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“It signals to the wider business community the real power of authenticity, and of people brave enough to bring their whole selves to work and speak openly about it.” Yours truly named to INvolve’s Outstanding LGBTQ+ Executive Role Models list for FOURTH (!) consecutive year

10 November 2026

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My deepest thanks to Suki Sandhu OBE and INvolve – The Inclusion People for this remarkable recognition – FOUR years in a row! I may faint! But MORE importantly thank you, Suki and team, for all you do to celebrate all diverse communities, elevate leaders, and champion the power of inclusion in the workplace and in society. What you do matters … so damn much!

Check out The Sun-Times News coverage here.

View full list here.

Roy Sexton, Chief Marketing Officer of Vedder and 2023 International President of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA), has been named to the INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2026, supported by YouTube. It is the fourth consecutive year Sexton has been recognized, making him one of the most consistently honored leaders on the list from the legal industry.

The recognition arrives as visibility at the very top of business remains thin. INvolve’s 2025 analysis found that just 2% of FTSE 100 CEOs and 5% of Fortune 100 CEOs are publicly out as LGBTQ+, compared with estimates that 6–10% of the population identifies as LGBTQ+. INvolve warned that the gains made since 2015 are fragile as companies scale back inclusion programs.

“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,” said Sexton. “It would have shown me that there is a place for people like me — that we belong. Visibility and representation aren’t nice-to-haves; they’re essential. Recognition like this goes far beyond personal buzz. It signals to the wider business community the real power of authenticity, and of people brave enough to bring their whole selves to work and speak openly about it. I’m proud to be recognized for the fourth year running, and hopeful that in some small way I can pass that message forward.”

View full list here.

Why INvolve selected Sexton

In its citation, INvolve described Sexton’s appointment as CMO of Vedder as “a significant milestone in his career and in LGBTQ+ leadership visibility within the legal marketing industry.” INvolve highlighted that he:

  • Models visibility at the top. As an openly gay executive, he leads a diverse marketing team and builds belonging through mentorship and everyday authenticity, helping younger LGBTQ+ professionals see themselves in senior roles.
  • Drives measurable culture change. As co-chair of LMA’s DEI Shared Interest Group, he has doubled engagement in the association’s inclusion-focused town halls.
  • Set the tone for an industry. His 2023 LMA presidency established a standard of safety and belonging at that year’s annual conference, reflecting his belief that visibility is a leadership responsibility.
  • Amplifies inclusive leadership. Through interviews, panels and his digital series, he positions inclusion as a strategic business priority.

Among global business leaders

INvolve’s lists span sectors and continents. The top-ranked 2025 Outstanding Executives were David Furnish, CEO of Rocket Entertainment Group; Travis Torrence, U.S. Head of Legal at Shell; Jen Carter, Global Head of Technology at Google.org; Kit Morey, VP and Commissioning Editor, Unscripted Original Content at Paramount | Channel 5; and Shamina Singh, Founder and President of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Executive Vice President, Sustainability at Mastercard. The 2025 Outstanding Advocates list was led by Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, and Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

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.” 

About the Outstanding Role Model Lists

The Outstanding LGBTQ+ Role Model Lists, supported by YouTube, celebrate LGBTQ+ business leaders and advocates who are breaking down barriers and building more inclusive workplaces worldwide. Honorees are recognized for their influence and impact on inclusion and do not work professionally in diversity, equity and inclusion roles. The lists launched in 2013.

About Roy Sexton

Roy Sexton is Chief Marketing Officer of Vedder, where he leads the firm’s marketing strategy and oversees all marketing projects and personnel. He brings more than 25 years of experience across industries, including nearly 15 years in legal marketing at prominent global firms, with expertise in public relations, marketing planning, business development strategy, digital and social media, attorney onboarding and practice development.

Sexton joined LMA’s international board in 2020 and served as International President in 2023. He has been recognized by Crain’s, INvolve and Corp! Magazine for his leadership, particularly as an LGBTQ+ executive, and has served on the boards of Michigan charitable organizations including Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and Ronald McDonald House Charities. He holds degrees from Wabash College, The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan.

