From INvolve – The Inclusion People: “Can you recognize myths and misconceptions from reality? 💡 For Pride Month 2024, we spoke to three of our 2023 Outstanding Role Models who debunked some misconceptions and myths about LGBTQ+ communities. Hear what they have to say here.
“Hear from: Roy Sexton, Director of Marketing, Clark Hill; Joelle Archer, Vice-President Research Creative Suite, Morgan Stanley; Deon Pillay CMgr MCMI, Head of Marketing Technology Enablement and Governance, Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) … who are using this space to debunk misconceptions.
“Allies – you are crucial for change. Take on board the learnings that these Role Models are sharing and consider how you can best avoid slipping into biases, or perpetuating misconceptions and also how you can leverage your power, influence and platform to support and elevate your LGBTQ+ colleagues.”
TRANSCRIPT for my contribution: So for me, at least in my lived experience the last few years where I’ve had some increasingly visible leadership roles, it’s that well-meaning allies think I am open to unsolicited advice.
Truth of the matter is, it has taken me 51 years to get to the place of authenticity, where I feel comfortable in my own skin, and when allies come forward and try to manage me for style, offering me points on how I dress, or how I speak or how I use social media or how visible I am …
It’s not helpful. It’s actually debilitating.
What we really want is support on substantive issues and opportunities where we can be present with our authentic selves.
So if you are thinking that as a gay man, I’m interested in your advice on how to dress for success?
Thank you to producer Anna Spektor for her loving support and to friend (and our next guest!) Brenda Pontiff for connecting me with the divine Tim Duffy, CMT!
What is that old joke? “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, PRACTICE!” On this episode, we discuss a different kind of practice but one no less applicable to the business world: how meditation can enhance mindfulness and yield personal and professional success.
Guest Tim Duffy and host Roy Sexton unpack the career pivot Tim has taken to leverage his personal discoveries in this arena to help business leaders worldwide. Roy, being an avowed entertainment geek and fanboy, will no doubt ask Tim to talk about his career journey in Hollywood, what he learned from those experiences, and how his successful navigation of the entertainment industry now informs his coaching and consulting work.
Recently featured as a speaker at the iconic Netflix is a Joke Fest and the Hollywood and Mind Summit, Tim is a two-time Emmy-winner, an advanced meditation practitioner and a Mindfulness-based Executive Coach. His unique background in Behavioral Psychology paired with his wildly successful career as a Fortune 500 Executive and two-time startup Founder fuels his work with executives, performers and organizations.
Tim writes, “In 2010, I launched MTV Networks’ first Mindfulness Program and immediately became enamored with helping businesses harness the power of their greatest asset: people! During the next 13 years, I trained high-level executives throughout corporate America at companies like Amazon, Endeavor Agency, Netflix, AirBnB, and more, while implementing the same techniques and insights in my ‘other life.’ … In 2013, I launched my first startup, Ugly Brother Studios, which became widely known as one of the premier Food & Travel production companies in Entertainment. During this time, I created, sold, produced, and directed over 12 series, garnering nine Emmy Nominations, two life-changing wins, and four James Beard Award Nominations. … Through mindfulness and meditation, I’ve learned how to be truly alive to these people and to my own body and mind. Alive to the births of my children, the struggles of business, the joy of winning awards, the challenges of divorce, the loss of my father, the bliss of falling in love and, like us all, a freakin’ pandemic.”
Two of my Jiminy Cricket guardian angels – Liz Sobe and Laura Gassner Otting – just ran into each other at the train station! Hijinks ensued.
We live in interesting, sometimes exhilarating, often sad times. You might ask why am I sharing this image? There is a point here. And it’s not to garner sympathy. You might also ask why do I put myself through this? I’ve developed a pretty thick skin the last couple of years, and I’m quite proud of that honestly.
But I sometimes hear – and recently did – that we’ve come so far, and the world has changed, so how much visibility is really still needed? I would simply point your attention to these reactions to my Facebook post of this interview. Now I have a public profile, on purpose, and most of these are reactions from people I do not know. And I’m fine with that.
