Catherine O’Connell

Trailblazing lawyer and board member Catherine O’Connell broke barriers as the first foreign woman on Toyota and Fujitsu boards. She pioneered flexible General Counsel services in Japan and hosts Lawyer on Air, amplifying women lawyers’ voices. A bridge-builder redefining governance with courage, clarity, and cultural insight.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

I risked everything to launch Japan’s first foreign female-founded law firm. I shattered glass ceilings as the first foreign woman on Toyota and Fujitsu boards. I created Japan’s first women-in-law podcast, amplifying inspirational stories of women lawyers that were never told before.

Name your top 3 achievements

1. First foreign woman board member at Toyota and Fujitsu.
2. Founded Japan’s first award-winning boutique law firm offering flexible GC services.
3. Launched Lawyer on Air, Japan’s first women-in-law podcast, amplifying untold career stories.

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

I left the safety of a corporate career to launch the first foreign female-owned law firm in Tokyo. With no template to follow and plenty of naysayers, I became my own role model, winning awards, inspiring others and proving new possibilities for women in law and governance.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Inspired by my father’s flying hobby, I love planes, especially P-51 Mustang warbirds. Their roar across the skies never fails to stop me breathless.

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

Clarity. The ability to demystify complexity – seeing around corners, translating risk into opportunity, and communicating with clarity so teams can act decisively and confidently in uncertain environments.