Leaders with Ambition

Ambition UK
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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.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 92 Kerri Vermeylen - ''Careers are built through experiences, not perfectly mapped plans.”

    In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Kerri Vermeylen, Chief Marketing Officer at Sidley Austin LLP, for an honest and reflective conversation on leadership, career evolution, and building a long‑term career in legal marketing. Kerri shares her unconventional journey from growing up in the Midwest United States to studying and living abroad in Oxford and France — experiences that sparked a lifelong connection to Europe and ultimately led her to build a global career from Brussels. What began as a short study stint evolved into a 30‑year international chapter shaped by curiosity, courage, and openness to opportunity. She reflects on the pivotal moments of serendipity that shaped her career — including a chance dinner conversation that led to her first role in a law firm — and how saying yes to unfamiliar environments helped her discover where she thrives: in fast‑paced, intellectually demanding, people‑driven organisations. Throughout the conversation, Kerri offers thoughtful insight into the transition from management to leadership, leading international and remote teams, and how global roles require adaptability, trust, and cultural awareness. She speaks candidly about the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and peer networks, as well as the role executive coaching and feedback have played in her growth. The discussion also explores the realities of sustaining a demanding global role — from managing travel and time zones to protecting energy and preventing burnout — alongside Kerri’s grounded perspective on work‑life “balance” as an ongoing recalibration rather than a fixed state. Kerri also shares her take on the evolving profession of legal marketing, the accelerating pace of change driven by technology and AI, and why curiosity, good questions, and human judgment will remain critical to leadership success. This episode offers practical, reassuring insight for marketing and business development professionals navigating growth, change, and leadership — particularly within professional services environments. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kerri's Journey 02:15 Early Life and Education: A Foundation for Growth 09:49 Career Beginnings: Serendipity in Legal Marketing 16:09 Transition to Europe: Embracing New Opportunities 19:21 Finding Passion in Legal Marketing 23:15 The Evolution of Legal Marketing and Future Trends 24:23 Transitioning from Management to Leadership 26:35 Balancing Work and Family Life 29:29 Finding Personal Balance and Avoiding Burnout 32:35 The Importance of Mentorship and Career Intentionality 36:40 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 39:05 Navigating Change in the Legal Industry 41:48 Cultivating a Positive Workplace Culture 43:40 The Power of Curiosity and Asking Questions

    43 min

  2. MAR 23

    Ep. 91 Kathleen Ford - ''Networking is a skill that improves with practice.''

    In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Kathleen Ford, Director and Head of Global Communications at Kearney, for an open and insightful conversation on leadership, career development, and the evolving role of communications. Kathleen shares her unconventional career journey from studying history and interning on Capitol Hill to working in public affairs, agency life, and ultimately building and leading a global communications function at a top management consultancy. She reflects on the idea of a “career patchwork” — where every experience, skill, and challenge contributes to a broader leadership quilt — and how adaptability, curiosity, and saying yes to opportunities have shaped her path. Throughout the conversation, Kathleen speaks candidly about mentoring and coaching, navigating imposter syndrome, building confidence through executive coaching, and the responsibility leaders have to create space for others to grow. The discussion also explores the modern challenges facing communications professionals, including the rise of AI, declining email engagement, and the need to constantly evolve while protecting authenticity and human voice. Kathleen’s mantra — “keep evolving and make it compelling” — runs through the episode as a guiding principle for future‑focused leadership. This episode offers thoughtful, practical insight for communications, marketing, and professional services leaders at all stages of their careers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Authentic Leadership 01:21 Kathleen's Career Journey 06:16 Transitioning Roles and Responsibilities 10:43 Building a Communications Team 15:26 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19 17:51 Managing Stress and Burnout 21:31 The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship 22:19 Navigating Career Opportunities and Mentorship 24:21 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Confidence 27:44 The Importance of Networking in Professional Growth 31:55 Leadership Philosophy: Supporting Others to Succeed 33:43 Adapting to AI in Communications 38:53 The Value of Personal Branding

    44 min

  3. MAR 9

    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

    47 min

  4. FEB 23

    Ep. 89 Alistair Johnson- ''Treat people with kindness, you never know when your paths will cross again.”

