Leaders with Ambition

Ambition UK
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Leaders with Ambition

Welcome to Leaders with Ambition, the podcast that dives deep into the careers of some of the most successful leaders working in professional services firms. We aim to discover the secrets behind their success, the challenges they face and to find out what traits make a successful leader. About the host: Nicky Acuna Ocana is the Regional Managing Director of Ambition, an international recruitment agency specialising in business services recruitment (Finance, Accounting, BD, Marketing, Insolvency, Restructuring and Corporate Finance) in professional services firms.

  1. 11 NOV

    Ep. 63- Sophie Bowkett: ''You have to be able to pivot quickly..''

    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 and inclusivity to build strong workplace cultures. She also recalls navigating the challenges of COVID, juggling parenthood and what it felt like to pursue an MBA while maintaining a robust career. (Hint: The ability to flex and be agile is key!) You’ll learn about the challenges facing CMOs in today’s legal services industry landscape, including the promise and pain points associated with new technologies like AI and data-driven analytics. Enjoy this lively conversation featuring top tips and words of wisdom from a marketing dynamo who knows how to motivate teams, leverage networking and turbocharge business development – while fostering a positive atmosphere of growth all along the way! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Career Journey 02:57 Building Trust in Challenging Times 05:59 The Power of Networking and Starting Early 10:11 Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EDI) 13:06 Marketing in the Legal Industry 17:51 Balancing Work and Personal Life 23:42 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Leadership 30:27 Challenges Faced by CMOs: AI and Data-Driven Marketing 33:41 Culture and Hybrid Working in Modern Leadership 38:23 Embracing Opportunities and Learning from Mistakes

    42 min

  2. 29 OCT

    Ep. 62- Mike Beswick: “If you focus on your impact, the rest – the salary and status – will follow. Get stuff done and focus on impact.”

    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 variety of roles at a number of top law firms. His long-term commitment to networking and upholding the highest standards have been foundational at every stage, as has an infectious can-do attitude. In this episode, you'll learn about what Mike believes are the top five challenges for BD, marketing and comms teams in today’s competitive legal marketplace, including the need to keep up with data-driven decision-making and to provide bespoke client services. Mike also shares practical words of wisdom for aspiring leaders, tapping into lessons learned in an evolving industry and with ongoing support from mentors. The bottom line? It’s all about cutting through the noise, creating healthy workplace cultures and bringing a bold mindset – as well as our best selves – to the workplace each day. In Mike's words; “If you want to be successful, it’s the culture piece that really makes a difference, everyone’s smart, but you’ve got to be able to deliver results.” 00:00 Introduction 00:32 The Power of Positivity and High Standards 01:30 The Importance of Mentoring 23:00 The Need for Continuous Learning and Development 26:52 The Power of Teamwork and Trust 33:29 Balancing Work and Family Life 36:59 The Importance of Networking 46:25 Challenges in Business Development, Marketing, and Communications 50:16 Making an Impact and Getting Things Done

    54 min

  3. 14 OCT

    Ep. 61- Andy Cowie: “Marketing and business development are inextricably linked. You can’t do one without the other.”

    ​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 Nicky Acuna Ocana his peripatetic journey to becoming a leader in the field of marketing and business development for professional services. Pioneering his practice at a time when the ROI was not yet fully understood, he has nurtured teams built on hard-won lessons, adaptability and communication. You’ll learn how an early mentor influenced the course of Andy’s career and why it’s so important to pay it forward by supporting and connecting others in the workplace. A perfect example of that mission? Launching the James Cowper Kreston Foundation, for which Andy serves as a trustee. Find out how his vision and constant pursuit of value-add through relationship-building have enabled Andy to grow throughout his career, breaking barriers again and again. “The value that I add internally takes me through that glass ceiling,” says Andy. “It doesn’t matter what you do. If you’re great at it and you’re adding proper value, then you don’t have to be an Accountant to reach Partner.” Key Takeaways: Starting out: From Staffordshire to studying geoscience engineering at the Camborne School of Mines to surveying to accounting, how Andy’s eclectic early career wound its way to recruiting Core competencies: What Andy brought to his new marketing-oriented role was key skills, including: an outgoing personality; innovative thoughts on promoting services and brand value-add. Paying it forward: How Andy was inspired by a mentor who exemplified marketing and business development value-add through massive networking, internal and external championship. A joint venture: About the insights that came out of Andy’s entrepreneurial foray into co-founding his own marketing agency – a top-to-bottom challenge that has informed the rest of his career. Cracking the code: How Andy navigated his first year at James Cowper Kreston, a workplace culture in which the marketing/BD functions were not at that time (15 years ago) fully integrated. Leaning into leadership: Why Andy combined an inclusive attitude and emphasis on mentoring to the process of forming his team and inspiring them to be the best they could be. Passion project: Why the James Cowper Kreston Foundation, for which Andy is a trustee, offers a win-win-win in terms of charitable service, support and inter-disciplinary development Trusts builds value: About the relational piece and networking that Andy believes are foundational to solidifying brand loyalty, recurring business and long-term alliances. Biggest challenges for professional services: The immediacy of communications post-Covid; promoting the value of in-person networking after hours; and implementing new technologies Words of wisdom: Work hard! The harder you try, the luckier you become. Have fun! You’ve got to enjoy the work and people you’re doing it with. Set your goal – and push through!  Chapters 00:00 Growing Up and Finding Passion in Building Relationships 03:14 Transitioning from Recruitment to Marketing in Professional Services 07:41 Stepping into a Partnership Environment 10:44 The Importance of Mentoring and Sponsorship 14:12 Setting Up a Marketing Agency and Making Brave Decisions 22:43 Building and Leading a Successful Team 26:38 Building a High-Performing Team: The Importance of Culture and Work-Life Balance 28:24 The James Cowper Creston Foundation: Supporting Charitable Causes 33:39 Networking and Building Relationships in Professional Services 41:34 Challenges Facing Partners in Professional Services Firms 44:24 Transitioning from Hybrid to Flexible Working 46:48 The R

