Tag Archives: clark hill

From DBusiness: Clark Hill Director of Marketing Roy Sexton Named to Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2024

26 November 2024

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Thank you, R.J. King, Tim Keenan, and DBusiness Magazine, for your consistent and kind support and for all you do for Southeast Michigan and Detroit.

Original article here.

Roy Sexton, director of marketing at Clark Hill and 2024 International Immediate Past President of the Legal Marketing Association, has been named to the INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2024.

This is his second year in a row being recognized by the organization.

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.null

“Roy Sexton leads Clark Hill PLC’s marketing, branding, and communications efforts. INvolve wrote. “In 2024, Roy was named one of Corp! Magazine’s ‘Most Valuable Professionals in Michigan.’ He was listed in Crain’s Detroit ‘Notable LGBTQ in Business’ in 2021 and ‘Notable Leaders in Marketing’ in 2023. In 2022, Clark Hill’s marketing campaign received Best Marketing Campaign from Managing Partners’ Forum in London, celebrating professional services organizations. The campaign was noted for its focus on values, diversity, inclusion.

“Roy hosts the monthly Expert Webcast series “All the World’s YOUR Stage: Authentic Culture Drives Authentic Growth,” discussing the importance of inclusion, allyship, authenticity, personal/professional branding with nationally recognized executives and thought leaders. Each episode has a monthly reach of at least 20,000 impressions. In 2023, Roy was the international president of the 4,000-member Legal Marketing Association. Throughout his tenure, Roy prioritized DEI issues, putting them front and center on all education and messaging efforts.”

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

“I’m thrilled to have been named amongst these incredible LGBTQIA+ leaders for the second year in a row,” Sexton says. “People often fail to realize the importance of visibility and representation. These awards aren’t about the momentary personal ‘sugar rush’ of recognition. Rather they demonstrate to the business community the essential value of celebrating those willing – and brave enough – to integrate the personal and professional sides of their lives. And more importantly, to talk about it. As a young gay man in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, such a list would have given me far greater confidence that there would be a place for me in this world. I’m grateful – and hopeful – that I in turn can serve some small role in helping send that message to the LGBTQIA+ community today.”

From The Sun Times News: “These awards aren’t about the momentary personal ‘sugar rush’ of recognition.” INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List 2024

16 November 2024

2 Comments

Thank you, Sun Times News!

Original article here.

Roy Sexton, Director of Marketing at Clark Hill and 2024 International Immediate Past President of the Legal Marketing Association, has been named to the INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2024. This is his second year in a row being recognized by the organization.

Other honorees include David Hynam, Chief Executive, LV=; Dame Julia Hoggett DBE, CEO, London Stock Exchange PLC; Jen Carter, Global Head of Technology at Google; David Furnish, CEO/Chair of Rocket Entertainment Group/Elton John AIDS Foundation; Emily Hamilton, Vice-President Change, RS Group; Suresh Raj, Chief Growth Officer, McCann New York; Eugenio Pirri, Chief Executive Officer, Dorchester Collection; Travis Torrence, U.S. Head of Legal, Shell; Josh Graff, Managing Director for EMEA/LATAM and VP Enterprise Solutions Group, LinkedIn; and Robyn Grew, CEO, Man Group.

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.

In their recognition, INvolve wrote, “Roy Sexton leads Clark Hill PLC’s marketing, branding and communications efforts. In 2024, Roy was named one of Corp! Magazine’s ‘Most Valuable Professionals in Michigan.’ He was listed in Crain’s Detroit ‘Notable LGBTQ in Business’ in 2021 and ‘Notable Leaders in Marketing’ in 2023. In 2022, Clark Hill’s marketing campaign received Best Marketing Campaign from Managing Partners’ Forum in London, celebrating professional services organizations. The campaign was noted for its focus on values, diversity, inclusion. Roy hosts the monthly Expert Webcast series All the World’s YOUR Stage: Authentic Culture Drives Authentic Growth, discussing the importance of inclusion, allyship, authenticity, personal/professional branding with nationally recognized executives and thought leaders. Each episode has a monthly reach of at least 20,000 impressions. In 2023, Roy was the international president of the 4,000-member Legal Marketing Association. Throughout his tenure, Roy prioritized DEI issues, putting them front and center on all education and messaging efforts.”

