“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” – Dalai Lama … National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s #LavenderLaw conference ’24 + Legal Marketing Association ’25 international board slate #lmamkt #lma24

11 August 2024

I had a remarkable couple of days in our nation’s capital, visiting our Clark Hill Washington D.C. office and presenting at the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s LavenderLaw conference on client value and personal/professional branding. Caught up with some old friends and made some new ones. Grateful for this profession and industry and firm, celebrating our diversity, encouraging our voices, and honoring us all.

More pics here.

Thank you to my Clark Hill colleagues Maram Salaheldin, Mark Ludwikowski, Sally Alghazali, Kelsey Christensen, Kendall Smardzewski, Taylor Tremont, Jennifer Cook, and more for their hospitality and kindness, excellent conversation and commiseration.

Kudos to my dear friend Angelica Crisi of Coston Consulting for organizing such a remarkable panel, facilitating so beautifully, and treating us to an epic Italian dinner. She is a true gem. And not just because she titled our panel after one of my favorite Janet Jackson songs “What have you done for me lately?”

Catching up with my Wabash College Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity brother Marc Nichols in person for the first time in 30+ years (I think?) will be a memory I will treasure a very, very long time. His panel on board governance was required viewing for anybody in this space. Exceptionally well done.

Running into the ever fabulous Lee Ashby Rogers on the career fair floor was an unexpected and delightful surprise. She means the world to me.

And lovely seeing former colleague Elizabeth C. Jeffries who is really lighting the world on fire not to mention meeting her original gay (OG!) “uncle”/mentor Michael R. Komo, Esq. Truly a delightful individual, and I’m sorry he and I didn’t get more time to chat.

Feeling so grateful. ✈️🌈💕

Kudos to these remarkable leaders on their continued journey – Legal Marketing Association – LMA International members please take a moment to review and ratify this slate here: President-Elect Rachel Shields Williams, Treasurer Elect Jessica Haarsgaard, Secretary Diana Lauritson, RLC Chair Morgan MacLeod, Member-at-Large Jessica Aries, and Member-at-Large Amber Bollman. Collectively, these humans have already had such an incredible and positive impact on our profession and industry, and I, for one, can’t wait to see where they take things next!

As immediate past international president of LMA, it has been one of my great honors to help shepherd the nominations process this year, and I want to give special thanks to our 2024 LMA International Nominating Committee for all of their hard work, dedication, insight, and heart: David Ackert, Terra Davis, Emily Schweitzer Hillman, Brenda Plowman, Kate Shipham, and Arthur Uratani. And kudos to LMA CEO Ashley Stenger and LMA Client Operations and Project Management Senior Coordinator Jennifer Weigand for their exceptional support throughout this process. You all should be so proud of the work you’ve done here.

And last but not least, thank you to EVERYONE who expressed interest in these roles and who took time (they likely didn’t have!) to complete the application and interview process. Your commitment and your contributions to LMA are appreciated greatly, and I am personally thankful for all you’ve done and continue to do.

Pride … a deeper love. “They are merely shining a light on how much work we have yet to do.”

20 June 2024

1 Comment

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.

Link to interview.

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!

“How people color in the lines can be very different.” Digital Marketing Institute’s Will Francis interviews yours truly about my professional experiences and our beautiful Clark Hill journey … #SimplySmarter #LMAmkt #LMA24

6 April 2024

2 Comments

Thank you, Digital Marketing Institute’s Emma Prunty and Will Francis for this lovely opportunity to share my professional experiences and our beautiful Clark Hill journey.

View here.

“How do you market an organization made up of diverse individuals – in this case a global firm of over 700 legal professionals? We were delighted to have an insightful conversation with ⁠Roy Sexton⁠, head of marketing at Clark Hill, on how marketing can be a force for good, the overlap between B2B and B2C marketing, working on a company’s personal brand, considerations about putting your marketing behind social movements, and lots of tips for marketers at any stage of their career.

