Leadership Challenges faced by Professionals in Finance and Law

Emma Spitz, Executive Coach at The Executive Coaching Consultancy discusses the leadership challenges faced by professionals in finance and law as they transition from individual contributors to leadership roles.

In both fields, success is traditionally measured by personal performance metrics, such as profit and loss (PNL) in finance or billable hours and utilisation rates in law. High individual output and measurable results often determine reputation and career progression. As a result, professionals become accustomed to focusing primarily on their own contributions, where they feel a strong sense of control.

However, stepping into leadership requires a fundamental mindset shift. Success is no longer defined solely by individual achievement, but by the performance and effectiveness of the team.

Leaders must motivate others, manage collective outcomes, and take responsibility for results that are no longer entirely within their direct control. This shift can feel uncomfortable and uncertain, especially for those used to excelling through personal effort.

Additionally, new leaders are expected to adopt an “enterprise mindset,” moving beyond technical expertise to embrace broader commercial and strategic thinking. They must balance big-picture leadership with ensuring that detailed work is executed effectively by their teams. Ultimately, effective leadership requires integrating strategic oversight with strong team empowerment and accountability.

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