Monthly Archives: December 2024

2024 LinkedIn Rewind: “Sometimes the biggest steps forward start with boxing up action figures and saying goodbye to what you love.”

24 December 2024

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Here’s my 2024 LinkedIn Rewind, by Coauthor.studio (AI is fun! Thank you, Jessica Aries, for sharing this resource!)

Sometimes the biggest steps forward start with boxing up action figures and saying goodbye to what you love.

2024 taught me that authentic leadership isn’t just about being yourself – it’s about having the courage to change while staying true to your core values. From wrapping up my term as Legal Marketing Association – LMA International Past President to joining Vedder Price as CMO (and relocating to Chicago after 25 years in Michigan!), this year has been about embracing transformation while strengthening connections.

Some highlights that made my marketing heart happy (and occasionally jumpy 😅):

  • Launched “All the World’s YOUR Stage” webcast series with Expert Webcast celebrating authentic voices
  • Helped Clark Hill get to record-breaking PR success (1,251 mentions reaching 3.4 billion!)
  • Named to INvolve People’s Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives list (2nd year!)
  • Received Corp! Magazine’s Most Valuable Professionals recognition
  • Discovered Goodwill has a limit on comic book donations (who knew? 🦸‍♂️)

Three posts that captured what matters most:

“I have news…” On embracing change, downsizing decades of memories, and finding new adventures
https://lnkd.in/ga8N7TH8

“All the World’s YOUR Stage” Launching a platform with Expert Webcast for authentic voices in professional services
https://lnkd.in/gRKkHubQ

“These awards aren’t about the momentary personal ‘sugar rush’ of recognition” On visibility, representation, and integration of personal/professional life
https://lnkd.in/gFdsaq_C

To my Clark Hill family: thank you for six incredible years of growth, impact, and authentic connection. To my LMA community: your support through every transition continues to humble and inspire me.

Looking ahead: excited to bring my authentic leadership style to Vedder Price and the Chicago legal community, while continuing to champion inclusion and connection through storytelling. Also looking forward to rebuilding my comic collection (just kidding, John… mostly 😉)

And yes, Henry and Hudson will adapt beautifully to life in a new town. Turns out dogs, like people, are more resilient than we think. 🐾

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Get your 2024 LinkedIn Rewind! Go to coauthor.studio

I have news …

20 December 2024

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I have news … I’m thrilled to share that I will be joining the Vedder Price law firm later in January as their Chief Marketing Officer. Grateful for this new adventure and next step in my career. They have a fantastic team there, and I’m excited to learn from and grow with them. A great firm with an excellent reputation, and they have been so welcoming. Can’t wait!

But wait … there’s more! We will be relocating to the Chicago area after 25 years (for me) in Southeast Michigan, downsizing a house in which two “collectors” and a few four-legged friends have resided for nearly 20 years. The “great purge” honestly has been therapeutic (an interesting moment of healing), after my mom’s passing a few years back, letting go of once treasured objects that can now be treasured by someone else. I’m waiting for Goodwill to put a sign on the door with my face and the words “no longer welcome here!”

To add to the transitional vibe, I’m wrapping up five years on the Legal Marketing Association International Board, an era of momentous change and challenge for this storied and fabulous organization. I remain unbelievably appreciative of this community of colleagues, peers, and friends who adopted me way back in 2012 … and kept me around. My personal “board of directors” (you know who you are!) have my undying appreciation for the guidance and counsel.

Thank you to my Clark Hill family for six+ glorious years serving the organization. The firm realized exceptional growth during that time with each year more successful than the last, now standing at nearly 800 attorneys and nearly 30 offices across the United States as well as Mexico City and Dublin. Such a smart, warm, supportive firm. I will miss you all very much.

P.S. And if you are learning of this news first through social media, my apologies, but I have a bajillion comic book and movie collectibles to box up! Light a candle for me!