“Roy tells host ⁠Will Francis⁠ about his advocacy for LGBTQ+, and how his background in theater has influenced all areas of his marketing skills, including how to manage a team and approaches to using storytelling in marketing.”

Follow Roy at https://linktr.ee/roysexton

Follow Will at https://willfrancis.com/

Follow and learn with the Digital Marketing Institute at
https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com

P.S. I told our fab 2024 Legal Marketing Association – LMA International prez Kevin Iredell, an incredible and generous leader and dear friend, that I’d be “all in” and wear my shades Jack Nicholson-style from the front row at #LMA24 this week! Proud of him and this beautiful community. Thank you to his fellow leaders Kathryn Whitaker , Morgan MacLeod , Amber Bollman , Ashley Stenger , Kaitlin Heininger , Holly Amatangelo , Lisa M. Kamen , Ellie Hurley, conference committee, and countless volunteers and sponsors who have worked so hard to deliver a fantastic event this year!

Scenes from a remarkable week of education, connection, development, and joy! This Legal Marketing Association – LMA International community has given me so much in terms of professional and personal growth. Forever grateful. #AllIn #LMAmkt #LMA24 Photo album.

Market Leader’s Podcast Episode 88: “Building Community and Personal Growth: Reflections on the 2023 Presidency of the Legal Marketing Association” with Roy Sexton | PipelinePlus

19 January 2024

3 Comments

Thank you, David Ackert and Kevin Martin, for this opportunity to reflect on our amazing Legal Marketing Association – LMA International community and on 2023…

Market Leader’s Podcast Episode 88: “Building Community and Personal Growth: Reflections on the 2023 Presidency of the Legal Marketing Association” with Roy Sexton

Market Leader’s Podcast Episode 88: “Building Community and Personal Growth: Reflections on the 2023 Presidency of the Legal Marketing Association” with Roy Sexton …

In this episode of The Market Leaders Podcast, join host David Ackert and special guest Roy Sexton, Director of Marketing at Clark Hill Law, for a conversation that looks back at the industry trends that defined 2023, Roy’s tenure as the President of the Legal Marketing Association, and where the legal marketing industry is heading in 2024 and beyond.

Tune in to hear about:

•Building community and collaboration in and after the pandemic

•Reflections on organizational impact and personal growth

•Exploring unique expression and authenticity in relationships

•Managing challenges and building unity in a diverse community

•The importance of data and accountability in organizational management

•The art of risk-taking in leadership

•And more

P.S. at 2:35 am …

Finally got a chance to listen! (Yes, I know I should be asleep … but I’m still wired from seeing fab musical film Mean Girls tonight!) Thank you, David and Kevin for this therapeutic gift. Means a lot to have this kind of reflective moment and to share it broadly. My mom and I were dissectors after the fact (plays, movies, events … card games 😅), so this dialogue had a comforting, yes, healing familiarity. So thank you.

Thank you also to those who had an important impact on me this past year and beyond. I didn’t get to mention everybody I might have wished but these beautiful folks all get shout outs during the show.

Love you, all: Brenda Plowman , Maggie T. Watkins , Despina Kartson , Jill Huse , Deborah Brightman Farone , Jennifer Manton , Kevin Iredell , John Byrne , Ashley Stenger , Alycia Sutor , Susie Sexton , Don Sexton , John Mola , Nancy Myrland , Gail Lamarche , Heather Morse , Lindsay Griffiths , Laura (Toledo) Gutierrez , Gina Furia Rubel , Renee Branson, MA, CReC, CFT , Lisa M. Kamen, CAE , Athena Dion , Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit , Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor , Clark Hill. 💕

https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/market-leaders-podcast-episode-88-bui-63308/

Discovering my song: embracing music, finding my voice, and creating a meaningful life without a rule book … final Legal Marketing Association President’s message #lmamkt #lma23 #bothsidesnow

1 December 2023

REGISTER NOW FOR LMA24 April 3-5 San Diego

FLASH PROMO: Register by December 31 to be entered in a drawing for a free room night and room upgrade — plus get the Early Bird discount!!

