When Showcase formed its Commercial Leadership Team last year, it marked an important shift in how the business supports growth, nurtures talent, and plans for the future.
The CLT brings together four long‑standing members of the Showcase team, each stepping into defined leadership roles to help guide the next phase of the business. Alongside the wider ownership team (Estelle Lee, Paul Barker, Ken Robson and David Watkins), the CLT plays a key role in shaping strategy, strengthening client relationships, and creating the structure needed to grow sustainably.
The team is made up of:
- Will Pearce, Head of New Business
- Lina Olsson, Creative Director
- Peter Yarnold, Head of Strategic Accounts
- Paula Curness, Head of Key Accounts
Over the coming series, we’ll be checking in with each member of the CLT, one year into their new roles, to reflect on what’s changed, what’s they’ve learned, and their plans for where Showcase Commercial is heading next.
We’re starting with Will Pearce, whose journey at Showcase spans almost a decade – from Project Support to Project Director, and now Head of New Business.
Hi, Will! One year into the role, what feels most different about how you approach new business today?
“One of the biggest shifts for me has been how I think about new business altogether. The job title isn’t about me personally winning work. It’s about building and leading a team that consistently delivers a first‑class service, for clients who really align with us as a business.
I’m far less reactive than I used to be. Now it’s much more intentional. We look at opportunities and ask: does this suit our strengths? Do we have the right capacity? Does it align with where we want to go long‑term? That change in mindset has made a huge difference.”
What’s one change you’ve made that’s had the biggest impact on the team or pipeline?
“Creating genuine room for people to grow, and backing that up with real opportunity, not just encouragement.
That’s meant promoting from within where it makes sense, trusting people with more responsibility, and being comfortable with the fact that learning is part of the process. When people can see a future for themselves in the Showcase team, they become more invested. That confidence really shows in how they approach opportunities.
It’s no longer about one person holding everything together. It’s a group of people building relationships, bringing ideas forward, and taking ownership. That’s had a big impact on morale and on the quality of work coming through.”
How has working closely with the rest of the Commercial Leadership Team shaped the way you lead?
“Having the CLT as a sounding board has been invaluable. We all come at things from slightly different angles, and that’s challenged me to think beyond my usual process.
It’s also reinforced the importance of collaboration over control. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about asking better questions and giving people the space and trust to grow.
Knowing I’ve got experienced peers to test ideas with has made me more confident and decisive. It’s also made me much more open.”
Has your perspective on growth shifted over the past year?
“Definitely. A year ago, growth felt quite linear – more work, more people, more turnover. And that’s not wrong, but it’s often far more nuanced than that.
Now, growth means nurturing the talent we already have, expanding skillsets, strengthening relationships, and making sure people feel supported as the business evolves. When you get that right, the rest follows naturally. The team really is the foundation of everything.”
Looking ahead, what role does the CLT play in shaping Showcase’s next phase?
“A big part of it is passing on the experience that the ‘old guard’ have built up over the years, and giving newer team members the confidence and knowledge to be the experts in the room.
The goal is to create an autonomous project delivery team that learns from one another and works collaboratively – much like the CLT currently does. If we can achieve that, it frees up our sales team to spend more time out in the market, bringing insights back into the business.
That joined‑up way of working is what strengthens our position and keeps us competitive.”
What are you most proud of helping to shape so far?
“The environment we’re creating within the New Business team. One where people feel trusted, supported, and encouraged to step up.
Seeing individuals grow in confidence, take ownership, and develop their own strengths has been really rewarding. It’s become a collective effort rather than a single point of responsibility, and that’s made the team much more resilient.”
And what’s the next opportunity you’re most excited about?
“Continuing to develop the team and giving people the chance to step into new areas – whether that’s new sectors, responsibilities, or ways of working.
There’s so much potential already within the business, and helping unlock more of that is what I’m really looking forward to!”
Finally, in one sentence – how would you describe this chapter of Showcase, one year on?
“A period of investing in people and building strong foundations for the long term.”
Next up in our Commercial Leadership Team series, we’ll be checking in with Lina Olsson, Showcase’s Creative Director, to talk culture, collaboration, and how Showcase continues to evolve with the CLT, one year on.
Want to see more news and latest updates from Showcase? Click Here.
Privacy Policy
