Leaders with Ambition

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Allyson Stewart‑Allen, Founder and CEO of International Marketing Partners, for a wide‑ranging and deeply insightful conversation on international careers, professional services leadership, and the realities of global growth.

A globally recognised authority on the internationalisation of professional services firms, Allyson brings decades of experience advising leaders across legal, consulting, accounting, and advisory businesses.

Originally from Los Angeles and now based in London, Allyson shares how early exposure to international life — including growing up in Munich and studying languages — shaped her worldview and ultimately her career.

Allyson reflects on her professional journey from PwC, PA Consulting Group, and Hay Group to founding her own consultancy in the early 1990s. She speaks candidly about recognising early on that traditional corporate environments weren’t where she did her best work — and the courage it took to build something of her own.

The conversation explores Allyson’s bestselling book, Working with Americans, written in response to years of being asked the same cross‑cultural questions by global leaders.

Allyson explains how the book came to life, why cross‑cultural understanding is still widely misunderstood, and how global firms continue to underestimate the complexity of international expansion.

Nicky and Allyson also unpack the real differences between mentoring, sponsorship, and executive coaching, drawing on Allyson’s experience as both a mentee and mentor.

3Allyson shares why mentorship has been particularly influential in her career — and why sponsorship is often the missing ingredient for progression in professional services.

The episode also dives into the biggest challenges facing leaders in professional services today, including global‑versus‑local tensions, leadership transitions from technical expert to firm leader, and the growing importance of culture, people leadership, and adaptability.

Allyson offers thoughtful, practical insight from her work with senior partners, CMOs, and leadership teams across international firms.

This episode is essential listening for professionals navigating international careers, leadership transitions, and growth within professional services environments.

​Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Allyson Stewart-Allen

01:57 Allyson's Journey and Background

09:02 Career Path and Professional Growth

16:08 The Process of Writing a Book

19:41 Broadcasting Experience and Public Speaking

23:56 Mentoring, Sponsorship, and Coaching

24:17 The Value of Mentoring and Coaching

26:07 The Importance of Sponsorship in Career Development

28:33 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurial Life

32:20 Networking: Building Relationships for Success

34:57 Consultancy Work and Its Impact

37:50 Challenges Facing Leaders in Professional Services

41:13 The Evolution of Leadership in Modern Times

42:47 Taking Risks and Embracing Opportunities

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Kerri Vermeylen, Chief Marketing Officer at Sidley Austin LLP, for an honest and reflective conversation on leadership, career evolution, and building a long‑term career in legal marketing.

Kerri shares her unconventional journey from growing up in the Midwest United States to studying and living abroad in Oxford and France — experiences that sparked a lifelong connection to Europe and ultimately led her to build a global career from Brussels.

What began as a short study stint evolved into a 30‑year international chapter shaped by curiosity, courage, and openness to opportunity.

She reflects on the pivotal moments of serendipity that shaped her career — including a chance dinner conversation that led to her first role in a law firm — and how saying yes to unfamiliar environments helped her discover where she thrives: in fast‑paced, intellectually demanding, people‑driven organisations.

Throughout the conversation, Kerri offers thoughtful insight into the transition from management to leadership, leading international and remote teams, and how global roles require adaptability, trust, and cultural awareness.

She speaks candidly about the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and peer networks, as well as the role executive coaching and feedback have played in her growth.

The discussion also explores the realities of sustaining a demanding global role — from managing travel and time zones to protecting energy and preventing burnout — alongside Kerri’s grounded perspective on work‑life “balance” as an ongoing recalibration rather than a fixed state.

Kerri also shares her take on the evolving profession of legal marketing, the accelerating pace of change driven by technology and AI, and why curiosity, good questions, and human judgment will remain critical to leadership success.

This episode offers practical, reassuring insight for marketing and business development professionals navigating growth, change, and leadership — particularly within professional services environments.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kerri's Journey

02:15 Early Life and Education: A Foundation for Growth

09:49 Career Beginnings: Serendipity in Legal Marketing

16:09 Transition to Europe: Embracing New Opportunities

19:21 Finding Passion in Legal Marketing

23:15 The Evolution of Legal Marketing and Future Trends

24:23 Transitioning from Management to Leadership

26:35 Balancing Work and Family Life

29:29 Finding Personal Balance and Avoiding Burnout

32:35 The Importance of Mentorship and Career Intentionality

36:40 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

39:05 Navigating Change in the Legal Industry

41:48 Cultivating a Positive Workplace Culture

43:40 The Power of Curiosity and Asking Questions

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Kathleen Ford, Director and Head of Global Communications at Kearney, for an open and insightful conversation on leadership, career development, and the evolving role of communications.

Kathleen shares her unconventional career journey from studying history and interning on Capitol Hill to working in public affairs, agency life, and ultimately building and leading a global communications function at a top management consultancy.

She reflects on the idea of a “career patchwork” — where every experience, skill, and challenge contributes to a broader leadership quilt — and how adaptability, curiosity, and saying yes to opportunities have shaped her path.

Throughout the conversation, Kathleen speaks candidly about mentoring and coaching, navigating imposter syndrome, building confidence through executive coaching, and the responsibility leaders have to create space for others to grow.

The discussion also explores the modern challenges facing communications professionals, including the rise of AI, declining email engagement, and the need to constantly evolve while protecting authenticity and human voice. Kathleen’s mantra — “keep evolving and make it compelling” — runs through the episode as a guiding principle for future‑focused leadership.

This episode offers thoughtful, practical insight for communications, marketing, and professional services leaders at all stages of their careers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Authentic Leadership

01:21 Kathleen's Career Journey

06:16 Transitioning Roles and Responsibilities

10:43 Building a Communications Team

15:26 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19

17:51 Managing Stress and Burnout

21:31 The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship

22:19 Navigating Career Opportunities and Mentorship

24:21 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Confidence

27:44 The Importance of Networking in Professional Growth

31:55 Leadership Philosophy: Supporting Others to Succeed

33:43 Adapting to AI in Communications

38:53 The Value of Personal Branding

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Gillian Ward, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Reed Smith.

Gillian shares her remarkable career journey from growing up in a small town in South Yorkshire to leading global marketing and business development functions at some of the world’s most prestigious international law firms.

Starting her career in the steel and engineering industries, Gillian made a bold and unexpected transition into legal marketing, a move sparked by a chance conversation on a plane that ultimately shaped the rest of her professional life.Throughout the conversation, Gillian reflects on the power of mentorship and sponsorship, the importance of building trusted networks, and the courage required to take risks before you feel ready.

She speaks candidly about navigating imposter syndrome, leading through complexity, and what it truly means to move from management into leadership.

The episode also explores Gillian’s instrumental role in helping to establish the Legal Marketing Association (LMA) in London and Europe, her experience leading transatlantic teams across the US, UK, and Europe, and the realities of running global businesses in markets that are culturally and commercially very different.

Gillian also shares deeply personal reflections on balancing a demanding international career with motherhood, raising twins while travelling extensively, and the sacrifices and rewards, that come with ambition. This is an honest, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation for anyone navigating leadership, growth, and global careers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gillian's Journey

02:52 Career Transition: From Engineering to Legal Marketing

05:30 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking

08:08 Building Relationships with Managing Partners

10:56 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

13:33 Creating a Supportive Network

16:35 Establishing the Legal Marketing Association in Europe

19:17 Navigating Global Roles and Cultural Differences

22:01 The Impact of COVID-19 on Leadership

24:50 Balancing Career and Motherhood

27:39 Challenges and Opportunities for CMOs in Law Firms

30:27 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana welcomes Alistair Johnson, an experienced Chief Operating Officer and senior change and transformation leader whose career began in the British Army before spanning technology, consulting, and professional services.

Alistair shares his journey from a formative start at Sandhurst and operational tours in the British Army to senior leadership roles within large, international organisations and leading law firms, including Clifford Chance and RPC.

He reflects candidly on how early exposure to leadership under pressure shaped his people‑first philosophy and his ability to remain calm in high‑stakes environments.

Throughout the conversation, Alistair offers powerful insights into the transition from management to leadership, the importance of humility, and why empowering others is the hallmark of effective leadership.He discusses navigating imposter syndrome, the value of mentoring and sponsorship, and how intentional career decisions, including moves between large organisations, SMEs, and start‑ups shaped his path.

Alistair also explores the evolving challenges facing professional services leaders today, from rising costs and talent pressures to AI, automation, and the need to balance profitability with wellbeing.

With practical wisdom and honest reflection, this episode is packed with lessons for emerging and experienced leaders alike.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alistair Johnson

02:01 Alistair's Military Background and Early Career

09:12 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Corporate Roles1

6:14 Lessons from Startups and Challenges Faced

19:54 Finding a Role in Law Firms and Embracing New Opportunities

26:08 Leadership Lessons and Collaborative Work

27:09 The Importance of Empowering Teams

31:32 Career Transitions and the Role of Mentorship3

5:56 Navigating Challenges as a COO

40:36 The Evolving Landscape of Professional Services

46:54 Managing Stress and Prioritising Workloads

50:53 Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Professionals

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

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

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

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