Raya Blakeley-Glover & Emma Lago - "Resilience is key. Keep going.''

​Raya Blakeley-Glover, Chief Business Development & Client Officer & Emma Lago, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Bird & Bird

In this episode ofLeaders with Ambition, hostNicky Acuña Ocañais joined byRaya Blakeley-Glover, Chief Business Development & Client Officer, andEmma Lago, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Bird & Bird, the international law firm known for its focus on technology, innovation and future-facing legal services.

In this special 100th episode, Raya and Emma reflect on their career journeys, the leadership lessons that shaped them, and their recent promotions into newly created C-suite roles. They share how careers rarely follow a straight path, discussing their transitions from legal practice and communications into senior leadership positions and why embracing change has been central to their success.

Throughout the conversation, Raya and Emma discuss the importance of mentorship, sponsorship and coaching, explaining how advocates and role models helped them navigate career decisions, take on leadership responsibilities and build confidence. They also explore why curiosity, resilience and continuous learning remain essential qualities for long-term success.

The discussion provides a fascinating insight into Bird & Bird's leadership culture and the unique co-leadership model that underpins their partnership. They reveal how trust, communication, mutual respect and shared values have enabled them to work together effectively while bringing different strengths, perspectives and expertise to the table.

Raya and Emma also share their views on developing high-performing teams, creating opportunities for junior professionals and fostering inclusive environments where people feel supported, recognised and empowered to grow. They discuss the importance of giving people visibility, helping them build confidence and creating space for ambition.

The episode explores the future of legal marketing, business development and communications, including the growing impact of AI. They discuss why technology should be embraced as an opportunity, how client expectations are evolving, and why human skills such as creativity, relationship-building, communication and strategic thinking will remain more important than ever.

This is an inspiring conversation for anyone interested in leadership, professional services, career development, female leadership, mentoring talent, embracing innovation and building high-performing teams that deliver lasting impact.

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What You'll Learn in This Episode

Building a career around your strengths

Why recognising what energises you professionally can lead to a more fulfilling and successful career.

The power of career pivots

How both guests successfully transitioned into new careers and embraced opportunities outside traditional career paths.

The importance of mentoring and sponsorship

Why having advocates who support, challenge and champion you can accelerate professional growth.

Developing future leaders

How creating opportunities and visibility helps people grow their confidence and capabilities.

Leading through partnership

The key ingredients behind successful co-leadership and collaborative decision-making.

Creating high-performing teams

How investment in coaching, development and shared purpose drives engagement and results.

Female leadership in professional services

The progress being made, the barriers that still exist and why ambition should be embraced.

Embracing AI and innovation

How legal marketing and business development professionals can use technology to create greater value.

Supporting wellbeing in high-performing environments

Why resilience, balance and strong support systems are essential for sustainable success.

The value of curiosity and resilience

Why staying open to new ideas and persevering through challenges can shape successful careers.

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Key Takeaways

Leadership starts with trust

Strong partnerships and teams are built on communication, transparency and mutual respect.

Sponsorship matters

Having people who actively support your development can significantly influence career progression.

Career journeys are rarely linear

Some of the most rewarding opportunities come from taking risks and embracing change.

High-performing teams need empowerment

People thrive when they are trusted, supported and given opportunities to grow.

Curiosity creates opportunity

The willingness to learn, explore and try new things helps drive long-term success.

Diversity of experience is a strength

Different backgrounds and perspectives contribute to stronger, more innovative teams.

AI should be embraced, not feared

Technology can increase efficiency, but human relationships, judgement and creativity remain essential.

Resilience drives progress

Overcoming challenges and setbacks is often what strengthens leadership capability.

Recognition matters

Acknowledging and celebrating contributions can have a significant impact on engagement and performance.

Great leaders help others succeed

Creating opportunities for others is one of the most rewarding and important aspects of leadership.

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Key Quotes

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• "Sales, when done right, is about meeting client needs. It's not about pushing things on people that they don't want."(Raya Blakeley-Glover)

• "Good ideas can come from anywhere."(Emma Lago)

• "You do have to ask for what you need and be willing to ask people to be mentors, coaches and sponsors."(Raya Blakeley-Glover)

• "You shouldn't have to apologise for being in the space you're meant to be in."(Raya Blakeley-Glover)

• "Everybody should develop and maintain their own network."(Raya Blakeley-Glover)

• "AI is not going to replace jobs. It's going to require a different skill set."(Emma Lago)

• "Be curious."(Emma Lago)

• "Whatever obstacle is out there, you'll find a way around it."(Raya Blakeley-Glover)

• "Resilience is key. Keep going."(Raya Blakeley-Glover)

• "We both really love this firm and want to make it the best it can be."(Raya Blakeley-Glover)

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About Raya Blakeley-Glover

Raya Blakeley-Glover is Chief Business Development & Client Officer atBird & Bird, an international law firm operating across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and North America.

Originally from New Jersey, Raya began her career as a commercial and white-collar litigation lawyer in New York before transitioning into business development. After relocating to the UK, she joined Bird & Bird and played a key role in developing the firm's client-facing business development and sales capabilities, helping strengthen client relationships, drive growth and support strategic business development initiatives.

Passionate about client relationships, leadership development and innovation, Raya is known for her dynamic leadership style, commitment to mentoring future talent and focus on helping organisations build stronger client connections.

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About Emma Lago

Emma Lago is Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Bird & Bird.

Emma began her career in communications and public relations, working across consumer, celebrity, crisis and litigation communications before joining Bird & Bird more than a decade ago. Since then, she has built and led high-performing marketing and communications teams, helping strengthen the firm's brand, reputation and market positioning.

A passionate advocate for creativity, collaboration and continuous learning, Emma is recognised for bringing fresh perspectives from outside the legal sector and helping teams thrive through innovation, development and shared purpose.

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About Nicky Acuña Ocaña

With over 25 years of experience leading high‑performing recruitment teams, Nicky Acuña Ocaña is 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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