Episode 43. Life after law - from General Counsel to Chief Operations Officer with Anna Tichborne
About Our Guest:
A lot of senior lawyers think that General Counsel is the end of the line. That’s the peak, the final destination.
But more and more, we’re seeing GCs step into commercial, strategic and operational roles – and in some cases, into the CEO seat.
It’s not only possible, it’s happening.
One of the best examples I know is my friend and former colleague, Anna Tichborne. After two decades as a lawyer, she moved from GC into a Chief Operations Officer role in the US, and now runs her own consulting practice working with tech founders and scale-ups.
Anna has never fit neatly into a box – she’s always brought a fresh perspective, challenged the way things have always been done, and carved her own path.
In our conversation on the Counsel Podcast, we talk about:
The mindset shifts required to go from advisor to decision-maker
What legal skills transfer seamlessly, and what you need to unlearn
The importance of mentors and sponsors who see your potential before you do
Why people and culture are at the heart of successful organisations
You can’t be what you can’t see. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s something beyond GC for you, Anna’s story is proof that there is.
Connect with Anna:
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