National GC Network

We're excited to have Bindu Cudjoe and Judith McKay kick off our ???????? ???????????????? Summit with their personal branding workshop, Empowering Your GC Brand! In this interactive session, participants will identify their current persona, articulate the brand they aspire to have, and craft a concise and compelling brand story to help drive personal and professional growth. In Ontario, this session delivers 1 hour of Professionalism Content. Join us at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre?on April 30, 3025 for this workshop and more!?Learn about the summit and register here:? https://lnkd.in/gJ9hKdVE #NGCNSummit25 #NGCNElevates #GeneralCounsel #InHouseCounsel #InHouseLawyers #SeniorLegalLeaders

Have you registered for our inaugural spring summit, ???????? ????????????????, which is happening at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre (Toronto) and virtually on April 30, 2025? Co-chairs of the summit, Gillian Akai and Mona Shah, share what’s in store: “NGCN Elevates is an unique event for senior legal executives to sharpen their leadership, boost their influence and address evolving political and economic challenges facing organizations today. From personal branding to evolving DEI strategies, the sessions are crafted to provide practical takeaways and deep insights. Looking forward to connecting with our impressive and talented members and allies at this event. Register soon as space is limited!” Learn more about NGCN Elevates and register here: https://lnkd.in/gJ9hKdVE #NGCNSummit25 #NGCNElevates #GeneralCounsel #InHouseCounsel

Registration is now open for our inaugural spring summit, ???????? ????????????????! Join us at the ?????????????? ???????????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???????????? on ?????????? ????, ???????? for interactive/engaging sessions: >????????????????????? ???????? ???? ?????????? >????? ???????????? ???? ??????????: ???????????????????? ?????????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????????????????????? >????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ??????????????????? Learn more about these sessions and the spectacular line up of speakers, and register here: https://lnkd.in/gJ9hKdVE #NGCNSummit25 #NGCNElevates #GeneralCounsel #SeniorLegalLeaders #InHouseCounsel #InHouseLawyers

We’re a month away from connecting with National GC Network members over ?????????????? ?????????????? and ????????????-???????????????? ???????????????? ??????????????! ???????? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????-- ???????????????? ???? ?????????? ???????for ???????? ?????????????? on March 26, 2025: https://lnkd.in/gkDXqytm We look forward to seeing you soon! #GeneralCounsel #SeniorLegalLeaders #InHouseCounsel #InHouseLawyers??

Join?KJ (Ke-Jia) Chong and special guest?Jessica P. on March 5, 2025 at 4pm ET as they lead discussions around the topic "???????????????? ????????: ?????????????????? ?????????????????? ?????????? ????????". With the constant changes in politics and other news these days, there will certainly be a lot to talk about! As always, Chatham?House Rules apply during this online meet-up. National GC Network Regular, Emeritus and Associate members, check your calendar for the Zoom link. Not a member? Join by applying here:?https://lnkd.in/gN_9Gn2M #GeneralCounsel #SeniorLegalLeaders #InHouseCounsel #InHouseLawyers?

Our February newsletter spotlighted National GC Network member Mona Shah. Here are snippets: ??: ?????? ?????? ???????? ???? ?? ?????? ?????????? ???????? ???????????? ?????? ???????????? ????????????????????? A: I’m the middle child of immigrant parents who moved to the GTA in search of a better life for their young family. They gave my siblings and I every opportunity to try new things (from volleyball to pottery and trampoline to Indian folk dance), instilling in us a passion for continuous learning. After going to the University of Waterloo for my undergraduate Science degree and then to the University of Toronto for my MBA and Law degrees, I joined an amazing full service firm in Toronto and had an incredible firm experience. I then transitioned in-house where I’ve had the opportunity to move countries and change functions to broaden my experiences.?My husband and I continue to live in the GTA and became empty nesters in September. While it’s an adjustment, we’re taking it in stride and enjoying our new found independence while reveling in the energy the kids bring on weekends and holidays. ??: ???????? ???? ???????? ?????????????????? ???????? ???? ?????????? A: I really enjoy leading Crisis Management for North America. The situations that get escalated are of critical importance to the organization, have high visibility, and always unique. I have the pleasure of working with some phenomenal subject matter experts in less than perfect conditions, which demands agility and sound judgment. No two issues (or solutions) are ever the same and I’m constantly learning through these scenarios.? ??: ???? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????????? ???? ??????????????????, ???????? ?????? ???????? ?????????????? ?????????????? A: As a junior lawyer, I relied very heavily on my subject matter expertise as the way into issues and projects. But as I transitioned to more senior legal roles and eventually to executive roles, I learned that my success or the success of the function, wasn’t defined by my expertise, but rather by the strengths and success of the people around me. The stronger and more high performing your team, relationships, and ability to navigate difficult situations, the more influential you become. In every executive role I’ve had, I’ve learned tremendously from the people around me. There’s no way I would have succeeded in different jurisdictions or new functional areas without leaning on my amazing teams and valuing the expertise and creativity that each team member brings. I believe that as an executive, the most important thing you can do is bring out the best in the people around you. ??: ???????? ?????? ?????? ???????? ?????????? ???? ???????????? ?????? ???????? ?????????????????? A: See comments below for answer. NGCN members, read the February issue for more of the Q&A. Not a member? Join: https://lnkd.in/gN_9Gn2M #GeneralCounsel #SeniorLegalLeaders #InHouseCounsel

National GC Network members, hit your targets, ?????? ?????? ??????! Join us on ??????????????????, ?????????? ????, ???????? at BATL Port Lands for archery in virtual reality (no experience necessary), and then savour French-inspired Japanese cuisine at Maru Bistro. NGCN members will receive an email to register for this event. Register early, as there will be very limited spots available. Not a NGCN member? Apply here:?https://lnkd.in/gN_9Gn2M ? #GeneralCounsel #SeniorLegalLeaders #InHouseCounsel #InHouseLawyers??

