Thank you, Diana Lauritson and Bree Metherall, for being so kind as to include my thoughts on innovation in legal in the second installment of JD Supra’s “Law 2.5 Strategic Insight” series.
EXCERPT: And as Roy Sexton, Chief Marketing Officer at Vedder, cautions, innovation must be intentional: “Innovation for innovation’s sake is just chasing the shiny object. Solve for the immediate problem you are facing in a creative way that delivers results—then rinse and repeat.” …
“Any innovation has to solve for presence, awareness, and revenue. Solve for the immediate problem you are facing in a creative way that delivers results. And never be afraid to call it a pilot program. That will get you a lot of grace.”
Thank you, Diana Lauritson, MBA, M.S. and Breaking Rank Podcast, for the opportunity and for the lovely chat and for bringing such authentic leadership to our profession and industry
In this episode, Roy Sexton, Chief Marketing Officer, former Legal Marketing Association International President, and trusted leader, gets real about authenticity, leadership, and why he no longer stays in spaces where he’s perceived as “too much.”
Roy shares what it means to:
Give fully to your people and your firm
Lead with clarity and conviction
Walk away from environments that require self-erasure
This is a powerful conversation about boundaries, belonging, and choosing spaces that value your full presence.
In this episode of Breaking Rank, Roy Sexton reflects on what it looks like to lead differently and why conformity was never the goal.
Roy shares how he has pushed back against systems that expect leaders to shrink, soften, or fit a narrow mold. He talks openly about taking risks despite criticism, the pressure to change appearance or behavior to keep others comfortable, and the resolve it takes to choose yourself anyway.
Grounded in empathy and self-awareness, Roy’s leadership is shaped by intention rather than approval. He explores how everyday choices about how we show up, speak up, and stand firm can become powerful acts of leadership over time.
This episode is for leaders who are questioning inherited norms, navigating visibility, and choosing authenticity even when it comes with risk.
Thank you for having me, Rachel Clar, Esq.! I enjoyed that conversation on the power of authenticity very much, and I found the engagement from our wonderful attendees so affirming. Thank you for being you.
The more you try to fit in, the easier it is to be undervalued.
You sit in silence as he mispronounces your name again, because correcting him feels riskier than letting it slide.
This is the invisible tax so many women in BigLaw still pay.
Not because they lack skill.
Because they were taught to shrink to stay safe.
Rachel coaches BigLaw women across the AmLaw 200.
Roy leads marketing inside a global firm and has lived this firsthand.
On Wednesday, December 10 at 1 pm ET/noon CT, join Rachel Clar, Esq. and Roy Sexton for:
Coming Out as Yourself in BigLaw: Strategy Over Sanitizing
We will unpack how your identity can support your strategy in the rooms that decide your future.
This Live is for attorneys who want to:
→ Speak directly without being labeled difficult → Ask for resources in ways that raise your status → Decline misaligned work without whispers about your lack of dedication
This session sets the stage for a deeper dive in winter 2026, where you can learn to use your voice in ways that shift outcomes inside your firm.
All registrants get The BigLaw Power Moves Cheat Sheet, which includes ten strategic cues to get yourself heard in high-stakes moments.
P.S. Which moment feels most familiar: Being talked over. Being labeled “too direct.” Being the default note taker. Being the token woman in the room. Or saying yes because no feels dangerous?
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P.S. I received this lovely note froman attendee …
I completely loved your and Rachel’s session — and found SO MUCH of it to resonate deeply within me. Here are just a few of the MIC-DROP statements you made that I wrote down! 🎤💥
–the importance of *earning* the right to express more and more of one’s unique authenticity through work quality and reliability
–how you used compassion, humbleness and humor in response to someone butchering your name to convert that challenging moment into a critical bonding/trust moment with him
–don’t look to the company who is paying you to define who you are (boom!!)
–the hidden cost of sanitizing oneself and the profound effects of doing so on mental health, anxiety and overall thriving
–WTF happens in law school such that it spits out people who are in a frantic race to be the first to be second?!? LOL!! #truth
–one can have an abundant mindset in a world/environment of scarcity through authenticity (can I add another BOOM!!??)
–distinguishing between non-negotiables in one’s identity and “gravy” — and how this directly dictates one’s energy and passion
–how you were using your gayness as a lens to signal to everyone else who is feeling othered to be themselves
–the right people will COME TO YOU when you are in your authentic self
🥹🥹🥹
P.P.S. Rachel’s summary …
You don’t have to be all things to all people. Because then you’re nothing to no one.
Thank you, Roy Sexton, for sharing so many pearls on yesterday’s Live, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗟𝗮𝘄: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴.
I’m incredibly proud to be recognized among such inspiring LGBTQIA+ leaders for the third year running. Visibility and representation aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re essential. These awards go far beyond the fleeting buzz of personal recognition; they signal to the wider business community the real power of authenticity … of those who are brave enough to bring their whole selves to work, and to speak openly about it. As a young gay man growing up in Indiana in the 80s and 90s, seeing a list like this would have meant the world to me. It would have shown me that there is a place for people like me — that we belong. I’m deeply grateful, and hopeful, that in some small way I can help pass that message forward to the LGBTQIA+ community today.
Founder & CEO of INvolve, Suki Sandhu OBE, says, “I’m so thrilled to be celebrating this global group of trailblazing Executives, Future Leaders and Advocates who are working to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace can thrive. All the individuals featured in our Outstanding Role Model Lists supported by YouTube are championing inclusion and leveraging their expertise and knowledge to drive impactful initiatives and strategic change within their organizations. It’s vital that LGBTQ+ employees across global organizations can succeed and achieve career success, and these Role Models are essential drivers of change who are smashing barriers to progress. We could not effect change without them leading the way.”
TheOutstanding 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, Chief Marketing Officer at Vedder Price, is a visible and authentic advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion. As 2023 International President of the Legal Marketing Association and current co-chair of their DEI shared interest group, Roy centers DEI in the organization’s strategy, leading impactful town halls and creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ members. At Vedder Price, Roy mentors colleagues and fosters a culture of belonging. His leadership extends to over 150 interviews, keynote speeches, and panel presentations, amplifying the importance of inclusive leadership. Roy has been recognized by a number of organizations including Crain’s and Corp! Magazine for his leadership capabilities, particularly as an executive within the LGBTQ+ community. He served as a board member for a number of Michigan-based charitable organizations, such as the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Roy’s visibility as an openly gay executive inspires others to embrace authenticity and drive change.”
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.
