The Vanguard Network Releases New Video on the Expanding Risk Leadership Role of General Counsel

The Vanguard Network has released a new video, Managing Risks: GCs Need to Take the Lead, highlighting how the role of the General Counsel is rapidly evolving as organizations confront increasing uncertainty and complexity.

In this candid discussion, former General Counsels Leigh Dance and Tom Sabatino share insights on the growing expectation that GCs move beyond legal risk management to become enterprise risk leaders. As boards and executive teams increasingly turn to legal leaders for guidance on regulatory, reputational, and strategic risk, GCs are being asked to take a more proactive role in anticipating threats and shaping responses.

Drawing on decades of experience, Dance and Sabatino discuss how GCs can partner more effectively with fellow C-suite executives, help align risk ownership across the organization, and shift from reactive problem-solving to forward-looking risk leadership.

The video is excerpted from a live session at The Vanguard Network’s October 2025 General Counsel Forum in Chicago.

Watch the video here.

About The Vanguard Network

The Vanguard Network is a leadership community and advisory platform that helps senior executives sharpen foresight, strengthen performance, and achieve impact. Through forums, exchanges, and programs, Vanguard convenes leaders across industries to share challenges and solutions in a confidential, collaborative setting.