Adapting to Disruption with Agility and a Fresh Leadership Approach. In this episode, hosts Rob and Jonathan dive into the shifting tides in professional services, highlighting how traditional structures struggle against the ongoing "cascading crises." They discuss the strategic absurdity of "merger FOMO" and the assumption that size alone brings resilience; the opportunity created by Gen Z; and the need to constantly recognise that none of us is an expert in everything. They champion...

Our thinking may just need an overhaul... In this one-of-a-kind conversation, Richard Mulholland (Missing Link, Too Many Robots) shares his story; from being a roadie, to becoming a successful businessman and global presenter. He emphasises the importance of curiosity as a driving force in his career and discusses the evolution of presentation skills in the corporate world. The conversation delves into the future of communication, the impact of AI on human experience, and the growing...

Change is accelerating. The Opportunities are for the taking! In this candid episode, co-founders Jonathan and Rob reflect on the last 6 months. They share insights into how their expectations of a fast-paced, disruptive professional services sector have played out — and how reality has surprised them. From witnessing unexpected resistance to change within the industry to the challenges and opportunities presented by technology, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the road...

Disrupting the Traditional by Thinking Differently. Join us as we sit down with Janet Taylor-Hall, CEO and founder of Cognia Law, for a captivating conversation on the evolution of legal services. Janet shares her path from a "recovering management consultant" to becoming a driving force in the legal sector, creating a unique model that blends traditional law with the agility of new law. She introduces us to the concept of the "third pillar" of law, where New Law providers like Cognia...

Re-thinking Insolvency law, clearly defining strategy and remaining curious. We sit down with Scott Atkins (Norton Rose Fulbright | Global Co-Head Restructuring) a visionary leader and strategist. Scott shares a refreshing and optimistic perspective on restructuring and insolvency, effective strategy, business development, remaining curious and venturing into Space. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of professional development and strategic...

Navigating AI from someone who knows. With Harkirat Singh (Palantir Technologies UK | Technical Director) “AI isn't just about the tech; it's about generating real operational value.” “Flexibility is key—being able to swap out models and adapt quickly will define successful AI integration.” In this episode, hosts Rob and Jonathan sit down with Harkirat Singh, a veteran software engineer and AI expert from Palantir Technologies. We delve into the transformative power of AI, large language...

In an environment of disruption, a law firm must be designed for agility. Join hosts Jonathan and Robert as they tackle the evolving landscape of the legal sector. They delve into the critical topic of whether the traditional law firm partnership model can withstand the rapid technological advancements and disruptions of today's world. With a focus on organisational design, they explore how law firms must adapt to maintain a competitive edge. Key Points: 1. The traditional law firm...

Empowering the individual to drive change within organisations. Our guest in this, our first long-form episode, is Richard Oakes, CEO of The O10 Group. Oh, and he just happens to be a 5 times UCi World Cycling Champion as well. So, no pressure! In the episode Richard and Jonathan discuss the importance of neuroscience and individual mindset in driving organisational change, particularly in the legal sector. We explore how leaders' inner narratives, authenticity, and energy can influence...

Employer Brand - is there a more important strategic imperative in 2024? In this episode Rebecca Price, strategy partner, co-founder and co-owner of Frank Bright & Abel, a creative communications consultancy, that specialises in B2B and works extensively across the legal sector, talks to co-hosts Rob Otty and Jonathan Otty about the importance of getting your Employer Brand right. Employer Brand has never been more important - done right, it provides a huge advantage in your recruitment...

Cognitive Dissonance, Hubris, Scepticism and other blockers to change. Join us as we explore the concept of cognitive dissonance within the legal industry, where firms recognise the need for change but remain rooted in traditional practices and the billable hour model. We discuss the tension between understanding the need to adapt and being entrenched in models that have historically guaranteed profitability, drawing parallels with the case of Kodak's failure to capitalise on digital...

Now, more than ever, Brand is essential to law firms and PSFs. Now more than ever, a brand that resonates with your clients and your people is crucial to your success as a law firm. Our guest, Rebecca Price is strategy partner, co-founder and co-owner of Frank Bright & Abel – a creative communications consultancy, that specialises in B2B and works extensively across the legal sector. A brand, employer brand, marketing and communications specialist, she’s a consultant with over 30 years’...

A business-minded, strategic CMO is a must for professional service firms How to modernise your approach to clients and ensure that you remain relevant. A must listen for all law firm, professional service partners, CMOs and everyone interested in professional service marketing and positioning. Partners - empower your skilled non-lawyer leaders and reap the benefits. CMOs - be business-minded and strategic first and then apply the marketing, comms and brand expertise. Each respecting and...

Leadership, clients, culture and more with Peter Martyr, NED Koch Holdings. In this enlightening episode, Peter Martyr, a seasoned leader with a rich history in both law and corporate governance, sits down with Rob Otty to dissect the nuances of leadership in an ever-evolving business landscape. From the world of international law to the boardroom of a global conglomerate, Peter shares invaluable insights into pragmatic leadership, the critical role of fairness and consideration, and the...

After generations, has the Billable Hour finally met its match? In this episode we discuss one of the most debated topics in the Professional Service Sector - the Billable Hour. For generations, the Billable Hour has dictated and underpinned the PSF commercial model. No element of the commercial model has more influence than the Billable Hour. With the advent of very visible, technology driven, efficiencies, can the Billable Hour survive as the principle method for pricing services? Can...

In this episode, Jonathan and Robert discuss the implications of generative AI and emerging technologies on the legal sector. They explore the need for strategic considerations and the potential for asymmetric disruption. The conversation then shifts to the threats posed to traditional law firm partnership models and the necessity for corporatisation and culture shift. They also examine the changing client demands and the pricing implications for law firms. The episode concludes with a...

Today we focus on discussing how generative AI and large language models (LLMs) represent a key inflection point requiring transformation of legal and professional services firms. We analyse drivers, obstacles, and ethical implications around technology adoption. And discuss researching evidence, examining client impacts, evaluating bespoke vs out-of-box LLMs, and shifting focus toward serving clients. Based in London, with a global reach, Orellium Advisory Services offers pragmatic...