Orellium Future Strategy

Scott Atkins, Global Co-Head of Restructuring at Norton Rose Fulbright, shares his visionary insights into the world of insolvency and restructuring. He redefines insolvency practitioners as agents of economic growth rather than just crisis managers. Scott discusses the balance between professional duties and family life, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and curiosity in leadership. He also delves into the future of space law and the need for strategic collaboration in a global landscape, making it a compelling listen for aspiring professionals.

Harkirat Singh, Technical Director at Palantir Technologies UK and seasoned AI expert, shares his journey from skepticism to embracing AI's transformative potential. He delves into the importance of flexibility and decentralized approaches for effective integration of AI. Singh discusses real-world applications, particularly in law firms, emphasizing the necessity of rapid value delivery through innovative methods like 'boot camps'. He also highlights common pitfalls in AI adoption and the crucial role of strategic partnerships in fostering technological advancements.

In an environment of disruption, a law firm must be designed for agility. Join hosts Jonathan and Robert as they tackle the evolving landscape of the legal sector. They delve into the critical topic of whether the traditional law firm partnership model can withstand the rapid technological advancements and disruptions of today's world. With a focus on organisational design, they explore how law firms must adapt to maintain a competitive edge. Key Points: 1. The traditional law firm partnership model and its scrutiny in today's disruptive environment. 2. How AI and large language models (LLMs) are reshaping the legal industry. 3. The necessity for law firms to realign their structures with strategic goals for enhanced agility, communication, and resilience. 4. Drawing parallels from the photography industry's shift from film to digital, highlighting the importance of adaptability. 5. The significance of continuous improvement and fostering a culture of innovation within law firms. Takeaway: In a rapidly changing environment, law firms must reevaluate their organisational design to remain agile, responsive, and competitive. The shift towards integrating AI and rethinking traditional structures is crucial for future success. LinkedIn · Website · Connect with Robert on LinkedIn · Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn

Empowering the individual to drive change within organisations. Our guest in this, our first long-form episode, is Richard Oakes, CEO of The O10 Group. Oh, and he just happens to be a 5 times UCi World Cycling Champion as well. So, no pressure! In the episode Richard and Jonathan discuss the importance of neuroscience and individual mindset in driving organisational change, particularly in the legal sector. We explore how leaders' inner narratives, authenticity, and energy can influence their ability to lead change effectively. Our discussion covers topics such as creating a compelling vision, embracing a growth mindset, maintaining physical and mental well-being, fostering team collaboration, and recognising the human element in change management. Our conversation emphasises the need for courage, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others succeed in navigating the challenges of change. Richard highlights the significance of aligning individual mindsets and behaviours with organisational goals to achieve sustainable transformation. Richard has held senior level leadership roles in some of the world's most progressive professional services and retail businesses. He has delivered change projects and has a proven track record in re-connecting strategy, leadership behaviours and bottom line results. He has worked with clients in major financial institutions, FTSE 100 and Fortune top 50 organisations. His work has been part of a Harvard Business school case study. Richard is a leading thinker on change in the professional services market and has lectured in the US, Asia, Europe and Australia on the subject. Richard is also the co-founder and rider for Team Ohten Aveas the world’s fastest masters cycling team. Richard has 4 UCI world titles and 2 world best times. Visit the Ohten Group Website · Connect with Richard on LinkedIn · LinkedIn · Website · Connect with Robert on LinkedIn · Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn

Rebecca Price, co-founder of Frank Bright & Abel and a B2B communications expert, discusses the urgent need for a strong Employer Brand in today's competitive landscape. She highlights how this branding is crucial for recruitment and retention, proving that it's a hard strategic necessity, not just a soft issue. With insights from the legal sector, Rebecca emphasizes the importance of collaboration and generational diversity in shaping a cohesive identity. Her strategic advice showcases how a well-defined Employer Brand can create institutional strength and adaptability.

Cognitive Dissonance, Hubris, Scepticism and other blockers to change. Join us as we explore the concept of cognitive dissonance within the legal industry, where firms recognise the need for change but remain rooted in traditional practices and the billable hour model. We discuss the tension between understanding the need to adapt and being entrenched in models that have historically guaranteed profitability, drawing parallels with the case of Kodak's failure to capitalise on digital innovation. We look at the underlying commercial unit of measurement that constrains law firms, the internal barriers to change, how the legal sector is a vast ecosystem of vested interests that mean now, more than ever, law firm managers need to carefully review the advice they are receiving, and how law firms are increasingly facing the risk of finding themselves misaligned with their clients expectations. Finally we look at the tremendous opportunities that present to traditional law firms to adapt and innovate to not only protect their position of dominance, but thrive in the new world of technologically enabled legal service. LinkedIn · Website · Connect with Robert on LinkedIn · Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn

Now, more than ever, Brand is essential to law firms and PSFs. Now more than ever, a brand that resonates with your clients and your people is crucial to your success as a law firm. Our guest, Rebecca Price is strategy partner, co-founder and co-owner of Frank Bright & Abel – a creative communications consultancy, that specialises in B2B and works extensively across the legal sector. A brand, employer brand, marketing and communications specialist, she’s a consultant with over 30 years’ experience. Rebecca is driven by a belief that great results are driven by simplicity, authenticity and a firm connection to the strategic intent of a firm. Our discussion with Rebecca is a must listen for anyone interested in professional services and brand. We cover aspects of brand strategy, including the definition of brand, its importance for professional service firms, and how to effectively leverage brand to differentiate and stand out in a competitive market. Brand encompasses how an organisation positions itself in the market, what it stands for, how it behaves, the language it uses, and its visual expression. For law firms, brand is crucial in differentiating themselves from competitors who often offer similar services. Brand should be truthful and reflect the firm's aspirations, not be just spin. It needs to be authentic and align with the firm's strategic plan; Employer brand is equally important, ensuring that employees believe in and embody the brand - crucial for attracting and retaining talent. When expanding into new jurisdictions with different values, firms should be transparent about their reasons and strive to uphold their principles as much as possible. Developing a strong brand requires input from various stakeholders, including clients, employees at all levels, and external parties like recruiters, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the firm's strengths and perceptions. Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn · LinkedIn · Website · Connect with Robert on LinkedIn · Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn

A business-minded, strategic CMO is a must for professional service firms How to modernise your approach to clients and ensure that you remain relevant. A must listen for all law firm, professional service partners, CMOs and everyone interested in professional service marketing and positioning. Partners - empower your skilled non-lawyer leaders and reap the benefits. CMOs - be business-minded and strategic first and then apply the marketing, comms and brand expertise. Each respecting and working to your strengths, you can make a difference and deliver success. Now, possibly more than ever before, the role of a strategic, business-minded CMO is key to the success of a professional service firm. But this does mean partners should remember that they are not marketing and comms experts and that the CMO role is NOT about booking golf days, completing directory submissions and saying "yes" to every partner idea! A trusted advisor to CEOs and Boards, our guest, Louanne Buckley has extensive experience in marketing and communications across global Fortune 500 companies and professional services firms, driving strategic transformations, increasing revenues, and enhancing brand loyalty. She has directed multi-national corporations like HP through turnarounds, splits and spin-mergers to the transformation of PwC’s go-to-market in Canada and then most recently Norton Rose Fulbright. Passionate about giving back to the community, Louanne has served as a Board Director for several organizations with a focus on healthcare and gender diversity. Connect with Louanne on LinkedIn · LinkedIn · Website · Connect with Robert on LinkedIn · Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn

Leadership, clients, culture and more with Peter Martyr, NED Koch Holdings. In this enlightening episode, Peter Martyr, a seasoned leader with a rich history in both law and corporate governance, sits down with Rob Otty to dissect the nuances of leadership in an ever-evolving business landscape. From the world of international law to the boardroom of a global conglomerate, Peter shares invaluable insights into pragmatic leadership, the critical role of fairness and consideration, and the delicate balance between being liked and respected. Delving into the complexities of managing across cultures, the challenges of adapting to technological advancements, and the future of the legal profession, this conversation sheds light on the essence of effective leadership and strategic foresight. Join us as we explore the ideas of leading with integrity, embracing change, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in a people-centric world. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, this episode offers wisdom for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern leadership and organisational dynamics. LinkedIn · Website · Connect with Robert on LinkedIn · Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn

After generations, has the Billable Hour finally met its match? In this episode we discuss one of the most debated topics in the Professional Service Sector - the Billable Hour. For generations, the Billable Hour has dictated and underpinned the PSF commercial model. No element of the commercial model has more influence than the Billable Hour. With the advent of very visible, technology driven, efficiencies, can the Billable Hour survive as the principle method for pricing services? Can Professional Service Firms change the model without severe adverse impacts - particularly if they have significant, long-term, fixed cost bases? We explore some options available to PSFs and why we don't believe any PSF can delay starting to explore alternative pricing and commercial models. PSF partners and leaders can see what is coming. They should not miscalculate the time they have to start adapting or the amount of time they have to do so. Based in London, with a global reach, Orellium Advisory Services offers pragmatic advice to professional firms, legal departments, and forward-looking companies. We ensure clarity of purpose and precision in practice. Rob Otty, CEO, is a seasoned leader known for his direct, collaborative style. He was a former CEO of Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa, and subsequently Global COO and CFO of Norton Rose Fulbright. Since 2014, Rob has written and commented on the emerging opportunities and challenges of AI in the legal sector. He excels in managing global projects and portfolios, with expertise in technology integration and organizational design. Jonathan Otty, Chief Strategy Officer, blends outcomes-based planning with creative flair. Transitioning from academia to professional services, he's committed to future-proofing the sector through innovation and unconventional thinking. Whether strategizing for business or scaling mountain peaks, Jonathan brings vibrant colour to the grey. LinkedIn · Website · Connect with Robert on LinkedIn · Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn