Summed Up is a podcast providing advice, insights and practical perspectives for leaders and decision‑makers.
Each episode explores real‑world challenges and opportunities facing mid‑market businesses – from leadership and culture to strategy and decision‑making. Lived experiences and honest conversations are told by PKF Smith Cooper experts, joined by clients, contacts and industry voices. Whether you’re looking to spark new ideas, learn from those who have done it or understand what’s coming next in the business landscape, this is the place to start. If you’d like to speak to one of our experts about a topic covered in one of our episodes, or more generally about your business, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple PodcastsLatest episode: Women Leading the Way – Building Influence, Culture and Career Growth
In our debut episode of Summed Up podcast, we sat down with two accomplished leaders, Claire Spencer, Corporate Finance Partner here at PKF Smith Cooper, and Alice Rees, Partner at Nelsons, for a candid conversation about leadership, culture and gender representation.
Timings
- [00:0:45] Guest introductions
- [00:04:37] How the industry is moving forward on gender representation
- [00:11:47] Pivotal mentors or organisations that shaped their leadership style
- [00:24:48] Advice for someone who’s looking to take a key role in changing organisational culture
- [00:27:48] Current culture themes and hot topics in professional services
- [00:31:50] Factors that separate good businesses from great
- [00:34:53] Effective ways to build influence in a room where decisions happen
- [00:38:19] Skills or behaviours that have helped you gain influence at a strategic level
- [00:42:05] Rapid recommendation – A recommended resource or habit for women early in their careers who want to grow into senior roles
This episode gives listeners practical, honest insight into building a confident and resilient career in typically male dominated fields. Claire and Alice share how they navigated their own paths, what’s genuinely improving around gender representation, and the lessons they’ve learned about imposter syndrome, returning from maternity leave, and leading with empathy and authenticity. Throughout, they offer grounded advice on how to influence strategy, handle senior rooms and carve out a career that truly feels like your own.
About our guest speakers
Claire Spencer, Corporate Finance Partner at PKF Smith Cooper – Before joining PKF Smith Cooper in 2024, Claire was a co-founding Partner for an independent corporate finance boutique. Claire has over 25 years’ experience in corporate sales and acquisitions, having sold a large number of businesses cross border, and an increasing number to private equity firms. Since joining our team, she has helped shape and action our ambitious growth strategy and played a fundamental role in strengthening our presence in the East Midlands.
Alice Rees, Partner at Nelsons – Alice joined Nelsons in 2004, qualified as a Solicitor in 2006 and became a partner in 2018. As head of the corporate team across the region, Alice carries out a management role alongside advising businesses in a variety of sectors on corporate law matters to include acquisitions, disposals and mergers, company formations and reorganisations, management buy-outs and buy-ins and shareholders’ agreements.
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