Leaders with Ambition

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by John Babtie, Global Senior Director of Business Development for Practices & Industries at Reed Smith.

John shares his journey from corporate lawyer to business development leader, reflecting on the opportunities, relationships and career pivots that shaped his path. The conversation explores networking, personal brand, leadership, mentorship, sponsorship, team development, and what it takes to become a trusted advisor in professional services.

John also shares his thoughts on building high-performing teams, balancing career ambition with wellbeing, and how AI is shaping the future of legal business development.

Whether you're in legal marketing, business development, professional services, or looking to build a stronger career and reputation, this episode is packed with practical insights and leadership lessons.

🎧 Listen now and follow for more conversations with leaders across business, professional services, marketing, recruitment, and beyond.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:11 An unconventional career journey

03:36 The move that took John to Los Angeles

06:30 Why he left legal practice behind

07:44 Working directly with law firm leadership

09:47 Finding his place in legal BD

11:03 The coffee chat that changed everything

15:17 Managing pressure and avoiding burnout

18:14 How to know you've found the right career

19:14 Mentorship vs coaching vs sponsorship

22:57 Building high-performing teams

27:19 What's in the back of your T-shirt?

29:15 Why networking isn't as intimidating as you think

33:40 How to become a trusted advisor

36:00 AI and the future of legal business development

39:37 Work with people you admire

42:18 Navigating career pivots and imposter syndrome

44:35 John's advice for the next generation of BD professionals

46:39 The secret to long-term career success

47:33 Closing thoughts

Looking to advance your career or grow your team? Ambition is a leading international recruitment agency specialising in professional services.

Learn more at www.ambition.co.uk

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, Nicky welcomes Martin Brennan, Founder of Onside Accounting and ACCA Global Council Member, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, remote working, and giving back.

Growing up in Blackpool, one of the UK's most disadvantaged communities, Martin's journey is anything but conventional. From being encouraged by a school teacher to pursue accountancy, to taking a significant pay cut to start an accounting apprenticeship, to eventually founding his own successful accounting and tax firm during the pandemic, Martin shares the lessons, challenges and opportunities that shaped his career.

Together, Nicky and Martin discuss:

✅ Growing up in Blackpool and overcoming barriers to success

✅ Building a successful business during COVID-19

✅ Creating a thriving remote-first company culture

✅ Leadership, trust and employee engagement in distributed teams

✅ The realities of entrepreneurship and starting your own firm

✅ The impact of private equity on professional services firms

✅ AI and the future of accounting and professional services

✅ Networking, personal branding and career growth

✅ Supporting disadvantaged communities and paying success forward

✅ Why purpose and values matter more than ever in the workplace

Martin also shares practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, insights into scaling a business, and his vision for the future of the accounting profession.

If you're interested in leadership, business growth, entrepreneurship, remote work, accounting, or professional services, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

🎧 Listen now and discover how ambition, consistency, and a commitment to people can create extraordinary results.

Chapters

00:00 Intro Highlights

01:13 Welcome & Martin Brennan Introduction

03:33 From Blackpool to Accountancy

04:38 First Exposure to Private Equity

08:30 Moving to London & Career Growth

09:32 Why Tech Startups Changed Everything

10:20 Launching Onside During COVID

12:11 Starting a Business Without Fear

13:28 Financial Planning for Entrepreneurs

14:39 The Power of Networking

16:43 Building a Network & Winning Clients

19:24 Creating a Remote-First Culture

24:44 Founder Wellbeing & Avoiding Burnout

27:12 Protecting Employee Wellbeing

28:36 Private Equity's Impact on Professional Services

32:28 AI, Technology & the Future of Accounting

34:07 The Talent Shortage in Accountancy

36:30 Why the Tax Environment is Tough for Entrepreneurs

38:41 Giving Back & Supporting Disadvantaged Communities

40:14 Purpose, Charity & Company Values

42:45 What's Next for Onside?

45:49 Closing Thoughts

Looking to advance your career or grow your team? Ambition is a leading international recruitment agency specialising in professional services. Learn more at www.ambition.co.uk

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Nicole Petrie, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at Proskauer, one of the world's leading international law firms.

Nicole shares her remarkable global career journey, from growing up between Canada and Australia to becoming a senior executive leading marketing, business development, client growth, and transformation across some of the world's most respected professional services organisations. Beginning her career as a CPA with Ernst & Young before progressing through senior leadership positions at KPMG, Nicole reflects on the experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy and approach to leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Nicole discusses the importance of embracing change, navigating career pivots, and intentionally creating opportunities for growth. She shares how moving countries, industries, and functions throughout her career helped her develop resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of transformation. Her story highlights that careers are rarely linear and that confidence is built through action rather than waiting until you feel fully prepared.

Nicole also explores the critical role of sponsorship, mentorship, and continuous learning. Drawing on her experience as a certified executive coach, she explains how coaching skills have enhanced her leadership capabilities and enabled her to develop high-performing teams that thrive in periods of change and ambiguity.

The discussion looks at Nicole's transition from the Big Four into the legal sector, where she has successfully brought best practices from professional services into global law firms. She explains how the role of marketing and business development leaders has evolved significantly, with today's CMBDOs responsible for growth strategy, client experience, technology adoption, communications, data, reputation management, and transformation.

Nicole also shares her perspectives on building cultures of trust, creating psychological safety, fostering future leaders, and maintaining sustainable peak performance. She discusses the realities of stress and burnout in high-profile leadership roles and why leaders must be intentional about energy management, wellbeing, and setting the right example for their teams.

The episode also explores the future of legal marketing and business development, the opportunities presented by AI, the importance of commercial leadership within law firms, and why human relationships remain at the centre of professional success regardless of technological change.

This is an insightful and inspiring conversation for anyone interested in leadership, business development, legal marketing, transformation, coaching, sponsorship, career development, and building high-performing teams.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Nicole’s background
02:40 Growing up between Canada and Australia
03:53 Early career choices and international experiences
05:22 From accounting to business development and marketing
07:51 Global roles and international ambitions
09:48 Transformation work and cultural nuances
10:49 The importance of sponsorship and advocacy
12:19 Imposter syndrome and confidence building
13:48 The role of coaching and continuous learning
15:58 Transition into the legal industry and opportunities
18:42 Adapting strategies for law firms
20:36 Evolving roles of legal marketing and leadership
22:28 Building high-performing teams and culture
24:32 Networking and community building
29:06 From managing to leading with empathy
31:59 Continuous learning and personal development
34:24 Managing stress and maintaining peak performance
39:00 Work environment preferences and hybrid working
41:43 The future of the legal industry and technology
42:58 Creating value, visibility and influence
45:39 Words of wisdom for future leaders
47:20 Closing remarks

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Raya Blakeley-Glover, Chief Business Development & Client Officer, and Emma Lago, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Bird & Bird, the international law firm known for its focus on technology, innovation and future-facing legal services.

In this special 100th episode, Raya and Emma reflect on their career journeys, the leadership lessons that shaped them, and their recent promotions into newly created C-suite roles. They share how careers rarely follow a straight path, discussing their transitions from legal practice and communications into senior leadership positions and why embracing change has been central to their success.

Throughout the conversation, Raya and Emma discuss the importance of mentorship, sponsorship and coaching, explaining how advocates and role models helped them navigate career decisions, take on leadership responsibilities and build confidence. They also explore why curiosity, resilience and continuous learning remain essential qualities for long-term success.

The discussion provides a fascinating insight into Bird & Bird's leadership culture and the unique co-leadership model that underpins their partnership. They reveal how trust, communication, mutual respect and shared values have enabled them to work together effectively while bringing different strengths, perspectives and expertise to the table.

Raya and Emma also share their views on developing high-performing teams, creating opportunities for junior professionals and fostering inclusive environments where people feel supported, recognised and empowered to grow. They discuss the importance of giving people visibility, helping them build confidence and creating space for ambition.

The episode explores the future of legal marketing, business development and communications, including the growing impact of AI. They discuss why technology should be embraced as an opportunity, how client expectations are evolving, and why human skills such as creativity, relationship-building, communication and strategic thinking will remain more important than ever.

This is an inspiring conversation for anyone interested in leadership, professional services, career development, female leadership, mentoring talent, embracing innovation and building high-performing teams that deliver lasting impact.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode celebration

02:25 Emma and Raya's career journeys

07:28 Influences on leadership and role models

12:32 The importance of mentoring and sponsorship

15:07 Training, soft skills, and industry insights

20:27 The power of co-leadership and trust

25:46 Building high-performing, inclusive teams

31:52 Significance of promotion to C-suite

34:12 Challenges faced by women in leadership

36:58 Supporting health, well-being, and work-life balance

51:06 Words of wisdom for juniors and leaders

52:09 The future of legal industry and AI

53:14 Closing remarks and future outlook

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Julie McConnell, Business Development & Marketing Director at Brodies LLP, one of the UK's leading law firms.

Julie shares her inspiring and unconventional career journey, from growing up in the Scottish Borders and studying law and French at university, to practising as a lawyer in Scotland and Australia before making the bold decision to transition into business development and marketing. Her story is one of self-awareness, courage, resilience, and a determination to build a career that aligned with her strengths and passions.

Throughout the conversation, Julie reflects on the key moments that shaped her career, including the lessons she learned through sport, leadership opportunities at school and university, and her experience relocating across the world.

She discusses how her legal background gave her valuable commercial insight, but how recognising her strengths in communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking ultimately led her to pursue a career in business development.

Julie also shares the impact of mentoring, sponsorship, and learning from inspiring leaders throughout her career. She explains why being a "superconnector" has become one of her greatest strengths and how strategic business development teams can add real value to law firms by building relationships, connecting opportunities, and understanding clients' evolving needs.

The discussion explores Julie's leadership philosophy, including the importance of authenticity, empathy, flexibility, and creating environments where people feel recognised and empowered to succeed.

She candidly shares her experiences balancing leadership roles with motherhood, navigating personal challenges, and building resilience through difficult periods of her life.

The episode also looks at the future of legal marketing and business development, the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, how law firms can create future-ready teams, and why strong relationships and human connection will remain essential regardless of technological advances.

This is an insightful and honest conversation for anyone interested in leadership, legal marketing, career development, resilience, authenticity, and building a meaningful and successful career on your own terms.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Julie McConnell and her career journey
01:48 Early life, education, sport, and becoming Head Girl
04:21 Studying law and French at university
07:19 Choosing her first law firm and early career lessons
08:46 Moving to Australia and taking a career break
10:41 Landing a legal role in Australia
12:10 Transitioning from law into business development
14:43 Returning to the UK and joining White & Case
15:53 The importance of sponsorship and mentorship
16:50 Learning by osmosis and listening to great leaders
18:07 Strategic business development and client relationships
20:57 Moving to Brodies and stepping into leadership
23:49 Ambition, becoming a CMO, and career progression
26:04 Resilience, divorce, motherhood, and career growth
29:22 Authentic leadership and personal branding
32:20 Building team culture and recognising success
34:03 Restructuring the team and creating growth opportunities
35:48 Achievements at Brodies and key initiatives
38:19 Hosting international events and global collaboration
39:23 The evolving role of marketing and business development
41:03 Challenges facing legal leaders and the impact of AI
43:04 Building sector and client programmes with AI insights
44:26 Reverse mentoring and continuous learning
46:22 Work-life balance, wellbeing, and avoiding burnout
47:33 Role modelling authentic leadership
48:51 Words of wisdom for aspiring leaders
50:20 Closing remarks

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Vanessa Montero, Chief Communications Officer at Hogan Lovells Cadwalader.Vanessa shares her inspiring career journey, from working in her family's café at a young age to leading global communications, brand and marketing functions at one of the world's largest law firms. Her story is a powerful reminder that successful careers are rarely linear and that curiosity, resilience and a willingness to embrace opportunity can lead to extraordinary professional growth.Throughout the conversation, Vanessa reflects on the sponsors and mentors who helped shape her career and the importance of actively seeking out opportunities, feedback and development.

She discusses the impact that sponsorship had on her own progression and why she is passionate about paying it forward by creating opportunities for others.The discussion explores leadership, culture and the importance of building high-performing teams through collaboration, accountability and psychological safety.

Vanessa shares her perspective on the transition from manager to leader, explaining how leadership is ultimately about enabling others to succeed rather than focusing solely on personal achievement.A major focus of the conversation is the recent combination of Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader.

Vanessa provides fascinating insight into one of the largest law firm combinations in history, discussing the challenges, pressures and successes of leading communications and brand strategy through a complex global transformation delivered under an exceptionally ambitious timeframe.The conversation also examines networking, imposter syndrome, wellbeing, executive coaching and the evolving role of communications leaders in today's environment. Vanessa shares her views on talent, AI, global collaboration and why strong professional networks remain one of the most valuable assets throughout a career.This is an insightful and practical conversation for anyone interested in leadership, communications, legal marketing, career development, professional services and building the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond their comfort zone.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Vanessa Montero and her career background05:28 Early work experiences and lessons learned09:21 Deciding to pursue PR and communications16:15 The importance of sponsorship and mentorship23:20 Building a culture of feedback and openness30:22 Creating a high-performing, diverse team44:01 Managing the law firm merger and communication strategy52:35 Handling pressure and high-stakes projects01:10:10 The value of peer networks and psychological safety01:14:39 Networking tips and building authentic relationships01:21:32 Protecting well-being during intense periods01:25:55 Transition from manager to leader01:32:06 Paying it forward through sponsorship and mentoring01:38:49 Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence01:42:37 Dealing with uncertainty and change01:46:02 Current challenges in legal communications01:53:16 Personal development and continuous learning01:58:20 Words of wisdom for aspiring leaders

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Deborah Farone, an award-winning legal industry business development and marketing strategist, former Chief Marketing Officer at two of the world's leading law firms, and author of both Best Practices and Breaking Ground: How Successful Women Lawyers Build Thriving Practices.

Deborah shares her fascinating career journey, from aspiring to work in advertising and public relations, to becoming one of the most respected business development and marketing leaders in the legal industry.

Throughout the conversation, Deborah reflects on the power of persistence, the value of embracing career pivots, and how a chance experience working with a law firm client ultimately led her into legal marketing. She discusses the evolution of the legal marketing profession, the importance of building integrated business development and marketing functions, and the lessons learned from leading teams at elite global law firms.

The discussion explores the critical role of coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship in career development, particularly for women navigating professional services environments. Deborah also shares insights from the research behind her latest book, Breaking Ground, highlighting the different ways successful women lawyers build practices through authenticity, networking, and relationship-building.

The episode also examines the future of legal marketing, the growing influence of AI, the challenges facing law firm leaders today, and why continuous learning, curiosity, and strong professional networks are more important than ever.

This is an inspiring and practical conversation for anyone interested in legal marketing, leadership, business development, professional growth, and creating opportunities for the next generation of talent.

0:00 Welcome and introducing Deborah Ferron2:05 A press kit, two rejections, and her first break3:58 Getting into legal marketing and building it from scratch9:09 Cravath, and the Hermès job that got away13:54 Going solo: taking the consultancy leap15:22 The call from her first client16:26 Training and setting the standard20:19 Coaching, mentors and sponsors23:30 Founding the Legal Marketing Association25:47 Building networks that last29:40 Breaking Ground: the women behind the book33:01 Authentic business development35:18 Women in leadership and the "purple ghetto"39:07 AI and the changing role of marketing41:28 Staying fresh and getting out from behind the desk45:34 What firms are wrestling with now48:37 Final words of wisdom

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Rhys Calcott, Associate Director for Business Development and Marketing EMEA at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates.

Rhys shares his unconventional and highly intentional career journey into legal marketing, from leaving education early to earn money, to returning to university, travelling the world, and ultimately discovering the legal sector through a chance role in Australia that would shape his future.

Throughout the conversation, Rhys reflects on the power of being deliberate in your career choices, the importance of resilience in high-performing environments, and how building strong networks early can accelerate growth and opportunity.

He shares insights into his transition from management into leadership, how he builds high-performing teams, and why focusing on outcomes over outputs is critical in a competitive legal landscape.

The episode also explores Rhys’s passion for developing future talent, including his role in launching an apprenticeship programme at Skadden, and his belief in creating more accessible pathways into the profession for the next generation.

Rhys offers a candid perspective on navigating pressure, embracing AI as both a challenge and an opportunity, and why continuous self-reflection is essential to staying ahead in a fast-evolving industry.

This is a practical, honest, and forward-looking conversation for anyone building a career in legal marketing, leadership, or professional services.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rhys Calcott's Journey

02:08 Early Career Choices and Education

06:00 Discovering the Legal Marketing World

11:00 Intentional Career Moves in Law

12:25 Transitioning into Leadership

15:39 Coaching and Developing Teams

19:17 The Importance of Mentoring and Networking

22:31 Starting Networking Early

25:25 Embracing AI in Legal Marketing

28:47 Creating High-Performing Teams at Skadden

29:17 Building a Global BD Function at an Elite Law Firm

32:11 The Drive for Continuous Improvement and Innovation

34:11 The Importance of Resilience in High-Pressure Environments

36:53 Self-Reflection and Learning in Professional Growth

39:20 Finding Work-Life Balance in a Demanding Career

43:12 Creating Pathways for Future Talent in Law

49:23 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in BD Leadership

With over 25 years of experience spanning in-house leadership roles and consultancy, Dave shares a candid perspective on navigating non-linear careers, leading global teams, and building influence within partnership-led organisations.

From his early career in economic development during the tech boom to senior leadership roles at firms including Morrison & Foerster, Orrick, and Baker Botts, Dave reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership journey.

The conversation explores the realities of scaling teams, managing change, and the growing pressures facing CMOs today — alongside practical insights on networking, resilience, and protecting against burnout in high-performance environments.A standout theme throughout is the power of community. Dave shares how his global CMO roundtables have created trusted peer networks that enable leaders to step back, think strategically, and navigate complexity together.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Transformation

02:59 Dave's Career Journey in Legal Marketing

05:46 Navigating Mergers and Building Resilience

08:53 Transitioning to Consultancy and Family Considerations

11:54 Innovative Marketing Strategies in Law Firms

15:02 Managing Global Teams and Cultural Insights

20:58 Leadership Challenges in Diverse Environments

24:00 The Shift from In-House to Consultancy

27:37 The Journey of Publishing a Harvard Case Study

29:35 The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship

30:44 Transitioning from Management to Leadership

32:48 The Role of Networking in Career Development

34:51 Creating Global Networking Opportunities

39:12 Managing Stress and Burnout in High-Pressure Roles

40:23 Navigating Change and Building Resilience

44:45 Challenges Facing Marketing Leaders Today

48:28 The Importance of Strategic Thinking

50:40 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations

​In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Julie Chodos, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP, for a candid and far‑reaching conversation spanning leadership, non‑linear careers, and what it truly means to build and scale high‑performing teams in professional services.

Julie brings a distinctive perspective shaped by a career that crosses law, tech start‑ups, public companies, consulting, and global law firms. Beginning her professional journey as a lawyer, Julie reflects on the pivotal moments that led her to transition from legal practice into business development, consulting, and ultimately senior leadership roles within professional services firm.

Throughout the conversation, Julie shares how growing up as the eldest of five children in an immigrant family shaped her work ethic, resilience, and leadership style. She speaks openly about the importance of embracing risk, learning through doing, and valuing feedback — even when it is uncomfortable — as a critical driver of professional growth.

Nicky and Julie explore the realities of navigating complex partnership environments, scaling teams, leading change, and balancing commercial performance with culture and people leadership. Drawing on her experience at BDO, Freshfields, and now Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP, Julie offers thoughtful insight into how CMBDOs and senior business leaders can add meaningful value within law firms today.

The episode also delves into mentorship, sponsorship, and psychological safety — including why having a trusted peer group outside your firm can be just as critical as internal networks. Julie reflects on her long‑standing involvement with the Legal Marketing Association (LMA), highlighting the power of community, generosity, and connection in building sustainable careers.

This conversation is essential listening for professionals navigating leadership roles in law firms or professional services — particularly those embracing non‑linear career paths and change‑driven environments.Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Julie Chodos and Her Journey

04:02 The Unexpected Path to Law

06:07 Transitioning from Law to Tech Startups

09:34 Consulting Career and Growth at BDO

12:48 The Importance of Mentorship

14:39 Building Resilience in a Challenging Environment

16:10 Navigating Corporate Structures in Law

18:51 The Role of Business Acumen in Law

20:05 Imposter Syndrome and Taking the Leap

21:47 Current Role at Axinn and Collaborative Culture

22:31 Building Relationships in the Workplace

23:16 The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship

24:56 Networking in the Legal Community

28:00 Psychological Safety and Supportive Networks

29:46 Balancing Work and Personal Life

31:49 Navigating Change in Law Firms

35:00 Managing Multi-Generational Teams

37:35 Challenges Facing CMBDOs in Law Firms

39:49 The Evolution of C-Suite Roles in Law Firms

42:25 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations