First Builders
The First Builders Podcast from The Council dives into the stories of those who go first—founders, funders, and early operators who helped build category-defining companies before they were household names. Hosted by General Partner Amber Illig and Partner Rachel Tsui, each episode brings a candid, practical conversation with someone who has helped shape companies before there was a playbook.
First Builders
The Founder’s Pivot: How Cecilia Ziniti Went from GC to Leading in AI
What does it take to go from General Counsel to AI founder? In this episode of First Builders, Cecilia Ziniti—CEO of GC AI and former GC at multiple high-growth companies—joins Amber and Rachel to unpack how her legal and operational background set the stage for her leap into building.
Cecilia shares how she spotted the right moment to launch in legaltech, what it really takes to lead in a noisy AI landscape, and how she thinks about risk, timing, and team building. Whether you’re in-house, in transition, or just AI-curious—this one’s for you.
We cover:
– The mindset shift from GC to startup CEO
– Finding product-market fit in legacy industries
– Early team building and founder instincts
– Staying grounded while building in AI
Follow Cecilia Ziniti
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliaziniti
Company: https://www.gcai.io
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Show Notes
- From GC to founder: How Cecilia’s in-house legal experience shaped her approach to AI
- Lessons on timing, risk, and operator instincts
- Building modern tools for legal teams in legacy industries
- Company: https://www.gcai.io
- Connect: LinkedIn
Books Mentioned:
- Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition: Marketing and Selling Disruptive Products to Mainstream Customers (Collins Business Essentials) by Geoffrey A. Moore
- Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential by Matt Higgins