In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Julian Taylor, Senior Partner at Simmons & Simmons. Julian shares his unusual path into law, from studying history and working as a barrister to becoming a senior leader at one of the world’s leading international law firms. The conversation explores leadership, law firm culture, flexible working, partner success, and how firms can create environments where people prosper. Julian also reflects on mentoring, client relationships, and the future of the legal profession in a rapidly changing world.

Julian Taylor is the Senior Partner at Simmons & Simmons, an international law firm with offices across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the US. Originally called to the Bar, Julian later moved into private practice and built his career as an employment lawyer. Alongside his client work, he has held several leadership roles within the firm, including International Practice Head for Employment, before becoming Senior Partner. Julian is known for his people-focused leadership style, his advocacy for flexible working, and his strong focus on collaboration and culture within professional services firms.

Expect to Learn:

• How Julian unexpectedly moved from the Bar into private practice and built a successful legal career.
• Why culture, collaboration, and leadership matter so much in law firms.
• The importance of flexible working and how it helped Julian balance family life with career progression.
• What separates highly successful law firm partners from others in the profession.
• How AI and changing client expectations could reshape the future of the billable hour model.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [01:10] – Welcome to Beyond Billables & Introduction of Julian Taylor
• [04:22] – Why employment law: people, the crazy things people do
• [09:40] – Became international practice head for employment in 2016
• [15:01] – What makes a successful partner: understanding clients, solution-focused, drive
• [21:14] – Intervening when partners show bad behaviour
• [26:55] – Lateral success: fit with values, skills, sometimes recruitment mistakes
• [30:40] – Gender balance: from 10% to 33% female partners, female managing partner
• [37:40] – Best moment: phone hacking case
• [42:40] – Advice to younger self: worry better, don’t catastrophize
• [48:40] – Future factors: AI will kill the billable hour, move to output‑based billing
• [53:49] – Golden rule: focus
• [54:18] – Closing thanks and episode wrap‑up

Connect with Julian Taylor:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian--taylor/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simmons-&-simmons/
• Company’s Website: https://www.simmons-simmons.com/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
• Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

• Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with James Hacking, Co-founder and CEO of Kindleworth LLP. The conversation explores how and why top lawyers are choosing to launch their own firms, the realities behind law firm startups, and how the legal market is evolving. They also discuss private equity in law, the role of technology, and why specialisation and independence are becoming more attractive in today’s legal landscape.

James Hacking is Co-founder and CEO of Kindleworth LLP, a consultancy that helps launch and manage law firms. With nearly 30 years of experience in legal operations, including roles across HR, compliance, and business strategy, James has supported the creation of over 50 law firms globally. His work focuses on helping partners build high-performing firms while removing operational burdens so they can focus on clients and growth.

Expect to Learn:

• Why many partners are choosing to leave large firms and start their own practices
• The common fears around launching a law firm and how they are addressed
• How law firm startups can be profitable from an early stage
• The growing role of private equity and external funding in legal services
• Why specialisation and new firm models are shaping the future of law

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [00:54] – Welcome to Beyond Billables
• [01:54] – Introduction of James Hacking (Kindleworth)
• [05:24] – Signature Litigation and Three Crowns (2014)
• [09:43] – Host asks about worries
• [14:08] – Margins of 55‑65%, founders can earn more
• [19:30] – Exit questions – not yet seen in practice
• [23:54] – Larger partnerships find change harder
• [29:00] – Not in 12 months, but seems inevitable longer term
• [37:26] – US‑UK mergers creating opportunities for teams to leave
• [44:23] – AI as a positive driver for law firm founders
• [47:32] – US market prospects – opening an East Coast office
• [49:08] – Closing thanks

Connect with James Hacking:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hacking-376b32/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindleworth-llp/
• Company’s Website: https://kindleworth.com/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
• Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

• Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

In this episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Tom Cassels, Senior Partner at Linklaters, about how top litigators build and sustain successful careers. The conversation explores Tom’s unconventional path into law, the evolution of complex litigation, and how the profession is changing with funding models and AI. The episode also focuses on the human side of legal practice, including client relationships, leadership, and building strong teams.

Tom Cassels is a Senior Litigation partner at Linklaters, specialising in high stakes disputes, public law, and competition litigation. He began his career at Baker McKenzie, where he developed broad litigation experience before specialising through major cases such as the Camelot judicial review. Over time, he became known for handling complex, high profile matters and has worked with global clients across industries, including sports and international disputes.

• How strong client relationships shape successful legal outcomes
• Why commercial thinking matters more than pure legal arguments
• How litigation funding and class actions are changing the legal market
• What makes a successful law firm partner beyond technical skills
• How AI may increase the value of human judgement in law

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [01:03] – Welcome to Beyond Billables & Introduction of Tom Cassels
• [05:14] – Running cases unsupervised, then moving to Australia
• [09:40] – What makes a successful litigation partner
• [15:19] – Young lawyers afraid to pick up the phone
• [21:51] – AI and house‑buying analogy – trust in human judgment
• [27:51] – Law firms getting better at management over time
• [31:08] – Making sponsoring partners responsible for integration
• [36:40] – War story: Lewis Hamilton’s Belgian GP appeal (2007)
• [42:32] – Advice to younger self: less time in the bar
• [48:37] – Three non‑negotiable behaviours: respect, honesty, enjoyment
• [49:31] – Closing thanks and episode wrap‑up

Connect with Tom Cassels:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-cassels-8a0a538/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/linklaters/
• Company’s Website: https://www.linklaters.com/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
• Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

• Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Paul Thwaite, Senior Partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP. The conversation explores Paul’s journey from a non-academic background into law, his long career at a single firm, and his transition into leadership. They discuss what makes a successful law firm partner today, how the role has changed over time, and the growing complexity of legal practice. The episode also covers leadership challenges, lateral hiring success, firm culture, and the future impact of AI and private equity on the legal industry.

Paul Thwaite is the Senior Partner of Stephenson Harwood LLP, an international law firm with offices across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He joined the firm in 1992, became a partner in 2002, and built his career as a construction disputes lawyer. Over time, he moved into leadership roles, including co-leading the litigation group before being elected Senior Partner. Paul combines active legal practice with firm leadership and brings deep insight into law firm management, culture, and long-term career development.

• How the role of a law firm partner has evolved and become more complex
• Why culture and personality are key to lateral hiring success
• The difference between being a partner, a manager, and a firm leader
• How law firms measure partner performance beyond just billing
• The impact of AI and changing client expectations on legal work

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [01:08] – Welcome to Beyond Billables & Introduction of Paul Thwaite
• [05:16] – Never left the firm; became partner in 2002
• [11:18] – What makes a successful partner beyond billing
• [17:57] – Transition from client partner to group leader – different skill set
• [23:36] – Transition to senior partner (non‑executive role)
• [31:17] – Metrics: FCI (financial contribution) and wider contribution
• [38:30] – Best moments: winning pitches, seeing juniors become partners
• [46:33] – Advice to younger self: take more time off, protect mental health
• [51:30] – Private equity: independence and culture are paramount
• [56:37] – Golden rule: enjoy it – otherwise do something else
• [57:12] – Closing thanks and episode wrap‑up

Connect with Paul Thwaite:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-thwaite-b25b3135/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stephenson-harwood-llp/
• Company’s Website: https://www.stephensonharwood.com/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
• Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

• Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney interviews Darryl Cooke, Founder and Executive Chair of gunnercooke, a next-generation law firm that has grown to 16 offices across the US, Austria, Germany, Scotland, and England. Darryl shares his unconventional journey into law and how frustration with traditional law firm leadership pushed him to build a more flexible, entrepreneurial model that empowers lawyers to run their own practices while still collaborating within a shared firm structure.

Darryl Cooke also discusses gunnercooke’s rapid growth to more than 600 professionals worldwide and how the firm blends autonomy with collaboration. He shares his views on leadership development, coaching, and the growing impact of AI on legal services, reflecting on how the profession can evolve while staying focused on client relationships and meaningful work.

