Jon Bevan, UK Chief Operations Partner and Partner within A&O Shearman’s ENRI practice, won MindForward Alliance’s Thriving At Work Award for Inspirational Leadership. Jon has shown an unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable and healthy work environment within an industry known for its high pressure and demanding expectations.

Jon has consistently prioritised workplace wellbeing, working to embed it into daily operations, strategic planning, and client engagement. His proactive and sustained efforts have been central to advancing mental wellbeing both within A&O Shearman and across the wider industry. His contributions span many impactful actions, including:

• Early leadership and advocacy: Jon was one of the firm’s earliest Mental Health Advocates, and he played a key role in launching the international A&O Shearman wellbeing programme in 2020.

• Strategic influence through governance roles: As an active member of the Global Wellbeing Advisory Board (a group of senior leaders from across the network who help to shape and drive our wellbeing strategy at a global level) and the London Advocate Steering Group (a group formed to set and promote the wellbeing agenda in our London office). He offers ideas, engages deeply with the details, and demonstrates genuine commitment to achieving meaningful outcomes.

• Leading with vulnerability and authenticity: Jon has always been open about mental health. Notably, he shared a powerful and widely circulated internal video that set a new standard for openness and authenticity. He continues to speak candidly about his experiences across various forums, encouraging others to do the same, helping to foster a culture of trust and support.

• Visible and consistent presence: He is a regular presence at A&O Shearman’s mental wellbeing awareness events and wellbeing conferences, often introducing sessions and engaging with participants to reinforce the importance of senior leadership commitment.

• Embedding wellbeing into business leadership: In his leadership roles, Jon has ensured that the wellbeing perspective is raised where relevant in leadership meetings. He has advocated for six-monthly reporting of wellbeing KPIs, embedding accountability within senior forums. He has also championed improvements to day-to-day working practices by serving as the executive sponsor of a new work allocation system. Supporting the fair and healthy distribution of work across teams, as well as individual development.

• Client engagement and cross-industry collaboration: Jon has sponsored and hosted client events and roundtable discussions focused on healthy high performance and sustainable workplace culture. By engaging clients in open dialogue, he shares the firm’s commitment and good practice while learning from others, which contributes to a collaborative approach to mental wellbeing across the industry.

• External advocacy and influence: Jon’s influence and commitment extend beyond the firm. He serves as a Senior Sponsor for A&O Shearman’s membership within the MindForward Alliance. This includes having contributed to a leadership breakfast at the House of Lords, which focused on sustainable high-performing workplaces and their positive impact on the economy. He has championed the Mindful Business Charter and supported the development of its transaction guidelines. His external advocacy has also included speaking to the Financial Times and contributing to podcasts.

• Everyday leadership and personal impact: Day to day, Jon leads by example, creating an open and supportive environment where colleagues feel comfortable discussing wellbeing and seeking help when needed. His aim is to reduce unnecessary stress and enable people to perform at their best. Anecdotal feedback shows that his personal outreach and encouragement have had a tangible impact on engagement and morale.

Jon Bevan’s leadership shows how mental health advocacy from leadership can be seamlessly integrated into a high-performance business environment. His dedication to openness, accountability, and genuine cultural change has not only helped transform A&O Shearman’s approach to wellbeing but has also influenced the broader industry.