Voices for Change by A&O Shearman

In this episode of Voices for Change, A&O Shearman senior manager, Justin Farrance, speaks to James Sale, deputy CEO of United for Global Mental Health (UnitedGMH), and Sarah Henchoz, partner and global head of employment at A&O Shearman and global well-being advisory board member. UnitedGMH is A&O Shearman’s global social impact partner and James and Sarah look ahead to what the partnership hopes to achieve.

James makes a compelling case for greater investment in mental health—politically and financially. 12 billion working days are lost to depression and anxiety each year, while governments only allocate 2% of their health budget to mental health on average. James gives us examples of how UnitedGMH works to influence positive change—from hosting world leaders at the UN General Assembly to campaigning for legislative change across the world.

Sarah is an A&O Shearman partner and an experienced advocate for mental health with roles on our well-being advisory board, in our mental health advocate community and as a senior sponsor for MindForward Alliance. She acknowledges that business leaders have a responsibility to set an example and create a supportive culture. Sarah talks us through some key well-being initiatives at the firm and explains how A&O Shearman networks with other organizations to share knowledge and constantly improve.

Mental health is one of the central issues of our time. This episode is essential listening for anyone curious about how legislation, policy, and funding can support lasting, systemic change. It is also useful for business leaders who are working to create a culture that supports mental well-being.

Voices for Change is a podcast series spotlighting personal stories, leadership journeys, and the power of inclusive thinking in business. Through candid conversations with clients, colleagues, and thought leaders, the series explores how diverse perspectives drive responsible decision-making and long-term success. Designed for people committed to building responsible businesses, each episode offers inspiration and practical insights for shaping a future with equal opportunity for all.

In this latest episode of Voices for Change, Justin Farrance is joined by Alexandre Menais, general counsel at L’Oréal to explore which values to prioritize in times of change, and how communication is key to understanding both colleagues and customers.

Alexandre’s background in the tech industry prepared him for L’Oréal’s culture of science and innovation and helped him rise to the leadership position he now holds.

Justin and Alexandre discuss the challenges and opportunities of guiding a global organization during a period of technological transition. They also highlight the importance of consistency when providing legal guidance across regions and markets, and when applying company values.

 

L’Oréal’s commitment to inclusion influenced Alexandre’s decision to join the business, and the conversation delves into how, when the workforce now features an increasingly diverse range of ages, organizations can effectively lead technology transformation – including AI adoption – in multi-generational teams.

The episode concludes with an insight into how L’Oréal is connecting with customers through digital channels and live events, such as the recent Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris runway show at Paris Fashion Week.

Amid rapid digitization and transformational change, this episode will feel relevant for everyone, particularly leaders responsible for nurturing the values of a responsible business and translating them into meaningful action.

In this episode of Voices for Change, Rima Hadid, general counsel of Emirates Investment Authority (EIA), talks to A&O Shearman senior manager, Justin Farrance, to discuss how celebrating individuality in the workplace can accelerate progress, support well-being, and align with business growth.

Rima’s life and career journey has taken her from Lebanon to Australia and back to the Middle East, where she has worked for the past two decades. She recalls what it was like to immigrate to Bahrain in 2003 and how this caused her to reassess her cultural and professional identity. Rima describes a pivotal moment in her leadership journey when she was invited to join the board at McLaren, realizing that when a person’s unique interests and skills align with their work, it can become a superpower.

Justin and Rima discuss the concept of legacy and the work environment that future generations will inherit. Rima lists some of the key characteristics that leaders should embody—including visibility, integrity, and transparency—and shares some practical tips that listeners can use to check in on their own career journeys and skill sets.

This conversation will feel relevant for anyone who has felt misunderstood or struggled to integrate elements of their personal identity at work. It is also useful for people leaders and those working to create an inclusive workplace culture.

Voices for Change is a podcast series spotlighting personal stories, leadership journeys, and the power of inclusive thinking in business. Through candid conversations with colleagues, clients, and thought leaders, the series explores how diverse perspectives drive responsible decision-making and long-term success. Designed for people committed to building responsible businesses, each episode offers inspiration and practical insights for shaping a future with equal opportunity for all.

In this episode of Voices for Change, Caroline Withers, legal director at Virgin Media O2 and trustee at Carers First, talks to A&O Shearman senior manager, Justin Farrance, about the often-invisible reality of being a carer in the workplace —and how the right organizational culture can enable loyalty, engagement, and drive business success.

Caroline speaks candidly about her son’s autism and her daughter’s epilepsy, including how she worked through her own unconscious bias around ableism. Caroline shares her own journey with being a neurodivergent person and discusses how crucial it is for colleagues to normalize conversations so people can access the right support.

Justin and Caroline explore the business case for inclusion and talk through some surprising statistics, including how 44% of people with caring responsibilities will eventually leave their role. Caroline tells us how organizations can avoid these talent drains and benefit the wider economy. She encourages listeners to make use of the resources they have available: including employee networks, charities and local peer support.

