Daisy Williamson, Global Head of BD for the M&A/Corporate practice at Freshfields

​It may seem like a long way from a doctorate in zoology to a high-profile role in global business development, but we learn on this episode of Leaders With Ambition exactly why that path has made abundant sense for one dynamic executive. Daisy Williamson, Head of BD for the M&A and Corporate practice at Freshfields, shares her unconventional path into corporate marketing and lessons learned along the way - some of them from the world of primates!
This is a woman who has clear priorities and executes on them, whether in building effective teams or promoting equity in the workplace. Daisy brings a bedrock belief that colleagues perform best when given the benefit of respect and autonomy from the outset. And if a career stretch triggers a bit of Imposter Syndrome, that’s okay, says Daisy.
“To move forward, things have to feel a little uncomfortable sometimes and you don’t always do well. But you keep on trying, become more comfortable and grow into it.”
Learn about the tools this innovative leader brings to Freshfields and to her broader network across the sector. You’ll also hear words of wisdom about fostering highly effective teams and the importance of staying personally open-minded, nimble and creative. Above all, says Daisy, just keep experimenting and learning! ​
Key Takeaways:
Starting out: How growing up in the brand new city of Milton Keynes (with free-thinking parents) shaped Daisy’s perception of the world as full of possibility and ripe for innovation.
Dunbar’s Number: About Daisy’s experience working with famed British anthropologist, Robin Dunbar and a theory today deployed in social software, psychology and business management.
Major pivot: Why the opportunity to work in a team context appealed to Daisy, who made the strategic decision to draw on her skills to move into the corporate world.
​New Paradigm: How Daisy adapted her academic skills to fast-paced business demands, shorter timelines and the reality that perfection wasn’t always possible.
​Key feedback: How working closely to understand client needs and what success (and falling short) looked like fuelled Daisy’s professional growth right from the start.
​Staying agile: Why Daisy recommends keeping an open mind and trying on many different roles before zeroing in on a narrow career path. Don’t box yourself in - or let others try!
Going all in: What the sense of pulling together and using teamwork to win business means to Daisy and why she believes safety, humility and flexibility are key.​
Management journey: About Daisy’s transition into leadership at Freshfields and the multiple roles with global teams that have challenged her and afforded ongoing growth.
​Failing forward: Why it’s important to create an environment in which team members have permission to try, fall short, seek help and contribute collectively to deliver superlative results.​
Dynamic culture: Where Freshfields distinguishes itself as an entrepreneurial legal services firm that prides itself on being nimble, adapting to shifting circumstances and objectives.​
Communication is key: About the role of networking and maintaining contacts over the course of a career in order to stay curious as well as aware of new horizons, trends, opportunities.
​Management insight: How Daisy runs teams to maximize human interaction and efficacy in terms of size, style, tools and collaboration.
Paying it forward: Why promoting working women is a priority for Daisy, who is committed to uplifting female colleagues and empowering support from allies in everyday scenarios across workplace cultures. (See links for recommended reading below.)​
Current challenges: Staying agile amidst new technologies, fostering dynamic intergenerational communication and ensuring that teams are complementary.
Giving and receiving: About the multi-faceted role of mentorship at a variety of life junctures and how it has helped Daisy advance her career with both intentionality and purpose.
​Words of Wisdom: Believe that anything is possible! Be humble. Stay open to learning from others. Don’t put yourself (or allow others to put you) in a box. Cultivate creative outlets and personal development.​