At Gibson & Associates LLP, we’re proud to celebrate the women whose insight, dedication, and leadership strengthen our firm every day. This year, we sat down with two incredible colleagues — Natasha from Business Operations Manager and Nikita, one of our talented Solicitor — to share their experiences, motivations, and the lessons that have shaped their careers.
Natasha Rodgers– Business Operations Manager
What led you to a career in Business Operations?
I naturally moved into Business Operations because I enjoy solving problems and helping things run smoothly. I like being in a role where I can connect different teams and make a real difference to how the business works day to day.
What part of your role has the biggest impact on the firm?
Probably bringing structure and clarity. When processes are clear and teams feel supported, everything works better. If I can make someone’s job easier or help a project run more smoothly, that’s a win.
What skills are most important in Business Operations?
Communication, organisation, and being adaptable. Things change quickly, so being able to stay calm, think clearly, and work well with different people is really important.
What has been a proud moment in your career so far?
Stepping up to take on more responsibility and seeing the positive results from projects I’ve worked on. It’s a great feeling knowing your work has made a difference.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?
Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. Growth happens when you push yourself a little outside your comfort zone. What helped you grow the most in your career? Taking on challenges that felt slightly scary at first. Saying yes to new opportunities and being open to feedback really helped me build confidence.
What do you enjoy most about working with your colleagues?
The teamwork. Everyone brings something different to the table, and it’s great working with people who support each other and want to do their best.
What makes a great team in a professional services environment?
Trust, open communication, and accountability. When everyone is clear on their role and works towards the same goal, the results speak for themselves.
How does being a female within your role support the wider firm?
It brings different perspectives and experiences to the table. Representation matters, and I hope that by being visible in my role, I can encourage other women to step forward and aim high.
Nikita Canning– Solicitor
What advice would you give to women starting their legal careers?
Network and take networking seriously. The network you grow in the initial stages of your career stand to you later on in life when you need them most.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?
It’s a day of celebration for women all around the world and is a tribute to the extraordinary strength women show in weaving together the traditional view of the separate worlds of a successful career and a family life. In the legal profession, the definition of a successful woman has undergone a massive transformation. We now recognise that women don’t have to have one or the other and it’s important that we integrate a work life balance.
What is one moment in your legal career you’re proud of?
The moment I realised my role in a clients case had a profound effect in their life moving forward. Whilst many view the legal profession as purely transactional or a financial pursuit, it can be extremely rewarding. To me the most rewarding “win” isn’t the settlement figure but the impact it has made on the individuals life.
Who has inspired or supported you most in your career?
The person who inspired my legal career was my grandad Roger Canning of Canning, Landy and Co who unfortunately is no longer with us. The person who supported me most in my career has been my uncle David Canning of Canning & Co Solicitors. He guided me through my traineeship and continues to support me with advice and support in navigating the ever challenging legal profession.
What is one change you’d like to see for women in the legal profession?
I would like to see further development and integration of a successful work life model to encourage more women to remain and indeed join the legal profession.
What qualities help women succeed in the legal profession?
Resilience: The ability to be extremely busy and face a challenging day and wake up and do it again the following day. Authenticity: Client’s respect and value advice that is given without legal jargon and an ego. Emotional intelligence: Reading the room is equally as important as reading the fine print.
What advice would you give your younger self at the start of your career?
a. Stop second guessing yourself and own the room. Dressing for the job you want, not the one you have isn’t just about your clothes. It’s about commanding the room before you speak