Expect to Learn:

• The inspiration behind starting gunnercooke and how it differs from traditional law firms.
• Why creating a positive and empowering work culture is crucial to success in a law firm.
• How AI is shaping the future of the legal profession, and the challenges it brings.
• The importance of building relationships as a key to being a successful partner.
• The value of coaching for lawyers and how it contributes to their long-term success.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [01:15] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Darryl Cooke
• [09:44] – From Industry to Private Practice: Discovering Business and Private Equity
• [13:03] – The Frustration That Built gunnercooke: Why Law Firms Are Badly Run
• [18:48] – A Father's Final Push: The Trigger to Start Something New
• [20:20] – Designing the Model: Freedom, Control, and the One Thing That's Different
• [28:56] – Lateral Hiring at gunnercooke: The VTO and Coaching Before Day One
• [33:47] – The Data on Coaching: Twice as Successful
• [37:05] – Innovation as a Value: Why Law Firms Are Afraid of Change
• [40:14] – AI at gunnercooke: Pricing, the "Co-Effect," and Developing Junior Lawyers
• [48:54] – Giving Back: The Bookshops and the Fight Against Social Isolation
• [52:21] – Advice to His Younger Self: Fail Quicker and Stay Positive
• [54:10] – One Golden Rule: Build Relationships
• [55:16] – Closing Remarks

Connect with Darryl Cooke:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryljcooke/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gunnercooke-llp/
• Company’s Website: https://gunnercooke.com/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
• Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

• Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Mike Francies about a remarkable legal career built across some of the world’s leading firms. From serving as Managing Partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP for over two decades, to now being a Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Mike reflects on leadership, private equity growth, and the evolution of global law firms. The conversation explores what it takes to build a top tier practice, lead through change, and stay relevant across different phases of a long career.

Mike has worked on some of the largest private equity transactions in Europe, mentored generations of lawyers, and served in senior leadership roles. He is also Chair of the Board of Trustees at Power2, reflecting his strong commitment to social mobility and mentoring beyond the legal profession.

Expect to Learn

1. How private equity law evolved from a niche practice to a dominant force in the legal market
2. Why judgement and client relationships matter more than technical brilliance alone
3. What makes lateral hires succeed or fail in major law firms
4. The realities of leading a London office of a global US firm
5. How AI is reshaping private equity law and the future of associate development

1. [00:00] – Teaser
2. [00:38] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Mike Francies
3. [04:37] – The Leap to Weil: Building a US Firm's London PE Practice
4. [12:37] – The Lateral Myth: Origination vs. Firm Clients
5. [18:09] – What Makes a Successful Partner? Hard Work, Judgement, and Playing Nice
6. [24:37] – Light-Touch Leadership: Managing Without a Capital
7. [30:05] – Measuring Success: The Holistic View Beyond Billables
8. [35:18] – AI in Private Equity: Efficiency, Clients, and the Future of Judgement
9. [43:11] – Highs and Lows: The FT Front Page Story
10. [49:46] – Advice to His Younger Self: Be Less Intense
11. [52:44] – One Golden Rule: Treat People as You Want to Be Treated
12. [53:33] – Closing Remarks

Connect with Mike Francies:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-francies-7bb6b64/
2. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sullivanandcromwell/
3. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Website: https://www.sullcrom.com/
4. Power2 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/power2org/
5. Power2 Website: https://www.power2.org/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
2. Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
3. Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

1. Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Listening Links:

1. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
2. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
3. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

In this episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Richard Medd, Managing Partner at Browne Jacobson LLP, a leading UK law firm. Richard shares his journey from a corporate lawyer to managing partner, highlighting the firm’s growth and transformation over the years. He discusses leadership, the importance of ownership, and how to foster a one-firm culture as the firm expands. The conversation also covers the challenges and opportunities of recruiting laterals and the role of AI and external investments in shaping the future of law firms.

