In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Daniel Hayter, Managing Director and Vice President for Europe at Axiom Law, the global pioneer of flexible, on-demand legal talent. With more than 3,500 legal departments supported worldwide—and over 1,500+ legal professionals in Europe alone—Axiom is reshaping how in-house teams resource, scale, and adopt new technologies.

Daniel shares how he’s helping steer Axiom through a rapidly evolving legal landscape shaped by economic pressures, technological disruption, and changing expectations from legal talent. He discusses Axiom’s four-pillar model, their ability to pilot and deploy AI tools at pace, and why flexibility is no longer “alternative” but increasingly the norm.

In their conversation, they explore:
• How Axiom’s strategy sits at the intersection of economic reality, technology disruption, and talent evolution.
• Why flexibility is becoming the default model for in-house legal teams—and what this means for the profession.
• The biggest misconceptions law leaders have about AI, and why organisational readiness matters more than tool selection.
• How Axiom uses rapid piloting, data, and client feedback to drive innovation and value.
• What it will take for legal leaders to seize the current moment of turbulence as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Axiom: https://www.axiomlaw.com/en-gb/

Menkus and Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/

Belden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, a London-based advisory firm working with CEOs and senior teams to align strategy with purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in strategy consulting, leadership, and organisational transformation, he helps mid-sized firms—particularly law firms and membership bodies—tackle complex decisions and unlock long-term value.

Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast exploring how business leaders bring purpose into strategic action. His work is marked by intellectual clarity, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to practical results. A strategic thinker with wide intellectual range, blending business acumen with curiosity and cultural literacy. He brings a distinct mix of consultant, historian, and explorer of ideas.