Leaders with Ambition

Heather Vadgama- Chief Marketing Officer at Walkers When 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 under...

Clear communication. Transparency. Collaboration. Permission to fail. As we learn on this episode of Leaders With Ambition, these cornerstones for a healthy workplace culture were knit into Opus Business Advisory Group from its inception. Managing Partner Jo Rolls shares with us career highlights along the way to co-founding a firm that is setting an industry standard for business insolvency and r...

Our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition exemplifies an intuitive, adaptable managerial style that brings out the best in her teams. A multi-faceted leader, Melisa Rojas brings ongoing curiosity and openness to her role as Global Head of Practices & Markets at Simmons & Simmons. Armed with both law and master’s degrees, this native Peruvian launched a London-based career that qui...

When it comes to mastering the art of human resources, our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition invests above all in communication – and one facet in particular. Richard Dickson, HR director at James Cowper Kreston, emphasizes to Host Nicky Acuna Ocana, the importance of teaching teams how to listen – truly absorb – the needs and experiences of those around them. It bridges gaps (especia...

​It may seem like a long way from a doctorate in zoology to a high-profile role in global business development, but we learn on this episode of Leaders With Ambition exactly why that path has made abundant sense for one dynamic executive. Daisy Williamson, Head of BD for the M&A and Corporate practice at Freshfields, shares her unconventional path into corporate marketing and lessons learned a...

Our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition has experienced first-hand a shift away from narrow boxes (like male, corporate finance, central London) to a more holistic, humane approach to doing business – at every level. Luke Wilson, a partner at FRP Advisory, shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana a professional journey turbocharged by the powerful combination of hard work and vulnerability. H...

​Our guest’s anecdote about learning to “dress for success” as an aspiring executive will no doubt resonate with Leaders With Ambition listeners. Alex Liddle, who today is Sales Director for EMEA at PwC, explains how he learned early that presentation matters when it comes to establishing oneself as a serious player. But his stalwart commitment to sporting a suit and tie is just one of the multipl...

For someone who once felt like a “fish out of water,” Tahisha Fugate, Senior Marketing & Business Development Manager at Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider, has never been out of her depth over the course of an enviable career in legal marketing and business development. On this episode of Leaders With Ambition, she shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana her many professional insights – from joining h...

At the forefront of legal marketing innovation, our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition has harnessed the power of creativity, diversity and curiosity at every turn. Sophie Bowkett, Chief Marketing Officer at the global law firm of Bird & Bird, shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana insights into strength through vulnerability as well as the value-add that comes with promoting diversity...

If you’re currently focused on salary and status, try instead focusing on impact. Our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition believes the biggest success stories in professional services are attributable to being great, not being quiet. Mike Beswick, Director of BD, Marketing and Communications at Taylor Wessing, recalls his career progression and the tools that have served him well in a v...

​It’s all about the value-add for our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition. Andy Cowie, a Partner at James Cowper Kreston, exemplifies the fact that you don’t have to have a lofty credential to rise to the top in professional services. What you do need? Energy, innovative ideas, a collaborative spirit and flexibility. Having a massive network doesn’t hurt, either! Andy shares with host N...

Our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition exemplifies what it means to carve out a career niche that dovetails perfectly with professional interests, goals, and talents. Adrian Hyde, a Partner at Begbies Traynor Group, explains how he came to specialise as a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner and pioneer a whole new type of business advisory services. He shares with host Nicky Acuna Ocana h...

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...

​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 challeng...

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, inclu...

​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 sha...

Samantha Keen, Partner, EY UKI Strategy and Transactions. ​The true mark of leadership is an ability to make well-informed, sometimes difficult choices. By that measure, our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition has undeniably demonstrated strength again and again throughout her career. Samantha Keen couldn’t have made Partner at a Big Four accounting firm (while also raising two children...

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 authentici...

​We’re constantly evolving – towards ever better things – so long as we stay curious! That’s the message from Nicky Acuna Ocana’s guest on this episode of Leaders with Ambition. Lesley O’Leary’s career provides a vivid roadmap for what it looks like to maximise potential and do so with delight. As Chief Operating Officer at Charles Russell Speechlys, she incorporates lessons throughout her varied...

Emma Baylis - Managing Director of Interpath Advisory Our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition podcast series, Emma Baylis, reached the ranks of Senior leadership at the Big Four accounting firm of KPMG and more recently was named Managing Director at Interpath. She shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana a decidedly unconventional career journey, recalling the mentors who helped her learn to...

From the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) to Brexit to Covid19, Kristian Gavan has ridden out a remarkable series of unpredictable economic events. Most remarkable of all? He has somehow managed to remain grounded and connected throughout, using his accounting expertise and people skills to navigate a wild ride. On this episode of Leaders With Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana invites her guest to tak...

​J​ay Linder - Global Director of Communications at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft Our guest on this episode of the Leaders With Ambition podcast knows exactly what it takes to build a robust marketing and professional services career. Jay Linder, Global Director of Communications at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, walks Nicky Acuna Ocana through his impressive career. He lets us in on valua...

​​Seeking words to live by as you build your professional services marketing and communications career? Our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition has them in abundance. Peter Columbus ,  Chief BD, Marketing & Communications Officer, is sharing wisdom accumulated over decades of success in both the accounting and legal sectors. His actionable advice comes fast and furious: Focus on two...

Everything that has come before in his career has perfectly positioned our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition for today’s demand for professional services support. Kevin Iredell, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at Lowenstein Sandler, and President of the Legal Marketing Association in 2024, shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana the complementary skills he has developed...

“Keep your eyes and ears open – and your mouth shut!” Unlikely as it may seem, these words of advice from a wizened WWI veteran resonate still today for Nicky Acuna Ocana’s guest on this episode of Leaders with Ambition. Stuart Davis, Global Head of Marketing & Business Development, Litigation at Dechert LLP, believes being alert and attentive is key to building valuable relationships in all a...