How to Build Influence as a GC in the C-Suite: A Guide for In-House Counsel

In today’s environment, in-house legal leaders are expected to serve as more than issue-spotters—they’re strategic navigators who help shape company direction, influence executive decision-making, and elevate legal from a supporting function to a business driver. Yet earning and scaling influence in the C-suite requires a combination of executive presence, cross-functional alignment, commercial fluency, and the ability to translate legal insight into strategic value. This session breaks down the real-world skills, credibility-building moments, and leadership behaviors that distinguish today’s most impactful GCs.

Join us on Thursday, December 4 at 3pm ET as Eugenia Bergantz (GC, Planful), Dan Haley (CLO, Flock Safety), and Mark Kahn (GC, Oakland Ballers) explore how in-house counsel can accelerate their career trajectory and expand their influence at the executive table. Drawing from lived experience as sitting GCs and CLOs, they’ll discuss how to build business trust, communicate effectively with CEOs and CFOs, leverage data and technology to amplify impact, and position yourself as an indispensable strategic leader.

Key Takeaways

• How GCs earn credibility and visibility early—and the pivotal moments that shift their role from legal advisor to business partner.
• Practical strategies for translating legal issues into commercial insights that resonate with CEOs, CFOs, and boards.
• Ways to scale your influence using high-performing teams, legal ops, metrics, and technology (including AI).
• Leadership traits and skill sets that will define successful, future-ready GCs over the next five years.
• Advice for aspiring GCs seeking to build influence long before they reach the C-suite.

Who Should Attend

This session is designed for in-house counsel at all stages of their careers—from aspiring GCs to current legal leaders—who want to deepen their strategic influence, strengthen relationships with executive stakeholders, and better position themselves as business-critical partners within their organizations.