In this episode of Life Matters More, Philippa speaks with Dana Denis-Smith OBE, founder of Obelisk Support, about what it really takes to build a more flexible, human way of working in a profession that has long rewarded tradition and endurance.

Together, they explore the gap between what organisations say about flexibility and what people experience in practice, especially at the point where careers and life collide. Dana also reflects on the principles behind creating a business designed around experienced talent, and what “human first” looks like when it becomes a standard rather than a slogan.

You’ll hear them touch on:

• The moments that shape a career, and what can change when you step away and come back
• The subtle barriers that keep skilled people on the margins, even when the intention is “support”
• What flexible work can look like when it is built properly, not treated as a perk
• Why values matter most when they cost you something, not when they are convenient
• A perspective on progress that feels practical, not performative
• Dana’s work on the national campaign, “First 100 Years” celebrating the centenary of women in law in 2019. And the “Next 100 Years” championing those in positions of leadership to encourage the next generation of aspiring lawyers to pursue their ambitions.

It’s the kind of conversation that stays with you because it isn’t trying to impress you - it’s trying to tell the truth about work, life, and what happens when we stop pretending those two things live in separate worlds.

The following podcast is intended to be of a general nature, will not be suitable for everyone, and should not be treated as a specific recommendation. We recommend taking professional advice before entering into any obligation or transaction.

Paradigm Norton Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA Register number is 455083.

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In this episode, Philippa sits down with Joshua Domb, founder of Gen-R Law — a new firm built on the belief that every area of legal practice can and should be viewed through the lens of climate change and ESG.

After a career in white-collar crime and regulatory investigations, Joshua experienced a growing sense of climate anxiety and a realisation that his work wasn’t contributing to the issues he cared about most. During a year of travelling, he confronted that tension and ultimately sketched the blueprint for Gen-R Law in a field outside Auckland.

Joshua shares the thinking behind his “Planet Before PEP” ethos, why he believes lawyers play a crucial role in the global transition, and how a moment of frustration and honesty led to a radically different vision for legal practice.

He explains:

• Why Gen-R Law is built around seven core principles, including donating 10 percent of profits to environmental causes and investing in green-tech start-ups.
• How climate anxiety, travel, and a lack of climate-focused legal options pushed him from idea to action.
• What “Planet Before PEP” means in practice, and how values shape client selection and firm culture as Gen-R Law grows.
• How clients respond to a mission-driven law firm and why younger lawyers are actively seeking value-aligned workplaces.
• Why governance is the root cause of most greenwashing issues, and how companies can build credible sustainability claims.
• How supply-chain transparency, careful language, and robust internal processes protect firms from greenwashing risks.
• Why credible ESG and transition strategies must link to business value, with clear timelines, metrics and governance.
• What makes him optimistic, from the global “team” working on climate solutions to the next generation of sustainability-minded professionals.

A candid, energetic and deeply motivating conversation with a lawyer reshaping what purpose-driven practice can look like in the climate era.

Top ten books to get educated about climate change! | Gen-R Law

The following podcast is intended to be of a general nature, will not be suitable for everyone, and should not be treated as a specific recommendation. We recommend taking professional advice before entering into any obligation or transaction.

Paradigm Norton Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA Register number is 455083.

Registered in England. Reg No 4220937, VAT Reg. No 918550904.

In this episode, Philippa speaks with Vanessa Havard-Williams OBE, one of the most influential figures in ESG and environmental law.

Vanessa joined Linklaters in 1988, became partner in 1999 and, across a 37-year career, built and led the firm’s environmental, climate, human rights and crisis management practices long before ESG became a global priority.

Her work spans private practice, government and international markets, including leading the UK Transition Finance Market Review and contributing to the Transition Plan Taskforce.

Vanessa reflects on the formative moments that shaped her early conviction about environmental law, the resistance she faced when ESG was seen as a niche specialism, and the tenacity required to build a practice in a field that did not yet exist.

She shares:

• What inspired the early business case for Linklaters’ environmental practice and why US and European regulation signalled a major shift long before it reached the UK.
• How ESG evolved from “non-financial risk” to a core strategic issue, and why boards must recognise both the financial opportunities and the systemic risks.
• Where board-level knowledge gaps persist, and the practical ways non-executives can upskill, horizon-scan and challenge effectively.
• Why inertia is one of the biggest barriers to progress, and how human behaviour, bias and overwhelm influence decision-making.
• Insights from chairing the UK Transition Finance Market Review, including the need for joined-up policy, sector pathways and global collaboration.
• Why SMEs, supply chains and strategic communication matter in accelerating the UK’s transition economy.
• What she is most proud of after three decades in ESG law, and the unfinished business that continues to motivate her work.

A rich, candid and expansive conversation with a leader whose influence has shaped how ESG is understood in law, finance and government — and who remains deeply committed to helping markets transition with clarity and purpose.

The following podcast is intended to be of a general nature, will not be suitable for everyone, and should not be treated as a specific recommendation. We recommend taking professional advice before entering into any obligation or transaction.

Paradigm Norton Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA Register number is 455083.

Registered in England. Reg No 4220937, VAT Reg. No 918550904.

In this episode, Philippa is joined by Simon Colvin, Partner at Weightmans, a long-established environmental lawyer and the firm’s ESG lead.

With roots in environmental biology and more than two decades specialising in this field, Simon has played a central role in helping Weightmans secure ISO accreditations, a platinum EcoVadis rating and recognition across several Legal 500 ESG categories.

Simon shares:

• How a childhood experience sparked his commitment to environmental work and led him into a career focused entirely on environmental law.
  
  
• What an ESG lead actually does inside a large professional services firm, and how he balances internal change with client support.
  
  
• How Weightmans transformed its early environmental efforts into a structured programme underpinned by accredited management systems and clear governance.
  
  
• Why many organisations struggle to start their ESG journey, and the simple first steps that remove confusion and build momentum.
  
  
• How to distinguish real priorities from noise, including the role of materiality assessments and recognised frameworks.
  
  
• Common pitfalls around greenwashing and the governance processes that help prevent it.
  
  
• Why ESG is ultimately about good business practice, resilience and risk management rather than box-ticking or chasing perfection.
  
  

This conversation gives listeners a grounded, practical look at what authentic ESG looks like inside a modern law firm — and why sustainable progress comes from clarity, consistency and embedding good practice into everyday operations.

A concise, insightful episode for anyone wanting to build credibility and confidence in their organisation’s ESG approach.

Want more practical ideas on ESG and purposeful leadership? Follow Life Matters More and never miss an episode.

The following podcast is intended to be of a general nature, will not be suitable for everyone, and should not be treated as a specific recommendation. We recommend taking professional advice before entering into any obligation or transaction.

Paradigm Norton Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA Register number is 455083.

Registered in England. Reg No 4220937, VAT Reg. No 918550904.