About INvolve

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

Additional coverage here

“Why the real work begins after the brand launches …” Yours truly joins Strawberry Nevill and Alissa Pinck for the Legal Marketing Association’s Strategies & Voices podcast episode “Back to Basics: Why Branding Is More Than a Visual Identity”

26 August 2026

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If you know me, you know I LOVE the Legal Marketing Association … I’ve never thought of myself as a “joiner of clubs” (although looking at my life, I am dead wrong about that!), but LMA is something special, a community that has literally lifted me up and transformed my career in ways I could have never anticipated.

So it’s a gift when wonderful souls like Strawberry Nevill of Strawberry Nevill Communication Consulting, and Alissa Pinck of Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP and LMA’s own Anna Horner and Kristin Frankiewicz are kind enough to include me in a conversation near and dear to my heart – the power of brand to transform and galvanize culture – as an educational offering to our members and beyond.

You can listen to our chat “Back to Basics: Why Branding Is More Than a Visual Identity” here.

Strawberry did a fabulous job framing and leading the conversation on a topic recommended by Alissa. Hope you enjoy!

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: A successful brand is about much more than a logo, color palette, or website redesign. In this episode of the LMA Podcast, Strawberry Nevill (Strawberry Nevill Communication Consulting) sits down with Roy Sexton (Vedder) and Alissa Pinck (Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis) to explore the fundamentals of branding and how legal marketers can leverage brand strategy to drive business goals.

Drawing on decades of experience leading branding and rebranding initiatives, they discuss the critical role of internal alignment, stakeholder engagement, change management, and client feedback in creating a brand that people embrace and use.

Covering everything from rebranding to demonstrating value to firm leadership to measuring impact, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for legal marketing and business development professionals at any stage of their branding journey.

Tune in to learn:

  • Why branding is about the client experience, not just logos, websites, and visual identity.
  • How internal alignment can make or break a rebranding effort.
  • Common branding challenges legal marketers face and strategies for overcoming them.
  • How to build buy-in across large, complex organizations.
  • Why successful rebranding often requires significant change management and education.
  • The importance of tying brand initiatives to business goals and strategic priorities.
  • Why the real work begins after the brand launches and how to keep your brand alive and evolving.

Join me for the “Elevate Your Impact: Innovative Strategies To Help Your Lawyers Win The Work They Want” panel at #LMA26 in New Orleans + enjoy this recap of London’s #InvolveGala2026

1 April 2026

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New Orleans is calling! Join us at #LMA26, April 20-22, where the Legal Marketing Association – LMA International will be sharing bold ideas, transformative insights and the power of storytelling. Let’s learn and connect!

Register: https://bit.ly/3W8mq4H

Thrilled to be joining our moderator (and, yes, childhood neighbor!) Mo Bunnell of Bunnell Idea Group (BIG) alongside fellow panelists K&L Gates’ Craig Budner, Freshfields’ Bryonie Palmer Byers, Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP’s Julie Chodos, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG)’s Erin Carlson for “Elevate Your Impact: Innovative Strategies To Help Your Lawyers Win The Work They Want” on Tuesday, April 21 at 1:30 pm central.

The best BD and marketing professionals don’t just support their lawyers—they transform how those lawyers win work. But creating that transformation requires fresh thinking and proven strategies you won’t find in the usual playbook.

In this high-energy session, four successful leaders will compete to share their most effective ideas—the strategies that have genuinely elevated their own impact. The best part? This will be FUN. The leaders will be sharing their ideas in a game-show style format where the winner will get a special price!

You’ll walk away energized with 10+ new strategies you can implement immediately.

When you’re advising your lawyers proactively—not just taking orders—you become indispensable. And that’s when you can write your own ticket.

Learning Outcomes:

Discover new business development strategies from leading law firms that expand what’s possible for your lawyers and your impact.

Select from the 10+ approaches shared that will best fit the lawyers you support and the growth challenges you’re solving for.

Implement battle-tested ideas immediately to transform your role from order-taker to indispensable growth partner.

