Behind the Scenes: Resources That Shape Great General Counsel

When we first published this edition of Behind the Scenes, Ready Set GC was still in its early stages. Since then, our community has grown significantly, our network of General Counsel and legal leaders has expanded, and we have had the privilege of learning from hundreds of women navigating leadership roles across industries.

As we revisited this article, we realized that while many of the original recommendations remain as relevant as ever, we've also discovered new insights, books, podcasts, and thought leaders that have become staples in our own development journeys. Rather than replacing what has stood the test of time, we wanted to build upon it—sharing additional resources that have resonated with our Advisory Board, participants, and broader Ready Set GC community along the way.

What continues to surprise us is how few of the most impactful resources are actually about "the law." The most successful General Counsel are lifelong learners who cultivate business acumen, leadership presence, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a deep curiosity about the world around them. The resources below reflect that broader view of leadership and are intended to help you continue building your own toolkit for success.

Tailoring Your Toolkit: Universals for Success in the GC Role

As our community has grown, a few themes have consistently emerged. Regardless of industry, company size, or career stage, the following capabilities continue to distinguish the most effective General Counsel and legal leaders.

For Stepping Into a New Role

The transition into a new leadership position, whether as a first-time GC, a newly promoted legal leader, or the General Counsel of a new organization, requires intentionality and adaptability.

• The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins

• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

These resources provide practical frameworks for establishing credibility, building relationships, and setting priorities during critical transition periods.

For Building Influence

The most effective General Counsel don't simply provide legal advice—they influence decisions, shape strategy, and build trust across the organization.

• Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg

• Likeable Badass by Alison Fragale

• Kind Dynamite by Karen Lisko

• Emotional Intelligence Habits by Travis Bradbury

• Difficult Conversations, How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone

These resources offer practical guidance on communication, executive presence, emotional intelligence, and the ability to influence without formal authority.

For Leading a Team

As your responsibilities grow, success becomes less about your individual expertise and more about your ability to develop and lead others.

• Building an Outstanding Legal Team by Bjarne Tellman

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

• The Coaching Habit by Michael Stainer

These books provide valuable insights into team development, leadership styles, culture building, and maximizing the strengths of diverse teams.

For Thinking Like a Business Executive

Today's General Counsel are expected to be strategic business leaders who understand industry dynamics, financial performance, risk, and organizational priorities.

• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

• Financial Intelligence by Karen Berman & Joe Knight

These resources help broaden business acumen and encourage leaders to think beyond legal analysis toward enterprise-wide decision-making.