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As the CEO and Founder of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC), I host an annual event that empowers thousands of legal professionals and executives. Its purpose is to help women leaders build connections and elevate their careers. I am proud to report that, for more than 20 years, the CCWC conference has provided top-tier […]

Evolve beyond subject matter expertise to become a cross-functional, strategic executive with P&L awareness Laurie Robinson Haden | Winter 2025 In today’s business environment, being a top legal mind is no longer enough to secure a seat at the executive table. Companies are looking for legal leaders who can think like business operators—those who understand

By Laurie Robinson Haden – Inspired by It’s Time to Shine Your network can make or break your ascent to the next level. In today’s corporate environment, success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who knows you, what they know about you, and what they say about you when you’re not in the room.

Laurie Robins Haden | Fall 2025 Negotiating your compensation isn’t about ego—it’s about aligning your value with your rewards. As a legal executive, your decisions shape enterprise risk, drive complex transactions, and influence boardroom outcomes. Yet, many seasoned professionals still enter salary conversations underprepared or overly deferential. The truth is, negotiation is a leadership skill.

Success in corporate spaces isn’t just about merit—it’s about strategy, perception, and the ability to influence. For executive lawyers in corporations and law firms, legal acumen is only half the equation. The other half? Navigating power, politics, and perception with clarity and strategy. Many high-performing attorneys make the critical mistake of assuming hard work and

Laurie Robinson Haden | Fall 2025 In fast-paced legal and corporate environments, decisiveness is often rewarded. But in today’s cross-functional, matrixed organizations, success is less about having the final say—and more about building consensus. True leadership is demonstrated not by rigid control but by the ability to align diverse stakeholders around a common objective. Collaboration

Laurie Robinson Haden | Winter 2025 For many executives, reaching the C-suite is a remarkable achievement, but staying visible, influential, and included at the top comes with its challenges. Oftentimes, legacy networks, unwritten rules, and quiet exclusion can create barriers within the boardroom itself. Here are 10 strategic and practical ways to overcome these challenges

Laurie Robinson Haden | Fall 2025 In elite corporate and legal circles, technical excellence is expected, but likeability is what makes people want to work with you, protect you, and champion your ideas. It’s the unspoken differentiator that determines who is pulled into high-stakes conversations, tapped for leadership, or shielded during difficult decisions, such as

Laurie Robinson Haden | Fall 2025 In high-stakes corporate and legal environments, meetings are more than status checks or a seat—they’re where influence is built, perceptions are shaped, and visibility is earned. Remaining silent, even with impeccable work behind the scenes, can unintentionally signal disengagement or lack of leadership readiness. Speaking up strategically ensures your

At the senior level, technical excellence and experience are expected. What differentiates those who ascend from those who plateau is the ability to manage up with intention, strategic insight, and emotional intelligence. Managing up is not about deference—it’s about executive alignment. It’s about understanding how to position yourself as a strategic partner to those above