Leaders with Ambition – Details, episodes & analysis

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Leaders with Ambition

Ambition UK

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/19d. Total Eps: 96

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.

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🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
16/07/2026
#86
🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
07/07/2026
#92
🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
16/04/2026
#87
🇫🇷 France - careers
15/04/2026
#79
🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
10/04/2026
#96
🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
07/02/2026
#94
🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
31/01/2025
#63
🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
23/01/2025
#98
🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
26/12/2024
#88
🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
25/12/2024
#62

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickyacunaocana/
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-staunton-4b369019/
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Score global : 43%

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Ep. 65- Alex Liddle, ''Anytime I get told that I can’t do something, I do it and prove that I can do it. It brings a smile to my face!”

Monday, December 16, 2024 • Duration 50:33

Our guest’s anecdote about learning to “dress for success” as an aspiring executive will no doubt resonate with Leaders With Ambition listeners. Alex Liddle, who today is Sales Director for EMEA at PwC, explains how he learned early that presentation matters when it comes to establishing oneself as a serious player. But his stalwart commitment to sporting a suit and tie is just one of the multiple ingredients that explain Alex’s rise through the ranks. A native of Spain, he has also leveraged his inquisitive, extroverted nature and the relationship-building skills he cultivated as a young boarding school student in England. Alex shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana his professional highlights and challenges as well as words of wisdom Key Takeaways Starting out About the unique set of variables that brought a native of Spain to a UK boarding school, an unlikely college major and a successful and varied international sales career. Allied interests How professional services and legal services have enabled Alex to leverage both his operational and business development skill sets. No secret Why sales is coming out of the shadows to claim the significant contribution it makes to the overall bottom line at legal as well as professional services firms like PwC. Career transition How Alex navigated his move from oil and gas to professional services – with similarly bright casts of characters but very different organisational structures and protocols. Has the MBA paid off? What his advanced degree has done in terms of building Alex’s network, business vocabulary and ability to analyse operational, marketing and other related issues. Critical cornerstone How mentors have opened doors at every stage of Alex’s career, providing both growth and insights that have been key to his success. All boats rising Why Alex feels it’s so important to share his professional network, make introductions and connect others freely for the greater good of all concerned. Key elements About the trust and authentic interest that support successful sales relationships rooted in mutual connection and understanding. Key differentiators What it is about the range of disciplines and workplace culture that distinguish professional services from other sales environments. Reverse engineering About Alex’s formula for envisioning career goals and then very intentionally figuring out how to create the circumstances through which to achieve them. Always learning How Alex’s native curiosity fuels his approach to every meeting as a learning opportunity – a chance to invite something different as well as share what he knows. Where the challenges are About the ongoing struggle to harness tech, retain talent and fully integrate sales functions into professional services firms as a significant driver of revenue. Striking a balance Why it’s so important to get the right mix of flexible hybrid work with the face-to-face interactions so critical to building relationships, both for purposes of BD and for personal networking and growth. Career highlights Overcoming obstacles like getting an oil and gas firm he worked for off a prospective client’s blacklist; breaking down resistance to sales among partners at a law firm; bringing clients along despite multiple career moves; cultivating younger colleagues in their career development and promotion. Words of wisdom It’s easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission; When you go into a sales meeting, bring two ears and one mouth; Speed of response is a competitive advantage, so get there early and be the first!

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Ep. 64- Tahisha Fugate- “Having diversity of thought and experiences can only help a firm become stronger and better.”

Season 2 · Episode 64

Monday, November 25, 2024 • Duration 47:26

For someone who once felt like a “fish out of water,” Tahisha Fugate, Senior Marketing & Business Development Manager at Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider, has never been out of her depth over the course of an enviable career in legal marketing and business development.

On this episode of Leaders With Ambition, she shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana her many professional insights – from joining her first law firm to securing an MBA to paying forward the mentorship that helped make possible her successful trajectory.

Networking has been key, says Tahisha, in her growth and evolution as a marketing leader who constantly demonstrates that all-important value propositionYou’ll hear about why sustained commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a superpower for law firms as well as how the legal marketing space is being changed and challenged by new technologies.

Don’t miss Tahisha’s words of wisdom and the vision she brings to her leadership role at the Legal Marketing Association – an organisation to which this Washington, D.C.-based dynamo attributes much of her tremendous – and ongoing – success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tahisha Fugate and Legal Marketing

02:20 Tahisha's Journey: From Aspiring Lawyer to Legal Marketer

10:15 The Evolution of Legal Marketing and Business Development

18:27 The Importance of Mentorship and Community in Legal Marketing

22:27 Authenticity and Representation in Legal Spaces

28:11 Challenges and Changes in Legal Marketing Over Two Decades

35:45 Leadership and Coaching in Legal Marketing

40:59 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Law Firms

Ep. 55 - Samantha Keen: 'Don’t be afraid to take risks!'

Monday, June 3, 2024 • Duration 46:00

Samantha Keen, Partner, EY UKI Strategy and Transactions.

The true mark of leadership is an ability to make well-informed, sometimes difficult choices. By that measure, our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition has undeniably demonstrated strength again and again throughout her career.

Samantha Keen couldn’t have made Partner at a Big Four accounting firm (while also raising two children) without very intentionally cultivating clarity, both professional and personal. She shares with host Nicky Acuna Ocana her journey to leading EY-Parthenon’s UKI Strategy and Transactions team, including bumps and revelations along the way.

You’ll learn about how it feels to be among the only women in a boardroom as well as why the areas of corporate insolvency and restructuring have made such a great fit for Samantha, her skill set and personality.

She also touts the importance of networking (early and often!) as well as staying authentic (to yourself and others) throughout the whole career trajectory. Find out about some of the big challenges impacting global corporate transactions and which have been some of Samantha’s most treasured career highlights, along with words of wisdom you won’t want to miss.

“It’s a question of understanding what you want and then articulating it – because nobody’s going to articulate it for you!”, says our guest, a long-time champion of women and inclusive workplaces. Wise words indeed from Samantha!

If you enjoyed this discussion, please click here to find previous episodes of Leaders with Ambition.

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EP. 54 - Blandine Davies: “What drives me is bringing order to chaos and solutions to people’s problems.”

Season 3 · Episode 54

Monday, May 13, 2024 • Duration 45:34

As a Black woman breaking new ground in the area of Legal Project Management, Blandine brings to bear not only her law degree but also an unshakeable ability to demonstrate strength and advocate for herself as well as others.

During this insightful conversation, Blandine highlights the benefits of maintaining purpose through self-awareness, networking, and bravery.

You’ll also learn how authenticity, self-confidence, and openness to mentoring have formed the cornerstones of an extraordinary career – one that has taken Blandine from helping to manage the legal and financial fall-out after Lehman Brothers’ dissolution to establishing the critical ROI that business services have to offer law firms.

And all along the way, wherever she has worked, Blandine has contributed to building healthier, more diverse cultures, most recently at DLA Piper and Norton Rose Fulbright.

“What drives me is bringing order to chaos and solutions to people’s problems,” explains Blandine, who exemplifies what it means to identify a core skill set, passion, and purpose - then wield them in transformational ways!

You'll also hear Blandine's take on the current challenges facing law firms as well as her advice on strategies for young people looking to build a dynamic, fulfilling career in professional services.

If you enjoyed this discussion, please click here to find previous episodes of Leaders with Ambition.

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Ep. 53 - Lesley O'Leary - Chief Operating Officer at Charles Russell Speechlys '''Make sure you feel that what you do – whatever it is – matters.''

Monday, March 18, 2024 • Duration 47:33

We’re constantly evolving – towards ever better things – so long as we stay curious! That’s the message from Nicky Acuna Ocana’s guest on this episode of Leaders with Ambition. Lesley O’Leary’s career provides a vivid roadmap for what it looks like to maximise potential and do so with delight.

As Chief Operating Officer at Charles Russell Speechlys, she incorporates lessons throughout her varied career (in real estate as well as legal services spaces) to create a workplace culture based on inclusivity, personal development and innovation. Leslie has stayed open to growth and connection at every stage, welcoming challenge and learning how to advocate for herself – and then by extension for those that she has gone on to lead.

She shares thoughts on how her leadership style has taken shape and the role of both mentoring and networking in getting her there. You’ll learn about the power of staying curious and engaging with a coach as well as what secret ingredients have helped this busy marketing and business development professional stay grounded and happy in both her family and career.

The episode includes a fantastic tip for introverts navigating business events and encouragement for those cultivating the confidence to speak up at the table. And, speaking of using our voices, Lesley also leaves us with parting words of wisdom, including: Don’t be afraid to ask!

Says our dynamic guest: “If there’s something you want to do, you need to tell somebody and work out a plan. And if it’s not (a job) they see in their future, that’s alright too!”

If you enjoyed this discussion, please click here to find previous episodes of Leaders with Ambition.

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Ep. 52 - Emma Baylis - Managing Director of Interpath Advisory - “I never thought of myself as particularly ambitious. I just liked doing things that were interesting and challenging.”

Monday, March 4, 2024 • Duration 46:56

Emma Baylis - Managing Director of Interpath Advisory

Our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition podcast series, Emma Baylis, reached the ranks of Senior leadership at the Big Four accounting firm of KPMG and more recently was named Managing Director at Interpath.

She shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana a decidedly unconventional career journey, recalling the mentors who helped her learn to manage important clients, navigate challenging circumstances and ultimately find her voice over 20+ years in a traditionally male-dominated profession.

You’ll hear about Emma’s career highlights (rooted in trials and lessons learned) as well as what it looks like to change lanes as a senior member of Interpath’s, entrepreneurial culture.

Emma has never let her gender, education (she doesn't have a University degree) or family background stop her from becoming a highly successful tax professional as well as a role model.

To the contrary, she has used her experience to advocate for those who are struggling, as she once did, to feel like valued contributors. “The more senior you become, inevitably the more you find your own voice and the more you (can) use your platform to do more advocacy and support other people,” says Emma, who has done exactly that and built a powerful network along the way!

If you enjoyed this discussion, please visit this link to find previous episodes of Leaders with Ambition.

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Ep. 51 - Kristian Gavan - Partner at ABG Corporate Finance LLP - ''Tap colleagues as learning resources and keep building your network.''

Monday, February 19, 2024 • Duration 57:04

From the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) to Brexit to Covid19, Kristian Gavan has ridden out a remarkable series of unpredictable economic events. Most remarkable of all? He has somehow managed to remain grounded and connected throughout, using his accounting expertise and people skills to navigate a wild ride.

On this episode of Leaders With Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana invites her guest to take a comprehensive look at the fulfilling opportunities accountancy has afforded him, both professionally and personally.

Kristian walks us through his career journey, which includes lots of highlights as well as challenges, and takes a look at developments influencing business today. Find out whether having (or not having) a university degree may impact your corporate goals and how the decision to take a career sabbatical provided Kristian a critical reset and focus on family.

He also shares thoughts about the importance of a strong work ethic, healthy workplace cultures and a robust network when it comes to cultivating a resilient career in professional services.

You’ll learn about the influence of new technologies such as AI, what it all might mean for both younger and older generations – and what tools (including the important so-called “soft skills”) Kristian believes are perennially the most indispensable if you want to become, well, indispensable!

Want to learn more about the team at Ambition? Click here to find out what we’re up to!

If you enjoyed this discussion, please visit this link to find previous episodes of Leaders with Ambition.

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Ep.50 - Jay Linder - Global Director of Communications - Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP - "There really is something to be said for building community and engagement in your profession."

Monday, February 5, 2024 • Duration 58:53

Jay Linder - Global Director of Communications at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft

Our guest on this episode of the Leaders With Ambition podcast knows exactly what it takes to build a robust marketing and professional services career.

Jay Linder, Global Director of Communications at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, walks Nicky Acuna Ocana through his impressive career.

He lets us in on valuable lessons learned and shares thoughts on the importance of embracing both ambiguity and collaboration at every stage of career development.