More than half of the 127 reactions have an angry or a laughing or a crying emoji, perhaps in some kind of judgment. These are exactly the people I want to reach. These are people who need to remember our common humanity. And the price of admission for me is that they get to believe they are mocking me from behind a cell phone screen or computer monitor.
They aren’t. They are merely shining a light on how much work we have yet to do.
P.S. File under bittersweet but optimistic joy … just wrapped my last in person meeting on the Legal Marketing Association – LMA International board. I still have six months ahead yet to serve, but in the spirit of fiscal responsibility and keeping resources directed to member value, we will have virtual meetings the rest of 2024.
The past two days have been incredible as President Kevin Iredell and CEO Ashley Stenger alongside incomparable Jonathan Lurie navigated us through robust and inspiring strategic planning conversations. The future is bright indeed with the marvelous, collaborative, forward thinking, kind group of talented humans on this board. It was lovely catching up, commiserating, thinking among friends old and new.
Excited to see where the road takes LMA and grateful I’ve gotten to be some small part of this journey the past five years. Onward and upward!
Oh my goodness, Idan Nishlis, Lee Saunders, Nishlis Legal Marketing, thank you for this lovely opportunity to tell a bit about my journey as a gay man in this industry. This absolutely made my day. Love you and grateful for your leadership and all you give our community. 🌈💕
“As part of Pride month we have been interviewing key figures in the legal industry for our series ‘Talking Pride with…’
“We are excited to share insights from Roy Sexton, Director of Marketing at Clark Hill and Past President of the Legal Marketing Association – LMA International (LMA). In this interview Roy discusses with Nishlis Legal Marketing the impact of identity on career choices, the importance of authenticity in the workplace, and Clark Hill’s commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI).
“‘I believe when we can be our authentic selves, we are free and comfortable to do our best work. I’m glad to see the world catching up to that idea.’
“Read more about how being true to oneself can lead to professional success and how law firms are evolving to embrace inclusivity.”
As part of Pride month we have been interviewing key figures in the legal industry for our series “Talking Pride with…”
We are excited to share insights from Roy Sexton, Director of Marketing at Clark Hill and Past President of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA). In this interview Roy discusses with Nishlis Legal Marketing the impact of identity on career choices, the importance of authenticity in the workplace, and Clark Hill’s commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI).
How – if at all – has your identity shaped or influenced your career choices?
Whether from being a member of the LGBTQ+ community or being an only child or some intersection of both, I’ve always been willing to take risks. This world imposes unnecessary limits on us based on identity, and when faced with that, I always feel some peculiar urge to prove everyone wrong. I had an executive coach once who laughingly said I seemed willing to put myself in harm’s way (career-wise) just to see what might happen. Lol.
I had spent the better part of a decade in healthcare and found myself getting bored with it, so I just threw my résumé out there and was hired by my first firm in 2011. The managing partner at the time was running for Congress and wanted someone to step in and pick up the marketing responsibilities he had so ably carried. I didn’t realize I was taking a risk making such a dramatic career pivot, but I’m incredibly glad that I did.
This has been such a rewarding industry to support, and being part of the Legal Marketing Association community and being embraced by it so fully gave me a sense of self and confidence that I don’t know that I had had previously.
What were your expectations of the law as a member of the LGBTQ+ community? Did you have any specific preconceptions, fears, or concerns and how has that turned out in reality?
Given what might be perceived as career recklessness on my part, I don’t know that I had any preconceived notions when I joined this industry in 2011. I mean, much like healthcare, I presumed there would be an element of keeping focus on the work first and foremost with identity/authenticity being secondary.
I’ve always felt differently about that presumption and have tried to flip it on its head wherever I worked. I believe when we can be our authentic selves, we are free and comfortable to do our best work. I’m glad to see the world catching up to that idea.
And honestly, I think I was refreshingly surprised by the firms where I’ve had the privilege to work. Yes, there has always been an element of keeping a professional polish on everything, but I have also found in law, a great joy in celebrating our own quirks and eccentricities and differences. I feel like that’s where the marketing magic really lies. And thereby one can execute some really fascinating storytelling to promote one’s chosen organization.
