The Hand Up Project
Kate Ashcroft, Partner Ashcroft, Mitchell, McGregor
Most lawyers will tell you what the law says. The best ones tell you what to do next.
Kate Ashcroft built Ashcroft Mitchell McGregor on exactly that distinction … a law firm designed to be more human, more direct, and more useful than the profession she stepped into. Less noise, clearer path forward, more room for the people inside it to actually breathe.
What Kate brings to this series isn’t a dramatic origin story or a single pivot that changed everything. It’s something quieter and arguably more useful: the hard-earned wisdom of someone who has built well, led through difficulty, and come out the other side with stronger relationships and clearer conviction than she went in with.
This year, she navigated a business “divorce” she didn’t see coming. She’ll tell you plainly that the support around her is what kept the wheels on, and that leaning on people through the hard stuff turned out to be one of the most strengthening things she’s done.
For any founder who is quietly carrying more than they should, wondering whether backing themselves is still the right call … Kate’s answers are a steady hand on the shoulder.
What originally inspired you to start your business, and how has that initial motivation evolved?
I wanted to set up something different to your average law firm, something more human, that allowed me to be more human and it was kind of a “not what I was raised with” in law approach.
That stays with me, but my focus has become much more about smart business and support for clients, where the personal motivation initially was more freedom for myself and the team I planned to bring on.
What problem does your business solve better today than when you first began?
I am way better at simplifying the answer for people so they get a clear path forward from the outset. This has grown with time and experience. And by systemising a lot of things so that the “noise” is limited and I can focus on the bigger picture.
What operational change or system had the biggest impact on your ability to step out of the day-to-day?
The biggest deal for me is having an awesome “wing woman” EA. Invaluable!
What internal shift or mindset change has most transformed the way you lead?
I have learned over time that I have to “sharpen the saw” and anytime spent doing this pays dividends multi-fold, although I still fight the feeling of guilt to not be doing client work 24/7.
I have to have strong boundaries and take care of my own energy to be able to show up well for my clients and team.
What was a turning point or decision that significantly accelerated your business’s growth?
Bringing the right people into the team, and taking a firm approach to marketing, we all do it. In that way are all pulling in the same direction.
What challenge did you not see coming, and how did you navigate it?
This year, I’ve gone through a business “divorce” I didn’t anticipate, which was the most challenging thing I’ve faced in my career. But, we are so much better now we are on the other side of that and I navigated it with great support around me which helped me keep the wheels on and show up for the team and clients throughout that time of personal challenge.
It’s strengthened my relationships to have had to lean on people through that time.
What role, hire, or support made the biggest difference in how your business operates?
As above … my EA! And, my partners.
What advice would you give to other female founders working to move from doing the work to leading the business more effectively?
You have to get in the helicopter and be strategic about how you’re using your resources, including people, time, energy and money. If you’re unsure find a trusted person or people to walk alongside. But ultimately, you need to back yourself!
What shift do you believe female founders are uniquely positioned to benefit from right now?
Collectivism and collaboration which women are pretty great at generally.
What’s one thing you wish more founders understood about building a sustainable, long-term business?
I think, you can’t do it alone. You need the right people around you … supporters and crew.
Bonus: What's one piece of advice you wish you had received as a female leader?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, but back yourself!
It’s your vision, believe in it.
Get in touch with Kate on LinkedIn or find out more about her practice here.