That can look like – among other things – consistent networking, investing in education and seeking out the right advice from sometimes unexpected resources (like junior colleagues).

You’ll also learn how his son’s early diagnosis with autism indirectly taught Jay to relate more intentionally, effectively and meaningfully – skills that have come to define his leadership style.

“Going through (an autism diagnosis) personally gave me such a greater appreciation for how critical it is to better understand people and try to meet them where they are,” says our guest.

Find out why Jay, a past President for the Legal Marketing Association’s influential Northeast region, believes that community, shared knowledge, peer support and two-way sponsorship are essential to advancing professional services at every level.

Especially as marketing and communications professionals navigate the fast-changing impacts of new technologies like AI and seek to demonstrate the value proposition for clients and Partners.

The episode wraps with words of wisdom you won’t want to miss!

To find out more about the Legal Marketing Association and its myriad global activities – including workshops, meetups, resources and advocacy – visit this link.

Ep .49 - Peter Columbus - Chief BD, Marketing & Communications Officer - ''Cultivate mentorship, sponsorship and friendship all along your career journey.''

Monday, January 22, 2024 • Duration 43:53

Seeking words to live by as you build your professional services marketing and communications career? Our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition has them in abundance.

Peter Columbus, Chief BD, Marketing & Communications Officer, is sharing wisdom accumulated over decades of success in both the accounting and legal sectors.

His actionable advice comes fast and furious:

Focus on two or three top priorities and protect them at all costs.
Be proactive in looking for opportunities.
Nurture your network right from the start.
Learn how to leverage technology and build team buy-in.
And above all else? Always remember that human connection is your cornerstone!

As Peter explains to host Nicky Acuna Ocana;

“If you take the time and jump in with both feet, real enthusiasm, passion and love, then the sky is the limit as far as what’s really out there – as long as you’ve got the skills to get it done!”

Find out about the trends that are shaping global law firms and the many ways in which marketing, business development and communications skill sets have become a valuable asset at every level of legal practice.

You’ll also learn about the huge impact (as well as personal dividends) our guest has known as the result of his huge commitment to volunteerism, for which he has been honoured by the Legal Marketing Association. “You never know how opportunities are going to come about, but it comes down to connecting with people, doing the proper things with the tools available now,” says Peter.

If you enjoyed this discussion, please click here to find previous episodes of Leaders with Ambition.

Ep. 48 - Kevin Iredell - CMO at Lowenstein Sandler '“It’s incumbent for people who get to a certain level to look out for the next generation.”

Monday, January 8, 2024 • Duration 46:41

Everything that has come before in his career has perfectly positioned our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition for today’s demand for professional services support.

Kevin Iredell, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at Lowenstein Sandler, and President of the Legal Marketing Association in 2024, shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana the complementary skills he has developed through stints in retail, telecom, media and legal marketing.

Kevin explains why the current moment – increased competition, technological advances and growing client expectations – requires ever more sophisticated business management strategies.

“The need for law firm business support professionals is at a level that it’s never been before,” says Kevin, who also serves as President of the Legal Marketing Association. “It’s reflected in the number of LMA members, the size of the annual conference and how many service providers come to talk about new products and software.”

His career demonstrates the power of staying open, networking as well as paying it forward within the full spectrum of career development opportunity. You’ll learn about how Kevin’s exposure to retail sales management, telecom marketing, media brand development, legal PR and in-house business support together represent far more than just a CV.

In his role as a Chief Marketing Officer as well as President for the LMA, Kevin continues to stay curious, diving into the latest data and machine learning technologies, sharing best practices with peers and mentoring younger generations.

He also actively promotes healthy workplace cultures and growth opportunities in the changing and challenging the world of legal professional services and support. Kevin's parting advice for aspiring leaders?

Don’t give up and remember, forums like the LMA offer the perfect platform for stretching those all-important networking skills!

Ready to sharpen communications skills and build community? Check out the many international opportunities available through the Legal Marketing Association, including regional workshops and career events highlighted .

Leaders with Ambition – Details, episodes & analysis

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Leaders with Ambition – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

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Latest published episodes

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