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:

Linkedin

Connect with Mel:

LinkedIn

Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn

Instagram: @theinhouselawyer

TikTok: @theinhouselawyer


Or search ‘Counsel’ wherever you get your pods!


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Episode 42. Mel Gives You a Big Life Update And What Is Coming in Season 5 of the Podcast!