In this insightful Q&A, Jenny Grotepass, Head of UK and Europe at Peerpoint, shares her experiences and perspectives on balancing leadership and parenthood. She discusses her journey with Peerpoint, the excitement of her new role, and the strategies she employs to manage the demands of her professional and personal life as a new mum. Her candid reflections offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of career and family responsibilities.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and your journey with Peerpoint?
I began my university studies in Germany and then pursued a master’s degree in London. To support myself financially during that time, I landed a role at a magic circle law firm and that's really where my passion for business development in the legal sector began. I then gained experience in various business and client development roles across a range of firms and was drawn to opportunities where I could build strong relationships and really understand a client’s needs.
In 2018 I joined Peerpoint, initially as interim head of client development for the UK. What excited me about Peerpoint was the opportunity to work with clients to resolve complex resourcing needs and contribute to a way of working that empowers lawyers to have more control and flexibility in their careers.
I then moved into a strategy-focused role, where I had the incredible experience of launching and co-launching Peerpoint in both the UAE and the U.S. Following that, I led our UAE team until I went on maternity leave. Now, I'm thrilled to be back as head of UK and Europe. It's been a fantastic journey so far, and I'm excited to see what the future holds!
What excites you the most about stepping into the role of head of UK and Europe for Peerpoint?
In short, working with our incredible team, doing what we are passionate about: deepening our understanding of what our legal consultants are looking for in their careers, and then connecting that with our clients' evolving resourcing needs. It's incredibly fulfilling to solve a particularly challenging resourcing puzzle for a client, and equally rewarding to help a legal consultant land that ‘perfect fit’ opportunity.
The UK is a really dynamic and exciting market for legal consulting. It's a well-established market with a highly educated workforce, which means the legal consultancy model is not only well-accepted, but is truly valued.
Looking ahead, I'm really excited about expanding Peerpoint's presence across Europe. The legal consulting market there is still emerging, and I know from my experience of launching in the UAE and working with Amie Davidson on our U.S. launch just how exciting and rewarding that journey can be. It's a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of legal consulting in Europe, and I can't wait to get started!
Returning to work after maternity leave can be challenging. How did you prepare for this transition?
I found it incredibly helpful to listen to colleagues and friends who had already navigated that transition. Hearing their experiences, both the highs and the lows, gave me a realistic picture of what to expect.
I also made sure I had open communication with my line manager, Peerpoint’s CEO Carolyn Aldous. Knowing I had her support and could share any worries or challenges made a huge difference. And honestly, the whole team at Peerpoint has been so understanding and supportive throughout, which has made all the difference.
Of course, practicalities were important! Planning childcare and – crucially – backup childcare remains essential. And I really try to practice being kind to myself when things don’t go as planned, which, as any parent knows, happens often!
I also have to give a huge shout-out to my incredible partner. He took shared parental leave during my first four weeks back, which allowed me to really focus on settling back into work and finding my rhythm again – having that support was invaluable.
At this stage, I feel like my transition back to work has become a journey of continued learning. If there's one thing I've learned from my son, it's to go with the flow! He's such a resilient little person, he takes everything in stride, even the worst nursery bugs. It's a good reminder to be adaptable and take things as they come.
What strategies do you use to balance the demands of a new leadership role with the responsibilities of being a new parent?
I'm still very much in the process of working out what that balance looks like. So far, I've focused on ring-fencing time for both. It's important to me to be home for my son's morning and evening routines whenever possible, but also to ensure his nursery knows to call my partner when I'm in client or consultant meetings. Open communication is absolutely crucial. If I really can't do something, I explain why and find alternative ways to accommodate, whether that’s at work or home. It's hard, and I applaud anyone who feels they've found the perfect balance!
This whole experience has really solidified my belief in the importance of flexibility and control in one's career. Peerpoint consultants choose legal consulting for a range of reasons, and I'm more convinced than ever that this kind of flexibility is essential when balancing any kind of caring responsibility with professional commitments.
How do you think your experience as a new mother will influence your approach to leadership and decision-making in your new role?
When you're dealing with a tiny human who can't yet articulate their needs, you learn to read between the lines and anticipate what might be going on. I think that translates well to leading a team and fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and understood.
Motherhood has also sharpened my prioritisation skills. Time is suddenly so much more precious, and I've become even more focused on what truly matters and how to make the most of every moment. I think this will help me be more efficient and decisive in my role at Peerpoint.
And of course, it's reinforced my belief in the power of flexibility and work-life balance. As mentioned, I’m still navigating that balance, but I'm committed to maintaining Peerpoint’s culture to ensure our team feels empowered to integrate their work and personal lives in a way that works for them. I believe that leads to happier, more engaged, and ultimately more productive team members.
What advice would you give to other professionals who are navigating the challenges of leadership and parenthood?
I would advise them to listen to those who have been through it already!
My colleagues at Peerpoint, who have been through similar experiences, have given me the most helpful and kind advice, with the key themes being:
- What ‘balance’ looks like changes: some days, work will demand more, and other days, family will need to take priority.
- Over-communicate: whether it's with your team, your manager, your partner, or your child’s childcare setting - open and honest communication is essential. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need, set boundaries, and be clear about your priorities.
- Build your village: Lean on your support network. Connect with other working parents, share experiences, and offer each other encouragement.
And possibly my favourite, because it’s been true since pregnancy and still holds true right now with a seven-month-old: “The great times and the challenging ones – they are all just a phase.”