    47 min

  4. 30 SEPT

    Ep. 60- Adrian Hyde, Partner at Begbies Traynor Group - ''Never assume anything…''

    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 his journey from growing up the son of a trade union organiser in the East Midlands region to 16 years as a Solicitor in private practice to evolving an enormously successful international (and entrepreneurial) business and crime asset recovery practice. You’ll learn about the roots of CVR Global, its geographic footprint, expansion, and eventual happy acquisition by Begbies. Adrian also highlights the ongoing role of mentorship as well as the reasons for his commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI). “You progress through your networking but you also progress by actually having the spark within you that gives you the confidence to go and do the networking,” says our guest. Find out what obstacles currently pose the biggest challenges for business and legal services and get an inside look at the fascinating landscape that shapes the work of Insolvency Practitioners day to da. Key Takeaways: Starting out: The diverse young life experience in the East Midlands as the son of a trade union organiser introduced Adrian’s worldview heading into university and beyond. Jumpstart: What sparked Adrian’s early, ardent interest in the legal space (Hint: A TV drama.) Competitive edge: How his temperament makes Adrian particularly well suited to his specialty. Key direction: Why mentorship proved essential to Adrian’s professional development and along the way to his two main career goals: to be a Partner at a London-based firm. Gathering focus: How Adrian grasped the opportunity to deepen his expertise and role as a credible Insolvency Practitioner (including navigating rigorous licensing exams). Fostering equity: About the evolution and acquisition of the business recovery team that ultimately became CVR Global – the dawn of a new type of business advisory service. Dramatic growth: What fuelled CVR Global’s growth, including staffing up from 30 to 100 and expanding the geographic footprint. Winning combination;How the negotiation process that resulted in the terms of Begbie’s acquisition of CVR Global contributed to a surprisingly seamless transition. Paying it forward: About Adrian’s service as president of the Insolvency Practitioners Association as a form of giving back, adding to the profession, and helping shape regulation. Hybrid challenges: What it looks like to balance learning and development with workplace flexibility, including innovative approaches to improve recruitment. Building confidence: About the benefits of experience accrued through apprenticeships and an immersive approach to learning on the job.Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:09 Adrian's Career Journey 08:03 From Law to Insolvency 14:16 The Desire for Partnership 19:53 The Importance of Mentorship 23:09 Determination and Focus 28:26 Creating Something Special 32:02 The Decision to Sell CVR Global 32:46 Introduction and Overview of Adrian Hyde's Experience 38:47 The Importance of Clear Communication and Avoiding Assumptions 51:46 Adapting to Increased Regulation and the Potential Impact of AI 57:02 Promoting Talent Development and Social Mobility through Apprenticeships 01:00:54 The Power of Never Assuming Anything

    57 min

  5. 16 SEPT

    Ep. 59 - Alessandra Almeida Jones, Global CMO at BCLP - ''Vulnerability can be a superpower if you use it with honesty and integrity and you do it right.''

    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

    49 min

  6. 5 AGO

    Ep. 58 - Claire Cavanagh, Head of Talent Acquisition at Bird & Bird - "Be brave and put yourself in a position where you're out of your comfort zone."

    ​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!

    52 min

  7. 17 JUL

    Ep. 57 - Becky Lowe, UK & International Head of TA at CMS, "As a strong leader you’ve got to be able to promote others.”

    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.

    55 min

  8. 17 JUN

    Ep. 56 - Jon Brewer, CMO, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe - "'Being a great leader is about making those around you great."

    ​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!”

    45 min
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Welcome to Leaders with Ambition, the podcast that dives deep into the careers of some of the most successful leaders working in professional services firms. We aim to discover the secrets behind their success, the challenges they face and to find out what traits make a successful leader. About the host: Nicky Acuna Ocana is the Regional Managing Director of Ambition, an international recruitment agency specialising in business services recruitment (Finance, Accounting, BD, Marketing, Insolvency, Restructuring and Corporate Finance) in professional services firms.

Información

  • Creador
    Ambition UK
  • Años de actividad
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodios
    63
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © Ambition UK
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Leaders with Ambition

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