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Becoming the GC Podcast

General 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.

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What Our Members Say

“One of the things I love about working with Joe is the joy and camaraderie he invariably brings to every discussion, including times when we have to discuss emotionally challenging subject matter. It’s hard to remember a call without laughter, and some lighthearted talk, to accompany the intellectual challenges we tackle together. Joe has a unique ability to tackle challenging topics while remaining positive and uplifting – skills which serve him incredibly well as a coach.”
Dave K.Law Firm Partner
“Joe has played many roles in my career: mentor, boss, colleague, outside counsel, client, and friend. He is the person I go to for advice of all kinds, who gives of himself and who has opened doors I never thought possible. He is a man of character and upmost integrity who astonishes me every day with the intentionality he brings to everything in his life, personally and professionally.”
Caren W.General Counsel
"Senior lawyers often face challenges that require wisdom more than technical expertise. When I faced complex ethical decisions, Joe helped me navigate to the best acceptable outcome. For leaders of law departments seeking not just technical improvement but strategic insight and clarity, Joe's combination of experience and wisdom makes him an invaluable coaching partner."
Michael S.Chief Legal Officer
“I’ve known Joe for the better part of two decades, in multiple roles over those years. Whether as a Chief Legal Officer over one of the largest in-house departments in healthcare or as an outside advisor, Joe uniformly appears with focus, equilibrium, and perspective. The last quality is the most valuable to me and I’m excited he’s chosen to share his wealth of real-world experience with other professionals. He is a leader first, who happens also to be a good lawyer.”
Greg T.Managing General Counsel
"Because of Joe’s mentorship and coaching, I was able to switch my practice area from general litigation to health law transactional work. Joe educated me on the nuances of this practice area, guiding me from his personal experience and introducing techniques for managing contract negotiations and business clients. I am very appreciative of Joe’s kindness, patience, and extensive knowledge on running an in-house environment, as well as his focus on continuous, personal improvement."
Melissa H.Associate General Counsel
"Joe not only got me focused on the right things, he helped hold me accountable in between meetings. It is invaluable to pitch ideas and strategies to a coach like Joe, who very recently sat in the C-level seat. I have a much better idea of how things will be received after I’ve done a dry run with Joe."
John P.Law Firm Partner and Adjunct Professor
"Joe trained me to think more like a business person, which has helped me deliver a more accessible and usable work product for my clients and colleagues. He imparts wisdom gained from his vast array of legal and life experiences, making him an excellent resource and sounding board for me in my day-to-day practice. I consider him a trusted and experienced mentor, who has helped make me an indispensable part of my teams from behind the scenes.”
Mary L.Associate General Counsel

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