Crain’s General Counsel Breakfast Returns Oct. 6

Aug 31, 2026, 3:45 PM•crainliveevents

Crain's Chicago Business

Power, Pressure & the Modern Board: Why the GC is Now the Most Influential Voice in the Room

Tuesday, October 6 | 7:30-9:45 a.m.
The Chicago Club

Request to Attend

The boardroom is under pressure like never before, and General Counsels are increasingly at the center of it.

From shareholder activism and AI oversight to cybersecurity threats, geopolitical disruption and CEO succession, today's most critical business decisions carry legal, reputational and governance risk. Boards are turning to their GCs for more than protection: perspective, judgment and strategic clarity.

Join Crain's Chicago Business for a candid, high-level discussion on how the relationship between GCs and boards is evolving—and why it may be the defining power dynamic in modern corporate leadership.

We'll tackle the issues reshaping board agendas: the shift from compensation to human capital oversight, rising expectations around board effectiveness, the state of the economy, crisis readiness, and the changing chemistry between boards and CEOs. Panelists will also explore how GCs can influence without overstepping, and how boards can better leverage their top legal advisor.

Designed for General Counsels, their teams and current and aspiring board members, this program goes beyond governance theory to examine the real tensions, risks and opportunities shaping today's boardrooms.

Request to Attend

Featured Speakers

Michelle Collins

President
Cambium LLC

Christine Edwards

Principal
RBG Consulting

Dr. Suzet McKinney

President & CEO
Chicago Loop Alliance

Moderator: Sue Bettman

Partner
Brunswick Group

Request to Attend

This event is exclusive to General Counsel, in-house counsel, CLO roles, their team members and board members.

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