The CEO of recruitment company Lawrence Simons has urged general counsel who want to become CEOs to broaden their business perspective and particularly their numerical skills. Clare Butler says aspiring GCs 'need to make sure that they understand everything from business models to company culture. Perhaps most importantly they need to fine tune their numerical skills as they don’t have as integral an understanding of finance as Chief Financial Offers who might also be vying for the top role, and therefore it’s vital that they are able to grasp and apply mathematical skills in business.'
'Risk informed'
In her blog, Ms Butler writes that a number of private practice firms, including Simmons & Simmons and Eversheds, have incorporated aspects of MBA-style training into their junior lawyers training programmes. She says many of the qualities associated with leadership roles are also qualities possessed by general counsel, from strategic thinking and focus to vision. But she adds that 'a common concern for many is the ability of lawyers to transition from being ‘risk averse’, a view widely taken of legal professionals, to ‘risk informed’ – a vital factor in leadership.'
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