GCs as business leaders: how to think, act, and lead like one

Amr Wageeh, Chief Legal Officer & FDI Policy Advisor, shares what it really takes for GCs to lead effectively by thinking beyond law and showing up as true business leaders.

If you’re an in-house lawyer, chances are you didn’t take a leadership course in law school. The reality is, legal expertise will only get you so far. To truly succeed as a GC or senior in-house counsel, you need to lead your team, your department, and sometimes even your company. And leadership is not just about giving orders or making big decisions; it’s about influence, trust, and making the right calls when the pressure is on.

Over the years, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that leadership is a skill, not a title. So, let’s talk about some key leadership lessons for in-house counsel things you won’t find in a legal textbook but are essential if you want to thrive in the corporate world.

You Have to Make Tough Calls – And Own Them

Leadership isn’t about making popular decisions, it’s about making the right ones. As a GC or senior in-house counsel, there will be times when you have to deliver bad news, push back on the business, or make a call with limited information.

The key is to be decisive. Indecision creates confusion and delays, which can be costly. Gather the best information you can, make the call, and stand by it. And if you get it wrong? Own it, learn from it, and move forward.

Pro Tip: When faced with a tough decision, ask yourself, “What would I advise my best friend to do in this situation?” It helps cut through the noise and get to the right answer.

“Leadership isn’t about making popular decisions, it’s about making the right ones.”

Never Stop Learning

The best leaders are always learning. Whether it’s staying on top of industry trends, picking up new leadership skills, or learning from mistakes, leadership is an ongoing process.

This is another key takeaway from the T-shaped lawyer model expanding beyond your core legal skills isn’t optional anymore. The modern in-house lawyer must develop skills in finance, technology, project management, and business strategy to stay relevant.

Seek out mentors, read leadership books, attend business seminars, and, most importantly, learn from the people around you. Some of the best leadership lessons come from unexpected places.

Pro Tip: Find a mentor outside of the legal field someone in finance, operations, or marketing. Their perspective will help you think beyond just legal issues.

Final Thoughts

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about asking the right questions, building the right team, and making decisions that move the business forward.

In today’s fast-changing corporate world, the most successful GCs and in-house lawyers are T-shaped leaders deep legal experts who also bring business acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership to the table.

Being a great in-house lawyer is one thing, but being a great legal leader? That’s what will set you apart.

So, if you want to lead, start today. Focus on people, think like a business leader, communicate clearly, and never stop learning. Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t a title – it’s how you show up every single day. 

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