Advertise on podcast: Leaders with Ambition

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Seema Jones and Key Themes01:50 Seema’s Early Life and Career Origins02:46 Discovering Accounting 05:06 Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant05:36 Moving into Industry07:01 Life on the Trading Floor07:49 Leadership Responsibilities in Manchester09:33 Using Networks to Create Career Opportunities10:33 Career Break and Family Priorities11:21 Public Sector Experience and New Perspectives13:26 Joining Towne Meagle as Finance Director14:03 Combining the CFO and COO Roles15:59 Adapting to the Legal Profession17:49 Building a Strong Legal Sector Network19:47 Ownership, Resilience and Leadership Mindset23:22 Vulnerability, Flexibility and Career Choices24:55 Transitioning from Management to Leadership26:52 The Value of Mentoring28:13 Continuous Learning and Career Development30:14 In‑Person Learning vs Remote Work34:25 Volunteering and Work‑Life Balance35:08 Key Challenges Facing Leaders Today37:52 Culture, Retention and Attracting Talent39:05 Legacy and Long‑Term Impact40:12 Values, Integrity and Resilience42:14 Taking Safe Risks and Trusted Advisors43:30 Leading Across Cultures45:05 Words of Wisdom for Future Leaders46:00 Closing Reflections

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 Maddock'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

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

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana welcomes Koree Khongphand-Buckman, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at Foley & Lardner. Koree shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in Wyoming to leading marketing and business development at a major law firm, offering insights on resilience, team leadership, and the power of mentorship. Koree discusses her transition from public accounting to legal marketing, the challenges and rewards of building high-performing teams, and the importance of collaboration and continuous learning. She also reflects on the evolving role of technology and AI in legal marketing, and the legacy she hopes to leave in the industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Career Journey 02:05 Transitioning from Accounting to Law 06:03 The Importance of Mentoring 09:02 Paying Mentorship Forward 12:00 Finding Passion in Legal Marketing 16:02 Building Relationships and Collaboration 20:47 The Generosity of the Legal Marketing Community 21:08 Transitioning to Leadership Roles 26:09 Navigating the CMBDO Transition 28:44 Building Relationships in Leadership 31:51 Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout 35:15 The Importance of Team Dynamics 37:22 Professional Development and Growth 41:33 Creating a Collaborative Environment 44:09 Adapting to AI and Technology in Law Firms 49:39 Legacy and Impact in the Industry 51:30 Words of Wisdom for Newcomers

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana sits down with Kelly MacKinnon, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Gibson Dunn. Kelly shares her remarkable journey from Olympic hockey hopeful to leading marketing and business development at one of the world’s top law firms. She discusses the lessons learned from elite sport, the importance of intentional career moves, and how she’s built a reputation for positivity, authenticity, and team leadership in the legal sector Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kelly McKinnon's Journey02:28 From Sports to Marketing: Kelly's Unique Path09:15 Finding Home in Legal Marketing11:37 Transitioning from Management to Leadership18:15 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship21:39 Investing in Yourself: The Role of Coaching24:20 Building a Strong Team26:51 Coping with Burnout and Imposter Syndrome31:09 Personal Qualities for Success35:09 Encouraging Continuous Learning36:43 Lessons from the Big Four40:42 Current Challenges in Law Firms44:38 Words of Wisdom for Success

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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jules Stott's Journey 01:55 Early Life and Resilience 04:22 Career Beginnings and Marketing Transition 07:27 Growth in Marketing and Business Acumen 10:01 Pivoting into Legal Marketing 13:27 Navigating the Law Firm Landscape 15:36 Consultancy and Career Reflections 17:47 Setting Goals and Achieving Success 20:05 Building Networks and Relationships 24:12 The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship 28:03 Leadership Evolution and Team Dynamics 33:40 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 39:49 Legacy and Impact in the Industry 44:56 Current Challenges and Future Opportunities 47:34 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana sits down with Adam Grainger, Chief Operating Officer at Baker Tilly International. Adam shares his inspiring career journey, starting out as a trainee auditor and evolving through leadership roles that have spanned continents. A defining chapter was his international secondment to the US, where he built skills and confidence that shaped the rest of his career. From mentorship and networking to the challenges of technology and change management, Adam offers practical insights on what it takes to thrive as a leader in professional services today. He also highlights the importance of creating psychologically safe workplaces and staying open to growth and new opportunities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adam Grainger's Journey 01:42 Career Beginnings and Early Experiences 07:09 Defining Moments and Career Decisions 15:58 The Impact of International Experience 21:26 Transitioning Back to the UK and New Roles 26:57 Embracing Change and Learning 32:47 The Importance of In-Person Connections 35:47 Building and Investing in Networks 46:21 Challenges Facing COOs Today 48:18 Words of Wisdom for Future Leaders

