Leaders with Ambition

Hosted by Ambition UK

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

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 Regional Managing Director of Ambition, an international recruitment agency specialising in business services recruitment (Finance, Accounting, BD, Marketing, Insolvency, Restructuring and Corporate Finance) in professional services firms.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

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

April 27, 2026Episode 9343 min

Ep. 93 Allyson Stewart-Allen- “If you don’t try it, you’ll never know what it could have been.”

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

April 13, 2026Episode 9243 min

Ep. 92 Kerri Vermeylen - ''Careers are built through experiences, not perfectly mapped plans.”

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

March 23, 2026Episode 9144 min

Ep. 91 Kathleen Ford - ''Networking is a skill that improves with practice.''

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

March 9, 202646 min

Ep. 90 Gillian Ward-''Everything in life happens for a reason, you might not know it at the time.”

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