Orellium Future Strategy

Nerushka Bowan on regulation, readiness, and the human cost of disruption.

What happens when the pace of AI evolution outstrips the ability of governments and legal systems to respond? In this provocative episode of Orellium Future Strategy, Rob and Jonathan speak with Nerushka Bowan — lawyer, privacy expert, futurist, and founder of the LITT Institute — about the shifting ground beneath the legal and regulatory profession.

Nerushka draws from her global experience advising lawyers, corporates, and policymakers to explore:
- Why regulating AI using traditional legal frameworks is not just…

How principled leadership can survive amid disruption and division.

In this timely episode, hosts Jonathan and Robert welcome Kevin Hogarth, renowned leadership expert, to unpack the state of leadership amid turbulent times. From recent geopolitical shocks reverberating from the White House to unprecedented pressures reshaping the professional services sector, the conversation considers crucial questions, including:

- Can principled leadership survive in an era dominated by populism and hyper-masculinity?
- What role do integrity and respect play in effective leadership, especially when…

Crisis, Clients, & Controversy - Navigating Brand Risk in the Digital Age.

In a world where misinformation spreads faster than the truth and reputations can be built — or destroyed — at the speed of a tweet, how can professional service firms protect themselves?

In this timely episode, co-hosts Rob and Jonathan sit down with Rod Clayton, Head of Risk and Advisory (EMEA) at Weber Shandwick, to unpack the evolving landscape of brand and reputation management.

Rod brings over 30 years of crisis management experience, helping global firms and their leaders navigate the complexities of digital…

Balancing Authenticity, AI, and Agility in Branding and Strategy

In this special episode, co-hosted with Frank, Bright & Abel, Jonathan moderate a dynamic roundtable with Rebecca Price, Co-Founder and Strategy Partner and John-Paul Sykes, Creative Director of FBA, and Rob, CEO of Orellium Advisory Services. Together, they explore the transformative trends likely to shape the future of branding, employer brand, marketing, and corporate identity.

Key topics include:

Why authenticity remains the cornerstone of successful branding in a world leaning into AI and automation.
The challenges and…

Leadership, Energy, AI, and doing first-in-country transactions.

In this episode, Rob and Jonathan sit down with Anne Lapierre, Managing Partner at Bracewell’s Paris office, and a globally recognised leader in the energy sector. Anne shares her takeaways from leading a large team at a multi-service law firm to pioneering Bracewell’s Paris office with her entire team in tow — a remarkable testament to her leadership and vision.

Key topics include:
- Leadership in Transition: How Anne moved her team to Bracewell and the lessons for leaders in competitive markets.
- Sustainability and Energy…

How Tangent's CEO Leigh Gammons is redefining growth.

Join a thought-provoking conversation with Leigh Gammons, CEO of Tangent, as we explore the dynamics of leadership, innovation, humanity and AI. This episode is packed with insights on navigating global opportunities and leveraging technology to drive meaningful transformation.

Key Highlights:
• AI Beyond the Hype: Leigh shares how Tangent's approach to AI is reshaping business strategies, from customer experience to operational efficiency. Hear about their AI joint venture and the impact of building domain-specific solutions.
•…

Adapting to Disruption with Agility and a Fresh Leadership Approach.

In this episode, hosts Rob and Jonathan dive into the shifting tides in professional services, highlighting how traditional structures struggle against the ongoing "cascading crises." They discuss the strategic absurdity of "merger FOMO" and the assumption that size alone brings resilience; the opportunity created by Gen Z; and the need to constantly recognise that none of us is an expert in everything.

They champion strategic agility and the importance of building networked, multidisciplinary and multi-generational…

Our thinking may just need an overhaul...

In this one-of-a-kind conversation, Richard Mulholland (Missing Link, Too Many Robots) shares his story; from being a roadie, to becoming a successful businessman and global presenter. He emphasises the importance of curiosity as a driving force in his career and discusses the evolution of presentation skills in the corporate world.

The conversation delves into the future of communication, the impact of AI on human experience, and the growing divide in technology access across the globe. Rich also reflects on the philosophical implications of these…

Change is accelerating. The Opportunities are for the taking!

In this candid episode, co-founders Jonathan and Rob reflect on the last 6 months. They share insights into how their expectations of a fast-paced, disruptive professional services sector have played out — and how reality has surprised them. From witnessing unexpected resistance to change within the industry to the challenges and opportunities presented by technology, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the road thus far.

They discuss some of the matters, projects and trends that will interest anyone involved in…

Disrupting the Traditional by Thinking Differently.

Join us as we sit down with Janet Taylor-Hall, CEO and founder of Cognia Law, for a captivating conversation on the evolution of legal services.

Janet shares her path from a "recovering management consultant" to becoming a driving force in the legal sector, creating a unique model that blends traditional law with the agility of new law.

She introduces us to the concept of the "third pillar" of law, where New Law providers like Cognia are breaking the mould, offering a fresh approach that combines multidisciplinary expertise,…

Re-thinking Insolvency law, clearly defining strategy and remaining curious.

We sit down with Scott Atkins (Norton Rose Fulbright | Global Co-Head Restructuring) a visionary leader and strategist. Scott shares a refreshing and optimistic perspective on restructuring and insolvency, effective strategy, business development, remaining curious and venturing into Space. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of professional development and strategic business practices.

From aspiring veterinary surgeon to a globally recognised leader and strategist,…

Navigating AI from someone who knows.

With Harkirat Singh (Palantir Technologies UK | Technical Director)

“AI isn't just about the tech; it's about generating real operational value.”
“Flexibility is key—being able to swap out models and adapt quickly will define successful AI integration.”

In this episode, hosts Rob and Jonathan sit down with Harkirat Singh, a veteran software engineer and AI expert from Palantir Technologies. We delve into the transformative power of AI, large language models, and the strategic integration of these technologies in enterprises. Here's what you can expect…

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…

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…

Employer Brand - is there a more important strategic imperative in 2024?

In this episode Rebecca Price, 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, talks to co-hosts Rob Otty and Jonathan Otty about the importance of getting your Employer Brand right. Employer Brand has never been more important - done right, it provides a huge advantage in your recruitment and retention of the best talent and in delivering commercial success. Employer brand is not a "soft"…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

In this episode, Jonathan and Robert discuss the implications of generative AI and emerging technologies on the legal sector. They explore the need for strategic considerations and the potential for asymmetric disruption. The conversation then shifts to the threats posed to traditional law firm partnership models and the necessity for corporatisation and culture shift. They also examine the changing client demands and the pricing implications for law firms. The episode concludes with a discussion on preparing for change and embracing future opportunities.

Based in London, with a global…

Today we focus on discussing how generative AI and large language models (LLMs) represent a key inflection point requiring transformation of legal and professional services firms.

We analyse drivers, obstacles, and ethical implications around technology adoption.

And discuss researching evidence, examining client impacts, evaluating bespoke vs out-of-box LLMs, and shifting focus toward serving clients.

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…