Kerri Vermeylen, Chief Marketing Officer at Sidley Austin LLP
In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Kerri Vermeylen, Chief Marketing Officer at Sidley Austin LLP, for an honest and reflective conversation on leadership, career evolution, and building a long‑term career in legal marketing.
Kerri shares her unconventional journey from growing up in the Midwest United States to studying and living abroad in Oxford and France — experiences that sparked a lifelong connection to Europe and ultimately led her to build a global career from Brussels. What began as a short study stint evolved into a 30‑year international chapter shaped by curiosity, courage, and openness to opportunity.
She reflects on the pivotal moments of serendipity that shaped her career — including a chance dinner conversation that led to her first role in a law firm — and how saying yes to unfamiliar environments helped her discover where she thrives: in fast‑paced, intellectually demanding, people‑driven organizations.
Throughout the conversation, Kerri offers thoughtful insight into the transition from management to leadership, leading international and remote teams, and how global roles require adaptability, trust, and cultural awareness. She speaks candidly about the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and peer networks, as well as the role executive coaching and feedback have played in her growth.
The discussion also explores the realities of sustaining a demanding global role — from managing travel and time zones to protecting energy and preventing burnout — alongside Kerri’s grounded perspective on work‑life “balance” as an ongoing recalibration rather than a fixed state.
Kerri also shares her take on the evolving profession of legal marketing, the accelerating pace of change driven by technology and AI, and why curiosity, good questions, and human judgment will remain critical to leadership success.
This episode offers practical, reassuring insight for marketing and business development professionals navigating growth, change, and leadership — particularly within professional services environments.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Building a non‑linear international career
How Kerri’s early experiences studying abroad shaped her worldview — and how openness to opportunity led to a long‑term global career in Europe.
The power of saying yes
Why embracing unfamiliar environments and trusting others’ belief in your ability can open unexpected career doors.
Finding your professional home
How Kerri discovered her passion for legal marketing through early exposure to law firms — before the function was even formally defined.
From management to leadership
The differences between managing work and leading people, particularly when teams are spread across regions and time zones.
Leading global, remote teams
How Kerri adapted her leadership approach to support geographically dispersed teams — even before remote work became the norm.
Mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching
Why mentorship requires intention, sponsorship accelerates progression, and executive coaching supports confidence and growth.
Navigating imposter syndrome
Why imposter syndrome is a natural part of stretching into new roles — and how feedback helps turn uncertainty into development.
Avoiding burnout in demanding roles
Why work‑life balance is an ever‑shifting process, not a destination — and how Kerri protects her energy over the long term.
Networking in an authentic way
Why networking doesn’t look the same for everyone, and how to build meaningful professional relationships in ways that feel natural.
The future of legal marketing
How AI and rapid change are reshaping the profession — and why curiosity and human judgment will always matter.
Key Takeaways
Careers aren't linear
Serendipity, curiosity, and openness often shape the most rewarding paths.
Say yes - then grow into the role
You don’t need to feel ready before you start; readiness is built through action.
Leadership evolves with responsibility
Leading global teams requires adaptability, trust, and intentional communication.
Mentorship isn't passive
Seek it out, ask questions, and build your own toolkit of approaches.
Feedback is a gift
Growth happens in stretch moments — feedback sharpens confidence and capability.
Burnout prevention is personal
Protecting energy requires self‑awareness, honesty, and ongoing recalibration.
Networking is about connection, not performance
Authentic relationships matter more than working the room.
Curiosity is a leadership skill
Asking the right questions elevates thinking and drives better outcomes.
Legal marketing is still evolving
Those who adapt, learn, and innovate will shape its future.
Key Quotes
“Some of the most important moments in my career came from saying yes before I knew exactly where it would lead.”
“You don’t need to have all the answers — asking a good question is often more powerful.”
“Careers are built through experiences, not perfectly mapped plans.”
“Feedback is a gift — even when it’s hard to hear.”
“Balance isn’t something you achieve — it’s something you constantly recalibrate.”
“Leadership is helping people grow into what they’re capable of becoming.”
About Kerri Vermeylen
Kerri Vermeylen is Chief Marketing Officer at Sidley Austin, where she leads global marketing and business development initiatives across the firm’s international footprint.
Based in Brussels, Kerri has built a 30-year career in legal marketing and business development and brings deep experience spanning Europe, Asia‑Pacific, and the US. Known for her thoughtful, people‑centric leadership style, Kerri is a strong advocate for mentoring, collaboration, and the continued evolution of legal marketing as a profession.
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, and Inclusion (ABI), Nicky is a sought‑after keynote speaker on leadership, hiring trends, retention, and inclusive workplace cultures.