Much is made of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) these days and its role in law, how active are you / your law firm in this area?
I’m really thrilled by our leadership in this arena. Our CEO John Hensien and leadership team more broadly have such a visible commitment in this space. We have dedicated resource groups to support everyone in the firm, attorneys and staff.
And we have made a concerted effort to weave DEI education into all of our external marketing messaging. The firm rolled out allyship training firm wide in the last couple of years, requiring all to attend. The conversations were robust and thoughtful and energizing. We have pursued and achieved Mansfield certification multiple years in a row, and our DEI videos and external content have received hundreds of thousands of views. The team I am privileged to lead has been involved in all of these efforts at various levels, in partnership with our fantastic HR team and other operational leaders. It is very gratifying.
And, of course, in my leadership role last year as president of the Legal Marketing Association, I put this issue front and center in all of my communications. And I may have brought a drag queen on stage in Florida at 8:30 in the morning just to make a point. 😊 I was honored to be recognized for these efforts by INvolve People as one of their top 100 LGBTQ executives worldwide last year.
This all sounds very self-aggrandizing to type, but the real point of it all at this stage of my life is to be the visible example I would have appreciated at earlier points in my career. If I can show people that being myself – my weird and happy and quirky self – yields success, while celebrating the joyous life I have with my husband and our rescue dogs, then I feel like I can make some small difference.
How do you feel law firms are generally today on this topic and what work remains to be done?
I think we have come a long way, and I encourage the industry to keep the courage of its convictions. I have been cautiously optimistic/pleased this Pride month (so far) as I feared firms might walk back visible messaging in light of the cultural pushback that we saw last year that caused some consumer facing companies to walk back their visible advocacy efforts.
It feels as though the industry has in fact, stayed the course, on the balance, and I would encourage those midsized and smaller firms that might still be on the fence about making visible declarations of inclusion to realize the world is evolving, clients are evolving, talent is evolving, and the future will be an inclusive one. Not an exclusive one.
Roy Sexton, Director of Marketing, Clark Hill and Past President of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA).
Founded in 1890, Clark Hill is an international law firm with 700 attorneys in over 25 offices in the U.S., Ireland and Mexico.
Thank you to Scott Lawrence and Gittings Global for this snazzy new headshot
I’m not one to brag about getting a car – I’ll brag about a whole LOT of other stuff (lol!) but I don’t want to seem ostentatious or showy. Truth be told, we always buy pre-owned cars. My hubby John really could and should have a career/side hustle as a “personal shopper” for people needing cars, appliances, mortgages. Basically anything most of us HATE shopping for, he LOVES … and is exceptionally good at doing so.
Anyway, for multiple reasons, John has had a hard time driving certain makes and models of cars during- and post-pandemic. There are some vibrational frequencies that really mess with his equilibrium, but I’ve been the beneficiary of his automotive experiments the past few years, which has been rather fun. Like trying on shoes. But bigger. With wheels. And made of metal.
That said, about a week ago, we passed a Lincoln Corsair on the street, and I said, “Wow! That’s pretty!” I’m not one to really express strong opinions about cars, so, when John heard that, his head was on a swivel. “Really? Tell me more? What do you like about it?”
Flash forward, and here we are. Me the proud owner of a (gently) used Corsair, chosen by/for me by my loving hubby. I’m quite thrilled with it for multiple reasons that you can likely intuit here, but mostly because of John’s joy and care in finding it for me.
I never thought I’d own a white car – my mother’s colorful commentary about white cars rings in my ears – but it’s technically something called “ceramic pearl,” which all I can figure means it looks white or gray or green or speckled-y or any number of other hues when the light strikes it just so. Kind of a “mood car.” And since I’m color blind, that seems rather apropos!
Thank you, Ernesto Quezada and Pathmonk, for having me on to talk about this wonderful firm Clark Hill where I’m privileged to work with such an incredible Marketing and Business Development team and with such fantastic attorneys and colleagues.
