Event Recap: From Counsel to CLO: How Legal Leaders Master the Soft Skills That Drive Executive Success

Legal leaders today face unprecedented pressure—growing teams, nonstop business demands, and shifting executive expectations. But the secret to thriving isn’t just about managing external chaos; it’s about mastering the internal game. In a high-velocity environment, legal leaders must find a way to stay grounded, focused, and influential without burning out.

"From Counsel to CLO: How Legal Leaders Master the Soft Skills That Drive Executive Success"

If you missed it, check out out our eBook From Overwhelmed to Empowered - Eliminate Burnout & Boost Productivity by Streamlining Legal Intake, with themes from the webinar and strategies for overcoming burnout by up-leveling your team's intake processes and technology. If you're already an IHC member, you have access to the on-demand webinar here anytime.

About the Panelists:

• Hanna Steinbach - General Counsel at Harness and former EVP & Chief Legal Officer at Medallia
• Kathy Zhu - Founder/CEO of Streamline AI and former AGC at DoorDash

In this session, Hanna and Kathy shared personal insights and actionable strategies for leading legal teams with resilience, clarity, and calm, even in the face of extreme growth:

• Lead Authentically: Bring your whole self to the table and stay grounded, even in high-stakes moments.
• Manage Up Effectively: Influence C-suite partners while safeguarding your team’s bandwidth and priorities.
• Build Resilient Operations: Create legal workflows that sustain high performance without relying on heroics.
• Master the Art of “No”: Say no, strategically, to both business demands and the internal pressure of perfectionism.
• Embrace What Matters: Move past the myth of doing it all to focus on what drives true growth and value.
• Regulate Stress: Cultivate a calm presence and manage pressure without compromising your impact.

The webinar was perfect for in-house legal leaders, general counsel, and senior legal professionals navigating high-growth environments or seeking sustainable strategies for leadership and performance. If you’re balancing increasing demand with limited resources, this session offered a roadmap to lead with clarity and resilience.

Sponsored by: In-House Connect (IHC) and Streamline AI