GCs in the Boardroom: Lisa Harrington, Board Director, Consultant, and CLO

Introduction: 1:28

• Introducing Lisa Harrington, Board Director at Slam Corp and Iron Horse Acquisitions, consultant, and CLO. 
• Discussing holiday travel recommendations.

Comparing and contrasting GC roles at public and private companies: 4:24

• Valuing your experience as corporate secretary and working at VC-backed start-ups.
• Developing skills by spending time in the boardroom and working as an executive.
• Studying your colleagues’ work habits to see which traits you want to model.

Finding opportunities on to take on board directorships or take on board seats: 8:48

• Taking on board roles to expand your skill set and meet lots of cool people.
• Building your network at non-profit committees as you make your way up to public boards.

Setting yourself up to get recruited for board membership: 15:01

• Pulling together a board bio, elevator pitch, and other value propositions.
• Growing your legal toolbox to provide companies with the skill set they are looking for.

Describing the ongoing obligations of a board member or director: 21:39

• Taking on a manageable amount of responsibilities and attending both virtual and in-person meetings.
• Knowing when and how to ask questions.

Factors to consider for GCs looking to join a board: 25:08

• Considering what skills you have to offer and what skills you want to learn.
• Jumping in and helping regardless of the situation.

Non-legal-related advice for drafting your board agreement: 28:17

• Knowing when your agreement puts you at personal risk.
• Understanding the value of great D&O coverage.
• Being transparent about what you will and will not do.

Making strong connections with operators: 31:53

• Getting to know key decision makers so you can offer the best advice.
• Making sure everyone sees you as a board member and not a lawyer.
• Safeguarding your time and avoiding overextending yourself.

Going through the IPO process with Iron Horse: 37:49

• Advising through the pandemic from a board standpoint.

Participating on a board during an acquisition at Slam Corp: 41:37

• Furthering your skill set as a lawyer, a human, and a director.
• Enduring a difficult process to confirm that you’re where you want to be in your career.

Leaving a board role with grace: 44:45

• Deciding whether or not to renew your board seat at the end of your term.
• Being honest about whether you are able to commit time and energy to your role.

Advice to younger self: 47:10

• Developing business skills and earning an MBA early in your career.