Corporate Partner, Chris Dobson, is joined by business leader Rich Pawlyn to discuss what really makes a business exit successful and why preparation for due diligence can make or break a deal.

Drawing on a real transaction they worked on together, Chris and Rich explore the journey from a failed sale to a successful exit, including a multi-year turnaround project, operational transformation, and the strategic preparation required to present a business clearly and confidently to buyers.

Their conversation focuses particularly on early-stage due diligence, what buyers look for, how sellers should prepare, and how getting organised early can reduce stress, protect value, and prevent last-minute deal risks.

They also discuss the human side of selling a business: managing emotion, aligning stakeholders, preparing management teams, and choosing advisors who add genuine value.

Finally, they look ahead to the future of dealmaking, including how AI and automation are reshaping data rooms and due diligence processes.

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Mission Possible: Leading, Managing and Delivering

In this episode, Sarah Williamson, Partner and Head of Commercial & Technology at Boyes Turner, sits down with Sharon Evans, former Chief Legal Officer at TotallyMoney, to explore how in-house lawyers can expand their influence and demonstrate value within their organisations.

Sharon shares how meeting teams where they are joining stand-ups, using Slack instead of rigid forms, and speaking their language can help legal feel like part of the business, not apart from it. She also touches on how guiding colleagues through a crisis can build trust faster than anything else.

When it comes to senior stakeholders, Sharon explains how tailoring communication to the audience whether it’s the CEO, investors, or the board makes all the difference. Her advice on proving value? Don’t obsess over KPIs unless they truly fit your business. Sometimes, success is measured in the absence of friction and in spotting opportunities before anyone else, like getting ahead of GDPR or using AI responsibly.

A smart, practical conversation about influence, trust, and making legal a strategic partner at the table.

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Mission Possible: Leading, Managing and Delivering

In this episode, Andy Whiteaker, Partner and Head of Employment at Boyes Turner, is joined by Christian Waida from OpenText and Ben Martin from Wordsmith to talk about what it really takes to balance being both a lawyer and a manager.

They dive into how to build a positive team culture where people feel supported, trusted, and motivated to do their best work. Ben shares why empowering juniors to take the lead and making space for fun and connection keeps teams engaged, while Christian talks about creating an environment where people actually enjoy what they do because when they do, everyone wins.

The panel also tackles trust, transparency, and the importance of following through on your promises as a leader. Plus, they explore how to hire the right people, focusing on attitude and willingness to learn over technical skills.

A thoughtful conversation on leadership, culture, and building teams that thrive inside and outside the legal world.

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