43. LIFE AFTER LAW - FROM GENERAL COUNSEL TO CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER LAW WITH ANNA TICHBORNE
Update: 2025-10-01
Description
In this episode of the Counsel Podcast, Mel reunites with long-time friend and former colleague Anna Tichborne for a candid conversation about career evolution, leadership and the courage to step outside the traditional lawyer path.
Anna’s career has spanned more than two decades across New Zealand, Australia and the US. From General Counsel to Chief Operations Officer and now building her own consulting practice, she has consistently embraced change, backed herself and carved out space beyond the confines of “lawyer in a box.”
Together, we dive into:
Anna’s transition from GC to COO and what it’s like to move from advising to decision-making
The mindset shifts needed to step into executive leadership outside of legal
Learning to let go of the lawyer identity while still drawing on those skills
The role of mentors, sponsors and having someone in your corner who sees your potential
What skills transfer seamlessly from law to operations, and what you need to unlearn
Anna’s current chapter working with early-stage businesses and tech founders
Why culture, people, and community are the real drivers of successful organisations
This episode is packed with insights for lawyers curious about broader executive opportunities or anyone navigating identity shifts and new career chapters.
Resources and Links:
Connect with Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-tichborne-a9647946/
Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code BigSisEnergy for a special discount)
All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings
Connect with Mel:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/
Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/
Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer
Subscribe to the Counsel Podcast so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to be a lawyer today.
Anna’s career has spanned more than two decades across New Zealand, Australia and the US. From General Counsel to Chief Operations Officer and now building her own consulting practice, she has consistently embraced change, backed herself and carved out space beyond the confines of “lawyer in a box.”
Together, we dive into:
Anna’s transition from GC to COO and what it’s like to move from advising to decision-making
The mindset shifts needed to step into executive leadership outside of legal
Learning to let go of the lawyer identity while still drawing on those skills
The role of mentors, sponsors and having someone in your corner who sees your potential
What skills transfer seamlessly from law to operations, and what you need to unlearn
Anna’s current chapter working with early-stage businesses and tech founders
Why culture, people, and community are the real drivers of successful organisations
This episode is packed with insights for lawyers curious about broader executive opportunities or anyone navigating identity shifts and new career chapters.
Resources and Links:
Connect with Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-tichborne-a9647946/
Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code BigSisEnergy for a special discount)
All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings
Connect with Mel:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/
Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/
Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer
Subscribe to the Counsel Podcast so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to be a lawyer today.
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