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Jules Stott - ''Curiosity, creativity, and fairness - those are my guiding traits.”

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​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.

​​Follow her 'Leading with Ambition' newsletter here'

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