WOMEN GENERAL 
Welcome to GCUWhether you are just beginning your career as a legal leader or an experienced GC with a record of executive roles in leading organizations, GCU can help you to perform your role more effectively. GCU is committed to providing GCs with a curriculum that’s strategically mapped to top Competencies that will enhance your contribution to the C-suite and advance the business. Each course will include learning objectives from at least two such Competencies. The Most Sought GC Program is based on Korn Ferry’s global competency framework, derived from qualitative, quantitative and market-based data, and relying on comprehensive and rigorous analysis, external research literature etc. WGCC commissioned Korn Ferry to identify key competencies, traits, drivers of GCs that are requisite to be the “Most Sought” GC and we have used that research to frame this Program. GCU is grateful to the sponsors and partners of GCU who support our program by collaborating on and delivering top quality programming in support of GCU. |
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GCU in the News |
From Canadian Lawyer Magazine | January 24, 2023: Women General Counsel Canada celebrates second cohort of GCU graduates May 12, 2022: Women General Counsel Canada honours first cohort of GCU graduates Sept 15, 2021: Women General Counsel Canada launches 'GCU' |
From Law.com | Sept 15, 2021: Canadian Women's GC Group Launches Unique GCU |
Hear what people are saying about GCU!
Ratika Gandhi
Head of Legal & Compliance, Alcon Canada
Cohort 1, GCU Graduate
GCU exceeded my expectations! The curriculum was marked by rich content and nuggets of wisdom that is 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.
Bindu Cudjoe
Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Laurentian Bank of Canada
Cohort 1, Valedictorian and GCU Graduate
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.
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PROGRAM DELIVERYGCU will offer multiple related sessions as a “concentration” of certain themes (Korn Ferry Factors). Some GCU sessions may be qualified for CLE/CPD accreditation in applicable Canadian jurisdictions. We will deliver GCU programs virtually for the first term (October to December 2021), and in creative formats to best facilitate your learning experience in the future. |
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DESIGNATION PROCESS
GCU will provide Orientation to onboard two cohorts (limited to 12 participants each) per year. We will introduce the cohorts to the GCU structure and the 12 differentiating Competencies as part of this Orientation.
To obtain a GCU designation, candidates must:
- Complete the program of required courses
- Deliver a final capstone paper (~1000 words) on a topic to be determined by the candidate and their coach
- Be a current WGCC member in good standing
USE OF THE GCU DESIGNATION
As a GCU grad and holder of the GC designation, you have committed to achieving the highest standard of corporate legal leadership.
The GCU designation is granted to members of GCU who have completed the GC Program and are current members in good standing of WGCC.
This designation represents a commitment to excellence in legal leadership, to be the most effective general counsel you can be. You will be recognized as a leader who can balance your organization’s most complex legal issues with its business interests, who can build and lead extraordinary teams of legal talent, and who can raise the bar on issues ranging from equity, diversity and inclusion, to environmental social responsibility.
After completing the GCU Most Sought GC’s program and the delivery of a final capstone essay, you will be granted a GCU designation that will represent a lifelong commitment to learning and maintaining excellence in corporate legal departments. In the current, rapidly evolving competitive environment, this GCU designation will help you be better at what you do, and ultimately, create better opportunities for your career.
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Course Schedules: Cohort 2 (Jan - Dec 2022) Cohort 3 (Oct - Apr 2023)Cohort 2 Jan - Dec 2022
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| Session | Competency | Fall 2022 | Speakers |
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Thriving through Change and Transitions |
October 1 (Hybrid Session: Virtual and in-person) |
Paula Vital, MT Mindfulness Consulting |
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Global Perspectives on the Rise of Real-Time Corporate Morality Tests ("Surge Effects") |
Global Perspective |
October 1 (Hybrid Session) |
Awi Sinha, Patrice Rouse, Wendy Berman, Gillian Kerr, Dorothy Charach, McCarthy Tétrault, Gillian Smith, NATIONAL Public Relations |
| Design Thinking for GC's *** | Collaboration | October 28 12:00 pm - 2:00pm ET |
Gillian Scott and Jennifer Thompson, Osler |
| GC as an Entrepreneur *** |
Cultivates Innovation | October 28 2:00pm - 4:00pm ET |
Gary Kalaci, Alexa Translations; Sacha Fraser IBM Canada |
| Developing Your Talent: Strategies for Advancing as a Leader *** |
Develops Talent |
November 18 |
Keya Dasgupta, Heidi Reinhart, Norton Rose; Conni Gibson, Interac; Shanin Lott, Russell Reynolds Associates |
| The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership *** |
Instills Trust |
November 18 |
Jeff Davis, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan |
| DiSC Assessment: What is your Leadership Style? *** |
Manages Ambiguity |
December 9 |
Sandra Abitan, Lori Gauld, Osler |
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Becoming an Inclusive Leader |
Engages and Inspires |
December 9 |
Joanna Harper, Vandana Juneja, Catalyst Canada |
| Capstone & Graduation | January 26 | WGCC |
*** Cohorts 2 & 3 together
To access Fall 2022 Speakers Bios and detailed Course description, click here!
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*** Cohorts 2 & 3 together To access Fall 2022 Speakers Bios and detailed Course description, scroll up to pull down menu at top of page. |
Winter 2023 - Schedule to FollowDriving Innovation, Delivering Results: Inspiring Women Legal Leaders - January 27, 2023 Strategic Execution - February 24, 2023 Effecting Change Through Strategic Law Firm Collaboration - February 24, 2023 Beyond the Law: Ensuring Your Seat at the Table - March 24, 2023 Responding to Risk through Internal Investigations - April 21, 2023 Capstone & Graduation - May 12, 2023 |
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PROGRAM FEE & APPLICATIONPROGRAM FEE APPLICATION Note: this program is only available to current WGCC Members. Visit your profile to ensure your membership is up-to-date! |