Chewing the Channel Episode 19

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The Human Side of Leadership, Law & Entrepreneurship

Well, what a genuinely kind, intelligent and partner-driven guest we have in our latest episode of Chewing the Channel. Will’s been talking to Sharon McDermott, Founder and Managing Director at Trenches Law for a much needed ‘outsider’ insight into the UK channel. This is a good one, exploring her remarkable journey to becoming one of the telecoms industry's most respected legal specialists. 

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In a wide-ranging chat covering everything from wayleave woes to personal inspirations, watch now to hear Sharon discuss…

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- The power of kindness: true partnerships are tested not when things are going well, but when organisations face their toughest moments.

- An unconventional path to law: originally pursuing a career in languages, she discovered her passion for the legal profession by chance, proving there’s no single path to success.

- Transforming an industry: in her 17 years at Virgin Media, Sharon played a key role in major infrastructure projects, gaining leadership experience and helping drive transformational change in telco.

- Spotting an opportunity: seeing a gap in the market during the Altnet boom, Sharon founded Trenches Law to provide specialist legal expertise around wayleaves and telecoms infrastructure.

- Business as a risky business: growing Trenches Law meant taking risks, including hiring her first employee and convincing her husband to leave a corporate career and join the business.

- The importance of continuous learning: Sharon’s a passionate advocate for leadership development, coaching and personal growth. Programmes like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses have helped shape her long-term vision.

- Why wayleaves matter: as networks grow and consolidate, wayleaves have become critical assets. Sharon explains how they underpin network value, provide legal certainty and play a crucial role in future acquisitions and investment.

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This episode is packed with practical advice and intelligent insight. Listen or watch now on the platform of your choice…by clicking the video above or tuning in to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts.

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