P.S. What a night celebrating what makes each and every one of us unique! Proud to be one of INvolve People’s Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives internationally, but even prouder to have been in the room the evening of March 20 for the #InvolveGala2026 with ALL of the incredible leaders recognized for their work in advocacy, allyship, equity, and representation.

Thank you, Suki Sandhu and team, for your vision and heart and tireless work. You make this world better indeed! Love you!

“My theatre background has been incredibly useful—from understanding an audience and landing a message to the finer points of production and project management.” A Life of Authenticity and Performance: Meet Roy Sexton and John Mola … St. John Neighbors Magazine March cover story

13 March 2026

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Thank you, St. John Neighbors’ publisher Diane Lee Jortner, writer Janet Woodward, and photographer Ginnie Wilsman Lange, for your kindness and for this cover story opportunity! You have been so lovely to work with, and we are incredibly honored to be featured in this way. Thank you for all you do for our community!

All professional photos by Ginnie Wilsman Lange.

A Life of Authenticity and Performance: Meet Roy Sexton and John Mola

By Janet Woodward

For Roy Sexton and his husband, John Mola, life in St. John is a beautiful blend of professional achievement, artistic passion, and a deep-seated commitment to authentic living. After moving to the community exactly one year ago, the couple has found more than just a house; they’ve found a neighborhood where they can truly be themselves.

 

A New Chapter in St. John

Roy and John’s journey to Northwest Indiana was sparked by Roy’s career. In late 2024, Roy was recruited to join Vedder law firm in Chicago as their Chief Marketing Officer. Seeking a location that offered easy access to the city while remaining close to family—Roy’s father, Don, lives in the Fort Wayne area—the couple set their sights on St. John.

They fell in love with their new home here for a somewhat unique reason: the previous owners were avid Star Trek fans. While the memorabilia didn’t come with the house, the “die was cast,” and they knew they had found their place.

In August 2025, John’s father passed away and they helped John’s mother also move into their neighborhood nearby, so the family can be close. 

“Our neighbors have been so welcoming,” Roy shares. “It’s a lovely community with people who are fun, genuinely care about each other, and aren’t afraid to be their authentic selves. That’s all we could want”.

 

From the Stage to the Boardroom

Roy’s professional path is as colorful as a Broadway playbill. A graduate of Wabash College with a double major in English and theatre, he also holds a master’s degree in theatre history and criticism from Ohio State. While he later earned an executive MBA from the University of Michigan, Roy credits his theatre background as the secret to his marketing success.

“My theatre background has been incredibly useful—from understanding an audience and landing a message to the finer points of production and project management,” he explains.

His career has spanned healthcare and law, leading to his current role as CMO at Vedder, where he recently oversaw a refreshed brand and website launch. Roy is also a respected leader in the Legal Marketing Association, serving as their international president in 2023.

 

A Commitment to Visibility

Roy’s leadership is deeply rooted in his lived experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up in Indiana as an only child, he didn’t always find meaningful acceptance. Today, he leads openly and authentically, believing that representation is “not symbolic—it is catalytic”.

His advocacy has not gone unnoticed. Roy was named a Notable LGBTQ+ Leader by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2021 and has been recognized on the INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for three consecutive years. In 2024, he even hosted a digital interview series, All the World’s YOUR Stage, which focused on how embracing identity strengthens both performance and culture.

 

Life at Home: Pups, Cars, and Boy Bands

The Sexton-Mola household is shared with three beloved rescue dogs: 13-year-old black lab Duncan and two spunky Chihuahua-mixes, Hudson and Henry J. Roy notes the hilarious dynamic of the 7-pound Hudson lining up to howl alongside the 60-pound Duncan. Hudson is particularly attached to a “filthy and patched” stuffed mummy toy that he prizes above all else.

When they aren’t managing the “chorus” of rescue pups, Roy and John enjoy a few quirky hobbies. They are surprisingly dedicated fans of 98 Degrees, having attended so many concerts that the band members now recognize them by name.

