Next Step 2025: What I wish I’d known

Renee Bidwell
Chief Client Officer, Gadens

With over two decades of experience in business development, marketing, and client strategy, Renee is a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of professional services, particularly in the Australian legal sector. Her passion lies in leading high performing teams to connects the dots, meet clients' needs and drive growth. Influencing and navigating change has been a hallmark of Renee’s career – be it change management across a firm, within a team or within self, Renee has experienced it all. She is an advocate for how individuals can lean in and support themselves through the change process.

Regan Barker
Head of Revenue Operations, Grant Thornton Australia

With over a decade of experience in banking, finance, and professional services, Regan is committed to applying structured true sales processes and coaching across the industry.

Based in Brisbane, Regan leads a national market-facing team focused on both inbound and outbound sales, as well as the sales enablement program that benefits the entire business. This creates a full-circle model that transforms best practice sales into practical strategies for adoption across the firm.

In under a year, these efforts have contributed to a near-doubling of revenue from inbound channels while also improving operational efficiency for partners.

Away from her desk, Regan doesn’t sit still, spending most of her time outdoors training for long distance triathlons or with her two dogs.

James Watts
Head of Business Development - Practice, Allens

James leads the business development team at Allens, where he is responsible for helping to drive growth and create demand for the firm's practice areas. With over 15 years of experience in the legal industry, James has held various roles across BD and marketing in both Australia and the UK. He is particularly passionate about improving business development culture and building strong connections with his team and stakeholders to influence change and enhance the client experience.

Andrew Gerard
Head of Markets and Strategy, FTI Consulting

Andrew oversees teams responsible for growth and go-to-market initiatives covering marketing, communications, business development and strategy across eight countries in Asia. He also supports the firms Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging initiatives.

Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Andrew worked with two of the largest global public relations agencies managing communications for leading consumer brands, blue chip companies and government agencies.

Charles Handley
Director, Dalton Handley

Charles Handley is a seasoned career adviser and recruiter. He is trusted by hundreds of talented marketers in professional services to enhance their careers, and various world class firms to bring them talent. With over 15 years of experience specialising in marketing, business development, and communications recruitment roles within the professional services sector in Australia, he has a deep understanding both client and candidate needs has established him as a respected and connected recruiter across the Asia Pacific.

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