Learn how to leverage your legal expertise into a broader leadership role. This checklist offers invaluable insights to legal professionals aiming to transcend traditional legal roles and thrive in the C-suite.
This resource is based on the ACC webcast “Storytelling Series: Careers Beyond the Legal Department 2.0” featuring Wola Joseph-Condotti, Group Managing Director/CEO of West Power and Gas Limited.
The session provided a comprehensive guide based on her remarkable journey from legal practice to CEO.
Key Strategies for Career Advancement
- Cultivate Excellence and Curiosity:
- Strive for excellence in all endeavors, from academic to professional life.
- A curious mindset drives continuous learning and going above and beyond expectations.
- An excellent mindset ensures that you always want to go above and beyond in all tasks settling you apart for success early on.
- Build a Robust Legal Foundation:
- Develop strong legal expertise early in your career.
- Be open to learning and strategic about where you begin your legal training, as this foundation can significantly impact future success.
- Seek Cross-Functional Experience:
- Actively pursue roles that offer exposure beyond the legal department.
- Cross-functional experience in areas such as HR, operations, customer service, and regulatory affairs can be crucial in preparing for a CEO position.
- Reframe Your CV:
- To overcome “your CV is too legal" barrier, articulate your experience in commercial terms.
- Highlight how your legal work has contributed to data-driven improvements and cost savings for the company in a way that is appealing to business leaders.
- Develop Financial Acumen:
- Gain a strong understanding of financial principles.
- Learn to interpret financial statements, comprehend budgeting, understand business strategy, and analyze balance sheets.
- Embrace Intentional and Influential Leadership:
- Transition from being a "risk-averse blocker" to a calculated risk-taker.
- Lawyers must learn to balance legal considerations with commercial realities and effectively influence commercial teams.
- Master Business-Oriented Communication:
- Blend legal advice with a commercial perspective.
- Avoid legalese and instead provide clear, business-aligned, and solution-oriented opinions that empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, not just mitigate risk.
- Prioritize Mentorship and Sponsorship:
- Seek out multiple mentors across various aspects of your life—career, family, and personal growth.
- Nurture these relationships to support your long-term goals.
- Remember that competence is key to attracting sponsors who advocate for your advancement.
- Cultivate Business Presence and Thought Leadership:
- Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with peers, share insights, engage in industry discussions, and build a visible professional brand.
- LinkedIn can expose you to what others are doing with ACC and other organizations.
- Foster Positivity, Gratitude, and Support Systems:
- Recognize that professional challenges are inevitable.
- Cultivate resilience, gratitude, and a positive outlook while building strong support systems to navigate your career journey.
Bonus Insight: Lawyers should shed the role of mere "gatekeepers" and instead become collaborative enablers of business success.
Learn More:
• Watch the recording of this session ”Storytelling Series: Careers Beyond the Legal Department 2.0.”