Raising the Bar: Championing the Next Generation of Female

Key takeaways from our International Women’s Day panel event in partnership with Bird & Bird

Following International Women’s Day, Ambition was delighted to co-host Raising the Bar: Championing the Next Generation of Female Leaders with Bird & Bird: an evening dedicated to honest conversation, shared experience and practical insight for navigating their careers and path into leadership in professional services.

The discussion was moderated by Harriett Stevens, Managing Consultant at Ambition, and brought together a distinguished panel of senior leaders:

Jules Stott, Partner, Head of Marketing & BD (EMEA), AlixPartners
John Babtie, Global Head of Business Development & Strategy (Sectors), Hogan Lovells
Alessandra Almeida Jones, Global Chief Marketing Officer, BCLP
Kate Hitchins, Global Head of Operations, Marketing & BD, Berenberg

Together, they shared candid reflections from decades of leadership across global professional services firms.

Breaking barriers: structural and self‑imposed

One of the strongest themes of the evening was the interplay between structural barriers, such as bias, representation gaps and outdated assumptions and self‑imposed barriers, including confidence, visibility and self-belief.

The panel explored how a lack of representation at senior levels can quietly reinforce doubt, and how those internal barriers often become more limiting than the structural ones themselves. Representation, sponsorship (not just mentorship), and positive reinforcement were repeatedly highlighted as critical factors in helping women progress.

Importantly, the conversation also acknowledged that allyship cannot sit with women alone. Meaningful progress requires active advocacy - particularly from those already holding influence.

Allyship in action

Allyship was discussed not as a concept, but as a practice. From amplifying voices in meetings, to setting colleagues up to lead conversations with senior stakeholders, the panel emphasised that allies play a crucial role in breaking cycles of exclusion.

Women championing women was another powerful thread - recognising that leadership responsibility includes creating environments where others don’t have to fight the same battles again.

Non‑linear careers and career “chapters”

The panel was refreshingly honest about the reality that careers rarely follow a straight line. Career breaks, lateral moves, parental leave, caregiving responsibilities and unexpected transitions were reframed not as setbacks, but as chapters that can strengthen leadership capability.

Rather than seeing time away as a pause in progress, the discussion highlighted how these moments often sharpen decision-making, prioritisation, empathy and clarity — skills that accelerate long-term growth.

A recurring message: careers are built over time, not measured by uninterrupted momentum.

Influence, credibility and confidence

For women working in marketing, BD and communications within partner-led environments, influence remains a critical skill. The panel shared practical strategies for building credibility with senior stakeholders - from preparation and curiosity, to asking questions, showing vulnerability, and stepping into the conversation even without perfect information.

Confidence, the panel noted, is often built after action - not before it.

Sustainable leadership: boundaries and balance

Leadership longevity was another key focus. The panel spoke openly about burnout, boundaries and the need to protect personal energy — with sustainability framed as a leadership responsibility, not a personal indulgence.

From setting non-negotiables, to redefining productivity around outcomes rather than presenteeism, the message was clear: leaders who protect their well-being are better equipped to support others

Key takeaway:

As the evening closed, each panellist shared one thing they hoped attendees would think, feel or do differently as a result of the discussion. The common thread?
Take one small action.

Build a relationship. Ask for help. Be curious. Champion someone else. Set a boundary.

Progress doesn’t come from one big move; it comes from consistent, intentional steps.

A huge thank you to Bird & Bird for hosting this event and to our incredible panel for sharing their experiences and words of wisdom. And of course, a big thank you to everyone that attended and contributed to this valuable discussion.