Once upon a time, there was a lawyer. She was a solid lawyer: Heads down, hard worker and always ready to solve the next legal issue with precision and correctness. Possessing a single focus on what was allowed … and what was not. The lines were clear—and “no” was a frequent uttering in the office of The Big Cheese. The lawyer stayed in the legal lane to which she was assigned and never drifted. Ever.

Then one day, the lawyer’s boss expected more. Understand the business! Help move it forward! Focus only on the risks that matter! Be proactive! Be a business partner! Possess executive presence! Aaaaand … no more “no’s”! The boss knew that her legal counsel could offer more … should offer more. And such became the new expectation.