It’s always a thrill to tell our story, discuss our growth trajectory, and our exceptional culture. Appreciate the opportunity very much! #SimplySmarter
Episode description: Join Roy Sexton, Director of Marketing at Clark Hill, as he delves into strategic legal marketing insights. With over 25 years of experience, Roy discusses branding, communications, and the firm’s 700+ attorneys across 27 [NOW 28 with addition of Boulder!] offices.
Discover Clark Hill’s comprehensive legal services, from labor and employment to banking and finance, all delivered by an accessible team of professionals. Tune in to explore the values driving Clark Hill’s success and learn how they continue to make an impact in the legal industry.
From my time on the international board of the Legal Marketing Association (five years with 2024 being my last!), one of the things of which I think I’m proudest that the organization has put in place would be our DEI Member Resource Groups, a safe space for learning and commiseration, networking and, well, kindness.
There have been many leaders involved over the past few years in their creation and maintenance and growth. They all deserve so much praise – a special shout out to wonderful Michelle Turner and David Ackert who keep asking for my thoughts for these lovely periodic summaries they’ve compiled.
My thoughts from our recent allies gathering:
“Our allies conversation this month was so robust and so candid and so essential. We had open dialogue about the difference between good intention and real need and about how those of us in diverse groups may not always crave more ally energy/programming, but rather substantive support in terms of career opportunity. When we talk about allyship, it means so much to know people are there supporting us, but it even even means more when they are actively clearing barriers for our professional success.”
Received my copy last night and can’t wait to start reading, exploring, learning – kudos to this incredible cohort of leaders/authors/voices on this wonderful milestone!
You can order your copy of “Own Your Story: #EmpoweredWomenAnthology” here.
“[A] treasure trove of authentic and vulnerable stories, each one a chance to learn, to connect, and maybe even find a little piece of ourselves in the process.” – Eugina Jordan, Author of Unlimited
“An inspiring reminder that when we share our stories, we step into our power and claim our worth.” – Alexandra Carter, Author of Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything
“This book, authored by women who are both excellent storytellers and inspiring community leaders, serves as a showcase of their passion, strength, and resilience. Keep shining and sharing your amazing stories!” – Lucy Chen, Author of Build Resilience: Live, Learn, and Lead
Stories have the power to transform: they foster empathy, create connections, and teach us that we are more alike than different. In this anthology, women from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, professions, and ages share their unique stories. These are stories of growth, change, loss, love, enlightenment, strength, and resilience. Their vulnerability reminds us that authenticity is empowering—and they lead by example.
Empowered and connected, we can create change in our lives and the world. Let’s harness the power of storytelling to empower, connect, and create change.
Foreword: Our Stories Light Fires; They Break Molds by Eugina Jordan
Introduction: The Art of Storytelling by Susan C. Freeman
Finding My Tribe by Cheryl Aufdemberge
A Unicorn in an Ordinary World by Dr. Rebecca Baumgartner, ACC, CDE
Unbreakable by Natalie Altonia Borneo
What I Was Made for by Michelle Bufano
On Hospice: Life After Death by Sarah Burke
Permission to Live Out Loud by Tiffany Castagno
A ‘Yes … And’ Career Model by Gena Cox, PhD
Breaks Don’t Define You, They Refine You by Marcie Dickson
Grateful: A Life Well Served by Jan Anne Dubin, MBA (She/ Her/ Hers)
Grace, Grit, Grind, and Gratitude by Daphne Turpin Forbes
Breaking the Stigma by Susan E. Frankel
Unexpectedly Redirected: Loss to Possibility by Anne Gallagher
The Power of the Girlfriend Brigade by Alexis Gladstone
The Survivor’s Journey by Lindsay Griffiths
Self-Doubt as a Catalyst for Change by Judy Hoberman-CHPC-Exec. Coach-Sales-Leadership-Speaker
A Journey of Resilience and Hope by Homeira İzadi
The Road to Mastering My Voice by Nori Jabba
Follow the Yellow Brick Road by April Joy (Hurst)
The Chariot, The Tower, and The Page by Drew Kramer
Healing Out Loud by Caroline Markel
The 3 Rs of Resilience by Lesley Marlin
The Power of Owning Your Story by Serena Mastin