This conversation is invaluable for anyone interested in inclusive leadership, organizational culture and those who might be carrying an invisible load in the workplace.

Voices for Change is a podcast series spotlighting personal stories, leadership journeys, and the power of inclusive thinking in business. Through candid conversations with colleagues, clients, and thought leaders, the series explores how diverse perspectives drive responsible decision-making and long-term success. Designed for leaders committed to building responsible businesses, each episode offers inspiration and practical insights for shaping a future with equal opportunity for all.

Related links:

https://www.aoshearman.com/en/news/ao-shearman-represents-liberty-global-telefonica-and-virgin-media

A&O Shearman advises on USD3.2 billion Sunrise Communications spin-off and dual listing

(S3 E2) In this episode of Voices for Change, senior partner Khalid Garousha joins Justin Farrance to reflect on the personal and professional experiences that have shaped his career and approach to leadership. 

From his early career in London and Dubai, to the realities of stepping into leadership for the first time, Khalid shares candid insights into resilience, responsibility, and the values that guide his work. 

The conversation also explores the development of A&O Shearman’s responsible business agenda, including our commitments to climate action, pro bono initiatives, and our global social impact partnership with United for Global Mental Health. Khalid discusses the culture we are shaping as a firm—one that places our clients and our people at the centre of everything we do.

(S3 E1) In the first Voices for Change episode for 2026, Justin Farrance, senior manager, Responsible Business, talks to two inspirational legal leaders at our client UBS. Stephanie Angelov Resetar is General Counsel for UBS Middle East, and Jana Salloum is Senior Legal Counsel in Stephanie’s team. They reflect on the unfolding destiny of their career journeys, the importance of self-belief, what they’ve learned about navigating change, and the attributes that make a standout law firm panel. 

In this inspiring episode of Voices for Change, Justin Farrance travels to Abu Dhabi to sit down with Donya Fredj, Deputy General Counsel at G42, one of the UAE’s leading AI and cloud computing companies. From overcoming personal and professional setbacks—including the loss of a training contract due to a law firm’s bankruptcy—to earning a place at Cambridge University and rising to a senior legal leadership role, Donya’s story is one of resilience, grit, and unwavering optimism. 

Donya opens up about the importance of prioritising wellbeing in high-performance environments, especially within the fast-paced tech and legal sectors. She shares how her personal values shape her leadership style and her approach to inclusion in the Middle East.  

The conversation also explores how legal departments can better collaborate with panel law firms, and what truly matters when selecting external counsel. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a legal leader who is redefining success through authenticity, empathy, and purpose. 

What does it take to lead with wellbeing at the core? How can legal professionals build inclusive cultures in regions with evolving DE&I landscapes? And what lessons can we learn from Donya’s journey to help shape our own?  

Tune in to hear how Donya and Justin unpack these questions and more, in a conversation that’s as practical as it is powerful. 

Voices for Change is a podcast series spotlighting personal stories, leadership journeys, and the power of inclusive thinking in business. Through candid conversations with colleagues, clients, and thought leaders, the series explores how diverse perspectives drive responsible decision-making, wellbeing, and long-term success. Designed for leaders committed to building inclusive workplaces, each episode offers inspiration and practical insights for shaping a more equitable future. 

Related content 

• Inclusion at A&O Shearman – Strategic priorities and initiatives around DE&I 

• Voices for Change Podcast Archive – Browse other episodes featuring inclusive leaders

What does it take to rise from the foster care system to become a leading voice in financial regulation and diversity? In this episode of Voices for Change, Justin Farrance, A&O Shearman’s Global DE&I Ambassador, sits down with Jodi Norman, META DE&I Partner and Regional Head of Financial Regulatory, for an intimate conversation filmed in the firm’s Abu Dhabi office. 

Jodi shares her extraordinary journey—from working night shifts at McDonald’s to becoming a lawyer and partner at A&O Shearman. Her story is one of resilience, authenticity and the transformative power of support.  

As she reflects on her childhood an upbringing, Jodi opens up about the importance of sharing personal narratives to foster inclusion and belonging. What does it mean to truly belong in a professional environment? How can organisations create spaces where diverse voices are not just heard but celebrated? 

This episode invites listeners to explore the intersection of personal experience and professional leadership in the context of DE&I across the Middle East. It’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about building inclusive cultures, especially in regions where these conversations are still evolving.  

Tune in to hear how Jodi is shaping the future of financial regulation and diversity—and what lessons her journey holds for us all. 

Voices for Change is a podcast series spotlighting personal stories, leadership journeys, and the power of inclusive thinking in business. Through candid conversations with colleagues, clients, and thought leaders, the series explores how diverse perspectives drive responsible decision-making, wellbeing, and long-term success. Designed for leaders committed to building inclusive workplaces, each episode offers inspiration and practical insights for shaping a more equitable future. 

Related content 

Voices for Change Podcast Series: Explore more episodes featuring inclusive thinkers and doers. 

Inclusion at A&O Shearman: Learn how the firm fosters a culture of belonging and opportunity for all.