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“So, it’s nice to feel seen and hopefully model just a bit for others like me that we have value in this universe.” The Sun Times News covers my being named in INvolve – The Inclusion People Outstanding #LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2023 … #lmamkt #lma23

10 November 2023

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Thank you so much, Sun Times News! Grateful for our community and for your work keeping us all informed and connected. …

READ HERE: https://thesuntimesnews.com/g/saline-mi/n/224411/roy-sexton-recognized-outstanding-lgbtq-executive-role-model-2023

Saline’s Roy Sexton, the Director of Marketing at Clark Hill Law, has been recognized on the INvolve – The Inclusion People Outstanding LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2023.

The acknowledgment comes as a result of his contributions to the firm’s PRIDE affinity group, particularly in messaging and content creation. Sexton’s efforts have been integral in shaping the firm’s marketing strategies to embrace educational content through various channels such as video messages, social media, and panel discussions.

“Long ago and far away, I would have only dreamed to be acknowledged in this way … for who I am and what I’ve attempted to do in this life,” says Roy. “I still feel a bit like that sheltered only child growing up in a small town in Indiana, reading comic books and pretending I was Han Solo in the backyard. So, it’s nice to feel seen and hopefully model just a bit for others like me that we have value in this universe.”

Last year, Clark Hill’s marketing campaign, which Sexton played a key role in developing, received the 2022 Best Marketing Campaign award from the Managing Partners’​ Forum in London, celebrating professional services organizations. The campaign was noted for its focus on values, diversity, and inclusion.

“I’ve been a Michigander now for nearly 25 years, and I’m incredibly grateful for this community, for my family and friends and colleagues, and, most of all, for my husband,” adds Roy. “They’ve all supported me as my authentic self and given me the grace and encouragement – and the wings – to help others.”

In addition to his role at Clark Hill, Sexton is serving as the 2023 international president of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA), which has a membership of 4,000. He has been part of the LMA leadership since 2021. Furthermore, he contributes to the arts and charity sectors, holding positions on the governance board committee of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and the marketing chair for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor.

LawBiz Podcast’s Gary Mitchell and I discuss authenticity, brand (professional and personal), law firm positioning, random acts of #singing, sartorial splendor, community involvement, and #dogs on #linkedin … #lmamkt #lma23

9 November 2023

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Thank you, Gary Mitchell and Answering Legal! I really love the conversation we were able to have here about authenticity, brand (professional and personal), law firm positioning, random acts of #singing, sartorial splendor, community involvement, and #dogs on #linkedin. Love you, brother!

Episode 10 of The LawBiz Podcast™ With Gary Mitchell is now available!

Roy Sexton, the 2023 Legal Marketing Association International President and Director of Marketing at Clark Hill Law, joins the show to discuss creating the type of culture your clients are interested in, how lawyers should go about connecting with people and much more!

Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs3gDAatQLU

Shout outs to Legal Marketing Association – LMA International, Clark Hill Law, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor, Jay Harrington, John Mola, Gabby Confer, Lori Mola Compagner, Adopt A Pet of Fenton, Michigan, Dale Ross, Megan McKeon, Susan Ahern, Athena Dion.

“Pretending I was Han Solo in the backyard” … Me, David Furnish, and Elton John … honored to be included in INvolve People’s international list of 2023 Top 100 LGBTQ+ Executives

9 November 2023

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Deeply honored to be included in this international list of 2023 Top 100 LGBTQ+ Executives. Alongside David Furnish no less (!) and so many incredible, accomplished professional leaders and role models. (I always knew I was two degrees from Elton John!) Thank you, INvolve People, for naming me among these wonderful souls. And thank you to NewsPRos’ Jaime Baum and my Clark Hill colleague Leslie Smithson for their support and facilitation here.

LIST: https://outstanding.involverolemodels.org/poll/2023-top-100-lgbt-executives/

Long ago and far away, I would have only dreamed to be acknowledged in this way … for who I am and what I’ve attempted to do in this life. I still feel a bit like that sheltered only child growing up in a small town in Indiana, reading comic books and pretending I was Han Solo in the backyard. So it’s nice to feel seen and hopefully model just a bit for others like me that we have value in this universe.

