Gillian Ward, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at Reed Smith
In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Gillian Ward, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Reed Smith.
Gillian shares her remarkable career journey from growing up in a small town in South Yorkshire to leading global marketing and business development functions at some of the world’s most prestigious international law firms.
Starting her career in the steel and engineering industries, Gillian made a bold and unexpected transition into legal marketing, a move sparked by a chance conversation on a plane that ultimately shaped the rest of her professional life.
Throughout the conversation, Gillian reflects on the power of mentorship and sponsorship, the importance of building trusted networks, and the courage required to take risks before you feel ready.
She speaks candidly about navigating imposter syndrome, leading through complexity, and what it truly means to move from management into leadership.
The episode also explores Gillian’s instrumental role in helping to establish the Legal Marketing Association (LMA) in London and Europe, her experience leading transatlantic teams across the US, UK, and Europe, and the realities of running global businesses in markets that are culturally and commercially very different.
Gillian also shares deeply personal reflections on balancing a demanding international career with motherhood, raising twins while travelling extensively, and the sacrifices and rewards, that come with ambition. This is an honest, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation for anyone navigating leadership, growth, and global careers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
From Yorkshire to global leadership
How growing up in a small Northern English town shaped Gillian’s work ethic, resilience, and confidence to take bold career steps.
Early career pivots and bold decisions
Why starting in engineering and international sales laid the foundations for Gillian’s later success in professional services and law.
A chance encounter that changed everything
How a conversation on a plane led Gillian into legal marketing — and why saying yes before feeling ready can be career‑defining.
Mentorship and sponsorship
The critical role managing partners, senior leaders, and trusted advisors played in accelerating Gillian’s career.
Imposter syndrome at senior levels
Why self‑doubt doesn’t disappear with experience — and how Gillian learned to get out of her own way.
Leadership vs management
Recognising the moment when accountability, visibility, and influence shift from managing tasks to leading people and strategy.
Building global teams
The challenges of leading across time zones, cultures, and continents — and why face‑to‑face connection still matters.
Launching LMA in London and Europe
Why Gillian championed professional networks for legal marketers and the importance of investing in future generations.
Navigating transatlantic markets
Why “the US market” doesn’t exist, how London differs from any US city, and what this means for growth strategies.
Leading through uncertainty
Lessons learned from leading teams through COVID, building empathy, and understanding the human realities behind performance.
Balancing ambition and motherhood
Honest reflections on raising twins alongside an international career and redefining success at different life stages.
Key Takeaways
Be brave before you feel ready
Growth often comes from saying yes before confidence fully catches up.
Sponsors matter as much as mentors
Having senior leaders who actively advocate for you can be career‑transforming.
Leadership requires visibility
Being present, trusted, and accessible is essential in global roles.
There is no single ''US Market''
Regional, cultural, and economic differences demand tailored strategies.
Build your personal board of directors
Trusted advisors, personal and professional — provide perspective and grounding.
Slow down to move forward
Reflection and clarity often deliver better outcomes than constant urgency.
You can't do everything yourself
Strong teams, trust, and delegation are essential at senior levels.
Key Quotes
“Everything in life happens for a reason, you might not know it at the time.”
“You can always go backwards, but going forwards opens up opportunity.”
“There’s no substitute for being in the same room with people.”
“At some point you realise, this isn’t management anymore, this is leadership.”
“There is no such thing as the US market.”
“Being brave changed my life.”
About Gillian Ward
Gillian Ward is Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Reed Smith, where she leads global marketing, business development, and growth strategy across the firm’s international platform.
With over 25 years’ experience in professional services, Gillian has held senior leadership roles across engineering and global law firms in North America, the UK, and Europe.
She is a passionate advocate for mentorship, sponsorship, and professional development, and played a key role in launching the Legal Marketing Association in London and Europe.
Known for her strategic insight, global perspective, and people‑centred leadership, Gillian is widely respected as a leading voice in legal marketing and business development.
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 and Europe at Ambition, she oversees specialist teams connecting top talent with professional services firms.
Her US division focuses on Legal Marketing and Business Development recruitment, while the UK and Europe teams specialise in Business Services roles across Legal, Practice and Consultancy.
A passionate advocate for Allyship, Belonging and Inclusion, Nicky is a sought‑after keynote speaker and regular contributor to industry conversations on leadership, hiring, retention, and inclusive cultures.
