Episode 100: Perspective, Candour, and Strategic Leadership — Rachel Canham, Rentokil Initial
In the 100th episode of Lessons I Learned in Law, Rachel Canham, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary at Rentokil Initial, reflects on what it actually takes to operate as a strategic leader at executive level — across a legal function of around 70 lawyers spanning 90 countries.
Rachel stepped into her first "top seat" role after a career that took her from private practice through senior in-house roles, and the shift required more than technical excellence. It required a change in mindset and responsibility that she's still refining.
Three lessons shape the conversation:
Perspective. Shaped by personal adversity, Rachel explains why the best lawyers in a crisis aren't the ones who panic, but the ones who can zoom out and make balanced decisions when the stakes are highest. Calm, objective, clear-headed — and aware that most things are less catastrophic than they first appear.
Candour. Rachel makes the case that candour is one of the most underrated qualities at senior leadership level — but only works if you've done the groundwork. Building trust, credibility, and human connection first is what earns you the right to be honest later, even when the message isn't well received.
Strategic leadership. Rachel pushes back on the familiar "business partner" framing for in-house lawyers. Her view: lawyers shouldn't be partnering from the sidelines. They should be embedded in decision-making, contributing beyond legal advice, and taking an active role in delivering strategy.
Rachel was recorded the same day she addressed the haggis at our Charity General Counsel Burns Supper — in a style I'm unlikely to forget. Genuinely grateful she agreed to be the 100th guest.
About the guest Rachel Canham is Group General Counsel and Company Secretary at Rentokil Initial, the FTSE-listed pest control and hygiene services business. She leads a global legal function of around 70 lawyers across 90 countries and sits on the company's executive team.
Guest recommendation Song: Belter — Gerry Cinnamon
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About the show Lessons I Learned in Law is the podcast from Heriot Brown, the specialist in-house legal recruitment firm. Host Scott Brown sits down with senior in-house lawyers to hear how they got where they are, what they wish they'd known, and what they're still trying to figure out.
This episode is produced in partnership with Wordsmith — the legal AI platform built for in-house teams.
Find more at heriotbrown.com.
00:00 Opening insight – The courage to be candid
01:13 Scott introduces Rachel Canham, GC Rentokil Initial
04:48 Stepping into the GC role & executive leadership
10:06 Lesson 1 – Perspective shapes better judgment
17:07 Lesson 2 – The power of candour in leadership
24:50 Lesson 3 – From business partner to strategic leader
30:18 Building commercial thinking & executive presence
33:38 Hot or Not – AI, legal leadership & career positioning
43:36 Personal brand, visibility & standing out as a lawyer
44:54 Walk-on so