Richard Medd has been with Browne Jacobson LLP for his entire career, starting as a trainee and working his way up to managing partner. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded to seven offices across the UK and Ireland, reflecting its national and international growth. Richard shares valuable insights into what makes a successful partner, how leadership differs from management, and how the firm's commitment to values and ownership drives its success.

Expect to Learn:

1. How ownership and accountability shape successful law firm partners.
2. The significance of aligning individual success with the firm's overall strategy.
3. Insights into integrating laterals and maintaining a unified company culture.
4. The impact of AI and external investment on the future of law firms.
5. Why leadership and management skills are crucial for law firm success.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

1. [00:00] – Teaser
2. [00:56] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Richard Medd
3. [03:54] – 26 Years at Browne Jacobson LLP: From Trainee to Managing Partner
4. [09:34] – One Firm Approach: Partnership Over Individualism
5. [14:54] – Transitioning to Leadership: From Corporate Partner to Managing Partner
6. [18:25] – Starting as Managing Partner During COVID: A Crisis Forged in Fire
7. [22:09] – Lateral Hiring: Art Over Science, Values, and Human Fit
8. [30:46] – Best Moments: Client Emotions, People, and the Annual Tour
9. [37:33] – Advice to His Younger Self: Listen More, Talk Less, and Don't Wait to Be Ready
10. [43:49] – The Future: AI, Private Equity, and Forcing Strategic Conversations
11. [52:00] – One Golden Rule: Own It Together
12. [52:38] – Closing Remarks

Connect with Richard Medd:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-medd-managing-partner/
2. Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownej/
3. Company’s Website: https://www.brownejacobson.com/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
2. Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
3. Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

1. Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Listening Links:

1. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
2. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
3. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Kirsten Hewson, Chair of Shoosmiths, the UK-founded full-service law firm with a growing international reach. Kirsten shares her journey from training at a local authority to becoming a planning specialist, partner, divisional leader, and now Chair of the firm.

Kirsten began her career in local government before moving into private practice, joining Shoosmiths as an associate around seven years qualified. Over time, she led the planning team, ran the real estate division, served on the elected partnership council, and was ultimately elected Chair. She is passionate about the built environment, long-term thinking, and helping partners and people across the firm grow and succeed.

1. Why technical excellence alone is not enough to become a successful law firm partner.
2. The difference between management and leadership in a modern partnership.
3. How transparency, communication, and resilience shape a strong firm culture.
4. Shoosmiths approach to AI, innovation, and preparing lawyers for the future.
5. What makes lateral hires succeed, and how to measure return on investment.

[00:00] – Teaser

[01:12] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Kirsten Hewson

[11:53] – What Makes a Successful Partner? Technical Skill Plus Emotional Intelligence

[15:54] – Transparency and Resilience: Leading Through Tough Markets

[20:38] – Private Equity: Informed, Not an Early Adopter

[31:22] – Lateral Hiring: The Concierge, the 100-Day Plan, and Measuring ROI

[40:41] – Integration: Who Owns It and How to Make It Seamless

[49:20] – Regrets: Believing in Herself Sooner and Keeping in Touch

[54:28] – One Golden Rule: Embrace Change with Positivity

[55:08] – Closing Remarks

Connect with Kirsten Hewson:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-hewson-84872514/
2. Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shoosmiths/
3. Company’s Website: https://www.shoosmiths.com/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
2. Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
3. Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

1. Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Listening Links:

1. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
2. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
3. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Aster Crawshaw, Senior Partner of Addleshaw Goddard. Aster shares his journey from studying history at university to leading a major international law firm with 21 offices across 16 jurisdictions. He reflects on his early career in private practice and in-house at EY, his path into partnership, and the experience of standing in a contested senior partner election.

He specialises in advising professional services firms on mergers, structuring and strategic transactions. Having worked both in private practice and in-house at EY Global, he brings a unique perspective on client relationships, governance, and law firm leadership. He was elected Senior Partner following a contested election process and now focuses on governance, culture, and deepening client relationships across the firm.

1. The three foundations of a successful partner: technical excellence, strong advisory skills, and leadership within the firm.
2. Why understanding a client’s business and audience is just as important as knowing the law.
3. What really drives successful lateral integration and why collaboration matters more than the original business case.
4. How AI and legal technology may reshape the relationship between in-house teams and external counsel.
5. The strategic considerations behind private equity investment in law firms and why capital alone is not a strategy.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

1. [00:00:00] – Teaser
2. [00:01:06] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Aster Crawshaw
3. [00:05:25] – The Path to Senior Partner: A Contested Election and a Fork in the Road
4. [00:15:41] – What Makes a Successful Partner? Technical Excellence, Advisory Skills, and Leadership
5. [00:23:03] – Transitioning to Leadership: From Project Management to People and Influence
6. [00:27:33] – Lateral Hiring: Measuring Success Beyond the Business Case
7. [00:32:46] – A Cautionary Tale: The Risk of Arriving with Too Much Work
8. [00:36:50] – The Future of Law Firms: AI, In-House Relationships, and Changing Demand
9. [00:42:43] – Funding the Future: Can Firms Afford the Tech Revolution Without PE?
10. [00:47:34] – Private Equity: Strategy First, Funding Second
11. [00:52:27] – Mentors Who Shaped His Career
12. [00:56:47] – Best Moments: Partnership and the Pannone Deal
13. [01:01:44] – One Golden Rule: Rely on the People Around You

Connect with Aster Crawshaw:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aster-crawshaw-92520024/
2. Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/addleshaw-goddard/
3. Company’s Website: https://www.addleshawgoddard.com/en/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
2. Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
3. Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

1. Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Listening Links:

1. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
2. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
3. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks to Dr. Sandie Okoro OBE, Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and previously Group General Counsel of Standard Chartered and also Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the World Bank. Dr. Sandie shares her inspiring journey from law student to a leading figure in international finance and her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and mentoring. They discuss leadership, career progression, and the importance of authenticity in becoming a successful leader.

Dr. Sandie Okoro has had an exceptional career as a lawyer and leader in both the private and public sectors. With a passion for mentoring, Dr. Sandie also became the first female Chancellor of the University of Birmingham. Her work has made a significant impact in championing diversity and inclusion, particularly in the global finance and legal sectors. In this episode, she shares her career insights and how leadership is about more than just technical expertise.

Expect to Learn:

1. The key qualities of successful leadership: authenticity, vulnerability, kindness, and vision for the future.
2. How Dr. Sandie Okoro’s journey to the World Bank and Standard Chartered reshaped her understanding of leadership and legal roles.
3. Her advice on integrating into new roles and organisations, focusing on listening, understanding culture, and managing relationships.
4. Dr. Sandie Okoro's impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion, from championing women’s rights to advocating for anti-racism initiatives at the World Bank.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

1. [00:00] – Teaser
2. [01:16] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Dr. Sandie Okoro OBE
3. [06:15] – Leaving Standard Chartered: Health, Reflection, and the Call from Birmingham
4. [14:14] – What Makes a Successful GC? Leadership Over Technical Skills
5. [19:58] – Leading Through COVID: Crisis, Speed, and Who Runs Toward the Fire
6. [22:57] – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Lifelong Commitment
7. [28:51] – The Gap Between Rhetoric and Reality: Listening to Staff of Colour
8. [33:38] – Defining Great Leadership: Lessons from Mark Smith and Jim Kim
9. [38:19] – Mentors Who Shaped Her: Mark Roig, Ken Olisa, and Aiming for the Impossible
10. [42:45] – The Future of Leadership: AI, Human Skills, and the Art of Diplomacy
11. [50:45] – Lateral Integration: The Critical First Weeks and Listening vs. Judging
12. [58:04] – The Golden Rule: 90% of What We Worry About Never Happens
13. [59:28] – Closing Remarks

Connect with Dr. Sandie Okoro OBE:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sandie-okoro-obe-9683884/
2. Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.sandieokoro
3. University LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-birmingham/
4. University Website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
2. Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
3. Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

1. Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Listening Links:

1. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
2. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
3. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l