This episode aims to inspire lawyers to consider diverse career opportunities within the legal and corporate sectors beyond being an in-house or private practice lawyer. Erica is joined by Hannah Ellwood, the Company Secretary for Barclays Group, to discuss her unique career journey, including her former role as chief of staff and and current role as company secretary to a FTSE 100 company. Hannah elaborates on her day-to-day responsibilities, from advising on corporate governance to organising board meetings and dealing with senior board members and provides insights into how to move into a company secretarial role and the skill set required to be successful. She also shares her personal journey from a senior associate at Clifford Chance to her current position, offering advice on navigating career changes, building resilience, and effectively dealing with senior stakeholders.

Chapters

00:59 Role of a Company Secretary

05:27 Annual General Meetings (AGMs)

12:58 Pathways to Becoming a Company Secretary

17:48 Hannah's Career Journey

23:36 Choosing a Career Path in Law

29:43 Building Resilience and Handling Stress

34:26 Recognising and Leveraging Your Strengths

38:54 Advice to My Younger Self

In this episode I’m excited to sit down with Mollie Stoker, General Counsel and Company Secretary at Britvic. Mollie has had such an interesting and varied career but what comes across most strongly is her strength combined with her authenticity. She has moved into leadership roles while demonstrating how quiet power can be just as effective as noisy. For anyone wondering how a woman can succeed without sacrificing her femininity, she is a great role model. During the episode Mollie reflects on her early career, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the pivotal choice to move from private practice to an in-house role. She emphasises resilience, emotional intelligence, and the power of coaching in her personal and professional development. This episode offers valuable insights into navigating career transitions, the importance of asking questions and maintaining a positive and energetic leadership style.

01:03 Overview of Britvic and Mollie's Role

07:46 Career Beginnings and Inspirations

15:05 Navigating Career Challenges and Family

26:25 Embracing Humility and Self-Reflection

29:13 The Transformative Power of Coaching

33:41 Balancing Femininity and Professionalism

44:06 Advice to My Younger Self

48:15 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care

Links to The Women’s Room – Legal Division:

• LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-womens-room-legal-division/?viewAsMember=true

• YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@Womens-Room-Legal-Division

• Website https://www.ericahandling.com/the-womens-room-legal-division/

I’d love to hear from you directly using the CONTACT link below about

Contact Me https://www.ericahandling.com/contact-me/

• any coaching questions you have or challenges that you’re facing
• any topics you’d like me to cover on the YouTube Channel, or
• if you have any suggestions about an amazing woman working in around the law I should interview on the Podcast

https://feeds.captivate.fm/womens-room-legal-division/

In this episode of the Women's Room Legal Division podcast, host Erica welcomes Fiona Rutherford, Chief Executive of the organisation JUSTICE. They discuss Fiona's career journey from aspiring doctor to a prominent legal professional, her experiences at the criminal bar, and her impactful roles within the Crown Prosecution Service, His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service the Ministry of Justice. Fiona talks in-depth about JUSTICE's mission to create a fairer UK justice system, their strategic goals, and the importance of the rule of law. The conversation also touches upon Fiona's leadership style, her thoughts on mentorship, and advice to her younger self. The episode provides insights into the legal profession and emphasises the significance of supporting organisations like JUSTICE to uphold the rule of law and improve the justice system.

Links to The Women’s Room – Legal Division:

• LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-womens-room-legal-division/?viewAsMember=true

• YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@Womens-Room-Legal-Division

• Website https://www.ericahandling.com/the-womens-room-legal-division/

I’d love to hear from you directly using the CONTACT link below about

Contact Me https://www.ericahandling.com/contact-me/

• any coaching questions you have or challenges that you’re facing
• any topics you’d like me to cover on the YouTube Channel, or
• if you have any suggestions about an amazing woman working in around the law I should interview on the Podcast

https://feeds.captivate.fm/womens-room-legal-division/