In this discussion between the IFSEA annual conference panellists, this brilliant panel examine the damage that narcissistic leaders can inflict on corporations and explore the potential solutions:

Wonu Sanda, CM Murray LLP, UK 
Lori L. Deem, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick DYM, Chicago, USA
Trisha Daho, Empowered Leadership Cultivation, Chicago, USA 
Kevin Hogarth, Assentar Ltd, UK 

We also thank Matt Myer of Mishcon de Reya (UK), who was unable to join the podcast, but attended as a panellist on the day of the conference and provided excellent insights.

In particular, the panel discuss: 
The behaviours and qualities that are exhibited by a narcissistic leader - what are the hallmarks and are there any positives?
 
The impact that working for a narcissistic leader can have on the culture of a workforce - is it really an issue or do we have an oversensitive new generation of workers?  
 
What are the financial, institutional, and human costs associated with having narcissistic senior leaders and why do some boards continue to tolerate them? 
 
Practical strategies for businesses and their advisers to mitigate the risk of hiring and harbouring narcissistic leaders and driving inclusive leadership.

The Plague of the Narcissistic Leader: IFSEA Post-conference Podcast Recording

In the third and final episode of our podcast series with Emily Kaufer, Senior Director of Human Rights and Harassment at Air Canada, Emma Bartlett, Partner, and Gabrielle Lintott, Senior Associate, at CM Murray LLP, discuss some of the reputational issues at play when it comes to workplace investigations.

In this recording, Emma, Gabrielle and Emily discuss reputational issues in the context of investigations, including cross-border investigations, with a particular focus on:
The potential detrimental impacts on reputation where an organisation fails to respond to allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct or carry out a poorly managed investigation
 
Strategies for addressing and minimising reputational issues and risk
 
Risk management verses crisis management, and dealing with the fallout of an improper investigation and threats to reputation
 
The intricacies of cross border investigations and how cultural considerations might play a role in an investigation process
Listen to the previous episodes in the series below:
Bias in Workplace Investigations
Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment Related Investigations

If you have any questions regarding this discussion or require advice regarding workplace investigations, please do not hesitate to contact Partner Emma Bartlett, Senior Associate Gabrielle Lintott, or another member of our Investigations Unit.

CM Murray LLP is a leading specialist employment, partnership and regulatory law firm. We are ranked Tier 1 and Band 1 in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for Partnership Law and Senior Executives and are recognised as having "a truly exceptional culture. The overwhelming sense that you are in hands of superb experts who are highly compassionate and understand the unique pressures their client has." (Legal 500 UK, 2026).

Legal 500 UK 2026 ranks Partner Emma Bartlett as a Leading Partner in the field of Senior Executives: "Emma has deep experience in negotiation and is a trusted advisor and defender of the rights of her clients. It is her personal and professional character that stands out as distinctive qualities."

Legal 500 UK 2026 recognises Senior Associate Gabrielle Lintott as a Key Lawyer in the field of Employment - Employers: "Gabrielle Lintott is a joy to work with - her instructions are fastidiously prepared and get to the crux of a dispute. She is extremely responsive and hardworking and a real up and coming name in the field."

Reputational Issues in Workplace Investigations - Investigations Podcast

Anonymity in workplace investigations is a double-edged sword: it can protect whistleblowers but also complicate investigations and fairness. In the recording of our recent IFSEA webinar, we were joined by:

- Rachida el Johari, Sagiure Legal, Amsterdam 

- Mathilde Houet Weil, Weil & Associés, Paris

- Colleen Cleary, Simmons & Simmons, Dublin

- Andrew Pavlovic, CM Murray LLP, London

- Emma Bartlett, CM Murray LLP, London (Chair)

The key highlights covered in this webinar include:

Jurisdictional Differences:
- In Ireland, anonymous complaints may not require action, risking procedural issues.
 
- In France, anonymous statements are allowed but must be supported by other evidence; cultural sensitivities are significant.
 
