, including the impact of AI. #She concludes with words of wisdom for those starting their careers, encouraging them to focus on their own paths and not compare themselves to others.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jules Stott's Journey01:55 Early Life and Resilience04:22 Career Beginnings and Marketing Transition07:27 Growth in Marketing and Business Acumen10:01 Pivoting into Legal Marketing13:27 Navigating the Law Firm Landscape15:36 Consultancy and Career Reflections17:47 Setting Goals and Achieving Success20:05 Building Networks and Relationships24:12 The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship28:03 Leadership Evolution and Team Dynamics33:40 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome39:49 Legacy and Impact in the Industry44:56 Current Challenges and Future Opportunities47:34 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations