Jules Stott, Partner & Head of Marketing and BD for EMEA at AlixPartners
In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana speaks with Jules Stott, a dynamic leader whose career spans editorial, marketing, consultancy, and executive coaching.
From growing up in Wales and overcoming early academic setbacks, to leading high-performing teams and founding female networking initiatives, Jules shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey of resilience, reinvention, and impact.
What you'll learn this episode
Early life and education Jules’ upbringing in Wales, working through sixth form, and the pivot from law school dreams to a polytechnic law degree.
Career pivots From editorial at Sweet & Maxwell to marketing leadership, and eventually into consultancy and coaching.
Resilience and reinvention How setbacks shaped Jules’ career philosophy and her mantra of “just say yes” to unexpected opportunities.
Leadership style Building high-performing, inclusive teams and fostering growth through trust, fairness, and creativity.
Sponsorship and mentorship The importance of having advocates in the room and mentors who challenge your thinking.
Navigating imposter syndrome Jules’ approach to reframing self-doubt and building psychological safety through trusted colleagues.
Entrepreneurial mindset Launching her own consultancy and embracing a portfolio career with coaching, training, and BD consulting.
Industry challenges Macro uncertainty and the evolving role of AI in marketing and BD.
Legacy and impact Jules’ commitment to nurturing talent, driving change, and leaving a positive mark on the industry.
Key takeaways
Build your own path Don’t compare yourself to others - focus on what works for you.
Resilience matters Setbacks are inevitable; how you respond defines your trajectory.
Curiosity drives innovation Asking “why” and “why not” leads to creative solutions.
Sponsorship is powerful You need voices advocating for you when you're not in the room.
Mentorship reframes growth Mentors help you see possibilities beyond your comfort zone.
Culture fit is crucial Know when a firm’s values don’t align with yours—and act quickly.
Success evolves From promotions and pay to impact and team growth, success changes over time.
AI is both challenge and opportunity Embrace it to enhance insight and efficiency.
Key quotes
“You do you. Don’t compare yourself to others.”
“Curiosity, creativity, and fairness - those are my guiding traits.”
“Resilience is essential. You can’t take it personally when people don’t choose you.”
“Success now is watching my team thrive and seeing things happen that didn’t before.”
“Imposter syndrome is normal - just don’t let it hold you back.”
“Your network has layers - nurture the ones that matter most.
“AI won’t eat dinner with clients. Relationships still matter.”
About Jules Stott
Jules is Partner and Head of Marketing and BD for EMEA at AlixPartners. With a career spanning editorial, marketing, consultancy, and coaching, she’s known for her commercial acumen, people-first leadership, and commitment to building inclusive, high-performing teams. As a qualified executive coach, Jules is also a passionate advocate for mentorship, resilience, and authenticity.
About Nicky Acuna Ocana
With over 25 years of experience leading high-performing recruitment teams, Nicky Acuna Ocana is a dynamic leader in the recruitment industry. As Regional Managing Director for the US, UK, and Europe at Ambition, she oversees a team of specialist recruiters dedicated to connecting top talent with professional services firms.
Her teams focus on niche areas: the US division specialises in Legal Marketing & Business Development recruitment, while the UK & Europe team excels in placing professionals within Business Services functions within Legal, Practice and Consultancy.
Passionate about leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and talent retention, Nicky is a sought-after keynote speaker. She frequently presents at industry conferences, sharing insights on recruitment trends, hiring strategies, retention best practices, and DEI in the workplace.