We're excited to announce that National GC Network will be holding a summit the afternoon of???????????????????, ?????????? ????, ????????. ? ???????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ???????? ???????????? ???????????with practical sessions that will help senior legal executives: >?elevate their leadership, >?increase their efficacy and influence, and >?support their organizations in navigating a rapidly changing political landscape. ? The summit will be held?at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre in Toronto, and online for those who can’t attend in person. ? Also, ???????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ?? ???????????? ?????? ???????????? in Toronto (venue to be announced), which will follow the summit. ? Stay tuned for more details! ? Not a NGCN member? Apply here:?https://lnkd.in/gN_9Gn2M ? #GeneralCounsel #SeniorLegalLeaders #InHouseCounsel #InHouseLawyers??

Our January newsletter spotlighted National GC Network member Brian Calalang. Here are snippets: ??: ?????? ???? ?????? ???????? ???????? ??????? ? A: As an in-house lawyer, I enjoy working in that intersection between business and law. It’s principally why I left private practice and pursued an in-house career. We get to play a critical role in providing strategic legal advice to our organizations. We serve as important thought partners to our business colleagues. We play a first-hand role in shaping solutions to complex business challenges. ? I enjoy leading teams. Throughout my career, I have been lucky enough to have had the trust and investment by mentors and others with leadership responsibilities and training. Today, I have the privilege and pleasure of leading a team of talented legal professionals, who are committed to excellence. I enjoy the challenge of seeking out ways to bring out the best in the team. In fact, our team members have been celebrated within the company for their legal and enterprise-wide contributions to important initiatives, including having won the coveted Circle of Excellence Award at Purolator. ?? ??: ???? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????????? ???? ????????????, ???????? ?????? ???????? ?????????????? ????????????? ? A: For me, I have found that many of the skills which have enabled my success as a leader were not taught to me as a lawyer. As a lawyer, you are often measured by the work you do, the time you bill and the outcomes you achieve for your clients. However, as a leader, I have found you are often measured by the successes and achievements of your individual team members and your team as whole, by the contributions your team makes to the organization, and ultimately by the organization’s successes and achievements. ? Leading and motivating team members requires you to spend a great deal of time developing people skills, engaging in your own self-reflection and awareness, honing your leadership abilities and understanding how to effectively operate within your company’s unique ecosystem. For many lawyers, this may not seem to be a valuable use of time, but I would say to enjoy success as a legal leader, this is absolutely time well spent. ? ??: ???????? ???????????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ?????????? ?????????????? ??????????? ? See comment section below for answer. ? NGCN members, read the January issue for more of the Q&A. Not a member? Join here: https://lnkd.in/gN_9Gn2M #GeneralCounsel #SeniorLegalLeaders #InHouseCounsel

Join KJ (Ke-Jia) Chong and guest co-host Kang Lee at next week’s Monthly Matcha as they lead discussions on the topic of “???????????????? ????????????”. Regular, Emeritus and Associate members, check your calendar for the Zoom link. See you soon! Not a National GC Network member? Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gN_9Gn2M Meanwhile, here’s a Q&A about our Monthly Matchas with our long-time co-host KJ: ??: ???????? ???? ?????????????? ????????????? A: It is an informal Zoom discussion under Chatham House rules (info can be used but not attributed to those who made these statements) that allows for senior racialized and Indigenous in-house members to connect across the legal industry. There has been a theme for the past months to help guide discussions. ??: ?????? ???? ?????? ???????????? ???? ?????? ???????????? ?????? ?????? ????????-??????? A: I think about my own practice and issues that have come up for me. There is a running brainstormed list that I keep in my phone! I also enjoy reading about many issues in business, self-help and LinkedIn and like to bring up topical issues. ??: ???????? ?????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????????????? ???? ???? ?????? ???????????????? ?????????????? ???????????? ???? "???????????????? ????????????"? A: I’m curious to hear if people have useful frameworks that have worked for them when they make difficult decisions. ??:????????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ?????????????????? ????????????/??????????????????????? A: I really enjoyed the one on the secret lives of in-house counsel where we talked about non-work hobbies and even retirement plans. I also always enjoy topics of mental health, working with external counsel and even discussions on hiring and management. ??: ?????? ?????????????? ???????????? ???? ?? ?????????????????? ???? ?? ????????-???? ???????? ???????????? ?????? ?????? ????????????’?? ????????????? A: There are no recordings made because we want this to be a safe space for racialized and Indigenous in-house counsel only to discuss issues that affect them. We do have a members-only newsletter summary that I draft to circulate what we have discussed. ??: ???? ????-???????? ???? ?????????????? ????????????, ???????? ???? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ???????? ???????? ?????????? ?????????????? ???????????? ????????-??????? A: I like having a group of people outside of work that I can talk to about issues and learn that what I face is what others have as well. It makes me feel like I belong with others. ??: ???????? ???? ???????? ???????????????? ???? ???????????? ???????????? ?????????????? ??????????????? A: I very much enjoy a brew of looseleaf houjicha, which is a roasted green tea. #GeneralCounsel #SeniorLegalLeaders #InHouseCounsel #IBPOC #BIPOC