Dave Harvey, Principal and Founder at Harvey Global Consulting LLC
With over 25 years of experience spanning in-house leadership roles and consultancy, Dave shares a candid perspective on navigating non-linear careers, leading global teams, and building influence within partnership-led organisations.
From his early career in economic development during the tech boom to senior leadership roles at firms including Morrison & Foerster, Orrick, and Baker Botts, Dave reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership journey.
The conversation explores the realities of scaling teams, managing change, and the growing pressures facing CMOs today — alongside practical insights on networking, resilience, and protecting against burnout in high-performance environments.
A standout theme throughout is the power of community. Dave shares how his global CMO roundtables have created trusted peer networks that enable leaders to step back, think strategically, and navigate complexity together.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
From non-linear careers to leadership
Why diverse experiences — across sectors, roles, and environments — can accelerate growth and build stronger commercial leaders.
Leading global teams effectively
How trust, communication, and hiring the right people underpin success across regions and time zones.
The shift from manager to leader
What changes at Director and CMO level — and why clarity, collaboration, and people leadership become critical.
The power of networking
Why building your “tribe” early creates long-term career value — and how to approach networking with purpose.
Creating high-impact peer networks
How Dave’s global roundtables provide a safe space for CMOs to share challenges, insights, and best practice.
Managing stress and burnout
Practical strategies for protecting time, setting boundaries, and maintaining perspective in demanding leadership roles.
Adapting to change and innovation
How AI and evolving client expectations are reshaping the marketing and BD function in law firms.
Mentorship and career development
Why mentorship doesn’t need to be formal — and how informal advisory networks can shape your trajectory.
Key Takeaways
Careers are rarely linear — and that’s a strength
Dave’s journey demonstrates how varied experiences build adaptability, commercial awareness, and leadership capability.
Trust is the foundation of global leadership
Investing time in relationships — especially across regions — is critical to building high-performing teams.
Networking is a career multiplier
Building strong, trusted connections early provides long-term support, insight, and opportunity.
Hiring right saves time and drives performance
Strong teams reduce operational burden and allow leaders to focus on strategy and growth.
Burnout prevention requires intention
Setting boundaries, maintaining interests outside work, and planning financially all help manage pressure.
AI is both a challenge and an opportunity
While it may reshape roles, it also enables greater efficiency and a stronger focus on strategic thinking.
Peer communities drive better leadership
Safe, confidential networks allow leaders to step off the “hamster wheel” and think more strategically.
Key Quotes
“Networking, networking, networking — the earlier you start, the better.”
“If you hire the right people, your life becomes much easier — if you don’t, it’s the opposite.”
“You need to build your tribe — people you can trust and learn from.
“If you feel like you’re on a hamster wheel, you need to step off and think.”
“Be kind, be curious, and protect your reputation — it’s a small industry.”
About Dave Harvey
Dave Harvey is the Principal and Founder of Harvey Global Consulting and a highly respected leader in legal marketing and business development.
With over 25 years of experience — including 20 years in-house at leading global law firms — Dave brings deep expertise in leadership, team development, and transformation within professional services.
He is also the creator of globally recognised CMO and Director roundtables, providing senior leaders with a trusted platform to share insight, navigate challenges, and drive innovation.
About Nicky Acuña Ocaña
With over 25 years of experience leading high‑performing recruitment teams, Nicky Acuña Ocaña is President – Americas, UK & Europe at Ambition.
She oversees specialist recruitment teams supporting professional services firms, with a focus on Legal Marketing & Business Development in the US and Business Services roles across the UK & Europe.
A passionate advocate for Allyship, Belonging & Inclusion (ABI), Nicky is a sought‑after speaker on leadership, hiring trends, retention, and inclusive workplace cultures.
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