    In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana welcomes Alistair Johnson, an experienced Chief Operating Officer and senior change and transformation leader whose career began in the British Army before spanning technology, consulting, and professional services. Alistair shares his journey from a formative start at Sandhurst and operational tours in the British Army to senior leadership roles within large, international organisations and leading law firms, including Clifford Chance and RPC. He reflects candidly on how early exposure to leadership under pressure shaped his people‑first philosophy and his ability to remain calm in high‑stakes environments. Throughout the conversation, Alistair offers powerful insights into the transition from management to leadership, the importance of humility, and why empowering others is the hallmark of effective leadership.He discusses navigating imposter syndrome, the value of mentoring and sponsorship, and how intentional career decisions, including moves between large organisations, SMEs, and start‑ups shaped his path. Alistair also explores the evolving challenges facing professional services leaders today, from rising costs and talent pressures to AI, automation, and the need to balance profitability with wellbeing. With practical wisdom and honest reflection, this episode is packed with lessons for emerging and experienced leaders alike. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alistair Johnson 02:01 Alistair's Military Background and Early Career 09:12 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Corporate Roles1 6:14 Lessons from Startups and Challenges Faced 19:54 Finding a Role in Law Firms and Embracing New Opportunities 26:08 Leadership Lessons and Collaborative Work 27:09 The Importance of Empowering Teams 31:32 Career Transitions and the Role of Mentorship3 5:56 Navigating Challenges as a COO 40:36 The Evolving Landscape of Professional Services 46:54 Managing Stress and Prioritising Workloads 50:53 Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Professionals

    53 min

  5. FEB 9

    Ep. 88 Nicola Meritt - ''Resilience isn’t toughness it’s having space for things to go wrong'

    In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana welcomes Nicola Merritt, Founder & CEO of Cortus Advisory Group.Nicola shares her journey from growing up in the North of England in an entrepreneurial family to building and scaling a multi-office advisory firm. From selling handmade gifts at primary school to founding and leading a fast-growing professional services business, Nicola’s story is one of focus, discipline, and bold decision-making.Throughout the conversation, Nicola reflects on her early career ambitions, her formative years at KPMG, and the pivotal moments that led her to step away from partnership to launch her own firm during the COVID period. She offers thoughtful insights into modern leadership, the importance of culture, empathy, resilience, and why creating space to think is essential for long-term success.Nicola also speaks openly about confidence, motherhood, managing pressure, personal growth, and redefining what success truly means both professionally and personally. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for leaders, founders, and anyone navigating ambition alongside real life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nicola Merritt 02:05 Growing Up in the North: Early Influences 04:42 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Crafting and Selling 06:09 Education and Career Path: KPMG Experience 09:54 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 11:40 The Inflection Point: Launching Cortis Advisory Group 14:30 The Importance of Mentorship 17:07 Building Networks: Internal and External 19:03 Creating a Strong Company Culture 21:29 Listening to Every Voice in the Organisation 22:38 The Importance of Listening and Communication 23:24 Reflecting on Leadership Styles 24:33 The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership 28:09 The Role of Empathy in Leadership 30:35 Personal Growth and Work-Life Balance 34:04 The Importance of Self-Care and Recovery 37:40 Supporting Female Leaders and Advocacy 40:33 Challenges in the Industry and Future Outlook 43:03 Words of Wisdom for Young Leaders

    44 min

  6. JAN 26

    Ep. 87 Seema Jones- ''You have to take ownership of your career and decide what you want.''