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

About the recognition, Sexton observed, “I’m thrilled to have been named amongst these incredible LGBTQIA+ leaders for the second year in a row. People often fail to realize the importance of visibility and representation. These awards aren’t about the momentary personal ‘sugar rush’ of recognition. Rather they demonstrate to the business community the essential value of celebrating those willing – and brave enough – to integrate the personal and professional sides of their lives. And more importantly, to talk about it. As a young gay man in the late 90s and early 00s, such a list would have given me far greater confidence that there would be a place for me in this world. I’m grateful – and hopeful – that I in turn can serve some small role in helping send that message to the LGBTQIA+ community today.”

From Detroit Legal News: “People often fail to realize the importance of visibility and representation.” INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List 2024

14 November 2024

3 Comments

Thank you, Detroit Legal News’ Sheila Pursglove, Brian Cox, Brad Thompson, Tom Kirvan, and team for all this support you show our professional community. It means a lot.

Original article here.

Roy Sexton, director of Marketing at Clark Hill and 2024 International Immediate Past President of the Legal Marketing Association, has been named to the INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2024. This is his second year in a row that Sexton has been recognized by the organization. 

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.

In their recognition, INvolve wrote, “Roy Sexton leads Clark Hill PLC’s marketing, branding and communications efforts. In 2024, Roy was named one of Corp! Magazine’s ‘Most Valuable Professionals in Michigan.’ He was listed in Crain’s Detroit’s ‘Notable LGBTQ in Business’ in 2021 and ‘Notable Leaders in Marketing’ in 2023. In 2022, Clark Hill’s marketing campaign received Best Marketing Campaign from Managing Partners’ Forum in London, celebrating professional services organizations. The campaign was noted for its focus on values, diversity, inclusion. Roy hosts the monthly Expert Webcast series All the World’s YOUR Stage: Authentic Culture Drives Authentic Growth, discussing the importance of inclusion, allyship, authenticity, personal/professional branding with nationally recognized executives and thought leaders. Each episode has a monthly reach of at least 20,000 impressions. In 2023, Roy was the international president of the 4,000-member Legal Marketing Association. Throughout his tenure, Roy prioritized DEI issues, putting them front and center on all education and messaging efforts.”

INvolve is a consultancy and global network driving diversity and inclusion in business. Through the delivery of advisory solutions, awareness workshops, talent development programs, INvolve drives cultural change and create inclusive workplaces where all individuals can succeed. 

About the recognition, Sexton said, “I’m thrilled to have been named amongst these incredible LGBTQIA+ leaders for the second year in a row. People often fail to realize the importance of visibility and representation. These awards aren’t about the momentary personal ‘sugar rush’ of recognition. Rather they demonstrate to the business community the essential value of celebrating those willing – and brave enough – to integrate the personal and professional sides of their lives. And more importantly, to talk about it. As a young gay man in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, such a list would have given me far greater confidence that there would be a place for me in this world. I’m grateful – and hopeful – that I in turn can serve some small role in helping send that message to the LGBTQIA+ community today.”

Other honorees include David Hynam, Chief Executive, LV=; Dame Julia Hoggett, DBE, CEO, London Stock Exchange PLC; Jen Carter, Global Head of Technology at Google; David Furnish, CEO/Chair of Rocket Entertainment Group/Elton John AIDS Foundation; Emily Hamilton, Vice-President Change, RS Group; Suresh Raj, Chief Growth Officer, McCann New York; Eugenio Pirri, Chief Executive Officer, Dorchester Collection; Travis Torrence, U.S. Head of Legal, Shell; Josh Graff, Managing Director for EMEA/LATAM and VP Enterprise Solutions Group, LinkedIn; and Robyn Grew, CEO, Man Group.

