Rhys Calcott - Associate Director, BD & Marketing EMEA at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates
In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Rhys Calcott, Associate Director for Business Development and Marketing EMEA at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates.
Rhys shares his unconventional and highly intentional career journey into legal marketing, from leaving education early to earn money, to returning to university, travelling the world, and ultimately discovering the legal sector through a chance role in Australia that would shape his future.
Throughout the conversation, Rhys reflects on the power of being deliberate in your career choices, the importance of resilience in high-performing environments, and how building strong networks early can accelerate growth and opportunity.
He shares insights into his transition from management into leadership, how he builds high-performing teams, and why focusing on outcomes over outputs is critical in a competitive legal landscape.
The episode also explores Rhys’s passion for developing future talent, including his role in launching an apprenticeship programme at Skadden, and his belief in creating more accessible pathways into the profession for the next generation.
Rhys offers a candid perspective on navigating pressure, embracing AI as both a challenge and an opportunity, and why continuous self-reflection is essential to staying ahead in a fast-evolving industry.
This is a practical, honest, and forward-looking conversation for anyone building a career in legal marketing, leadership, or professional services.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
From an unconventional start to legal marketing
How Rhys’s non-linear path, from early work, to university, to travelling, ultimately led him into a successful career in legal BD and marketing.
Intentional career development
Why making deliberate, thought-out career moves can accelerate growth and open the right opportunities.
The shift from manager to leader
How stepping into leadership requires a move from execution to vision-setting, people development, and strategic thinking.
Building high-performing teams
Why focusing on outcomes over outputs and consistently adding value is key to success in competitive law firms.
The power of networking
Why building your network from the very start of your career can unlock long-term opportunities, insight, and support.
Mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching
Understanding the difference between each and how leveraging them can shape your career trajectory.
Resilience in professional services
How to navigate pressure, competing priorities, and stakeholder challenges without taking setbacks personally.
Creating pathways for future talent
Why opening up alternative pathways, such as apprenticeships, is critical for attracting and developing the next generation.
Adapting to AI and industry change
How emerging technology is reshaping the BD and marketing function and why embracing it early is essential.
The role of self-reflection
Why regularly evaluating your performance and approach is critical to continuous improvement and long-term success.
Key Takeaways
Be intentional with every career move
Each decision shapes your trajectory and being deliberate accelerates progress.
Focus on outcomes, not just activity
Impact and results are what ultimately drive value in BD and marketing roles.
Build your network early and invest in it
Relationships are one of the most powerful career assets you can develop.
Resilience is essential in professional services
Success comes from consistently showing up, adapting, and pushing forward.
Leadership requires clarity and communication
A strong vision, clearly communicated, aligns teams and drives performance.
AI is an opportunity, not just a challenge
Those who embrace and integrate it early will have a competitive advantage.
Create opportunities for others
Paying it forward and developing future talent strengthens both teams and the wider industry.
Know when to switch off to stay effective
Sustainable performance comes from recognising your limits and maintaining balance.
Key Quotes
“I fell into law like many do but I stayed because I loved the environment.”
“The career is in your hands, every choice you make has an impact.”
“It’s not about outputs, it’s about the outcomes you achieve.”
“We have to demonstrate why we are the strategic advisors in the room.”
“You have to start networking straight away.”
“Every morning should be a fresh start.”
“AI is going to supercharge the way we operate.”
“If you bring your best self to work, you can do really well.”
About Rhys Calcott
Rhys Calcott is Associate Director of Business Development and Marketing EMEA at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates, where he is responsible for building and leading BD strategy across the region.
With experience across leading international and US law firms, including Dentons and Slaughter and May, Rhys has built a reputation for driving high-performing teams, developing strategic client programmes, and delivering impactful growth initiatives.
He is passionate about leadership, mentorship, and creating accessible pathways into the profession, demonstrated through initiatives such as apprenticeship programmes that support the next generation of talent.
Known for his intentional approach to career development, strong network, and focus on outcomes, Rhys is a respected voice in legal marketing and business development.
About Nicky Acuña Ocaña
With over 25 years of experience leading high‑performing recruitment teams, Nicky Acuña Ocañais 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.
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