Creating the Connection: Bridging the Social Mobility Gap

Breaking Barriers and Building Diversity in Law with Monica Risam, Former Group General Counsel at Lombard International Group | Creating the Connection Podcast, Season 1, Episode 4

Welcome to the fourth episode of Creating the Connection, a podcast brought to you by The Stephen James Partnership.
 
In this episode, our host Samuel Clague sits down with Monica Risam, Former Group General Counsel at Lombard International Group, to explore her inspiring journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
 
Monica’s path was anything but ordinary. From studying in Washington, D.C., to stepping into the high-pressure world of Wall Street, she faced an industry that lacked visible role models for someone like her. Yet, she didn’t just navigate these challenges - she used them as fuel to propel herself forward. Her rise through the ranks of the legal and financial sectors wasn’t just about skill; it was about resilience, carving out space, and advocating for change.
 
Monica doesn’t shy away from the tough questions. She opens up about the challenges of navigating corporate law as a non-white woman and the pivotal moments that shaped her path - moments of triumph, setbacks, and reinvention. She shares how mentorship, gratitude, and an unwavering belief in creating opportunities for others helped her turn adversity into fuel for success.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to find the right mentors, build a supportive network, or carve out a space for yourself in an exclusive industry, Monica’s advice is unmissable. Her story is more than a career roadmap - it’s an inspiring call to action to rethink what success looks like and to open the doors for others to follow.
 
Tune in to Creating the Connection for a candid, empowering conversation that will leave you inspired to take your next step, no matter where you are in your journey.
 
Timestamped guide: 
 
01:15 - What initially interested you in a career in the legal sector?02:03 - Where does your interest in financial services come from?03:15 - Where does your interest in social mobility come from?05:08 - When you were starting out in your career, what were some of the challenges that you faced?06:33 - What were some of how you overcame adversity?07:30 - Do you think there's a particular point that set you on the course for where you are now, and if so, what was that?08:50 - How did you kind of find mentors?10:35 - How would you say other senior legal professionals in Financial Services can foster a culture of mentoring and support for their staff?11:40 - What are you most passionate about in your career12:20 - What do you see as the biggest barriers within the legal industry14:00 - What message of encouragement would you like to share with our audience?
Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/ 
 
Connect with your guest, Monica Risam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-risam-a7534b/
 
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe for more and share it with your network!
 
Explore more about The Stephen James Partnership here: https://thesjp.co.uk/
 
And discover SJP's Search and Advisory arm here: https://stephenandjames.co.uk/

Finding Purpose in Law with Mark Johnson, General Counsel for Retail and Wealth at NatWest | Creating the Connection Podcast, Season 1, Episode 3

Welcome to the third episode of Creating the Connection, a podcast presented by The Stephen James Partnership.
 
Creating the Connection, hosted by Samuel Clague, aims to bridge the gap of social mobility by providing practical solutions and fostering meaningful conversations with top legal leaders, driving important change within the legal profession.
 
In this episode, Samuel speaks with Mark Johnson, General Counsel for Retail and Wealth at NatWest, about his unconventional journey into law and financial services. Mark shares how his career evolved from an accidental entry into law to finding purpose in in-house legal roles. He highlights the barriers to social mobility in the legal sector and the need for action over intention, encouraging leaders to take risks on diverse talent.
 
Mark also discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome, the resilience gained from his background, and the vital role of mentorship and networking in overcoming obstacles. He calls for legal professionals to be more open and supportive, sharing their time and expertise to help others navigate the profession.
 
How does Mark Johnson envision a more inclusive legal sector? By creating a level playing field, reducing biases, and betting on potential. His journey is a powerful reminder that resilience, authenticity, and mentorship can lead to a fulfilling career while making a lasting difference for others.
 
Join us as we explore how we can create a more equitable and supportive future in the legal profession. Listen now!
 
Timestamped Guide:
0:01 – Mark Johnson's Journey into Law
3:38 – Challenges and Observations in Early Career
8:08 – Support Systems and Mentorship
9:55 – Turning Points and Career Growth
13:09 – Barriers to Social Mobility in the Legal Sector
14:10 – Future of Social Mobility in the Legal Sector
16:26 – Steps for Legal Leaders to Support Social Mobility
17:16 – Passion and Encouragement in Career
 
Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/ 
Connect with your guest, Mark Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-johnson-94395817/ 
 
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe for more and share it with your network!
Learn more about The Stephen James Partnership: https://thesjp.co.uk/
Explore SJP's Search and Advisory arm: https://stephenandjames.co.uk/

Finding Success In Your Career with Daniel Winterfeldt, General Counsel for EMEA and Asia at Jefferies | Creating the Connection Podcast, Season 1, Episode 2

Welcome to the second episode of Creating the Connection, a podcast presented by The Stephen James Partnership.
 
'Creating the Connection,' hosted by Samuel Clague, seeks to break down the barriers of social mobility by providing practical solutions and fostering meaningful dialogue with top legal leaders, driving important conversations and sparking lasting change.
 
