Leaders with Ambition · 2026-05-11 · 45 min
In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Julie Chodos, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP, for a candid and far‑reaching conversation spanning leadership, non‑linear careers, and what it truly means to build and scale high‑performing teams in professional services. Julie brings a distinctive perspective shaped by a career that crosses law, tech start‑ups, public companies, consulting, and global law firms. Beginning her professional journey as a lawyer, Julie reflects on the pivotal moments that led her to transition from legal practice into business development, consulting, and ultimately senior leadership roles within professional services firm. Throughout the conversation, Julie shares how growing up as the eldest of five children in an immigrant family shaped her work ethic, resilience, and leadership style. She speaks openly about the importance of embracing risk, learning through doing, and valuing feedback - even when it is uncomfortable - as a critical driver of professional growth.
Ep.96 Rhys Calcott - “The career is in your hands; every choice you make has an impact.”51 / 100Ep. 95- ''Dave Harvey- “Networking, networking, networking - the earlier you start, the better.”Ep. 93 Allyson Stewart-Allen- “If you don’t try it, you’ll never know what it could have been.”Ep. 92 Kerri Vermeylen - ''Careers are built through experiences, not perfectly mapped plans.”Ep. 91 Kathleen Ford - ''Networking is a skill that improves with practice.''