Unmasking Success: Gavin Sharpe on Identity, Reinvention & Authentic Leadership Beyond Law

In this episode of This Legal Life, Gavin Sharpe—former lawyer, legal recruiter, and now executive coach in Monaco—joins host Ben Chiriboga to share how a personal identity reckoning led him to leave behind external success and embrace his “original child.” From scaling a global business to launching a purpose-driven coaching practice, Gavin discusses the deep work required to lead without the mask.

From creating space for leaders to grow to helping lawyers reconnect with who they really are, Gavin shares a deeply personal story of identity, reinvention, and what the legal profession must unlearn in order to truly thrive.

Meet Our Guest:

Gavin Sharpe is a seasoned advisor with nearly 30 years of experience working with global law firms, corporations, and senior leaders. Gavin combines his deep expertise in coaching, business, and psychology to help high-performing law firms (and other professional services organisations) drive meaningful, sustainable change.

Gavin began his career as a lawyer with Allen & Overy before founding SSQ, a leading international legal search firm. He played a pivotal role in launching the London offices of several U.S. law firms and led some of the most prominent partner and team moves of the decade. After selling his shares in 2010, Gavin retrained as an executive, team, and group coach, as well as a psychotherapist.

In 2016, he founded Riviera Wellbeing, a practice dedicated to executive coaching, organizational development, and wellbeing.  

Gavin is a sought-after speaker, having appeared at global events including TEDxMonteCarloSalon, and he has reached international audiences through his radio show, The Wellbeing Window on 106.5FM Riviera Radio.

Based in Monaco, Gavin works with elite performers—including Formula One drivers, billionaires, and C-suite executives—guiding them to unlock their full potential and live their best lives. He lives in Monaco with his husband and their three dogs.

Connect with Gavin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinsharpe

www.rivierawellbeing.com