Women General Counsel Canada opens registration for General Counsel University's fall 2023 cohort

Women General Counsel Canada has opened registration for the fall 2023 cohort of the General Counsel University, a leadership development program aimed at advancing and elevating the leadership competencies of general counsels.

GCU offers a curriculum strategically mapped to top competencies to enhance participants’ contribution to the C-suite and advance the business. Participants will benefit from assessments, leadership coaching, a development plan, and a capstone reflection essay designed to provide a comprehensive leadership development experience.

WGCC commissioned Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm, to identify critical competencies, traits, and drivers of GCs that are requisite to be the “most sought” GC. WGCC then used the research to frame its leadership program. The curriculum explores each competency and offers opportunities to apply the learning to actual GC experience and practice.

GCU offers interactive and discussion-based sessions, allowing participants to push their leadership abilities with others who understand the pressures of the GC role. Other program benefits include empowering participants to build their local and national networks. The program encourages small-group interactions with GCs and provides access to the larger GCU alum community of GCs.

Ratika Gandhi, head of legal and compliance at Alcon Canada and a GCU graduate, said, “The curriculum was marked by rich content and nuggets of wisdom beneficial for all types of GCs. But most importantly, I will forever carry with me the network of inspirational women leaders that I can now call my friends and GC confidantes.”

Upon acceptance into the GCU program, participants are expected to undergo a Korn Ferry Professional Development Assessment to obtain a baseline of how they measure against the “best in class” GC profile and identify improvement opportunities.

To obtain a GCU designation, candidates must complete the program’s required courses, deliver a final capstone reflection paper, and be current WGCC members in good standing.

“As a graduate, I can say that it was a profound and perspective-changing experience for me, both professionally and personally, and the network and connections I have within my cohort are for a lifetime,” said Bindu Cudjoe, chief legal officer and corporate secretary at Laurentian Bank of Canada.

Registration for the fall 2023 cohort is open until September 22.