- In the UK, anonymous complaints are accepted if detailed, but pose evidentiary challenges.
 
The Netherlands emphasises fair trial rights, making anonymous reporting complex.
 
Investigator & Regulator Challenges:
- Anonymous reports protect identities but make evidence gathering and transparency harder. Regulators like the SRA and BSB struggle to act on such complaints.
 
Practical Guidance:
- Investigators should build trust, follow clear protocols, and explain the process to all parties. Policies should discourage anonymity where possible, ensuring fair hearings and due process.
 
Bystander Role:
- Employees must be empowered to report misconduct, with clear escalation routes and cultural support.
- Organisations should review their investigation policies to balance confidentiality, fairness, and legal compliance.

If you have any questions relating to this recording or if you would like discuss work place investigations in further detail, please contact Partners Emma Bartlett or Andrew Pavlovic.

Anonymity in Workplace Investigations – Key Legal and Practical Issues   - Webinar Recording

Following the 6th IFSEA International Conference on Executive & Founder Issues in June 2025, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the session, ‘Navigating Reverse Discrimination: Addressing Concerns of Those Who Feel Diversity Targets are Working Against Them’. Listen to the recording here and see below for further details.

In this brilliant episode, the IFSEA annual conference panellists examine the legal frameworks, workplace practices and cultural contexts that shape evolving debates around equality and inclusion in the UK, Sweden and the US. This is essential listening for senior executives and founders seeking to lead inclusively while mitigating legal and reputational risk.
- Carl-Frederik Hedenström, CFH Law (Sweden) (Chair)
- Claire Dawson, BDBF (UK)
- Camille Olson, Seyfarth Shaw (Chicago & California, USA)

In particular, the panel discuss:
- What can we understand reverse discrimination to mean?
 
- Different jurisdictional approaches to positive action and affirmative action
 
- The ways in which particular contexts, such as political shifts and systemic bias, can influence leadership and employer policies and best practice
 
- How do these conversations underscore the tension between equality of treatment and actual equity in recruitment and representation?
 
- The importance of balancing legal compliance with cultural and reputational considerations

We also thank Regan O’Driscoll of Simmons & Simmons LLP (Ireland), who was unable to join the podcast, but attended as a panellist on the day of the conference and provided excellent insights.

Navigating Reverse Discrimination: Addressing Concerns of Those Who Feel Diversity Targets are Working Against Them

We are delighted to share the tenth episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications.

In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Associate Solicitor Mitchell Blythe are joined by a special guest, former England and Harlequins rugby player, Shaunagh Brown to discuss the following:

1.	Shaunagh’s sporting journey, from representing England in the hammer throw in the 2014 Commonwealth Games to representing England in the Rugby World Cup Final against New Zealand in 2021.
 
2.	The recent Red Roses historic victory over Canada in the Rugby World Cup Final 2025 at the Allianz Stadium.
 
3.	Being called to Parliament in 2023 to give evidence to the Women & Equalities Committee on sexism in sport.
 
4.	The importance of visibility and role models in sport.
 
5.	The future of women’s rugby and we name our stand-out superstars from the Rugby World Cup 2025. 

The Women in Sport Podcast: Shaunagh Brown, former England and Harlequins rugby player

In this audio recording of the webinar recording, Corinne Staves (Partner at CM Murray LLP), David Shufflebotham (Founder at PepUp Consulting) and Zulon Begum (Partner at CM Murray LLP) join webinar chair ​Rob Millard PhD (Director at Cambridge Strategy Group) to discuss how AI is redefining partner roles and governance models and how it demands new approaches to talent development, retention and succession. In particular, the panel discuss:

AI’s Impact on Legal Careers: How is AI changing workflows and career paths for legal professionals at all levels?
 
Skills for the Future: Are your teams developing the emotional intelligence, adaptability, digital literacy, entrepreneurial thinking and evaluative judgement needed to succeed?
 