“Roy Sexton is the Director of Marketing at Clark Hill PLC. He has actively contributed to the firm’s PRIDE affinity group in terms of messaging and content creation. He has helped align the firm’s marketing efforts to support educational content, both within and outside the firm, via video messaging, social media, Q&As, panel discussions, outside speakers. Last year, their marketing campaign – including their values, diversity and inclusion messaging – was named 2022 Best Marketing Campaign from the London-based Managing Partners’ Forum for a professional services organization. Roy is the 2023 international president of the 4,000-member Legal Marketing Association – LMA International (LMA) and has been a leadership member since 2021. He also serves on the governance board committee of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and was marketing chair for Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor’s board.”

About the recognition: “The Outstanding LGBTQ+ Role Model Lists supported by YouTube showcase LGBTQ+ business leaders and allies who are breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive workplaces across the world. They aim to represent the wide range of impactful and innovative work being done for inclusion across different countries, organizations and sectors, and celebrate the diverse range of inspiring individuals who have made it their personal mission to make a difference.”

About the organization: “INvolve is a consultancy and global network driving diversity and inclusion in business. Through the delivery of advisory solutions, awareness workshops, talent development programmes, INvolve drives cultural change and create inclusive workplaces where all individuals can succeed. They publish annual role model lists recognising and celebrating business leaders and future leaders who are breaking down barriers at work and inspiring the next generation of diverse talent.”

“Stay classy!” November Reflections and a Look at LMA’s Exciting 2024! … A Fireside Chat … #lmamkt #lma23 #lma24

8 November 2023

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This month’s message…is a video! For those who might have been suffering TL;DR* from my last few musings, have we got a treat for you!

A few weeks back, incoming 2024 International President Kevin Iredell and I sat down with our fab Interim CEO Ashley Stenger to record a discussion about LMA’s 2023, present and future.

Fireside Chat filming_3_play button_Oct 2023

For me, November is always a nice month of reflection, before the hustle and bustle of year-end and sundry holiday festivities overtake our already taxed brains and hearts. I hope you take a moment to enjoy this conversation.

NEXT STEPS: 1) Please WATCH THE LMA FIRESIDE CHAT VIDEO and then 2) join us for a LIVE Q&A on Wednesday, November 29 at 12:30 p.m. CT, which will serve as our Annual Meeting of the Members to answer your questions and for more insights into LMA’s exciting upcoming initiatives and plans. Register now.

Register for 11/29 Fireside Chat/Annual Meeting of the Members

I’m so grateful to have shared this time with these two brilliant souls. Ashley has such a wonderful sense of service, calm, and perspective on it all. And Kevin is just a dynamo – strategic, thoughtful, kind. I can’t wait to see all the amazing things they do together in 2024, alongside our International Board, Regions, Local Steering Committees, Shared Interest Groups, and other committees and volunteer leaders. 

And I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t offer another playlist. This one is a pretty dramatic auditory shift from the thumpa-thumpa club cuts I usually compile. Again, with that spirit of reflection, these are all standards, show tunes and mellow classics that speak to my heart and put a smile on my face. 

For those who might be gathering with families and friends later this month, I’m hoping this might be your soundtrack for reconnection and fellowship. Enjoy this “Stay Classy AmpiMix” on Apple Music and Spotify. 

Love you!

Roy

Roy Sexton Signature_2-1

Roy E. Sexton

President, 2023 LMA International Board of Directors

Director of Marketing, Clark Hill

*Too long; didn’t read

Register for the November 29, 12:30 p.m. CT, Fireside Chat Q&A/Annual Meeting of the Members.

REGISTER NOW FOR LMA24

April 3-5 San Diego

Register Early and Save!

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EDUCATION REGIONS EVENTS ADVOCACY COMMUNITY

#LMASE23 … Harmony and forgotten show tunes … #lmamkt #lma23

8 November 2023

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Sneak peek … our LMA Southeast Region fam asked me to send a video (since I can’t be there in person) offering my thoughts on “harmony” … the beautiful Legal Marketing Association #LMASE23 conference theme.

Here’s my response. Rainbow sequins and all. And, yes, there’s a song. Have you MET me?! This time Harry Nilsson’s “Swee’pea’s Lullaby” from the 1980 movie musical Popeye.

I’m a genx fanboy … what can I say? But the lyrics seemed fitting.✨

Whoa! I’m a #legalmarketing “maestro”?! Thank you so much, Prolawgue! Blushing! #lmamkt #lma23

6 November 2023

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Thank you – this is so very lovely, Prolawgue, and such a nice surprise with which to start the week. I am truly honored.

“In the ever-evolving realm of law, these dynamic strategists have transcended support roles to become driving forces of success. 🚀Meet the global directory of Legal Marketing and BD maestros who shape the future of legal practice with innovative campaigns. Discover how their expertise can elevate your firm, keeping you at the forefront of the legal market’s evolution. ⚖️”

READ HERE: https://www.prolawgue.com/marketing-and-bd-maestros-in-law-the-faces-behind-leading-legal-marketing-campaigns-in-2023/#Roy_Sexton

“Roy Sexton, an accomplished marketing, communications, and strategic planning professional, brings over 25 years of experience to various sectors including consulting, healthcare, the legal industry, and college advancement. Roy’s fervor for addressing challenges, enhancing organizational culture, fostering business expansion, and contributing to long-term strategic initiatives has been a driving force throughout his career. His expertise spans diverse industries, showcasing his dedication to problem-solving and growth, making him a valuable asset in each professional endeavor.”

“Creative and consistent communication is key” … Pitchly covers #LMAMW23 panel “You Bought It, Now What?” … #LMA23 #LMAMKT

27 October 2023

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At the the LMA Midwest Conference, Pitchly’s Director of Partnerships, Vik Nair, led a panel called, “You Bought It, Now What?” all about the next steps marketers need to take after they select technology.

“With such a strong lineup of thought leaders on the panel, incredible takeaways were inevitable, and Vik wanted to make sure that anyone who couldn’t attend didn’t miss out.”

Panelists:

  • Christy A. Tedesco, Senior Marketing Technology Manager at Sheppard Mullin
  • Roy E. Sexton, Director of Marketing at Clark Hill
  • Josh Anisfeld, Chief Digital Officer at Baretz+Brunelle

Read here: https://www.pitchly.com/blog/mastering-software-implementation-and-adoption-insights-from-lma-midwest-conference

EXCERPT: “To ensure ongoing technology adoption, creative and consistent communication is key. The panelists recommended strategies such as success stories, statistics showcasing the software’s impact, interviews with super-users, and executive advocacy. These methods not only inform and educate staff but also inspire and motivate them to make the most of the technology.

“Roy E. Sexton emphasized the need for open and transparent communication to build trust and enthusiasm among the team.”

Pleather pants, a jar of sand, dedicated leadership, fab fellowship … adding up to a swell time in the Windy City … #lma23 #lmamkt

19 October 2023

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Our Legal Marketing Association – LMA International board met this week. My last in-person meeting as president. I told them all this, and I will repeat it here. This will truly be the honor of my professional life. It has been such a gift to serve alongside such a dedicated, creative, fun, thoughtful group of human beings.

It was truly affirming to see how aligned we are in working toward the continued growth and evolution of this organization and community that we all love very much. The October meeting is always a transitional one, as we welcome our incoming board members to listen in on the conversations in which they will soon take active part. It’s a really wonderful group. And I will be also sad to see some exceptional voices roll off the board as is the natural way of these things.

Our incoming 2024 president Kevin Iredell did a fabulous job laying out his vision and approach for next year – and we alongside 2022 prez Brenda Plowman gave our 2025 president John Byrne his commemorative prez cap. #40! I don’t think he’s much of a baseball cap kind of guy, but it was nonetheless a great honor to be able to hand this ceremonial object to such a good, longtime friend, who cares so much about our profession.

In addition, these pandemic years kind of derailed much opportunity for us to bond beyond meeting times and the occasional dinner or conference. Being fiscally responsible, we did squeak in a group Chicago architectural boat tour. It turned out to be such a glorious sunny fall day in Chicago and we had a delightful time learning about the rich history of this city.

And, yes, my 1997 gogo boy, club kid pleather Ricky Martin pants emerged from the back of my closet for our board dinner. My colleagues might wish those pants would go back in that closet never to be seen again. But I felt quite chic.

