Key Insights

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1. Embrace the "Operator" Mindset.

Celaena transitioned from outside counsel to in-house because she wanted to move from advising on transactions to "rolling up her sleeves" as an operator. She argues that a GC's value isn't just protecting value, but actively enabling it by participating in business strategy, not just legal squabbles.

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2. Legal and Security are Cut from the Same Cloth.

Despite traditional tensions, Celaena views both functions as "Stewards of Seismic". Both are rooted in risk mitigation and value protection. By "taking off the boxing gloves" and focusing on shared goals, legal can effectively lead security teams by acting as an advocate and "hype person" rather than a technical specialist.

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3. Customer-Centricity is the Secret to Rebuilding Trust.

To overcome a perception that "legal sucks," Celaena focused on being a "thought partner" to sales and product. This involves understanding the customer’s pain points, regulated spaces, and leverage during long 6-to-24-month deal cycles.

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4. Dividing and Conquering Executive Communication.

In high-pressure situations like a security incident, Celaena advocates for a "divide and conquer" approach. While the CISO runs the technical response (the "three-dimensional chess"), the GC should take the lead on communicating with the board and executive team to keep them apprised without distracting the technical experts.

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5. Professional Courage Requires the "Opportunity to Fail."

As a leader, Celaena believes the greatest gift she can give her team is the space to make mistakes. Continuous daily coaching—rather than infrequent formal reviews—allows team members to build their own "internal confidence" and rapport with business stakeholders.

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6. Closing Insight

Your value to the organization is maximized when you stop "waiting in line" for permission to act. By embracing professional courage and assuming responsibility for complex, cross-functional disciplines like security, you ensure you are a primary navigator on the company's "rocket ship".