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana sits down with Emily Rogers, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Norton Rose Fulbright. Emily shares her inspiring career journey from growing up in New York, to pivoting from chemical engineering to communication design, to leading marketing at one of the world’s most respected law firms. Along the way, she reveals insights on leadership, team culture, personal branding, and the importance of wellness and community in professional success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Emily Rogers 02:00 Career Path and Early Experiences 04:28 Growth and Opportunities in Marketing 05:33 The Importance of Internal Sponsors 06:44 Transitioning from Managing to Leading 07:48 Building Diverse and Effective Teams 10:01 Navigating Mergers and Change 11:15 Creative Team Engagement Strategies 13:35 Remote Work Dynamics and Flexibility 15:09 Achieving the Chief Title 16:08 Time Management and Work-Life Balance 17:53 Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Team Wellness 18:46 Commitment to Community and Employee Wellness Initiatives 22:00 The Importance of Networking in Marketing and Business Development 23:48 Building Personal Brands in the Legal Industry 26:51 Challenges Facing CMOs in Law Firms 28:49 Career Highlights and Innovative Retreats 32:29 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations

When it comes to embracing opportunities – even those that are a stretch – authenticity is Williams’ superpower, as our guest explains to Host Nicky Acuna Ocana on this episode of Leaders With Ambition. His personal brand from the earliest days has been all about “yes” – an openness that moved him from Partner at a small law firm to a series of executive roles at the international insurer AIG and ultimately back to legal services, where today he serves as Global Head of Pricing, Legal Project Management, and Reporting at the powerhouse firm Hogan Lovells. Terry’s sustained advancement maps directly to his commitment to keeping it real throughout the journey – even while acquiring totally new, often challenging, skill sets.Discover how this native of New England, with no ties to international law or business, built a powerful global network - and what sets his leadership style apart. Says Terry: “If you have opportunities, take advantage of them. Take that next step up and your horizon line is a little further – a little higher – and you can see more things than you saw before.”As this dynamic executive traces his career path, you’ll uncover the key elements that propelled him from first-generation college graduate to respected mentor and global corporate success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Terry's Journey 02:08 Early Influences and Career Aspirations 06:23 Navigating Law School and Early Career 10:28 The Importance of Mentorship 12:23 Transitioning from Law Firm to Corporate 14:58 Embracing New Opportunities 18:51 Leadership and Team Dynamics 23:33 Feedback and Psychological Safety 30:03 The Role of Networking in Career Growth 35:32 Challenges in the Legal Industry 41:19 Reflections on Career Highlights and Wisdom

In his early days at university, our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition believed that accounting was all about maths. But what Matt Meadows quickly came to learn is that in fact accounting is equally about communication. By expanding his scope of understanding and commitment to client engagement Matt paved the way to a highly successful long-term career at Moore Kingston Smith, where today he is managing partner. His interest never waned over 28 years because opportunities to stretch just kept coming.“We wanted to be a corporate finance boutique and that’s what we created,” says our guest, “and it certainly enabled me to constantly be learning new skills and meeting new clients.” Find out how Matt’s leadership style combines his broad audit and corporate finance expertise with a very human-centric focus on networking and family life. Moore Kingston Smith places special emphasis on providing in-house mentoring as well as a clear path forward for aspiring team members with a desire to grow and advance their careers. It’s a workplace culture adapting to new technologies, taking on challenges within the professional services sector and retaining top talent. Find out how and why! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Matt Meadows' Journey 01:53 Navigating Early Career Decisions 07:05 Transitioning into Corporate Finance 12:30 The Path to Partnership 19:30 Managing Partner Responsibilities and Leadership 23:09 Adapting to Change and Growth in the Firm 23:27 Navigating Partnership Changes 26:52 Growth and Integration Challenges 29:06 The Importance of Continuous Learning 31:52 Mentoring and Coaching in Career Development 35:39 Networking and Building Relationships 40:01 Challenges Facing Managing Partners 43:45 Leveraging Technology for Client Interaction 44.45

Vanessa Torres “got it” early on. She understood that the business of law is all about providing tools to enhance the practice of law. As Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at Lowenstein Sandler, our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition defines how smart marketing and sales engagement deliver results for law firms and their clients alike. Vanessa also shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana reflections on having a strong, supportive Puerto Rican mom and an upbringing in predominantly white Indiana that prepared her well for a career in corporate spaces. Learn how an authentic, collaborative approach is central to the way Vanessa and her team engage with each other and how it benefits the lawyers and clients they serve. “I try to foster open dialogue with everyone I work with – not just my direct reports but everyone on my team and across the firm,” she says, “because people should be able to use their voice, be vulnerable and say they need help.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vanessa Torres 01:39 Vanessa's Journey to New York City 04:16 Transitioning from Law to Marketing 12:07 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking 17:32 Understanding the Business of Law 19:57 Exploring Professional Services at BDO 22:47 Innovative Marketing Strategies in Law Firms 25:30 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 28:06 Career Path and Growth in Marketing 30:45 Navigating Career Transitions 34:00 Leadership and Team Dynamics 36:42 Building Authentic Relationships 40:14 Paying It Forward: Mentorship and Growth 42:16 Challenges Facing CMOs in Law Firms 45:21 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations

Stephanie believes bringing our true selves to work is the only way to go. Why? Find out on this episode of Leaders With Ambition, which highlights her highly successful professional corporate journey and key lessons learned along the way. Host Nicky Acuna Ocana invites Stephanie to share how she found her footing as an Insolvency Professional and why she prioritises psychological safety, for herself as well as her teams.Stephanie reflects on her leadership style, a series of pivotal mentors and an ongoing commitment to learning amidst changing industry standards and demands. Learn how Stephanie promotes employee satisfaction (as well as retention) within a high-stress environment along with what’s on the horizon for the insolvency & restructuring sector as a whole. Above all, advises our guest: “Be your authentic self because you’re not going to do yourself any favours in the long run trying to fit into something that doesn’t feel right.”Chapters00:00 Introduction to Stephanie Larrivee01:52 Early Career and Choices04:20 Growing Up in New Zealand06:36 Transitioning into Restructuring09:20 Experience in Tax and Recovery Enforcement11:43 Moving to London and Adapting14:40 Becoming an Appointment Taker17:34 Current Role and Future Aspirations18:38 Mentoring and Sponsorship in the Industry21:16 Embracing Authenticity in Professional Growth22:42 Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace24:22 Building a Positive Team Culture25:50 The Importance of Networking and Relationship Building28:02 Navigating Industry Challenges and Changes32:40 Continuous Learning and Professional Development35:57 Leadership Development and Mentorship39:26 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations

​Our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition has made his name by deploying data-driven business development strategies within the evolving realm of professional services.Matt Dixon, co-founder of DCM Insights, shares with host Nicky Acuna Ocana the leading-edge, frameworks revolutionising BD practices within firm cultures that can tend to be resistant.“Partners don’t really like (sales) and find it unseemly,” says Matt, “but the market is very competitive and you are likely to lose out to another partner or firm out there fighting for opportunities.”Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Matt Dixon and DCM Insights01:54 Matt's Career Journey and Transition to Research07:59 The Rise of the Activator Program11:51 Changing Client Loyalty in Professional Services15:41 The Impact of AI on Professional Services19:45 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Mentorship24:04 Transitioning from Management to Leadership29:19 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Books30:06 The Power of Research and Publishing33:03 The Importance of Adding Value35:38 Transforming Professional Services with Activator39:44 Authenticity in Client Relationships43:18 The Rise of Activator in Law Firms47:15 Memorable Moments in Research and Business Building49:16 Staying Motivated and Inspired52:55 Future Directions for DCM Insights56:57 Words of Wisdom for the Future

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!

We’re all familiar with the career admonition to pay it forward, but our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition is also all about paying it back. William Washington III, Global Chief Financial Officer at Baker McKenzie, shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana how he surmounted transgenerational trauma to build an exemplary life.His tireless work ethic is the underpinning for consistent achievement as a non-traditional student, a Black man in white-dominated corporate spaces and as a mentor to those who, as he once did, are yearning for support.William highlights lessons learned about the power of vulnerability and inclusion as well as milestones that have shaped both his personal ethic and singular upward trajectory. He reflects on the drivers behind a deep hunger for excellence and the fierce effort to match.Learn about the importance of developing healthy habits – from sleep hygiene to targeted reading materials – and the transformational impact coaching can have when you’re ready to make a professional quantum leap.Today William oversees all finances for Baker McKenzie, including $3.5 billion of annual revenue across 46 countries. “It’s really about finding that opportunity,” says our Washington, D.C.-based guest. “Was I lucky? Was it serendipity? Was it a spiritual force? I think it’s all of that. But the key takeaway is to never give up – and look for that opportunity.”Chapters00:00 Introduction to William Washington III02:20 The Journey to CFO: Overcoming Challenges07:27 Finding Opportunities and Perseverance11:45 Intentionality in Career Development15:28 The Impact of Executive Coaching20:47 Leadership Through Authenticity and Vulnerability22:34 Paying It Forward: Mentorship and Community Engagement26:36 Giving Back: A Lifelong Commitment29:55 Prioritizing Time: The Key to Balance30:11 Career Growth: Embracing New Opportunities34:38 Leadership: Empowering Teams for Success37:39 Education: The Path to Opportunity42:02 Diversity and Inclusion: Building Stronger Workplaces46:30 Navigating Challenges: The Role of a Global CFO48:50 Words of Wisdom: Giving 110% in Every Role