Shifting from a trusted functional role to strategic leadership requires a different type of presence and influence.
This 90 minute session focuses on how you shift your mindset to show up more strategically, communicate with clarity under pressure, and contribute effectively as expectations increase when stepping into more senior roles.
Drawing on real world examples, discussion and insights from a panel of experienced leaders Cheryl Lee, Toni Borthwick and Cristina Piccoli, the session explores how to frame recommendations that resonate with partners and navigate internal dynamics with greater confidence. We will also touch on visibility, sponsorship and perception, grounded in practical, lived experience.
Through case studies, breakout discussions and panellists Q&A, attendees will learn how leaders have developed their own business cases, navigated transitions to senior leadership and influenced outcomes.
As part of the session, you will receive templates for:
- A personal leadership positioning statement
- An influence and sponsorship map
- A easy-to-follow plan for increasing profile
Facilitator:
Cheryl Lee
Executive Coach; Fractional M&BD Leader
Cheryl is an accredited Executive Coach and fractional M&BD leader with over 13 years of legal business development experience in regional roles based out of Singapore and Hong Kong. Prior to legal BD, she worked in B2C marketing and events for clients including Lane Crawford, Shanghai Tang and CLSA.
She currently sits on the boards of ICON APAC and the International Coaching Federation (HK Chapter).
Speakers:
Toni Borthwick
Relationships and Brand Director, Pitcher Partners Sydney
Toni Borthwick is Director of Relationships and Brand at Pitcher Partners Sydney, where she leads the firm’s brand, marketing and client engagement strategy, working closely with partners to strengthen positioning, build authority and create meaningful connections that drive growth.
With a long career in professional services, Toni’s work spans brand strategy, thought leadership, client experience, business development, communications and internal engagement. She is known for aligning commercial outcomes with purpose‑led storytelling, helping firms and their people articulate not just what they do, but why it matters.
Toni is particularly passionate about helping professional services firms move beyond transactional marketing to build trust, relevance and long‑term impact with clients and communities.
Cristina Piccioli
Head of Business Development - Products, Herbert Smith Freeholds Kramer
Cristina Piccioli is a senior legal industry leader with deep expertise in business development and growth strategy. Based in Sydney, she leads business development across a broad product portfolio at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, spanning disputes, competition and employment, and works closely with partners and teams to drive market growth, sharpen client strategy and enable cross‑practice collaboration.
Cristina brings a rare mix of legal and commercial experience, having practised as a banking and finance lawyer in Sydney, Milan and Singapore before transitioning into senior business development roles at Linklaters and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. A Certified Ontological Coach (ICF Level 2), she is known for her strategic mindset and coaching capability, supporting lawyers and professionals to navigate complexity, build strong client relationships and lead with clarity, confidence and purpose.
Event Details:
Date: 30 April 2026
Times:
13:00 pm - 14:30 pm: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
12:30 pm - 14:00 pm: Adelaide
15:00 pm - 16:30 pm: New Zealand
11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Perth, Hong Kong, Singapore
Price*:
Members: $100 | Non-Members: $160
* All prices in AUD
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