​“Timing is everything,” or so goes the old adage. But, as Nicky Acuna Ocana’s guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition amply demonstrates, our choices also have everything to do with creating good luck!

As Chief Executive Officer at Wilkin Chapman Solicitors, Robin Simmonds has brought intentionality to every stage of his career development – which isn’t to say that he hasn’t also had the benefit of fortunate timing on his side!

He moved into the legal services realm (from his prior experience with corporate media) at a time when law firms were recognizing and poised to embrace the critical role that business management has to play.

Having secured an MBA degree, Robin was perfectly positioned to bring new strategies and practices to huge global operations like DLA Piper, where he was Head of Operations, and Baker McKenzie, where he was COO and Director of Operations for Africa.

You’ll learn on this episode about lessons learned along the way, including how it’s essential to network (even when you don’t feel like it!) and why emotional intelligence is a key ingredient when it comes to bringing teams along and cultivating healthy workplace cultures.

Robin shares career highlights, challenges and guiding principles applicable at every stage of your professional development. “A good chunk of luck is always required along the way,” says our guest. “But you can make your own luck if you put yourself out there, challenge yourself and add new strings to your bow.”