Our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition has experienced first-hand a shift away from narrow boxes (like male, corporate finance, central London) to a more holistic, humane approach to doing business – at every level.
Luke Wilson, a partner at FRP Advisory, shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana a professional journey turbocharged by the powerful combination of hard work and vulnerability. He explains choices that have influenced his career trajectory, including decisions to embrace both sobriety and mentorship early on.
You’ll find out how Luke pays forward his hard-earned wisdom and why understanding our human condition is key to long-term success, both for healthy workplace cultures and for the corporate bottom line.
Learn about the importance of executive coaching and other forms of lifelong learning as we graduate through the corporate ranks and the role humility and self-awareness play in Luke’s partnership style.
“Money is great, but that only takes me so far. What I do day to day nourishes me and makes me feel good,” says our guest. “Beyond giving good advice and generating new work and new business, which is really good fun, what else are we doing?”
If you enjoyed this discussion, please click here to find previous episodes of Leaders with Ambition.
Key takeaways
Starting out
Why the practice of law’s failure to make his “heart sing” eventually sent Luke in a new hybrid direction that incorporated an engaging (if challenging) new business element.
Key move
What his early commitment to getting the basics and networking has done for Luke’s career progression as a knowledgeable, truly confident resource.
The big shift
How Luke’s clarity around what his role was (and where he needed to strive for excellence) at every step opened up opportunities organically.
Teetering on the edge
About challenging limits, and fear, through the hard work required to build towards a next level of competence and confidence. Inch by inch!
Holding up a mirror
Why Luke finds so much value in both having mentors (professional and personal) as well as paying it forward by sponsoring others in need of support.
Being authentic
How doing the right thing – even when no one is watching – is key to elevating ourselves and those around us, at work and at home.
Equity, diversity & inclusion
About the role of passion in driving FRP’s workplace culture and mobilization around cultivating genuine change, step by step, year over year.
Alternative paths
What apprenticeships offer people who lack high levels of education but possess clear potential, a willingness to work hard and go above and beyond.
Transformational change
How the decision to get sober changed Luke’s landscape, opening him up to embracing vulnerability and promoting workplace mental health generally.
Corporate health
Why a human-centred approach to professional services is so powerful in building trusted advisory relationships and sustained growth.
So-called soft skills
About the role of networking and human connection in building resilient business relationships and lead generation.
Redefinition & transition
What it takes to navigate from middle management into a partnership position, including changing relationships, collaboration and choosing each next right step.
Industry challenges
A learning curve for communication between older and younger generations; integrating evolving corporate styles; and staying culturally agile and supportive.
Looking forward
Why Luke intends to focus on long-term solutions, opportunities to diversify the business and grow whilst keeping the overall workplace culture healthy and integral.
Words of wisdom (or comfort)
You don’t need to be scared; you can believe in yourself, even when you feel less than fully capable; everyone has their own journey and path!
Key quotes
“I was projecting confidence and ability really far before I had it … Actually learning a craft is really important and it took me years to realize that.”
“Once I started focusing on being at my desk and filling my duties well and once I got that, the more trusted I became. And the more trusted I became, the more involved and useful I got.”
“Teetering on the edge of fears is where the maximum growth and learning takes place.”
“It’s really true that the harder you work the more you gain. People have natural abilities but a lot of it … just comes down to how hard you work.”
“Everything in my life that has been worthwhile has come through some form of challenge, difficulty or hard work. (But) the reality is you need resources, community, mentors, good managers, good organisations, good ethics, principles, business values – all of those things.”
“(FRP) has spent a lot of time and money investing in trying to create a completely different environment so that people can feel more themselves and, as a result, flourish.”
“If you’re going to be a senior leader in a firm – whether partner or whatever – you really need to be able to have the art of getting on with people at a basic level … So much of good client care is creating trust in that relationship.”
“Remaining humble and aware is really important. Most good leaders will work on themselves to have a constant awareness of themselves so that they can better interact with their environment and the people around them. And a big part of that is being open to learning.”
“If you’re able to lead with vulnerability and a limited amount of ego, then you’re really, really an evolved and strong individual because it takes a lot of energy, insight and courage to do that.”
“Do your job and do it really, really well. Don’t worry about what’s next because if you do well now, all these other amazing opportunities are going to come up.” (Nicky)
About Luke Wilson
Luke joined FRP in 2013 and is a Partner in the Restructuring Advisory team based in the London office. He has over 12 years’ experience in corporate insolvency. With wide-ranging experience, Luke has a focus on solvent liquidations and corporate simplification exercises. He also has experience in Law of Property Act receiverships, trading administrations, and pre-packaged administrations. He advises clients at all stages of corporate restructuring, identifying risk and giving strategic solutions to provide the best outcome for them and their stakeholders. Luke manages a large portfolio of solvent and insolvent liquidations and has worked across a variety of sectors such as financial services, publishing and media, retail, property, hospitality, healthcare and professional services.
About Nicky Acuna Ocana
Nicky has led high performing recruitment teams for over 25 years. As the Regional Managing Director of Ambition UK, Europe & US, she leads a team of highly-skilled recruitment consultants who specialise in Business Services functions within Professional Services and are experts in their niche specialist areas.
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