5 Lessons from Fortune GC (from NAPABA)

I just attended an inspiring NAPABA conference in Seattle. Mentees of four-time GC Don Liu (who just retired from Target) listed the all-time best advice he gave them:

1. Learn the business and have a strategic mindset! Prioritize clients’ business needs when you counsel them.

2. It’s easy to get sucked into office politics, but do consider whether the person/issue giving you the headache has influence. If not, stop thinking about it!

3. Helm your own career. No one else will do it for you. While you can’t anticipate everything, think multiple steps ahead about the job you want and chart that path.

4. Foster relationships intentionally, and help people grow. Investing in people will pay off in the long run; they will be there for you when you need them.

5. Know when to get out. If a company is not following through with promises made, it may be time to cut your losses, despite the investment you made.