From Silent Ostrich to Empowered Peacock by Sheila Murphy
Self-realization and Renewal by Jenn Ocken
When Others Can’t Handle the Shine by Sameena Safdar
Innovate & Change to Succeed by Nita Sanger
Great Expectations: A Love Letter to Women by Lauren A. Tetenbaum, LCSW, JD, PMH-C
When Life Throws You a Curve Ball … by Jennifer Marino Thibodaux
Rising Up by Courtney Thomas
Life Is About the Journey by Jing Wang
Words You Keep by Becky Whatley
Learning to Thrive Not Just Survive by Michelle Wimes (she, her, hers)
Afterword: Own Your Story by Lesley Marlin & Jennifer Thibodaux
Enjoy “Another openin’, Another show” – How a Life in Theatre Makes Good Business Sense, the latest episode of “All the World’s YOUR Stage” on Expert Webcast … On this episode, guest Lauren M. London and host Roy Sexton commiserate on how a life in theatre has informed their respective career arcs; what it is like to be a community minded entrepreneur in the arts world; the intersection of professional services, law, and audience building; and how the magic of storytelling and narrative can drive personal and professional success to achieve business outcomes.
Lauren London graduated from Brown University in 1998 with an Sc.B., with honors in Psychology. She attained her law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2002, and later completed a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Raymond M. Kethledge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. She has practiced law in Michigan for over 20 years, and presently serves as the General Counsel at Eastern Michigan University, a position she’s held since 2018.
She joined Eastern in 2013 as its sole Associate General Counsel, having previously worked as Assistant General Counsel for Bosch USA in Farmington Hills, Michigan, focusing on commercial law, contract negotiation, product liability, antitrust, and civil litigation. She began her legal career as a litigator and appellate specialist with the Dykema law firm. Working in the firm’s Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Bloomfield Hills offices, she gained significant experience in the areas of civil appeals, constitutional law, and litigation. Lauren has lectured extensively on the First Amendment, speaking to students, faculty, and staff at EMU and in the surrounding community. She is an active member of a number of professional associations, including the National Association of College and University Attorneys.
For the past 13 years, alongside her legal career, Lauren has also served as President and now Executive Director of The Penny Seats Theatre Company, an Ann Arbor-based non-profit professional theater. She co-founded the company in 2010 with a group of friends (among them, one Roy Sexton!) The Penny Seats produces 3-4 mainstage shows per year and provides paid work to numerous Michigan-based artists and designers. Lauren lives in Ann Arbor with her husband, Zach, and their two children.
Thank you, Anna Spektor, for your loving production, friendship, and kindness!
Plus shout outs in the show to Nina and Bob Schwartz, Susie and Don Sexton, Elissa Altman, Tim Duffy.
Hudson and Henry J and I – and our friends and family – are truly fortunate to have such a loving, caring, generous soul as John looking out for us all. 💕
Register for the camp and you’ll gain access to 18 live panel conversations and six live podcast recordings this July and August.
ANSWERING LEGAL PRESENTS: Law Firm Summer Reboot Camp
Come join us at our 3rd annual Law Firm Summer Reboot camp! This year’s camp, which remains completely virtual, is expanding to two weeks. We’ll be hosting panels from July 23rd thru July 26th, then again from August 13th thru August 16th.
By signing up for our camp, attendees will gain access to 18 live panel conversations and six live podcast recordings, in which they’ll receive expert advice on reinventing their practice for the final stretch of 2024 and beyond.
This year’s camp will cover a wide variety of different topics!
July 23rd and August 13th will feature legal tech discussions.
July 24th and August 14th will feature legal marketing discussions.
July 25th and August 15th will feature law office management discussions.
July 26th and August 16th will focus on a variety of different topics, with special guest hosts.
All camp attendees will get to follow our live conversations virtually, and can submit questions for guest panelists via chat. Once registered, you’ll receive email reminders of when camp conversations are set to begin.
As the weather heats up, we’ll be gradually announcing the special guests who will be joining us virtually at summer bootcamp.
