CMS Unscripted
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Season 2
Episode 2 – From memorandums to AI: What does 46 years at CMS look like? – Jean Berwick, Senior Knowledge Operations & Services Manager (16 mins)
When Jean joined CMS nearly 46 years ago, legal research was centred around library collections and card indexes. Today, she is helping explore how AI can support knowledge and research across the firm. In this episode of CMS Unscripted, Jean reflects on 46 years at CMS, sharing lessons from a career in knowledge management and discussing the opportunities and challenges AI presents for the legal profession. From navigating mergers and building knowledge resources to supporting lawyers in an increasingly digital world, Jean shares a unique perspective on how CMS and the legal profession have evolved. A conversation about technology, curiosity and why understanding the fundamentals still matters.
Episode 1 – Becoming a COO – Christy Farrer, Chief Operating Officer (29 mins)
What does a COO do? In this episode of CMS Unscripted, Christy Farrer reflects on the realities of stepping into a new leadership role, from balancing competing priorities to creating space for people to thrive. Along the way, she shares the unconventional career journey that took her from administrator and PA to COO, the lessons she's learned from lifelong learning, and why leading with empathy matters more than ever.
Season 1
Episode 10 – Building a creative career in law – Esther Adetoba, Brand & Digital Communications Manager (22 mins)
A career in law doesn't always mean practising law. In this episode of CMS Unscripted, Esther talks about her journey into brand and digital communications and the role creative teams play in supporting modern law firms. From content creation and video to AI and digital engagement, she reflects on the work behind the scenes, how the profession is evolving, and what makes the role so rewarding.
Episode 9 – Curiosity, experimentation and the future of innovation – John Craske, Chief AI & Innovation Officer (17 mins)
How do great ideas become real change? In this episode of CMS Unscripted, John Craske, Chief AI & Innovation Officer, discusses the role of curiosity in innovation, why experimentation matters, and how organisations can create the space for people to explore new ideas. From AI and product development to leadership and learning through failure, John shares his perspective on turning innovation from a buzzword into something practical and impactful.
Episode 8 – Getting comfortable with change – Sophie Kent, Chief People Officer (17 mins)
In this episode of CMS Unscripted, Sophie Kent talks about navigating change, building resilience and why some of the most valuable career moments come from uncertainty. From her own experience moving roles early in her career to supporting others through complex situations, she shares insights on growth, leadership and the importance of asking the right questions. A conversation that starts with change and ends up exploring much more about people, perspective and progress.
Episode 7 - From Glasgow to Brazil, and back again – Alan Nelson, Managing Partner, CMS Glasgow (22 mins)
Alan Nelson shares what makes Glasgow unique, from its energy and humour to the pride that comes with hosting the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games – and how CMS became the sole legal partner. He also talks about his time in Brazil, getting involved in hands‑on projects and what stepping away from the day‑to‑day can bring.
Episode 6 – Agents, AI and a not-so-secret role – Colin Fisher, Head of Knowledge (22 mins)
What will make a great lawyer in an AI-enabled world? Colin Fisher reflects on how CMS is thinking about smarter ways of working, from capturing expertise across the firm to using AI-powered tools that support learning, research and better decision-making. His role may once have sounded more like espionage than legal practice, but the episode explores the growing role of AI agents, the importance of sharing knowledge rather than reinventing the wheel, alongside a wider conversation about why context, empathy and human judgement still matter.
Episode 5 – Kindness, leadership and mental resilience – Vanessa Whitman, Partner (40 mins)
Are people more anxious – or just more willing to say so? Vanessa Whitman reflects on how attitudes have shifted over the past 20 years, why anxiety feels more visible in today’s workplace, and what’s changed as stigma has fallen. This episode explores psychological safety, generational differences and why openness – not silence – has reshaped how people show up at work.
Episode 4 – Favourite clients and female founders – Katie Nagy de Nagybaczon, Partner and Co-head of Consumer and Retail (24 mins)
Katie Nagy de Nagybaczon joins CMS Unscripted to unpack the story behind LeadHers and what it really takes to back female founders beyond the earliest stages. A conversation about optimism and allyship, the power of relationships at work (and at home), and why “doing it all” is a myth best left behind.
Episode 3 – Lego, listening & client loyalty – Adrian Bell, Managing Partner (20 mins)
As he prepares to step into the role of Managing Partner for CMS UK and its international offices, Adrian Bell joins CMS Unscripted to talk about focus, culture and client relationships. From mindful Lego builds to disciplined leadership and showing up for clients when it matters most, Adrian shares how he plans to build on momentum while staying grounded in listening and loyalty.
Episode 2 – Not messed it up – Stephen Millar, Executive Partner (27 mins)
As he transitions from Managing Partner of CMS UK and its international offices to CMS Executive Partner, Stephen Millar reflects on ten years of leadership, the launch of The CMS Strategy 2030, and the importance of judgment. A conversation about momentum, community, mentoring, and why difficult challenges are best met by simply taking the next step.
Episode 1 – Glass half full – Charlie Currier, Senior Partner (31 mins)
From growing up in a single-parent household to leading a global law firm, Charlie Currier - Senior Partner for CMS UK and its international offices - shares the values that guide him: fairness, optimism and respect. He talks about culture, managing his “social battery,” embracing AI, and why relationships - not transactions - will define the future of the profession.
