Ep. 90 Gillian Ward-''Everything in life happens for a reason, you might not know it at the time.”

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Gillian Ward, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Reed Smith.

Gillian shares her remarkable career journey from growing up in a small town in South Yorkshire to leading global marketing and business development functions at some of the world’s most prestigious international law firms.

Starting her career in the steel and engineering industries, Gillian made a bold and unexpected transition into legal marketing, a move sparked by a chance conversation on a plane that ultimately shaped the rest of her professional life.Throughout the conversation, Gillian reflects on the power of mentorship and sponsorship, the importance of building trusted networks, and the courage required to take risks before you feel ready.

She speaks candidly about navigating imposter syndrome, leading through complexity, and what it truly means to move from management into leadership.

The episode also explores Gillian’s instrumental role in helping to establish the Legal Marketing Association (LMA) in London and Europe, her experience leading transatlantic teams across the US, UK, and Europe, and the realities of running global businesses in markets that are culturally and commercially very different.

Gillian also shares deeply personal reflections on balancing a demanding international career with motherhood, raising twins while travelling extensively, and the sacrifices and rewards, that come with ambition. This is an honest, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation for anyone navigating leadership, growth, and global careers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gillian's Journey

02:52 Career Transition: From Engineering to Legal Marketing

05:30 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking

08:08 Building Relationships with Managing Partners

10:56 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

13:33 Creating a Supportive Network

16:35 Establishing the Legal Marketing Association in Europe

19:17 Navigating Global Roles and Cultural Differences

22:01 The Impact of COVID-19 on Leadership

24:50 Balancing Career and Motherhood

27:39 Challenges and Opportunities for CMOs in Law Firms

30:27 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations