Leaders with Ambition

When all is said and done, the basis of any successful career is believing in ourselves. That’s the message shared by Sadie Baron, Chief Marketing Officer at Reed Smith, who shares her fascinating journey on this episode of Leaders With Ambition. Without a university degree, she has climbed through the ranks of professional services firms due to her relentless work ethic, intuitive communication style and an array of savvy management practices.

Host Nicky Acuna Ocana elicits Sadie’s thoughts on everything from the difference between mentoring and coaching to strategies for combatting Imposter Syndrome. The conversation also covers the personal toll taken by the pandemic and how Sadie’s willingness to be vulnerable inspired solidarity and gratitude among her team.

You’ll learn about Sadie’s approach to work-life balance – which includes embracing the fact that there won’t always be equilibrium. It’s about choices, she says, and accepting inevitable consequences with grace and a sense of humour. Although her career took time away from some of her two children’s activities, she recognises that she has given her son and daughter an enduring and inspiring example of the power of growth, curiosity and engagement.

In her role both as a Chief Marketing Officer and board member at the Legal Marketing Association, Sadie motivates others through her emphasis on authentic communication and candour with kindness. She has also developed a well-articulated set of management principles that include:

​In wrapping up the episode, Sadie reflects on her career’s many highlights, as well as challenges. She encourages a growth mindset to keep things fresh (up to and including a change of job venue) and emphasises the critical importance of seeking help from mentors and coaches. The networks we cultivate in many ways determine the quality of our professional journeys. “I’m a girl from Norfolk with no degree who looks after a $1.4 billion+ global law firm with a team of 100+ around the world,” says Sadie, whose future is clearly boundless!

The career of Francis Mainoo, Head of Sales at Moore Kingston Smith, illustrates the power of possessing a growth mindset. Whether out on the field as an Army Cadet or as a candidate at Harvard’s Executive Programme, Francis embraces every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Francis has also been willing to fail, knowing that his support network will always be there to lift him up - as he too lifts up others coming through the ranks.

On this episode of Leaders With Ambition, we learn about Francis’ focus, determination, positivity and vision for what might be achieved, not just on the job, but across society. It has all been part of a learning journey that has taken him through a series of demanding roles at firms such as EY and Merrill Lynch. Francis’ many successes have been achieved by challenging existing sales channels and strategies and identifying ways that businesses can enhance their marketable activities.

One of the superpowers that Francis shares is his openness to vulnerability, whether in playing the role of trusted advisor to clients or himself relying on advice from others. “Don’t try to be the smartest person in the room,” says Francis, who was raised by strong, wise women who guided and empowered him. “You should want to be in a room where you can learn and grow.”

Francis has reached one career peak after another by working hard and – as importantly – bringing his most authentic self to every interaction. You’ll enjoy hearing about his passion for serving as a mentor to others, fostering equity, diversity, inclusion and a rich web of colleagues who, like Francis, will go on to pay it all forward again and again.

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, Nicky’s guest, Moira Slape, Chief People Officer at Travers Smith, shares lessons learned over a highly successful career.

From legal secretary to the highest ranks of decision-makers, Moira has carved her own path by leveraging several key traits - most notably an incredibly strong work ethic. It has been a journey full of constant learning and development, which Moira unpacks over the course of this fascinating discussion.

Moira explains why trusting one’s instincts is critically important and why hiring people from diverse backgrounds is a corporate super-power - something she understands intuitively because of her own working-class roots.

In this episode, you will appreciate Moira’s practical tips for navigating career transitions as well as her thoughts on the importance networking and mentorship (both giving and receiving).

Above all, it’s clear that Moira loves what she does and has thrived in the management of people because she brings to her work both a great capacity for empathy and an unwavering authenticity.

​If you’re someone for whom the traditional university path hasn’t been the right fit, then this episode of Leaders with Ambition will speak directly to you.

Nicky’s guest, Caroline Allen-Monaghan, shares the unique route she took to managing a global team as Director of International Accounting at a premier law firm. It’s a success story that Caroline could not have anticipated when she dropped out of University with no career plan or preparation in place.

You’ll enjoy sharing the inspiring journey that this mother of four has navigated on her way to Arnold & Porter. Caroline built her credibility incrementally, one step at a time, from one firm to the next. At every juncture, however, two things remained consistent: An abiding belief in herself and willingness to knock down barriers.

Caroline shares some brilliant words of wisdom about the power of bolstering ourselves in those moments of self-doubt and, she says, make no mistake, we all experience wobbly confidence from time to time.

Today, one of the things Caroline enjoys most is paying forward the kind of mentoring she received early – support without which she might never have stuck with her dreams and completed the 14 exams necessary to secure her coveted ACCA qualification. It was a moment in which – after all the tireless work – Caroline felt the gratifying power of having achieved something that no one could ever take away.

In addition to talking us through her career highlights, Caroline also shares thoughts about work-life balance and lessons learned during pandemic. She offers practical advice about defining one’s roadmap to success, even if it’s not based on a traditional trajectory, and committing to doing the hard work, even when it requires sacrifice.

Caroline's story offers us permission to break from narrow, traditional paths in order to claim our best and most authentic selves. Or, to quote Caroline: “Don’t face barriers. Run through them!”

​Have you ever felt self-conscious at a networking event? For Roy Sexton, it has been a journey from standing awkwardly at his first Legal Marketing Association conference some years back to now being the organisation’s President-elect.

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, Nicky elicits fascinating insights from this dynamic marketing professional whose unique path to leadership within the legal services sector was paved by hard-won wisdom and empathy.

As Director of Marketing at Clark Hill Law, Roy always operates with authenticity in mind. Whether as boss, mentor or colleague, he makes a point of always bringing his authentic self – which includes a sense of humour, self-deprecation and willingness to speak his mind.

While some of these skills came organically – through Roy’s theatre background and upbringing – he also notes the influence that early leadership training has had on him, as well as the networking abilities he cultivated while studying for his MBA and during his career.

In this episode, Roy shares his career highs as well as challenges both past and heading into his term presiding over the Legal Marketing Association. We get a glimpse into his professional experience as well as thought-provoking views on the nuances of diversity, equality and inclusion. From how to overcome Imposter Syndrome to how the pandemic has affected law firm culture to the fine line between confidence and arrogance, this jam-packed hour of conversation will leave you with interesting insights and helpful advice.

This episode of Leaders with Ambition features Rosie Le Gros, Global Business Development Director at Kennedys, who shares insights from her professional journey. Her focus and impressive track record are built on a fundamental desire to make a positive impact, even at the risk of disrupting the status quo.

Rosie walks us through her earliest career moves. Back then, she had no idea that a random junior-level marketing role would catapult her into Ernst & Young’s massive global organisation or how a decision to move into legal services would result in an acquisition that has helped to open doors for her ever since.

Rosie has held a series of transformational roles at Kennedys, prepared at every juncture by the flexibility and adaptability she learned through her early career experiences. “Every role I’ve worked in has taught me something or set me up in a better way for the next opportunity,” says Rosie.

Rosie understood early on that it was okay — even desirable — to stretch outside her comfort zone and raise her hand eagerly for every opportunity. She advises aspiring leaders constantly to be scanning the horizon for gaps to be filled, projects to be undertaken. If you don’t see an initiative? Create one on your own!

Progression up the corporate ladder doesn’t always require a change of employers. To the contrary, Rosie believes institutional knowledge can lead to fantastic niche positions based on credibility and trust among key executive stakeholders.

And being a working parent? Rosie reflects on how the experience has made her a stronger leader, and not just because the juggling requires prioritising and great time management. What she found equally clarifying was the chance to step back, look at the bigger picture of where she was in her career and what she was bringing as a leader. She is laser-focused on setting expectations and encouraging open communications among team members. As Rosie says, “You can be inspired by people all around, sideways, above and below.”

Among the tips Rosie offers for young professionals looking to move through the ranks:

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, Nicky’s guest demonstrates the power of passion, self-awareness and continuous growth. Senior Client Development Manager at Eversheds Sutherland, Dominic Ayres, shares both big-picture advice and foundational tactics for building and sustaining a career fuelled by genuine passion.

Among other things, you’ll learn tips and insights from his new book, "How to Advance Your Career in Professional Services Marketing: Be More Purposeful and Strategic with Your Career Direction." It’s the book he wished he could have referenced when he was just starting out as an aspiring marketer fresh out of university.

Dominic also offers up thoughts on work-life balance, the importance of intentional self-development and following your passion. His digital marketing expertise has been a differentiator, but it’s also a discipline that's constantly changing. You’ve got to constantly be seeking knowledge, advises Dominic, whether through podcasts like Leaders With Ambition, books, white papers or mentors.

Enjoy this lively conversation and if marketing is your passion – as it certainly is Dominic’s – then check out his playbook, which contains everything you’ll need to know on your way to becoming a CMO.

This episode of Leaders with Ambition illustrates the power of being open to and taking advantage of opportunities.

Verity Jackson-Grant, Head of Marketing and Business Development - Pricing at Simmons & Simmons, has enjoyed the chance to create and successfully pitch a job spec and business case tailored to her specific strengths and interests.

How did she secure that opportunity? Through a mix of a positive attitude that has opened doors throughout her career and by constantly adding value and looking at what needs to be done in a firm, being busy – but never too busy to take on whatever task that requires attention.

Verity started her career very much at random, falling into the burgeoning field of After-the-Event (ATE) insurance. She then went on to work in business development in law firms, where her teams have worked in a variety of client-facing capacities.

Her willingness to take on any task and turn challenges into opportunities has played a big part in her success. Her approach frames business development and marketing functions not just as administrative add-ons but as value-add profit centres.

When it comes to making inroads or, as Verity did, building a business case for the niche you would ideally like to fill, there is no underestimating the power of internal champions. Over the course of her career Verity has worked to bring on board sponsors who understood her mission and ROI. She shares with Nicky details of her philosophy on “the juggle” (i.e. co-equal commitments to career and family) as well as the pleasure she takes in mentoring younger colleagues while coaching more senior Partners on the constantly evolving landscape for legal business development and marketing.

Verity loves her work and has great advice to share, which will apply no matter what sector you work in!

This episode of Leaders With Ambition features Bridget Uebel, a Marketing and Business Development professional whose unique mix of traits and skills have flourished on a global stage.

As a Global Business Development and Marketing Leader, Bridget brings a rare depth of experience to leadership within the realm of legal services. As she explains to Nicky, the road has been varied, exciting and challenging in all the best ways.

Bridget began her career in publishing, which was ultimately a gateway to Hong Kong – where she spent the next 16 years studying various cultures (professional and personal), refining her ideas about effective communications and eventually taking a leap into overseeing legal marketing services for international law firms interested in upping their game in Asia. 

It was an exciting transition that, over time, Bridget leveraged into an ever-bigger role as a trusted advisor and customer-facing member of the team.The work was stimulating and fulfilling, but Bridget finds that even the most compelling of careers can use a break now and again. In her case, the birth of her child presented the perfect opportunity to press pause, pursue a fine arts degree and catch her breath. When she felt ready to shift her work-life balance back towards legal services – work she had missed – her strong track record and robust network paved the way.

While her trajectory has included multiple roles with a variety of firms spanning responsibilities in the U.K., U.S., Europe and Asia, the things that have driven Bridget’s success have remained consistent throughout. Those foundational building blocks include:

She also shares career highs, as well as strategies to address some of the most common workplace challenges.Enjoy a conversation packed with details about the innovations and lessons that have defined Bridget’s marketing communications and business development career.

​In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, Nicky’s guest, Rippan Vig, Director of Client & Strategic Development at Watson, Farley & Williams, shares her fascinating career journey that demonstrates the fluid way in which careers can evolve.

Rippan has taken her law degree and related skills in unanticipated directions.

How has she done it? By staying open, being authentic and bringing her best self to every professional scenario. She has successfully navigated two careers in different sectors (legal and finance), all the while acquiring skill sets that were complementary to both.

By tuning in to her affinity for business development, marketing and client relationships, Rippan was able to forge her own career path and today enjoys a workplace culture that fosters openness and supports her leadership style.

Tune in to learn more about the key elements that have shaped Rippan’s career trajectory and that could positively impact your own.