The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast from Menkus & Associates in partnership with Norman Broadbent, shares conversations with CEOs on how they translate organisational purpose into bold strategy, real impact, and lasting results.
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Helen Drayton, CEO of Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, offers a thoughtful perspective on what it means to lead a long-established law firm through change without losing its soul. At the heart of her approach is a simple but demanding ambition: to become the most human law firm - one that delivers commercial success through clarity, trust, and genuine connection.
Helen shares how Penningtons Manches Cooper has translated values born from an internal cultural project into a clear strategic direction, aligning people, brand, collaboration, and innovation to support sustainable growth. With strong financial performance and an expanding international presence, the firm’s evolution is grounded in strengthening its foundations rather than chasing short-term gains.
Reflecting on her own leadership, Helen emphasises the importance of accessibility, authenticity, and honest dialogue in building trust at scale. Her message resonates beyond the legal profession: organisations that endure are those that evolve with intent - remaining deeply human, even as the world around them changes.