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

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.

“‘Happiness comes in on tiptoe…’ Finding (and keeping) your voice” … and at #LMASE24 my time on the LMA International Board begins to come to an end. I will be forever grateful.

I suppose after the last couple of remarkable days at LMA Southeast Region’s SOLD OUT “Accelerate” #LMASE24 conference, two words stick in my craw: “Thank you.”

More photos here.

Thank you to the Legal Marketing Association – LMA International for being my professional home for education, development, connection, commiseration since 2012.

Thank you to this industry and profession for being a space for me to be me (and hopefully help others do so as well).

Thank you to conference co-chairs Toni Toomer Wells and Matthew Gallagher as well as the conference committee for their hard work, grit, and heart.

Back to Skool AmpliMix ’24 Spotify playlist

Thank you to 2024 region president Raven Hicks and 2025 region president Powers Tanis for their inclusive, collaborative leadership.

Thank you to all for offering me the general session stage-time today to tell my own journey “‘Happiness comes in on tiptoe…’ Finding (and keeping) your voice,” all about developing and maintaining personal and professional brand. It felt like a capstone moment, and one I will treasure my whole life long.

I have gained so much in the past 12 years and grown so much because of this community. I remain forever grateful.

Back to Skool AmpliMix ’24 Spotify playlist

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

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.

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

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!

9Sail’s “Tip of the Law” podcast – “Harnessing Strategic Focus in Legal Marketing” with host Joe Giovannoli and guest yours truly … #lma24 #lmamkt

Thank you, 9Sail and Joe Giovannoli! Appreciate all you do for our profession and our community …

Join us on the latest episode of the Tip of the Law podcast, where host Joe Giovannoli sits down with Roy Sexton, Director of Marketing at Clark Hill and past president of the Legal Marketing Association – LMA International board. Discover how Roy’s unique journey from English major, theater practitioner, and healthcare exec to legal marketing has shaped his innovative approach.

In this episode, Roy shares invaluable insights on:

🔹 Strategic focus in legal marketing
🔹 Building expertise and credibility
🔹 The importance of internal support and storytelling

Don’t miss out on Roy’s expert tips to elevate your legal marketing strategies and drive meaningful results.

Listen here.

Full episode description …

On a recent episode of the Tip of the Law podcast, host Joe Giovannoli was joined by legal marketer Roy Sexton, Director of Marketing at Clark Hill Law and past president of the Legal Marketing Association. Roy has decades of experience in the legal marketing field and offered some invaluable insights into how firms can maximize their efforts. 

One key takeaway was the importance of strategic focus. Roy emphasized that firms need to analyze their data and prioritize the practice areas that have the highest revenue potential, rather than trying to please every attorney equally. Marketing dollars and resources are best spent amplifying the messaging around top revenue generators. 

Roy also stressed the importance of attorneys establishing themselves as subject matter experts. By publishing content that builds expertise in their specialty fields, attorneys can signal to potential clients the areas a firm specializes in. This includes posting about events, speaking engagements, and podcast appearances on platforms like LinkedIn. Not only that, but by promoting podcast clips and interviews on social media, the attorneys perpetuate the marketing cycle and raise awareness for all parties.

When it comes to content, Roy said repetition, focus, and quality are often where firms fall short. Firms must consistently repeat high-quality messages around a select few priority topics to truly make an impact. Another best practice- and Roy’s takeaway tip for legal marketers- is creating a weekly digest highlighting recent marketing activities and efforts. This engages the internal team while giving marketers newsworthy content.

Overall, Roy provided many thought-provoking insights that firms can apply to strengthen their strategies. By analyzing data, prioritizing key areas, empowering attorneys as experts, and optimizing efforts, firms can maximize the impact of their marketing investments. 

Key takeaways:

  1. Law firms should strategically focus their marketing efforts and resources on the practice areas that have the highest revenue potential rather than trying to please all attorneys equally. 
  2. Attorneys can build expertise and credibility by publishing content on their own profiles that establishes them as subject matter experts in their fields of practice.
  3. Law firms need to incorporate repetition, focus, and strategy into their marketing plans in order to achieve success. 
  4. Creating a weekly digest of marketing activities is an effective way for marketers to keep the internal firm updated on efforts while also giving them content to engage with.

“It takes work to become an evolved person.” – eToro’s CEO Lule Demmissie at last night’s INvolve People Gala

More pics here.

“It takes work to become an evolved person.” – eToro CEO Lule Demmissie in her revelatory, authentic, moving speech from last night’s INvolve People Gala.

Last year I had one of the honors of my life being named to INvolve – The Inclusion People’s OutStanding LGBTQIA+ Executives list. And last night we celebrated. To say it was an iconic evening would be an understatement. (The TIME 100 were being feted in the same building, and I learned too late that my beloved Kylie Minogue was just a few floors down. That is probably for the best! For her sake. Lol.)

Thank you to INvolve CEO Suki Sandhu OBE for all he has done to create genuine inclusion in this world. His leadership is exemplary. And our gratitude to Deutsche Bank and fellow honoree Jon Tilli for being such gracious and generous hosts. Emcee Peppermint knocked it out of the park, and her fireside chat with fashion designer and “Real Housewives of New York” Jenna Lyons was truly inspiring.

