Adam Grainger, Chief Operating Officer at Baker Tilly International
In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuna Ocana sits down with Adam Grainger, Chief Operating Officer at Baker Tilly International.
Adam shares his inspiring career journey, starting out as a trainee auditor and evolving through leadership roles that have spanned continents. A defining chapter was his international secondment to the US, where he built skills and confidence that shaped the rest of his career.
From mentorship and networking to the challenges of technology and change management, Adam offers practical insights on what it takes to thrive as a leader in professional services today. He also highlights the importance of creating psychologically safe workplaces and staying open to growth and new opportunities.
Inside This Conversation with Adam
Career beginnings Adam’s early days as a trainee auditor at Baker Tilly and the lessons learned from entry-level roles.
Defining moments Key decisions and opportunities that shaped his trajectory, including mentorship and sponsorship.
International experience The impact of working abroad on Adam’s confidence, leadership style, and global perspective
Transitioning back to the UK Embracing new responsibilities and adapting to evolving business needs.
Change and learning Why Adam believes continuous learning is essential for leaders in today’s market.
International experience How his secondment to the US became a turning point in his career and leadership journey
In-person connections The irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction in a people-led business.
Building networks How cultivating strong, authentic relationships supports long-term success.
Challenges for COOs Navigating rapid technological change, complexity, and global expectations.
Words of wisdom Adam’s advice for future leaders: be open to change, ask for opportunities, and invest in yourself.
Key Takeaways
Start where you are Even early roles can build invaluable foundations.
International exposure is transformative Working abroad can shift perspective and accelerate career growth.
Mentorship matters Guidance from trusted leaders is a powerful catalyst for development.
In-person connections are vital Especially in professional services, people-to-people relationships drive success.
Networks are assets Cultivate and invest in them consistently.
Technology brings challenges COOs must balance innovation with stability.
Psychological safety fuels performance Teams thrive when they feel supported and secure.
Continuous learning Curiosity and openness are essential traits for modern leaders.
Ask for opportunities Proactivity can open doors to defining career moments.
Standout Quotes
“ International experience is a game changer — it gave me confidence and perspective I couldn’t have gained otherwise.”
“In a people-centric business, in-person connections are absolutely fundamental.”
“There’s a heck of a lot going on — technology, disruption, and change — and COOs need to navigate all of it.”
“Mentors don’t always arrive formally; sometimes they’re simply the people you build trust with along the way.”
“Be open to change and ask for opportunities — the worst that can happen is someone says no.”
“Psychological safety is critical if you want teams to innovate, collaborate, and do their best work.”
'With such a people-led industry, it’s so important to have peers you can lean on and share those honest conversations with.”- (Nicky)
“Be authentic and find somewhere you’re passionate about — that way you don’t get the Sunday night fear.” - (Nicky)
About Adam Grainger
Adam Grainger is the Chief Operating Officer at Baker Tilly International, where he is responsible for driving strategy, operational excellence, and growth across a global network of professional services firms.
Starting his career as a trainee auditor, Adam gained broad experience across audit and advisory before undertaking a formative international secondment in the US. His career journey has been shaped by mentorship, curiosity, and an openness to change, all of which have helped him grow into a trusted leader.
Adam is passionate about fostering psychological safety within teams, building strong networks, and embracing the challenges and opportunities that technology brings to the professional services sector. As COO, he focuses on creating an environment where people can thrive and deliver meaningful impact for clients worldwide.
About Nicky Acuna Ocana
With over 25 years of experience leading high-performing recruitment teams, Nicky Acuna Ocana is a dynamic leader in the recruitment industry. As Regional Managing Director for the US, UK, and Europe at Ambition, she oversees a team of specialist recruiters 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 within Legal, Practice and Consultancy.
Passionate about Allyship, Belonging and Inclusion (ABI) and talent retention, Nicky is a sought-after keynote speaker. She frequently presents at industry conferences, sharing insights on recruitment trends, hiring strategies, retention best practices, and ABI in the workplace.
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