Becoming the GCGeneral Counsel and Chief Legal Officers hold some of the highest-ranking and most vital executive roles within any company or organization. These positions are both prestigious and deeply impactful, making them a pinnacle aspiration for many corporate lawyers. However, the journey to earning these titles is complex, demanding not only technical legal expertise but also exceptional leadership and strategic vision.

Welcome to Becoming the GC, hosted by Joseph Schohl, a growth-focused General Counsel dedicated to uncovering the diverse and inspiring paths taken by those who have reached these esteemed positions. Each episode provides practical advice, compelling real-life stories, and actionable roadmaps to guide aspiring GCs and CLOs in achieving their professional goals.

Hear from successful General Counsels and Chief Legal Officers as they recount their journeys to the top, sharing lessons learned, challenges overcome, and insights into how they mastered the blend of legal acumen and leadership skills required to excel in the role. Becoming the GC bridges the gap between technical expertise and the softer skills essential for success, offering listeners a unique perspective on what it takes to thrive in this coveted position.

Whether you’re already leading a legal department and wondering how to claim the GC title, or you’re frustrated by external hires bypassing your hard work, this podcast serves as your trusted guide. It demystifies the steps needed to distinguish yourself as a standout candidate and equips you with the tools to navigate the complexities of the corporate legal landscape.

Be inspired by the real-life experiences of General Counsels and lawyers who candidly share the pivotal moments, triumphs, and challenges of their careers. These stories reveal that success as a GC isn’t just about legal prowess—it’s also about perseverance, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace bigger goals and responsibilities.

Discover how to prepare yourself for the multifaceted role of a General Counsel. Learn to become a constant learner capable of adapting to new legal domains and solving complex challenges that span diverse areas of expertise. Through thought-provoking conversations, Becoming the GC helps you evolve into a lawyer who can handle anything with confidence and skill.

Alongside his exceptional roster of guests, Joseph Schohl shares his own journey to the General Counsel role, offering valuable insights from his experience working with Fortune 500 healthcare companies, private equity-backed organizations, top-tier law firms, and entrepreneurial ventures. As the founder and chairman of General Counsel West, Joseph provides world-class legal assistance to businesses transforming healthcare. Having become a GC of a Fortune 500 company at just 36 years old, Joseph brings a wealth of experience and actionable advice for those ready to take their careers to the next level.

The role of General Counsel is reserved for the best of the best—a true test of one’s skills, resilience, and vision. If you aspire to lead as a GC or CLO, Becoming the GC offers the guidance, motivation, and inspiration you need to make that dream a reality. With Joseph’s expertise and the wisdom of his accomplished guests, you’ll gain the tools to set yourself apart and excel in this transformative career path.

Ready to take the first step? Tune in to Becoming the GC at https://insidecounselacademy.com/podcast/ and start shaping yourself into the exceptional leader your organization needs.

]]>en-usfalseJoe Schohlhttp://www.insidecounselacademy.com/Joe Schohljoe@insidecounselacademy.comepisodicCopyright 2025 | All Rights Reserved | http://www.insidecounselacademy.com/The Tech-Forward GC: How Ritesh Patel Turns Technology Into Strategic AdvantageKfgvP1Xl9Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT2611https://insidecounselacademy.com/the-tech-forward-gc-how-ritesh-patel-turns-technology-into-strategic-advantagefalseTechnology will only evolve as time passes by, and you cannot afford to be left behind. You have to grow alongside it and use it wisely to your career advantage. Joseph Schohl sits down with Ritesh Patel, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Viant Technology, a publicly traded advertising technology company. He shares the role of tech innovation in his job as an in-house counsel, particularly AI-powered tools like GC AI. Ritesh also explains why adopting new technologies is now non-negotiable for lawyers, which allows them to handle even a ton of overly complex and highly confidential data.


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]]>Beyond Compliance: Jamie Anderson On Building Modern In House Teams In A Changing Healthcare World4C7kvAVlnThu, 26 Mar 2026 09:13:00 GMT2463https://insidecounselacademy.com/beyond-compliance-jamie-anderson-on-building-modern-in-house-teams-in-a-changing-healthcare-worldfalseJamie Anderson, CLO of Virta Health, is not your typical General Counsel. She's a high-impact leader who has navigated a non-linear career path—from politics-obsessed DC student to Big Law at Aiken Gump, scaling teams at the healthcare giant DaVita, and finally leaping to the GC seat at the metabolic disease reversal startup, Virta. She also brings a deeply personal connection to her work as someone who has lived with type 1 diabetes her entire adult life.


