In today’s fast-evolving professional services landscape, culture is still often cited as a firm’s greatest asset. But when left unexamined, it can quietly become a barrier to performance, innovation, and strategic growth.
The traditional professional services firm model is under pressure. Clients are more demanding, talent is more mobile, and profitability drivers are shifting. Technology, AI, and generational expectations are reshaping how firms operate and deliver value. Across jurisdictions, professional services markets are undergoing profound change. Consolidation and bifurcation are accelerating. In some regions – notably the UK – external investment from private equity is introducing new governance models and performance pressures. These forces are reshaping what success looks like, and what cultures can sustain it.
In this environment, performance matters more than ever – and performance cannot be separated from culture. One without the other is fragile. Together, they create resilience, loyalty, and long-term success. But achieving that balance increasingly requires discipline, clarity, and focus.
Yet many firms still prioritise collegiality and consensus in ways that can hinder progress. Autonomy, seniority, and deference to rainmakers may preserve harmony – but they often dilute accountability, slow decision-making, and discourage innovation. What begins as a supportive environment can harden into resistance to change, where “how we do things here” becomes a shield against the very transformation high performance demands.
Join a select group of professional services firm leaders on 26 November 2025 for an interactive and informal session, hosted by CM Murray LLP and Lexington Consultants. As in past years, we’ll explore a specially designed case study based on the changing best practices we are seeing around the world — and the cultural choices that drive or derail growth.
Register your interest and we’ll contact you to confirm your space.
Time: 15.00 – 17.00 (informal drinks after the session)
Venue: The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, 8 South Square, London, WC1R 5ET (The Bingham Room)
Please register your interest by completing this form.Numbers are strictly limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The Chatham House rule applies.
If you have any questions, please contact Partners Zulon Begum or Corinne Staves.
CM Murray LLP is ranked Tier 1 for Partnership by Legal 500 UK 2026: “This practice is unique due to its very specific focus on partnership matters and related transactions. The team all have deep knowledge, and there are not many other similar teams out there.”
Zulon Begum is ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners UK 2025 for Partnership: Non-contentious: “Zulon is extremely knowledgeable and technically strong on complex matters. I have a huge amount of respect for her.”
Corinne Staves is ranked as a Star Individual by Chambers and Partners UK 2025 for Partnership: Non-contentious: “Corinne is a very impressive individual. She is very empathetic and very commercially astute. She will get the job done at any cost, and make it look easy.”