    In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana welcomes Seema Jones, CFO & COO at Town Legal. Seema shares her journey from her upbringing in Manchester and Bolton to holding dual executive roles at a leading law firm. She offers candid insights on the transition from management to leadership, the power of networks, and the importance of resilience and continuous learning. Seema discusses her varied career across global corporations, SMEs, and the public sector, highlighting the value of adaptability, the impact of mentoring, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. She also reflects on the evolving landscape of professional services, including the rise of AI and the critical role of culture in attracting and retaining talent. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Seema Jones and Key Themes 01:50 Seema’s Early Life and Career Origins 02:46 Discovering Accounting 05:06 Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant 05:36 Moving into Industry 07:01 Life on the Trading Floor 07:49 Leadership Responsibilities in Manchester 09:33 Using Networks to Create Career Opportunities 10:33 Career Break and Family Priorities 11:21 Public Sector Experience and New Perspectives 13:26 Joining Towne Meagle as Finance Director 14:03 Combining the CFO and COO Roles 15:59 Adapting to the Legal Profession 17:49 Building a Strong Legal Sector Network 19:47 Ownership, Resilience and Leadership Mindset 23:22 Vulnerability, Flexibility and Career Choices 24:55 Transitioning from Management to Leadership 26:52 The Value of Mentoring28:13 Continuous Learning and Career Development 30:14 In‑Person Learning vs Remote Work 34:25 Volunteering and Work‑Life Balance 35:08 Key Challenges Facing Leaders Today 37:52 Culture, Retention and Attracting Talent 39:05 Legacy and Long‑Term Impact 40:12 Values, Integrity and Resilience 42:14 Taking Safe Risks and Trusted Advisors 43:30 Leading Across Cultures 45:05 Words of Wisdom for Future Leaders 46:00 Closing Reflections

    40 min

  7. JAN 13

    Ep. 86 Rhys Madoc- “Being a leader is not about knowing all the answers, but about making sure together we can get the solutions.”

    In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana welcomes Rhys Madoc, CEO of UHY International. Rhys shares his journey from a childhood steeped in the arts to leading a global accounting and consulting network, offering insights on leadership, culture, innovation, and the importance of continuous learning. Rhys discusses his transition from the world of theatre and television to international business, the challenges and rewards of building teams across cultures, and the evolving role of technology and AI in professional services. He also reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave and shares practical advice for aspiring leaders. ​ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rhys Madoc's Journey 01:21 Exploring Career Goals and Progression 04:21 The Importance of International Business 09:33 Cultural Significance in Professional Services 09:48 Networking in Professional Services 12:14 Leadership Development and Personal Growth 13:11 The Role of Mentoring in Career Advancement 14:23 Work-Life Balance and Stress Management 15:17 Addressing Imposter Syndrome 16:22 Challenges in Professional Services 17:23 Legacy and Words of Wisdom for Future Leaders

    42 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    Ep. 85 Connor Kinnear- ''Networking is about being authentic and making work fun.''

    In this episode of the Leaders with Ambition podcast, Connor Kinnear shares his remarkable journey from door-to-door sales to becoming the CMO of Passle. He discusses the importance of resilience, networking, and the challenges faced in marketing roles, particularly within law firms. Connor emphasizes the transformative impact of AI on marketing and the significance of hiring the right talent. He also offers valuable insights on managing stress and maintaining a work-life balance, concluding with words of wisdom for future generations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Connor Kinnear 02:25 Early Career and Sales Experience 06:53 Transitioning from Law to Business 09:28 Corporate Experience and Career Decisions 10:45 The Importance of Diverse Experiences 14:14 Moving to Diageo and Marketing Insights 18:36 Becoming CMO and Creative Freedom 22:01 Journey to Passel and Innovative Marketing Strategies 26:17 Personalized Marketing Strategies 27:48 The Birth of Passel 29:13 Transitioning to Sales Leadership 30:53 Navigating the Startup Environment 32:43 Focusing on the Legal Market 34:06 Building Trust and Relationships 34:55 The Importance of Networking 39:19 Managing Stress and Burnout 41:54 The Role of CMOs in Law Firms 46:29 Embracing AI in Marketing 48:44 Hiring and Retaining Talent 50:33 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations

    51 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ambition UK
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ambition UK
  • Show Website
    Leaders with Ambition