I met some incredible new pals, and feel honored to have been among their presence: fellow Michigander Dow’s Trevor Ewers, another fellow Michigander Luminar Technologies’ Steven Del Gaizo, Verizon’s Kimmah Dozier (she/her), Komatsu’s Iris Wilson-Farley, eToro’s Lule D., Butterfield Group’s Karim Chowdhury MSc Chartered FCSI, EY’s Najiyah Chowdhury ACA, SafePlace International’s Maggie Lower 🏳️‍🌈 and Rachael LeClear, INFEMNITY Productions LLC’s Nina Kennedy, and Trans Formative Schools’ Alaina Daniels, and so many others whose names will occur to me, no doubt, throughout the rest of the weekend. Lol.

Thank you to Clark Hill and my amazing and kind colleagues Susan Ahern , Linda Watson , and Kathleen Sullivan for their support of my personal leadership journey as well as everything they do to champion inclusion at our wonderful firm. Thank you also to newsPRos’ Jaime Baum for her support in this recognition, and for the joy she brings every day to this work. Thank you to beautiful pal Maria Fracassa Dwyer for the fashion advice, and Amazon for supplying my couture. 😅🌈 ✨

“I still find that my theater training serves me probably better than anything else in my background. For me, future-ready is what I learned, preparing for performances, which is to do all of your homework behind-the-scenes.” Regan Robinson’s FutureFit with yours truly #lma24 #lmamkt

Regan Robinson and Roy Sexton, Director of Marketing at Clark Hill (ME!), delve into how his background in theater equips him with what’s needed to be future ready, and why his diverse passions provide a rich framework for seeing its possibilities. They explore the misconceptions about authenticity (which inherently promotes a long-term perspective), and how authentic leadership must be nurtured by creating a safe space for expression and learning from mistakes.

Watch here.

Key Takeaways

The importance of taking care of yourself so you’re equipped to seize strategic opportunities.

How movies, biographies and volunteering can sharpen your imagination skills.

What Taylor Swift and leaning into your true self have to do with fostering growth and the future.

What the corporate lexicon gets wrong about authenticity (hint: it’s messy, uncomfortable and can’t be forced).

Why foresight and strategic planning are non-linear, creative and collaborative processes.

 

Resources

Connect with Roy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royesexton/

Learn about Roy’s company, Clark Hill: https://www.clarkhill.com/

 

About Our Guest 

Roy Sexton leads Clark Hill’s marketing, branding and communications efforts in collaboration with the firm’s exceptional team of marketing and business development professionals. He has over 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, business development and strategic planning.

Roy is passionate about problem solving, facilitating business growth, crafting communications strategy and enhancing law firm culture. He works closely with the marketing team to advance the firm’s digital and social media presence and external engagement, using multi-channel distribution and data collection. This enables the team to quantify results and use those results to produce thoughtfully and strategically organized content for clients and prospects.

Roy was named one of INvolve People’s 2023 Top 100 OUTstanding LGBTQ+ Executives internationally. He was listed in Crain’s Detroit“Notable LGBTQ in Business” in 2021 and “Notable Leaders in Marketing” in 2023, and he was aMichigan Lawyers Weekly “Unsung Legal Hero” (2018).

In 2022, Clark Hill’s marketing campaign, which Sexton played a key role in developing, received the 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. The Clark Hill marketing and business development team was also awarded “Best Marketing Initiative” by Managing Partners’ Forum in 2020.

Roy is a published author of two books: Reel Roy Reviews, Volumes 1 and 2 and he was named “Best Actor in a Musical” by BroadwayWorld Detroit in 2017 for his performance as Jasper in The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Ann Arbor Civic. Roy hosts the monthly Expert Webcast series All the World’s YOUR Stage: Authentic Culture Drives Authentic Growth.

 

About Future Fit™ with Regan Robinson 

Future Fit™ unravels the secrets of how the world’s most innovative leaders stay future-ready in a fast-paced world. Hosted by futurist and strategist Regan Robinson, each episode explores how trailblazing executives turn uncertainty into their strategic advantage. Gain powerful insights and practical approaches as these visionary minds share the unconventional and imaginative ways they thrive today while leading their teams into tomorrow.

If you love what you’re getting out of our show please subscribe, rate and review.

 

About Regan Robinson

Regan Robinson is a holistic futurist and business strategist that empowers visionary companies to turn uncertainty into advantage and effortlessly innovate and strategize for their future. Over the course of 20+ years, she has helped some of the world’s most influential brands and companies strategize and grow. Regan has spearheaded revenue increases of 300%+, led as an executive at 3 start-ups and established business models, new capabilities, infrastructure and roadmaps for companies like VICE Media and Edelman Digital.

Website: https://www.reganrobinson.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/reganrobinson

Future Fit™ Newsletter: linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7054904910919667713

YouTube:  / @regan_robinson 

“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

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.
Original post here.

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

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 …

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/

An officer AND a gentleman … for a few more days anyway. #LMA24

From Legal Marketing Association HQ: “Have you registered for #LMA24, yet? Hear from current LMA President Roy Sexton on why he’s excited to attend! Plus, register before December 31 for the chance to win a free hotel night and room upgrade!”