Next Gen GCs | The Vanguard Network

NEXT GENERATION GC PROGRAM

in collaboration with

Click here to nominate your potential GC for 2025 program.

We're now accepting nominations for the program starting in September, 2025. The program will consist of 6 modules. Modules 1 and 6 are in-person from noon to 7 pm, in Washington, DC, and they are followed by networking dinners. Intervening modules are virtual and last 2.5 hours.

Download a PDF version of this program here.

MODULE 1

Kick-off: The Evolving Role of the GC

(Sep 30, noon to 7 pm, Washington, DC)

What the expectations of the role from a sitting GC?
Journeys to the top job – what have been the biggest challenges & lessons learned in becoming a GC? What do you wish you had known before?
How has the GC job changed over time and continuing to evolve? What will GC of the future need to be successful? (agility & adaptability, ESG, etc.)

MODULE 2

Personal Development Planning

(Oct 9, 2:30 pm to 5 pm, Virtual)

Exec search partner POV: How the GC job is evolving, what will be required of GC of the future, & the “what” and “how” of preparing for a GC job
Cultivating self-awareness (self-assessment vs. key capabilities/experiences of the job now & in the future)
Building a development plan – 2 to 3 areas to develop

MODULE 3

Working With the CEO

(Nov 6, 2:30 pm to 5 pm, Virtual)

What do you need to demonstrate to be considered for the GC role?
How to get visibility with the CEO/LT before becoming GC?
CEO expectations of a GC + how to create value for the CEO
Building trust & credibility with CEO

MODULE 4

Building Legal Dept. Culture

(Dec 4, 2:30 pm to 5 pm, Virtual)

Team expectations of a GC / Creating a culture of high performance
Making your team strategic business partners vs. order takers or department of “no”
Developing your people – growing talent

MODULE 5

Joining the Top Leadership Team

(Jan 22, 2:30 pm to 5 pm, Virtual)

What do you need to demonstrate to be considered for the GC role?
Peer expectations of a GC + how to create value for your peers
Working with peers and gaining support outside the law department
Thinking and contributing like a business leader (not just legal SME)
Building trust & credibility with peers

MODULE 6

Closing : Working With the Board

(Mar 2, noon to 7 pm, Washington, DC)

What do you need to demonstrate to be considered for the GC role?
Board expectations of a GC + how to create value for the Board
How to get visibility with the Board before becoming GC?
How to navigate potential conflicting duties? (shareholders, Board, CEO, leadership team, company)