Podcast
Becoming the GC
Hosted by Joe Schohl · EN
General Counsel and Chief Legal Officers hold some of the highest-ranking and most vital executive roles within any company or organization. These positions are both prestigious and deeply impactful, making them a pinnacle aspiration for many corporate lawyers. However, the journey to earning these titles is complex, demanding not only technical legal expertise but also exceptional leadership and strategic vision.
Welcome to Becoming the GC, hosted by Joseph Schohl, a growth-focused General Counsel dedicated to uncovering the diverse and inspiring paths taken by those who have reached these esteemed positions. Each episode provides practical advice, compelling real-life stories, and actionable roadmaps to guide aspiring GCs and CLOs in achieving their professional goals.
Hear from successful General Counsels and Chief Legal Officers as they recount their journeys to the top, sharing lessons learned, challenges overcome, and insights into how they mastered the blend of legal acumen and leadership skills required to excel in the role. Becoming the GC bridges the gap between technical expertise and the softer skills essential for success, offering listeners a unique perspective on what it takes to thrive in this coveted position.
Whether you’re already leading a legal department and wondering how to claim the GC title, or you’re frustrated by external hires bypassing your hard work, this podcast serves as your trusted guide. It demystifies the steps needed to distinguish yourself as a standout candidate and equips you with the tools to navigate the complexities of the corporate legal landscape.
Be inspired by the real-life experiences of General Counsels and lawyers who candidly share the pivotal moments, triumphs, and challenges of their careers. These stories reveal that success as a GC isn’t just about legal prowess—it’s also about perseverance, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace bigger goals and responsibilities.
Discover how to prepare yourself for the multifaceted role of a General Counsel. Learn to become a constant learner capable of adapting to new legal domains and solving complex challenges that span diverse areas of expertise. Through thought-provoking conversations, Becoming the GC helps you evolve into a lawyer who can handle anything with confidence and skill.
Alongside his exceptional roster of guests, Joseph Schohl shares his own journey to the General Counsel role, offering valuable insights from his experience working with Fortune 500 healthcare companies, private equity-backed organizations, top-tier law firms, and entrepreneurial ventures. As the founder and chairman of General Counsel West, Joseph provides world-class legal assistance to businesses transforming healthcare. Having become a GC of a Fortune 500 company at just 36 years old, Joseph brings a ...
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Long-Term Impact Of Lifelong Learning With Carlos Lindo
Nov 21Tap to summarizeWhen you land in the GC chair, you cannot sit back and relax. If you want to perform well in your role and inspire others to do the same, you must learn to embrace lifelong learning. Joseph Schohl sits down with Carlos Lindo, a newly minted general counsel at Lucet, to talk about the importance of being a constant learner who does not back down from all kinds of challenges. He explains the right way to educate your team and why being comfortable with the unconventional is the path to becoming a GC. Carlos also emphasizes the importance of managing your time, emails, and relationships well to become a highly effective general counsel.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.insidecounselacademy.com/
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Beyond the Law: Chuck Kable on Bold Moves, Legal Innovation, and Leading with Heart
Nov 7Tap to summarizeA general counsel’s work, even though not without its fair share of challenges, is truly a worthwhile one. Joseph Schohl is joined by Chuck Kable, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary at Innovative Renal Care, who shares his career path from litigation to in-house counsel. Looking back to his numerous GC positions, he discusses how this legal role has evolved over the years, particularly with the adoption of AI technologies. Chuck also talks about the importance of being uncomfortable with uncertainty, the right way to manage your time efficiently, and why continuous learning is essential in growing as an effective leader.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.insidecounselacademy.com/
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From the Ballpark to the Boardroom: Bart Peach on Leadership, Legal Mastery, and Thriving In-House
Oct 31Tap to summarizeWorking as a lawyer in an in-house context is not a topic you would encounter in law school. Bart Peach, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Unio Health Partners, joins Joseph Schohl to share a glimpse of his legal career as an in-house counsel. He shares what every GC should know about this kind of job and how to prepare for it, from being open to leveraging AI tools to understanding your target client’s motivations and fears. Bart also shares how a GC can achieve true work-life balance despite their busy schedules and how to earn your team’s trust as their leader.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.insidecounselacademy.com/
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Navigating The GC Role: From Law Firm Partner To In-House Leader With David Katz
Oct 15Tap to summarizeThe GC role today demands more than legal expertise—it requires vision, adaptability, and business acumen. In this insightful discussion, David Katz, a seasoned legal professional, shares his unconventional journey from a long-standing law firm partner to a thriving General Counsel. Discover the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the challenges and triumphs of transitioning in-house, and his valuable advice for aspiring GCs. Join us as we explore the evolution of the legal landscape, the impact of technology, and the mindset essential for success in today’s dynamic business environment.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.insidecounselacademy.com/
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Building A Powerful Network And Expanding Your Influence: Stephen Chu Of InStride
Feb 12, 2025Tap to summarizeWhen it comes to building a powerful network and expanding your influence as a legal leader, few people embody that journey better than Stephen Chu. From his early days in big law to becoming Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at InStride, Stephen has navigated the legal world with an impressive mix of strategic thinking and adaptability. In this episode, Stephen shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path, the mindset shifts that helped him thrive, and the key leadership principles that every aspiring GC—or seasoned one looking to level up—should know. Stick around to the end for the top takeaways and how you can apply them to your own career.
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Welcome to Becoming the GC
Feb 5, 2025Tap to summarizeLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.insidecounselacademy.com/
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