And finally the board gave me the most heartwarming present. Back in April at the #LMA23 annual conference, they collected sand from the beach and objects from the event that reminded them of me and of our work together. The items are all held in a beautifully engraved apothecary jar, which will be proudly displayed in my home, alongside “Bed Bugs Bunny.” (Thank you for the perfect name, Laura Gassner Otting!) Some of you might recall that I rescued a wet, muddy, stuffed rabbit that I found on the sidewalk in Florida before the event.

These amazing folks know me well. And I love them.

P.S. I rewarded myself with a martini, blue cheese olives, and french fries. I’m such a nerd.

P.P.S. And then ANOTHER martini and mac and cheese with my boo at Seva Restaurant, Ann Arbor. 😅🍸

Ted Lasso, 98 Degrees, and … the Legal Marketing Association? #lmamkt #lma23 #lmasw23

15 October 2023

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My Legal Marketing Association pals Sarah Minjoe and Amy Trevino absolutely made my day with this arrival a few weeks back! At our #LMASW23 conference they had included me in a presentation that also referenced Ted Lasso. Fine company in which to be!

They mailed me some of the materials, as I was not able to attend, and included this beautiful letter. Their kindness means the world and their contributions to our community are joyous and profound.

In return, I framed all of this, placed it all on my office wall (which dangerously is starting to resemble the decor of a Ruby Tuesday restaurant), and sent a photo along with this note: “I told you I’d frame these! You are now proudly alongside the boys of 98 Degrees in my Detroit Clark Hill office!”

WHICH … in turn, prompted them to ask: 98 Degrees?! And I replied …

As for how this 98 Degrees thing came to be, it’s a long and sordid story. Not that you need to read these posts but somewhat captured over years on my blog:

In short, my hubby is CRAZY for them – I was always like, “meh.” (I was more of a 90s diva gay – Madonna, Janet, Whitney, etc.) That said, I took my hubby to see them in 2000 at the height of their … fame. My husband, who is a gentle soul, was embarrassed that we were the only dudes and the only people over 12 in attendance, so we left after one song.

Years later, I took him for his birthday to a NKOTB/BoyzIIMen/98 Degrees package tour and paid a ridiculous amount for a meet and greet. John was less embarrassed this time. Everyone was … older. And gayer.

Interestingly, in a twist on inclusion, our VIP package included two … women’s t-shirts. Nick Lachey seemed particularly befuddled there were boys in the VIP line to meet them. Jeff Timmons (who we’d met a year or two prior at a Ferndale Pride event) couldn’t have been lovelier.

And then, a few years later (tracking against where their popularity now is), they were playing the Motor City Casino. We saw them twice in two successive years. I sprung for the VIP meet and greets again. John is now at this point giddy to meet them. They “get” that their audience is far more diverse. I suspect Jeff helped with that. Drew is also lovely. And they couldn’t have been kinder the last few times we saw them. Genuinely appreciative.

I mean, they are all basically my age. I think it helps that I’m just like “hey guys, good to see you again” (while my hubby melts). And looking at these pictures you’ll see how comical that is.

Jeff and I now have a light twitter friendship – for lack of any better term. I’m not saying there’s a strong connection, but he’s savvy enough to respond on twitter and insta and is always very gracious. And I in turn comment and share his content sometimes.

So … that’s how this happened. Welcome to my very weird world.

P.S. Toldja … 😅

Nostalgia

15 October 2023

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Nostalgia. You reach this point in life and it comes over you in unexpected waves. A week or so ago I was reminiscing with my husband about the first new car I remember my parents buying. Up until that point, they had a series of hand me downs.

But in 1984 I was so proud of myself that I called their attention to what was inexplicably Motortrend’s car of the year: the Renault Alliance.

It was affordable, rather exotic/chic/cute (for its moment), and my mother thought it looked like a MilkyWay candy bar. We had it in burgundy, and I can still remember the clean, warm, plastic-y smell it had inside.

It was the car on which I learned to drive, with which I got my driver’s license, and that I was very rarely occasionally allowed to drive around in high school when I wanted to seem … cool? Anyway, John and I found this model on eBay and of course I had to buy it.

What IS wrong with me? #genx