Ken Banta Reflects on a Year of Change and Leadership Lessons in New Substack Article

Ken Banta, Founder and CEO of The Vanguard Network, has published a new Substack article titled “Looking Back on the Year: Lessons in High Performance Leadership,” released on December 31, 2025.

Drawing on insights from the final Vanguard GC Exchange of the year, the article captures candid reflections from general counsel navigating a year defined by uncertainty, political and regulatory volatility, and shifting business priorities. Banta explores how high-performance leadership in 2025 was less about activity and more about value creation—bringing calm, judgment, and perspective when conditions changed unexpectedly.

The piece highlights the evolving expectations placed on legal leaders, from acting as steady hands in turbulent times to addressing talent development, managing outside counsel costs, and demonstrating value through often unseen wins. As organizations look ahead, Banta underscores a central question for leaders everywhere: did we simply stay busy, or did we truly create value?

The article offers a thoughtful close to the year—and a clear lens for leadership in the year ahead.

To read the full article on Substack, click here.

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