Kelly MacKinnon, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at Gibson Dunn
In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana sits down with Kelly MacKinnon, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Gibson Dunn.
Kelly shares her remarkable journey from Olympic hockey hopeful to leading marketing and business development at one of the world’s top law firms. She discusses the lessons learned from elite sport, the importance of intentional career moves, and how she’s built a reputation for positivity, authenticity, and team leadership in the legal sector.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Early life and education Kelly’s upbringing, her time as a competitive athlete, and how her experiences at Brown University shaped her drive and leadership style.
Career foundations Her transition from sports to marketing, including early roles at Bon Appetit, the NHL, and her move into professional services with Deloitte.
Breaking into legal marketing How Kelly found her professional home at Paul Weiss, and the pivotal moments that set her on the path to CMO roles at top law firms.
Leadership style Kelly’s philosophy that “every jersey matters,” her focus on building high-performing, diverse teams, and the importance of nurturing talent.
Mentorship and networking The role of mentors, sponsors, and professional associations like LMA in Kelly’s career—and why she’s passionate about paying it forward.
Intentional career growth How Kelly has been deliberate in her career decisions, investing in her own development (including hiring an executive coach) and prioritising culture fit.
Coping with pressure Her honest take on burnout, imposter syndrome, and the strategies she uses to stay resilient and positive.
Continuous learning Why Kelly encourages her teams to embrace learning, seek inspiration beyond legal, and leverage technology to drive innovation.
Words of wisdom Kelly’s advice for ambitious professionals: work hard, be authentic, invest in yourself, and never lose sight of joy.
Key Takeaways
Intentionality matters Deliberate career moves and investing in personal growth are key to long-term success.
Every team member counts Recognising and empowering every individual is essential for building high-performing teams.
Mentorship and sponsorship Strong networks and supportive mentors can open doors and accelerate growth.
Culture is critical Finding the right cultural fit is as important as the role itself.
Resilience and authenticity Staying true to yourself and maintaining a positive outlook are vital for navigating challenges.
Continuous learning Embracing new skills, technologies, and perspectives keeps teams and leaders ahead of the curve.
Key Quotes
“Every jersey matters—whether you’re on the ice or cheering from the bench, everyone contributes to the win.”
“Bring your whole self to work. Authenticity and joy are non-negotiable for me.”
“Nothing replaces hard work. The climb never gets easier, it just gets different.”
You are not AI and you’re going to have moments where you need to step back or moments of doubt and having that quiet confidence to then say, okay, I hear you, imposter syndrome, but we got this and we’re going to go forth and dominate the legal industry, as I like to say.”
“I also think your culture point as well, because actually, you know, looking at managing multi-generational teams as you do, you know, the Gen Z is coming through now. Culture is actually higher than most of the things when they're considering firms. '' (Nicky)
About Kelly MacKinnon
Kelly MacKinnon is Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Gibson Dunn, where she leads global strategy across marketing, communications, and client development. From her early days as an elite athlete to her leadership roles at top law firms, Kelly is known for her positivity, authenticity, and commitment to building world-class teams. She is a passionate advocate for mentorship, continuous learning, and creating cultures where everyone can thrive.
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 Allyship, Belonging and Inclusion (ABI) 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 ABI in the workplace.
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