If you ever wondered why I am the crazy nut I am … thanks to my cousin Krisan Gregson for finding and sending. I was truly fortunate to have the parents, upbringing, and home I did … full of creativity, hustle, and love. #youngauthors #ptareflections #indiana #onlychild

Of fireside chats, friendship, and community … #LMA23 Annual Meeting recap + dBusiness covers 2023 INvolve People Outstanding 100 #LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model list … #LMAmkt #LMA24

30 November 2023

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

8 November 2023

2 Comments

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 E. Sexton

President, 2023 LMA International Board of Directors

Director of Marketing, Clark Hill

*Too long; didn’t read

REGISTER NOW FOR LMA24

April 3-5 San Diego

Register Early and Save!

EDUCATION REGIONS EVENTS ADVOCACY COMMUNITY

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

8 November 2023

2 Comments

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.✨

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

27 October 2023

2 Comments

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.”

A quiet thing … fellowship and show tunes at #LMAMW23

5 October 2023

4 Comments

“A Quiet Thing” by Kander and Ebb, from a musical called “Flora the Red Menace” (Liza Minnelli’s Broadway debut), is a song that has been special to me for 25 years. My mom loved it, and I sang it in my very first one-man cabaret show at Wabash College. LOOOOONG ago. Think “Just Jack!” with fewer production values.

This was captured at our recent LMA Midwest Region Conference – #LMAMW23 – by co-chair Joanna Beckett. I’m so grateful to have this clip. I know it’s a bit unusual to offer opening remarks that include a show tune at a business meeting … but have you met me? This is a song that always resonates with me in moments of reflection. I’ve just got a few months left in my Legal Marketing Association – LMA International presidency, so I’m a bit in my feels … as the kids say.

As I noted right before I broke into song in broad daylight, I never had voice lessons. I didn’t sing in high school choir. But when I was in college, I suddenly found myself craving all the music my parents Don and Susie Sexton listened to when I was growing up: Barbra Streisand, Sammy Davis, Lena Horne, Doris Day. And I would go to the Walmart or Target in Crawfordsville, Indiana (we only had two stores … lol) and grab any CDs I could find. Columbia House helped too! I may still owe them for some of those discs, come to think of it. And I’d pop the shiny objects into my Discman that plugged into a tape deck in my swanky 1986 Buick Century and sing WAY out loud as I drove. Those artists “taught” me how to sing.

So thank you to LMA Midwest Region President Jennifer Gessner Shankleton for letting me share the stage with her this week and to co-chairs Lexie Blaner and Joanna for the EXCEPTIONAL work on this sold out event. It meant a lot to come full circle to the region where I started my LMA life for my last public appearance as the international president. As I joked from the stage, I think I’ve only made about 3.5 public appearances in this role as I mostly just want to stay in my basement!

Additional clips courtesy Sarah Ryan 💕

Reel Roy Reviews

…to the chagrin of true arbiters of taste

Tag Archives: Ashley Stenger

“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” – Dalai Lama … National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s #LavenderLaw conference ’24 + Legal Marketing Association ’25 international board slate #lmamkt #lma24

Like this:

Pride … a deeper love. “They are merely shining a light on how much work we have yet to do.”

Like this:

Market Leader’s Podcast Episode 88: “Building Community and Personal Growth: Reflections on the 2023 Presidency of the Legal Marketing Association” with Roy Sexton | PipelinePlus

Like this:

Discovering my song: embracing music, finding my voice, and creating a meaningful life without a rule book … final Legal Marketing Association President’s message #lmamkt #lma23 #bothsidesnow

REGISTER NOW FOR LMA24 April 3-5 San Diego

FLASH PROMO: Register by December 31 to be entered in a drawing for a free room night and room upgrade — plus get the Early Bird discount!!

Like this:

Of fireside chats, friendship, and community … #LMA23 Annual Meeting recap + dBusiness covers 2023 INvolve People Outstanding 100 #LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model list … #LMAmkt #LMA24

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