“We saw the brand beautifully enhance the collaboration and connection across all of our offices and our professionals.” Trendsetting.io shares my thoughts on the powerful impact of values in branding

29 August 2024

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Thank you, Trendsetting.io, for including my thoughts on the importance of incorporating values into branding. EXCERPT:

“When we developed our rebrand at Clark Hill, internal and external input was key. We engaged in a robust process of surveys and focus groups of both clients and internal stakeholders. But even so, as we neared launch, it felt like something was still missing. We had heard from our clients that our culture was a key differentiator for them, so we leaned into our internal stakeholders within our incredible HR team.

“We realized that we needed to put our firm’s values and mission front and center. Some organizations view those as more internally facing, but we found that once we incorporated those elements into our brand narrative via video features, Q&As, media profiles, and other communications mechanisms, our brand became incredibly engaging (and award-winning!). Our brand videos had hundreds of thousands of views, and we saw the brand beautifully enhance the collaboration and connection across all of our offices and our professionals.”

Read more.

Legal marketing can be tough, but does it have to be? Green Cardigan Marketing’s Ashley Robinson interviews yours truly for “Legal Conversations”

28 August 2024

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Legal marketing can be tough, but does it have to be? Want to uncover the secrets to thriving in this challenging field? Curious about successful legal marketing strategies?

VIEW HERE.

Thrilled to have been interviewed recently by Ashley Robinson, Owner of Green Cardigan Marketing. In this interview we discuss tips on how to shine in the legal marketing field.

Watch the full interview where Ashley and I dive into the dos and don’ts of legal marketing!

And thank you, Ashley Mejido, for all your lovely support here!

“It’s important to recognize their new ideas, products and services, all of which make our state’s communities stronger.” Corp! Magazine covers 2024 Most Valuable Professionals, Entrepreneurs and Young Professionals Awards

26 August 2024

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Every year, Corp! Magazine’s Most Valuable Professionals, Entrepreneurs and Young Professionals Awards honor business leaders who have made Michigan a better place to live and work through their careers, their community involvement and their passion:

Read more.

MVP honorees are deserving members of the community who are creating job opportunities, driving economic growth, nurturing community advancements or leading successful companies.

MichBusiness President and CEO Jennifer Deeb Kluge said the organization believes “it’s important to celebrate” the people who are moving Michigan forward.

“It’s important to recognize their new ideas, products and services, all of which make our state’s communities stronger,” Kluge said. “That is the focus of these awards … to truly recognize achievements among a diverse group of professionals in a variety of areas.” …

Roy Sexton is director of marketing at Clark Hill, a full-service commercial law firm with targeted legal service across industries and practices, including corporate law, healthcare law, and more.

With more than 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, business development and strategic planning, Sexton leads Clark Hill’s marketing, branding, and communications efforts.

Sexton said he’s “proud of how DEI has become so fully integrated” into his professional efforts. Clark Hill received Mansfield Certification for its efforts in the DEI space as well as conducting firmwide allyship training, all led by its HR team, supported by the marketing team on external messaging, including a series of DEI-focused videos.

“This year I was tapped to host a digital series through Expert Webcast entitled ‘All the World’s YOUR Stage: Authentic Culture Drives Authentic Growth,’ featuring thought leaders, authors, academics, and other professionals discussing the benefits of personal branding and bringing our full selves to the workplace,” Sexton said. “Each episode has had a digital reach of around 20,000, which is very gratifying.”

His most important lesson came from his boss: Take the pause.

“We live in such a wired world and, while responsiveness will always have its place, being measured and thoughtful, listening and learning first, and then collaboratively coming to solutions always wins the day,” he said. “This has been transformational advice for me.”

The piece of advice he’d give others? Be open and inquisitive to all adventures before you.

“Every task represents an opportunity to learn, and nothing should be ‘beneath us,’” he said. “Obviously, know and hold your worth, but sometimes working on that presentation with a colleague is an opportunity to see how others think, to help shape narrative, and to expand your skill set.”

“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

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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.

“Filling out questionnaires where I say something too revealing, stupid, or misspelled.” Society 54 features yours truly as one of their “Outlaws.”

27 July 2024

3 Comments

Thank you, Society 54! Honored to be one of your Outlaws! This intro tho (blushing!) … wow!

