Leaders with Ambition

Hosted by Ambition UK

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103

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Oct 2026

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About the show

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 their success, the challenges they face and to find out what traits make a successful leader. About the host: Nicky Acuna Ocana is the President of Ambition Americas, UK & Europe, an international recruitment agency specialising in business services recruitment (Legal Finance & Accounting, Audit, Tax, BD, Marketing, Insolvency, Restructuring and Corporate Finance) in professional services firms.

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October 19, 2026Episode 10347 min

Ep. 103 John Babtie - "You're building your personal brand all the time."

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

October 5, 2026Episode 10245 min

Ep. 102 Martin Brennan - ''Networking compounds just like an investment."

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

September 22, 2026Episode 10145 min

Ep 101. Nicole Petrie- "The strongest relationships are built when you're genuinely curious about people."

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

September 7, 2026Episode 10055 min

Ep. 100 Raya Blakeley-Glover & Emma Lago - "Resilience is key. Keep going.''

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

August 24, 2026Episode 9946 min

Ep. 99 Julie McConnell- ''Don't be afraid to be yourself and always back yourself.''

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

August 10, 2026Episode 7241 min

Ep. 98 Vanessa Montero- "The person that's going to be most invested in your career is you."

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

July 20, 202651 min

Ep. 97 Deborah Farone - ''When all things fail, persistence prevails."

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

July 1, 2026Episode 9548 min

Ep.96 Rhys Calcott - “The career is in your hands; every choice you make has an impact.”

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

June 8, 2026Episode 9350 min

Ep. 95- ''Dave Harvey- “Networking, networking, networking — the earlier you start, the better.”

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

May 11, 2026Episode 9445 min

Ep. 94 Julie Chodos- “Feedback is a gift - if people think you can take it, they’ll tell you more.”

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