Leaders with Ambition

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.

Leaders with Ambition is a business podcast hosted by Ambition UK, with 98 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Ambition UK hosts Leaders with Ambition, a business show with 98 episodes published.

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  Episode #72

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

  Aug 10, 202642 minS2

  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

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  Leaders with Ambition

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

  Jul 20, 202651 min

  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

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  Episode #95

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

  Jul 1, 202648 minS2

  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

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  Episode #93

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

  Jun 8, 202651 minS2

  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

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  Episode #94

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

  May 11, 202645 minS2

  ​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

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