Daniel Winterfeldt, General Counsel for EMEA and Asia at Jefferies, shared his inspiring journey from pre-med to law, shaped by his diverse background. He highlights the importance of meritocracy, inclusion, and creating supportive workplaces, emphasising how diversity and strategic career management lead to better client solutions.
How does Daniel Winterfeldt define success in his legal career beyond overcoming the challenges of his socioeconomic background? Daniel believes that success isn't just about following the traditional path of law school to a top firm. Instead, he emphasises the value of building supportive relationships, finding mentors and sponsors, and pursuing opportunities that align with personal goals.
Daniel also underlines the need for diverse and socially mobile talent to be aware of their personal brand and career path, and to manage their careers actively.
He additionally discusses the unique hurdles that socially mobile individuals face in the legal profession, and how they might need to reshape their understanding of success. Daniel’s journey shows that there’s no single path to achieving success, it's about carving out your own.
This episode leaves us with the notion that success is not always a straight, linear path, and it often involves overcoming obstacles, navigating challenges, and being more open to the unexpected opportunities that may lie ahead. 
Ready to join Creating the Connection and help drive real change in the legal industry? Listen now!
Timestamped guide: 
01.21 - What initially attracted you to the law, Daniel?
08.19 - How did your background and socially mobile upbringing influence your career path in law?
16.19 - How have you coped with adversity or have to overcome rejections in the kind of professional capacity?
23.05 - At what point did you realise that building a strong network and finding sponsors was key to your career success?
32.33 - What do you think success looks like in the legal sector about social mobility?
32.37 - What advice and insights can you share on the future of social mobility in the legal profession?
 
Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/ 
 
Connect with your guest, Daniel Winterfeldt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielwinterfeldt/
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe for more and share it with your network!
Explore more about The Stephen James Partnership here: https://thesjp.co.uk/
 
And discover SJP's Search and Advisory arm here: https://stephenandjames.co.uk/

Leveraging Non-Traditional Backgrounds in Law with James Morgan, Managing Director & General Counsel for EMEA at MUFG | Creating the Connection Podcast, Season 1, Episode 1

Welcome to the premiere episode of Creating the Connection, a podcast brought to you by The Stephen James Partnership.
 
In this debut episode, host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with James Morgan, Managing Director and General Counsel for EMEA at MUFG. Together, they explore the challenges of social mobility in the legal industry and discuss what it takes to overcome them.
 
What happens when you enter the legal profession without the traditional support structures? James Morgan’s story sheds light on this question. His journey isn’t just about personal triumph but also about advocating for greater visibility and mentorship within the industry.
 
James shares his transition from private practice to an in-house legal role, likening it to a “Whack-a-Mole” game with constant new challenges. He also reflects on the evolving role of financial services in society, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the sector’s positive impact.
 
Leadership and responsibility take centre stage in this conversation. James emphasises that leaders must do more than just succeed - they need to mentor others, share their vulnerabilities, and demystify the path to success. His advice for aspiring legal professionals is clear: build networks, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
 
This episode invites you to rethink how we approach social mobility in law. Whether you're just starting your career or are a seasoned professional, James Morgan’s insights offer valuable perspectives on creating a more inclusive and accessible legal profession.
 
Tune in to Creating the Connection and join us in driving real change in the legal industry. 
 
Timestamped guide: 
 
01:11 - What was it that initially attracted you to the law?
02:21 - And within law, more specifically, where does your interest in financial services come from?
04:29 - What did social mobility in the legal sector look like when you were starting out?
08:30 - Did your confidence in your abilities grow over time, or did you figure it out on your own?
11:35 - How did you find the transition from individual contributor to manager in your in-house career?
14:27 - How would you recommend people from less advantaged backgrounds build connections in the legal sector today?
18:09 - What do you see as the biggest barriers to social mobility within the legal industry?
20:10 - How do you think leaders can foster a culture of mentoring and support for staff within the teams in which they lead?
24:18 - What are you most passionate about?
 
Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/ 
 
Connect with your guest, James Morgan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-morgan-47254615/
 
If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to subscribe for more and share with others in your
Network!
 
Explore more about The Stephen James Partnership here: https://thesjp.co.uk/
And discover SJP's Search and Advisory arm here: https://stephenandjames.co.uk/

Creating the Connection: Bridging the Social Mobility Gap - Coming soon...

In the UK, particularly within competitive industries like law, social background often dictates career trajectory. 
 
Research by the City of London Taskforce reveals a stark reality – those from financially secure backgrounds are 43% more likely to progress to senior positions when compared to peers from working-class or intermediate backgrounds.
 
Now, it’s time to bridge the social mobility gap and foster a more inclusive and accessible legal profession.
 
Welcome to the Stephen James Partnership's brand-new podcast, Creating the Connection: Bridging the Social Mobility Gap.
 
Hosted by me, Samuel Clague, I’ll be having inspiring conversations with accomplished legal professionals in financial services to explore the often-overlooked topic of social mobility within the legal industry. 
 
Through these conversations with leaders, our goal is to create a blueprint for success for anyone pursuing a career in law, while sparking important conversations and igniting change within the legal landscape. 
 
To be among the first to tune in to the inaugural episode, be sure to subscribe on whichever platform you enjoy your podcasts from.