In this exclusive interview, Jamie offers a masterclass on what it takes to thrive in modern healthcare law. She reveals why legal professionals must move beyond mere compliance to become true strategic partners, how she is rapidly scaling a small legal department using AI and automation (tools like GCAI are essential!), and the critical importance of being embedded with the business. If you’re an in-house counsel, aspiring GC, or simply passionate about the intersection of purpose-driven business and law, you won't want to miss her candid insights on building a successful, efficient, and deeply satisfying legal career in a fast-changing landscape.



]]>From Big Law To ‘Retirement’ And Beyond: Mike Sennett’s Second Act As General CounselYNhGJAqgDTue, 17 Mar 2026 18:17:00 GMT2771https://insidecounselacademy.com/from-big-law-to-retirement-and-beyond-mike-sennetts-second-act-as-general-counselfalseWhat does a “retirement” career look like for a Big Law antitrust partner? In this exclusive interview, we speak with Mike Sennett—former antitrust partner at Jones Day—about his unconventional transition to General Counsel of the Water Quality Association (WQA). After decades handling complex global deals, cartel cases, and evolving regulatory challenges, Sennett found a rewarding “second act” he jokingly calls his retirement years. He shares insights on the evolution of U.S. antitrust law, why qualitative arguments matter beyond the HHI index, and the skills needed to navigate global regulation. Most importantly, Sennett reflects on how senior lawyers can find meaningful GC roles that offer impact and responsibility—without running a massive legal department. Tune in. This is a thoughtful blueprint for experienced lawyers looking to scale back without stepping away.



]]>Hands-On Leadership: How Ben Huddleston Rolls Up His Sleeves For 28 Companiesp1ZOZ2_VvTue, 27 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT2549https://insidecounselacademy.com/hands-on-leadership-ben-huddleston-on-rolling-up-his-sleeves-for-28-companiesfalseNavigating a dynamic general counsel career demands an almost James Bond-like dedication, a hands-on leadership with the ability to embrace the unknown. Host Joe Schohl reconnects with seasoned GC Ben Huddleston, whose path spans from advising fast-growing, pre-IPO companies to building and leading group legal teams at a $6B+ enterprise like DaVita. Ben shares his candid, real-world advice on managing major M&A at Quorum Health and ultimately becoming the first General Counsel for a complex group of 28 international businesses. He dives into pivotal moments, explaining how to learn new industries on the fly and the secret to maintaining attorney-client privilege while acting as a trusted business partner. Ben concludes by detailing the vital role of equanimity and continuous improvement in leadership, including his unique internal time-tracking method for accountability across multiple entities.


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]]>From Litigator To Leader: David Shapiro On Seizing Opportunity And Building TeamsrpUKcqHAfTue, 13 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT2612https://insidecounselacademy.com/from-litigator-to-leader-david-shapiro-on-seizing-opportunity-and-building-teamsfalseThe path to becoming a top executive in in-house legal leadership is rarely conventional, but always a masterclass in career agility. David Shapiro, the General Counsel who shaped legal strategy and culture at major companies like DaVita, Vail Resorts, and Ibotta, sits down to share his remarkable journey. He reveals why accepting a massive pay cut to join the Department of Justice was the pivotal move that changed his entire career trajectory. You'll learn about the intense process of leading the billion-dollar acquisition of Whistler Blackcomb at Vail Resorts. You'll also learn what it takes to guide a company like Ibotta through its IPO process. David shares his invaluable, non-traditional advice for aspiring GCs: the power of "collecting experiences," building a unique professional brand, and learning to bring "calmness to a chaotic world."


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]]>From IVF Law To Ultra-Distance Rides: Lessons In Leadership And Being Yourself From Margaret HowellsDGlX-0OQWed, 17 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT2398https://insidecounselacademy.com/from-ivf-law-to-ultra-distance-rides-lessons-in-leadership-and-being-yourself-from-margaret-howellfalseTo excel in your professional spaces, you must not only learn how to do your work with persistence and determination. Being yourself at all times without trying hard is also key. Joseph Schohl sits down with Margaret Howell, a general counsel in the fertility space, to talk about the power of showing up in your authentic self. She shares how this mindset allowed her to help expand a business internationally after just one transaction. Margaret also explains the benefits of having a good contract management system and talks about her passion as an ultra-distance cyclist.


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]]>Kansas City Here I Come: Mike Geroe’s Coast-To-Coast (And In Between) Legal JourneyEjpONUpg2Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT2421https://insidecounselacademy.com/kansas-city-here-i-come-mike-geroes-coast-to-coast-and-in-between-legal-journeyfalseMichael Geroe’s legal journey saw him work from the West Coast to the East Coast, as well as a good chunk in the middle of the country. This taught him a ton of powerful career lessons, which greatly helped in building his own startup. He joins Joseph Schohl to look back on his story so far, filled with learnings about resilience, reinvention, and fulfillment. Mike also shares how he shaped himself to become an effective problem solver for his clients and found the best opportunities in the most unexpected places.


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]]>The Evolving Lawyer: Sterling Miller On Lessons From The Game Of LifeoDzGIcXQjFri, 28 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT3222https://insidecounselacademy.com/the-evolving-lawyer-sterling-miller-on-lessons-from-the-game-of-lifefalseSterling Miller has spent decades turning real-world experience into wisdom that every lawyer can use. From his early lessons in Nebraska to leading major legal teams and mastering AI for lawyers, Sterling’s journey shows how curiosity and courage shape lasting success. In this conversation with Joseph Schohl, he reflects on the pivotal moments that defined his career—from learning to follow his own instincts to saying yes when others said no—and how his love of writing, teaching, and sharing continues to impact the legal world. Whether he’s breaking down complex ideas, mentoring the next generation, or exploring new technology, Sterling reminds us that growth begins when we decide to keep learning, no matter where we are in the game of life.



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]]>The Long-Term Impact Of Lifelong Learning With Carlos Lindo0ckqQJwzcFri, 21 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT2479https://insidecounselacademy.com/the-long-term-impact-of-lifelong-learning-with-carlos-lindofalseWhen you land in the GC chair, you cannot sit back and relax. If you want to perform well in your role and inspire others to do the same, you must learn to embrace lifelong learning. Joseph Schohl sits down with Carlos Lindo, a newly minted general counsel at Lucet, to talk about the importance of being a constant learner who does not back down from all kinds of challenges. He explains the right way to educate your team and why being comfortable with the unconventional is the path to becoming a GC. Carlos also emphasizes the importance of managing your time, emails, and relationships well to become a highly effective general counsel.



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]]>Leading With Authenticity: C.E. Rhodes On Clarity, Service, And Solving ProblemsmryVJlmu3Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT3040https://insidecounselacademy.com/leading-with-authenticity-c-e-rhodes-on-clarity-service-and-solving-problemsfalseAuthentic leadership starts with knowing who you are and leading from that truth. C.E. Rhodes, General Counsel of Frost Bank, shares how purpose, empathy, and consistency have guided his journey from early influences to executive leadership. He reflects on the lessons learned from connecting the legal function to the business, mentoring others with humility, and showing up as the same person in every room. His story is a testament to the idea that authentic leadership isn’t about position or power—it’s about integrity, humanity, and staying grounded in what matters most. 


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]]>Beyond the Law: Chuck Kable on Bold Moves, Legal Innovation, and Leading with Heart6vz30QTJSFri, 07 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT2439https://insidecounselacademy.com/what-a-gcs-career-path-looks-like-with-chuck-kablefalseA general counsel’s work, even though not without its fair share of challenges, is truly a worthwhile one. Joseph Schohl is joined by Chuck Kable, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary at Innovative Renal Care, who shares his career path from litigation to in-house counsel. Looking back to his numerous GC positions, he discusses how this legal role has evolved over the years, particularly with the adoption of AI technologies. Chuck also talks about the importance of being uncomfortable with uncertainty, the right way to manage your time efficiently, and why continuous learning is essential in growing as an effective leader.