“Discover the extraordinary leadership of Roy Sexton, the driving force behind Clark Hill Law’s marketing, branding, and communications triumphs. With over 25 years of rich experience in the fields of marketing, communications, business development, and strategic planning, he’s a true mastermind. His crowning achievement? Serving as the 2023 International President of the Legal Marketing Association – LMA International. Together with his exceptional team, Roy is forging a new path in professional services marketing. Meet the man steering the ship to success.”

Read my cheeky responses to their interview here.

Roy is a highly accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in marketing, branding, communications, and business development. He has spent more than 25 years in the industry, honing his skills and expertise to become one of the most sought-after experts in his field.

Throughout his career, Roy has worked with numerous organizations across different industries, helping them develop and implement effective marketing strategies that drive growth and success. He is known for his exceptional abilities in strategic planning, identifying new opportunities for businesses to expand their reach and improve their bottom line.

Enjoy getting to know the Outlaw, Roy Sexton!

Q: What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
A: Being in a particularly boisterous crowd who won’t let me finish one story.

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: Narnia, Wonderland, or Oz … my hubby would like to move one day to Portland or Seattle (but we probably should visit there first!)

Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: Having a quiet, slightly rainy day with zero requests from anyone, my husband on the couch napping with our dogs Henry J and Hudson, and me in my chair with a big pile of comic books.


Q: Who is your real-life hero?
A: My husband is one of the most generous, selfless people I know with a deep commitment to his friends. I aspire to be more like him as I fear I’m a mile wide and an inch deep where relationships are concerned.


Q: What is your motto?
A: “Tell people what they mean to you in the moment when it will mean something to them.” – Susie Sexton … also, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde


Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: Filling out questionnaires where I say something too revealing, stupid, or misspelled.


Q: To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
A: Is there a word count limit here? Talking too much, co-opting others’ stories with my own, overstaying my welcome, buying too many action figures, wearing costumes when other people simply wear clothing, eating too much fried food, wishing to rescue every homeless animal …


Q: Finish this sentence: “If I could have one super-power, it would be…”
A: To make sure people never act like smart alecks with each other, never tease each other, never act snide, and always simply support one another


Q: Who are your favorite authors or what are your favorite books?
A: Kurt Vonnegut, Ray Bradbury, Eugene O’Neill, Toni Morrison, Tennessee Williams, Alice Walker, Tony Kushner, Susie Duncan Sexton


Q: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A: Jennifer Garner. She just seems like a deeply decent human being who doesn’t take herself too seriously but would still have wicked stories to share.


Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?
A: Serendipity. I had been in health care strategic planning and marketing for over a decade. And I’d grown tired of that bureaucracy. I threw my resume out there in 2011 and was hired by my first firm. That said, I also joined the Legal Marketing Association then as well, and that’s when I knew I’d found my calling.


Q: Your favorite musician or band?
A: Madonna. Janet. Kylie. Britney. Beyonce. Gaga. Do you really need to ask?


Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: Loopy. I think I’m generally loopy. But when I embrace it, magic happens.


Q: Your favorite virtue?
A: Decency. It takes so little to simply be decent. It takes so much more energy to act like a jerk.


Q: What would you consider your greatest achievement?
A: My relationship – 25 years strong. My professional network – 32,000 and counting on LinkedIn. And serving as the 2023 International President of the Legal Marketing Association – including singing with a drag queen in Florida at the height of their governor’s homophobia.


Q: Finish this sentence: “If I won the lottery tomorrow I would…”
A: Build the biggest animal rescue the world had ever seen.


Q: Who would you have liked to be?
A: Ryan Reynolds, Ryan Gosling, or Hugh Jackman.

“It’s not helpful. It’s actually debilitating.” INvolve – The Inclusion People #Pride 2024: Debunking misconceptions.

26 June 2024

2 Comments

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.”

View here.

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?

I’m not.

“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.” Video interview with Pathmonk “Formulating Strategies for Legal Marketing Success;” Legal Marketing Association DEI Member Resource Group Testimonials; and my talented pals launch their new book “Own Your Story: #EmpoweredWomenAnthology”

12 June 2024

2 Comments

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.

View here.

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.

More info here.

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.”

Own Your Story: #EmpoweredWomenAnthology

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