In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña welcomes Alistair Johnson, an experienced Chief Operating Officer and senior change and transformation leader whose career began in the British Army before spanning technology, consulting, and professional services.
Alistair shares his journey from a formative start at Sandhurst and operational tours in the British Army to senior leadership roles within large, international organisations and leading law firms, including Clifford Chance and RPC.
He reflects candidly on how early exposure to leadership under pressure shaped his people‑first philosophy and his ability to remain calm in high‑stakes environments.
Throughout the conversation, Alistair offers powerful insights into the transition from management to leadership, the importance of humility, and why empowering others is the hallmark of effective leadership.
He discusses navigating imposter syndrome, the value of mentoring and sponsorship, and how intentional career decisions, including moves between large organisations, SMEs, and start‑ups shaped his path.
Alistair also explores the evolving challenges facing professional services leaders today, from rising costs and talent pressures to AI, automation, and the need to balance profitability with wellbeing. With practical wisdom and honest reflection, this episode is packed with lessons for emerging and experienced leaders alike.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Early life and military foundations
Alistair’s route into leadership through the British Army, including training at Sandhurst, operational tours, and how early responsibility shaped his approach to decision-making and people leadership.
Transitioning to civilian life
The challenges of translating military experience into the corporate world, and how joining Fujitsu as a project manager provided a crucial bridge into commercial leadership.
Intentional career development
Why Alistair deliberately moved between large organisations, SMEs, and start-ups to broaden his experience, build adaptability, and strengthen his leadership toolkit.
Learning through challenge and failure
Reflections on working in high-growth entrepreneurial environments where not everything went to plan and why setbacks can be some of the most formative career moments.
Finding a home in professional services
Alistair’s transition into law firms, starting at Clifford Chance, and why partnership structures resonated with his leadership style.
Leadership vs. management
How leadership is about influence, trust, and empowering others, not ego or controlling outcomes, and why listening often matters more than speaking.
Mentoring, sponsorship, and advocacy
The impact of mentors and sponsors throughout Alistair’s career, and his belief that mentorship should start early and take many forms.
Networking with intention
Why networks matter more than ever, how to nurture them over time, and Alistair’s practical “network mapping” approach.
Managing stress and avoiding burnout
Strategies for prioritisation, setting boundaries, reducing unnecessary work, and the role of exercise and personal time in sustaining performance.
The evolving role of the COO
Insights into the growing strategic importance of the COO role in law firms, including cost management, operational efficiency, collaboration with boards, and driving sustainable growth.
Navigating industry change
Thoughts on AI, automation, rising costs, consolidation in the legal sector, and the moral responsibility professional services firms have toward their people.
Key Takeaways
Own your career
No one is more invested in your career than you; take responsibility for shaping it intentionally.
Leadership starts early
Leadership is learned through experience, often in challenging situations, not just through job titles.
Empower people to grow
Strong teams are built by giving others a voice, space to learn, and opportunities to step up.
Mentorship matters
Both formal and informal mentoring, including sponsorship, can accelerate growth and confidence.
Networks are invaluable
Build, map, and nurture relationships over time; they often resurface when you least expect them.
Learn from mistakes
Growth comes as much from what didn’t work as from what did.
Reduce noise to reduce burnout
Stop doing low-value work; prioritisation and simplification are essential leadership skills
Humility builds trust
You don’t need an ego to lead effectively; confidence and humility can coexist.
Adapt or fall behind
Leaders must embrace change, especially technology, while balancing cost, revenue, and well-being.
Key Quotes
“Leadership is about giving people the confidence to speak up and the space to grow.”
“No one will ever look after your career better than you.”
“You don’t stop having imposter syndrome, you just learn how to manage it.”
“The collective thinking of a team will always beat any one individual.”
“You learn more from the things that don’t go right than the ones that do.”
“Treat people with kindness, you never know when your paths will cross again.”
“You can’t keep adding work forever. Something has to stop.”
About Alistair Johnson
Alistair Johnson is a global Chief Operating Officer and transformation leader with a career spanning the military, technology, consulting, and professional services.
Known for his calm leadership under pressure and people-first philosophy, Alistair is passionate about mentoring, empowering teams, and building collaborative cultures.
He has held senior leadership roles at leading law firms, including Clifford Chance and RPC, and is widely respected for his strategic insight and humility-driven leadership style.
About Nicky Acuña Ocaña
With over 25 years of experience leading high-performing recruitment teams, Nicky Acuña Ocaña is a dynamic leader in the recruitment industry. As President – Americas, UK & Europe at Ambition, she oversees specialist teams 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 across Legal, Practice, and Consultancy firms.
A passionate advocate for Allyship, Belonging, and Inclusion (ABI) and talent retention, Nicky is a sought-after keynote speaker who regularly presents at industry events on recruitment trends, hiring strategies, retention best practices, and inclusive leadership.
