Heather Vadgama- Chief Marketing Officer at Walkers

When our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition was starting out, marketing and business development were relatively new to the world of legal services. Today Heather Vadgama, Chief Marketing Officer at Walkers, takes pride in the fact that it’s a discipline studied at university.

As she shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana, Heather’s understanding of the profession has advanced along with her confidence in an evolving global skill set that showcases her resilience.

Additionally, as a board member with the Legal Marketing Association, this C-suite leader is focused on helping junior colleagues begin building robust networks to ensure ongoing growth and opportunity.

You’ll learn why Heather believes giving team members a sense of safety – including permission to fail – is critically important to effective leadership and how a stint in the world of Big 4 consulting pushed her to do what she does best: take on challenges and navigate unfamiliar situations.

“Deep down I think I feel most comfortable … when I’m in an environment that is uncertain,” says Heather. “I think it’s some sort of drive to get through it and succeed. That’s really what I enjoy!”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Heather's Journey

02:14 Cultural Curiosity and Early Experiences

05:57 Transitioning into Legal Marketing

10:52 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking

13:37 Career Growth and Opportunities in London

17:11 Expanding Horizons at Simmons and Simmons

18:05 The Big Four Experience at KPMG

21:17 Adapting to Change During the Pandemic

24:59 Stepping into the CMO Role at Walkers

28:57 Building a Strong Team Culture

32:34 Current Challenges for CMOs

40:27 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations