Accelerated change and increasingly diverse challenges (and opportunities) demand greater focus on leadership and strategy, particularly in areas relating to execution, clients, technology and innovation, among others.
Amid the changing landscape, the Managing Partners’ Forum introduced the new Strategy & Marketing Group. Bringing together these previously independent specialist groups provides members with a practical, leadership perspective on the matters that affect the direction and strategic choices at your firm.
The 2018 programme for this new group commenced with the ‘Leading In’ series, identifying best practice and first-hand experience of strategy leaders. Modules include:
- Leading in the business
- Leading in strategy
- Leading in innovation
- Leading self
Leading in the Business: We heard from two business leaders whose innovative approaches have evolved their role, and their firms’ approach to strategic planning and leadership.
Jonathan Patterson, Managing Director and Head of Development, DWF Ventures
DWF Ventures is an arms-length research and development company, wholly owned by DWF. The business was originated as a vehicle to develop new ideas, prioritise specific research and development opportunities to solve client problems and deliver business growth.
Jonathan is responsible for generating new ideas, delivering R&D priorities and supporting early growth services. With a background in business development and account management, Jonathan recognised early on the opportunities of utilising the potential of change, integration, particularly around New Law, technology and innovation to evolve the traditional delivery of legal and other services to clients.
Simon Slater, Chief Executive Officer, Pemberton Greenish
With 29 years’ experience of professional service firm leadership and management, Simon has delivered a series of transformational growth strategies combining organisational design, operational efficiency, market alignment, service delivery and effective implementation. A member of the partnership board at Pemberton Greenish, Simon also chairs the management board, with a focus on client service, people development, technology, risk management and financial probity. Throughout his career Simon has worked across the sector at DTZ (now Cushman & Wakefield), Charles Russell Speechlys, Eversheds, Taylor Wessing, Thomson Snell & Passmore and PKF Littlejohn in a diverse range of leading roles including Head of Marketing and Communications, Director of Business Development, Director of Operations, Director of strategy and Non-Executive Director.