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]]>From the Ballpark to the Boardroom: Bart Peach on Leadership, Legal Mastery, and Thriving In-HouseyPTXxJgunFri, 31 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT2613https://insidecounselacademy.com/from-the-ballpark-to-the-boardroom-bart-peach-on-leadership-legal-mastery-and-thriving-in-housefalseWorking as a lawyer in an in-house context is not a topic you would encounter in law school. Bart Peach, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Unio Health Partners, joins Joseph Schohl to share a glimpse of his legal career as an in-house counsel. He shares what every GC should know about this kind of job and how to prepare for it, from being open to leveraging AI tools to understanding your target client’s motivations and fears. Bart also shares how a GC can achieve true work-life balance despite their busy schedules and how to earn your team’s trust as their leader.



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]]>Navigating The GC Role: From Law Firm Partner To In-House Leader With David Katz WEwyspCEuWed, 15 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT2575https://insidecounselacademy.com/navigating-the-gc-role-from-law-firm-partner-to-in-house-leader-with-david-katzfalseThe GC role today demands more than legal expertise—it requires vision, adaptability, and business acumen. In this insightful discussion, David Katz, a seasoned legal professional, shares his unconventional journey from a long-standing law firm partner to a thriving General Counsel. Discover the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the challenges and triumphs of transitioning in-house, and his valuable advice for aspiring GCs. Join us as we explore the evolution of the legal landscape, the impact of technology, and the mindset essential for success in today’s dynamic business environment.


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]]>Navigating The Complexities Of Healthcare Law & Leadership With Terri CammaranoNRkyYwDOCWed, 28 May 2025 10:00:00 GMT2034https://insidecounselacademy.com/navigating-the-complexities-of-healthcare-law-leadership-with-terri-cammaranofalseBlending legal expertise with strategic leadership is paramount in the complex realm of healthcare administration. In this episode, we're privileged to feature Terri Cammarano, Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel at Cedars-Sinai, a distinguished figure in California's healthcare landscape. Terri shares her extraordinary journey from law firm partnership to becoming a leading in-house counsel, discussing her hiring criteria for legal talent and the potential impact of the upcoming LA Olympics on healthcare. From her initial passion for policy and politics to mastering the intricacies of big law and the art of executive diplomacy, Terri's story is an insightful exploration of career progression and leadership excellence.


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]]>Biotech Leadership: How Jean Liu Mastered The Shift From GC To Board Roles32KxbKKd3Wed, 14 May 2025 10:00:00 GMT2479https://insidecounselacademy.com/biotech-leadership-how-jean-liu-mastered-the-shift-from-gc-to-board-rolesfalseBiotech leadership requires a unique blend of scientific acumen, legal expertise, and business savvy, a combination that our guest Jean Liu embodies perfectly. In this episode, we dive deep with Jean, a biotech executive and seasoned board member with a robust scientific background and over 20 years of experience as a chief legal officer, including her roles at Halozyme and CJ Inc. Jean shares her unique journey from molecular biology to law school, and ultimately, to the boardroom, discussing how her scientific training shaped her legal career and how her GC experience now informs her approach to board service. We explore the exhilarating yet volatile world of biotech, the challenges and triumphs of scaling legal departments, and the invaluable lessons learned from riding the waves of wild success and wild failure. Tune in for a fascinating conversation packed with wisdom for anyone looking to transition between roles, industries, or even career paths, and discover how to leverage diverse skills to excel in leadership positions.


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]]>Expanding Globally: Hemang Shah Shares Expertise In Corporate Law And Cross-Border TransactionsHabRiYZ6zWed, 30 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMT1928https://insidecounselacademy.com/expanding-globally-hemang-shah-shares-expertise-in-corporate-law-and-cross-border-transactionsfalseUnderstanding the complexities of corporate law is crucial for businesses aiming for global expansion, and our guest, Hemang Shah, offers a unique perspective on both. In this episode, we dive deep with Hemang, a partner at Jones Day, who brings a wealth of experience from his time as one of the youngest general counsels of a major publicly traded company in Australia, Gloucester Coal, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Hemang shares his journey from in-house counsel to global law firm partner, offering invaluable insights on cross-border transactions, strategic legal matters, and the challenges of leadership in an international context. Discover how his experiences shape his client relationships and learn how he helps businesses achieve their global growth ambitions while navigating intricate corporate law landscapes. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in corporate law, international business, and the evolution of a legal career in a globalized world.


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]]>Lessons In Leadership For In-House Counsel with Christy CraseyqmXJP8g8Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMT1917https://insidecounselacademy.com/lessons-in-leadership-for-in-house-counsel-with-christy-crasefalseChristy Crase shares her remarkable journey to becoming in-house counsel, transitioning from intense law firm work to leading legal teams at Professional Case Management and PCM Trials. In this episode, Christy opens up about what it takes to succeed as in-house counsel — from balancing legal risk with business growth to building a legal department from the ground up. She shares the challenges of stepping into a leadership role, learning business strategy on the fly, and how listening and adaptability became her superpowers. Whether you’re already working as in-house counsel or considering making the leap, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you grow in your career and confidently navigate the corporate legal world.


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]]>What It Takes To Embrace A Leadership Role With Stacy BratcherM2Gnh8n4zWed, 26 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT1893https://insidecounselacademy.com/what-it-takes-to-embrace-a-leadership-role-with-stacy-bratcherfalseEmbracing any leadership role requires not only the necessary skills or knowledge. It is also about taking initiative, building relationships, and driving actual results. Joseph Schohl welcomes Stacy Bratcher, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Cottage Health, to discuss her journey from private practice to leading a legal team of a billion-dollar health system. She shares how she navigated career transitions, handled challenges with leading, and built a reputation for getting things done. Stacy also reveals the key habits that set her apart from other general counsels, including her approach to time management, decision-making, and team development. If you want to sharpen your leadership skills in the legal world, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.



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]]>How Intuition Fuels Home Run Decisions: Tommy Haldorsen Of Galardi Group9O78QipPjWed, 12 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT2248https://insidecounselacademy.com/how-intuition-fuels-home-run-decisions-tommy-haldorsen-of-galardi-groupfalseTrust your intuition—it's the secret to hitting home runs in your career and personal life, according to Tommy Haldorsen, General Counsel at Galardi Group, Inc. Tommy dives deep into his career journey, sharing his experiences navigating tricky transitions, unique challenges, and triumphs of legal work. He also emphasizes the power of building strong, supportive teams – a crucial ingredient for success. Beyond the office, Tommy shares his passion for coaching his children's sports teams, highlighting the importance of family and giving back to the community. Join us as Tommy proves that sometimes, the best decisions are the ones that simply feel right.



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]]>A Passion For Healthcare: Caren Weakley Of Sutter HealthhnvgeHNEfWed, 26 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT1771https://insidecounselacademy.com/a-passion-for-healthcare-caren-weakley-of-sutter-healthfalseDriven by a passion for healthcare, Caren Weakley, General Counsel of Sutter Health, shares her inspiring journey from law school to leading a major healthcare legal team. Discover how she prioritizes leadership over just legal expertise, building high-performing teams, fostering genuine relationships, and driving success. Caren highlights her career evolution, from navigating the challenges of balancing motherhood and a demanding legal career to embracing the organizational aspects of law and the importance of mentorship. Throughout, Caren's commitment to her team and her belief in the power of genuine connection shine through, offering valuable insights for aspiring and current leaders in any field.


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]]>Building A Powerful Network And Expanding Your Influence: Stephen Chu Of InStrideyIutgr_TVWed, 12 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT2368https://insidecounselacademy.com/building-a-powerful-network-and-expanding-your-influence-stephen-chu-of-instridefalseWhen it comes to building a powerful network and expanding your influence as a legal leader, few people embody that journey better than Stephen Chu. From his early days in big law to becoming Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at InStride, Stephen has navigated the legal world with an impressive mix of strategic thinking and adaptability. In this episode, Stephen shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path, the mindset shifts that helped him thrive, and the key leadership principles that every aspiring GC—or seasoned one looking to level up—should know. Stick around to the end for the top takeaways and how you can apply them to your own career.

]]>Welcome to Becoming the GC9MUVinZ0wWed, 05 Feb 2025 20:57:32 GMT162http://www.insidecounselacademy.com/falseLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.insidecounselacademy.com/

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