Leaders with Ambition

By Ambition UK

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 th... more

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FAQs about Leaders with Ambition:

How many episodes does Leaders with Ambition have?

The podcast currently has 89 episodes available.

Leaders with Ambition episodes:

February 09, 2026 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
...more
45min
January 26, 2026 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
...more
40min
January 13, 2026 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

...more
43min
December 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
...more
51min
November 17, 2025 Ep. 84 Koree Khongphand-Buckman - ''We’re all in it together. If you’re in it for yourself, you’re in the wrong group.
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
...more
51min
October 20, 2025 Ep. 83 Kelly MacKinnon - “Nothing replaces hard work. The climb never gets easier, it just gets different.”
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
...more
45min
October 06, 2025 Ep. 82 Jules Stott - ''Curiosity, creativity, and fairness - those are my guiding traits.”
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
...more
46min
September 22, 2025 Ep 81. Adam Grainger- ''Be open to change and ask for opportunities. The worst that can happen is someone says no.”
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
...more
50min
September 08, 2025 Ep 80. Emily Rogers- “A good client experience starts with a good employee experience.”
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
...more
33min
July 21, 2025 Ep 79. Terry Williams- “If you’re willing to try a wide variety of things you will have a career that is very unexpected and incredibly meaningful.”
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
...more
49min

FAQs about Leaders with Ambition:

How many episodes does Leaders with Ambition have?

The podcast currently has 89 episodes available.

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