Training and Leadership: Is your firm’s approach to training and mentorship keeping pace with rapid technological change?
 
Succession Planning Pressures: Firms must maintain strong talent pipelines and adapt culturally as AI, private equity and partner mobility reshape the landscape.
 
Evolving Partnership Structures: The fixed share and equity partnership landscape is shifting, requiring new strategies for performance, evaluation and recruitment.  PE investment is also a key driver for the adoption of technological solutions.
 
Regulatory and Ethical Challenges: Are you addressing bias in AI-driven decisions and ensuring client service, confidentiality and fair recruitment and promotion? Are regulators ensuring regulation keeps pace with technological advancements?
 
Retirement and Partner Exits: AI is influencing attitudes towards retirement; how proactive is your firm in assessing valuable partner performance/contribution in an evolving market and supporting transitions and succession?
 
Strategic Agility: Law firms need to be forward-looking and agile, investing in continuous development of people and processes to thrive in a changing market.

Succession Planning in the era of AI: Navigating new partnership challenges - Professional Practices Alliance (PPA) Webinar Recording

In this next episode of #SRA4HR, Managing Partner Clare Murray and regulatory/professional discipline Partner Andrew Pavlovic discuss the SRA’s focus on internal investigations, including:
- Why the SRA care about them
 
- The consequences for individuals (including HR professionals) and firms for failing to investigate matters or investigating them inadequately
 
- The choice of investigator and how this interacts with SRA Principle 3 – the obligation to act with independence
 
- Self-reporting – at what point during the firm’s investigative process does the SRA need to be notified
 
- Disciplinary outcomes – what are the key considerations from a regulatory perspective and what needs to be reported to the SRA at the conclusion of the firm’s process
 
- SRA investigations – what happens during the course of an SRA investigation and how HR can support individuals throughout this process


If you are a law firm HR professional and have any questions arising from this recording, or would like to discuss further, please contact Partners Andrew Pavlovic or Clare Murray.

#SRA4HR – Episode 2: Navigating the SRA’s Approach to Internal Investigations

In this Women in Sport podcast, Ruth Nelson, Emma and Mitchell discuss:

Ruth’s remarkable path into combat sports, from taking up kickboxing as a young mother to becoming one of Britain’s most formidable female fighters.

The evolution of women’s participation in combat sports, including the growing visibility of female athletes and the influence of icons such as Ronda Rousey.

The realities of competing at elite level while working full‑time, challenging traditional ideas of what it means to be a “professional athlete”.

Ruth's experience training with male‑dominated MMA environments, building confidence, and forming lasting relationships within the martial arts community.

The importance of representation and role models, including the impact of Ruth’s own achievements on younger athletes — and even her own son, who later competed for Team GB.

Barriers faced by women in combat sports, from gender bias and under‑recognition to physiological challenges such as training and competing while managing the menstrual cycle.

Ruth's involvement in the feature film Tramp, portraying a fighter navigating motherhood, physical change and resilience — and how the story reflects the real lived experiences of many women in sport.

The Women in Sport Podcast: Ruth ''Ruthless'' Nelson

In this discussion focusing on global legal expansion, special guest Robert C. Bata, Founder and Principal of Warwick Place Legal, joins CM Murray LLP Partners Corinne Staves and Zulon Begum to explore what drove global expansion in 2025, the challenges, lessons learned and what law firms should expect in 2026 and beyond.

In particular, Corinne, Zulon and Robert discuss:

Global Expansion Trends in 2025:
- Middle East and Latin America emerged as major growth hotspots.
- Disputes work fuelled much of the international expansion.
- Firms focused on domestic consolidation before going cross‑border.

What Enables a Successful Expansion or Merger?
- Clear strategic purpose and partner alignment.
- Early preparation on governance, liabilities and due‑diligence issues.
- Upfront planning for tax and regulatory hurdles.

Cultural and Remuneration Compatibility:
- Culture = collaboration and integration, not “nice chemistry.”
- Remuneration models must align or be phased carefully.
- Headline PEP isn’t the real story; long‑term value is.

Beyond Full Merger: Alliances & Other Models:
- Alliances can work, but only with strong quality control.
- Networks offer reach, not integration.
- Verein models remain useful but face growing pressure to evolve as firms seek deeper integration.

Outlook for 2026 and Beyond:
- Expect continued expansion into the Gulf and Latin America.
- More UK-US merger interest on both sides.
- Realignment in Asia, with shifts away from China.
- Greater pressure for deeper financial integration globally.

If you have any questions arising from this recording, or would like to discuss international expansion in more detail, please contact Partners Corinne Staves and Zulon Begum of CM Murray LLP or Robert C. Bata of Warwick Place Legal.

Robert C. Bata is the Founder and Principal of WarwickPlace Legal, LLC, a consultancy specialising in cross‑border expansion strategies for leading law firms. With over thirty years’ experience as an international M&A lawyer at various international law firms, he has founded and led offices across London, Europe and China. His deep understanding of global legal markets, coupled with senior leadership roles and extensive industry engagement, gives him unparalleled insight into the commercial, cultural and political dynamics shaping successful international growth.

Corinne Staves is ranked as a “Star Individual” by Chambers and Partners UK 2026 for Partnership: Non-contentious: “One of the absolute leaders in the field on both contentious and non-contentious matters, regulatory and litigation.”

Zulon Begum is ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners UK 2026 for Partnership: Non-contentious: “Zulon is extremely responsive and has a solid handle on the challenges of pressure and in the regulatory environment that we have been dealing with.” ”She is calm and confident and gives the sense and feeling of really knowing the topic and the market, which is very important.”

CM Murray LLP is ranked Tier 1 for Partnership by Legal 500 2026: “This practice is unique due to its very specific focus on partnership matters and related transactions.”

Global Expansion for Law Firms: 2025 Reflections & Priorities for Senior Management in 2026

In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Associate Solicitor Mitchell Blythe are joined by Izabella Malewska, the actor portraying Grazyna “the Tramp” Jarzynowska a rising MMA fighter in the upcoming feature film Tramp. The film dives deep into identity, motherhood, physical transformation, and the realities of navigating combat sports as a woman under intense public scrutiny.

Together, they discuss:

• The story behind Tramp - how the film interweaves the stark physical world of MMA with the intimate realities of motherhood, vulnerability and survival, and why these two worlds share more parallels than people might think.

• Izabella's journey into the role, including her rapid‑fire MMA training, learning from world‑class fighters Ruth “Ruthless” Nelson and Ruqsana Begum and the emotional challenge of portraying a young mother facing judgement, exhaustion and grit.

• Representation, identity and visibility, including the importance of showcasing a Polish female lead in combat sports and how cultural identity shaped Izabella's performance.

• Training with real fighters, and how working alongside multiple‑time world champions brought authenticity, camaraderie and unexpected emotional depth to the fight sequences.

• The evolution of women’s participation in sport, from wider representation in fitness and advertising to increased inclusivity for different cultures, body types, and life stages — including motherhood.

• The pressures female athletes face, from social media trolling to expectations around body image, recovery after childbirth and the emotional labour that often remains unseen.

• Role models and personality in women’s sport, and why showcasing authenticity, humour and humanity - not just performance - is crucial for inspiring the next generation.

• What Izabella hopes audiences take away, particularly the message that motherhood and ambition need not be mutually exclusive: “You can have your cake and eat it.

Women in Sport - Episode 12 - Izabella Malewska

Welcome to the CM Murray LLP podcast channel where we discuss a wide range of topical issues in relation to partnership and employment law.

CM Murray LLP is a leading partnership, employment and regulatory law firm based in London. 

We advise US and UK law firms and partners, hedge fund and investment management partners, US and other multi-national employers, senior executives and founders on a range of UK partnership and employment law issues.