John is the family’s resident car enthusiast. He once claimed to have the fastest PT Cruiser in North America and has recently restored Roy’s late mother’s 1994 forest green Pontiac Grand Am GT—affectionately known in the family as the “Dead Mother Car”. Roy’s mother, Susie Sexton, was a well-regarded columnist, and both she and Roy have published books of their work.

 

A Heart for the Neighborhood

Through the years they spent many summers making memories at DisneyWorld with John’s sister Lori and her children Gabby and Andrew.  Since Roy and John had never visited the resort when they were children, they insisted on taking the kids on every ride and attraction, even when the kids weren’t interested. Roy says they nearly missed an important dinner reservation at Crystal Palace by watching Carousel of Progress for 45 minutes.  

They also traveled to St. Augustine for a great vacation that they would like to repeat.

Roy and John are now focused on creating new traditions in St. John. From exploring local favorites in Crown Point and Valparaiso to simply chatting with neighbors, they feel they “won the lottery” with their new community.

“Thank you for your kindness and for welcoming us with such open arms,” Roy says to his neighbors. “Pulling up stakes and moving to a completely new area made us nervous, but everyone being so genuinely invested in getting to know us has meant more than I can properly express”.

Neighborly Note: Roy is still looking for his “theatre home” in the area. If any local theatre groups are looking for a “slightly over the hill singing actor,” be sure to give him a call!

“When you go to a restaurant, you know they can already cook the food … what sets it apart is ambiance.” Rachel Clar, Esq. hosts yours truly for “Coming Out as Yourself in BigLaw: Strategy Over Sanitizing”

10 December 2025

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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.

Watch the video replay here.

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?

Screenshot

P.S. I received this lovely note from an 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.

Here are a few that stayed with me:

1️⃣ 𝗢𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵, 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

2️⃣ 𝗢𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺
𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯.

3️⃣ 𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻
𝘈 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦-𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵.

4️⃣ 𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴.
𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘺, “𝘞𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.”

5️⃣ 𝗢𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂
𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨.
𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶?
𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶?
𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺?

6️⃣ 𝗢𝗻 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 (𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀)
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦.

7️⃣ 𝗢𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁
𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦.
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 —
𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵-𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲?
Authenticity isn’t a branding exercise.
It’s the foundation of trust — for your clients, your firm, and for yourself.

𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁?

 

Educated Spaghetti: Marketing Ideas That Stick, hosted by Right Hat’s Lise Anne Schwartz, with yours truly as her inaugural guest … “Episode 1: How to Build Consensus”

5 October 2025

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Ever wonder why some marketers thrive in law firms while others crash and burn?

In this episode of Educated Spaghetti: Marketing Ideas That Stick, Lise Anne Schwartz and Roy Sexton, Chief Marketing Officer at Vedder Price, dish up ideas on building consensus for professional services marketing projects. They discuss the biggest mistakes of would-be consensus leaders, why Roy loves the word “pilot,” and his surprising take on creating lasting agreement. Plus, Roy shares his favorite resource and secret sauce for getting people to support a new project.

In this episode:

(00:00) The number one thing holding companies back

(05:05) Childhood experiences that shaped a consensus builder

(10:26) Pilot strategy that turns law firm skeptics into advocates

(17:41) When to proceed without consensus (and how to do it safely)

(23:54) Why trying to leave a legacy guarantees you won’t

(32:06) Roy’s secret sauce: listen more than you talk

About the Host

Lise Anne Schwartz is an experienced brand strategist and writer known for creating authentic, original work that audiences remember. With 20 years in professional services marketing, she brings a unique blend of perspectives as a former lawyer, journalist, copywriter, and pastry chef. Her strong focus on storytelling and user-driven communications, combined with skills in surfacing key insights from stakeholder and audience interviews, makes her exceptional at bringing complex ideas to life. Having conducted over 100 buyer interviews and earned degrees from Northwestern University and Columbia Law School, Lise Anne regularly writes on professional marketing topics.

About Right Hat

Right Hat is a marketing and design partner driven by curiosity, courage, and optimism to help clients take their communications to new heights. Specializing in communicating the value of complex, intangible offerings like professional services, education, and tech solutions, they serve as brand strategists, website designers, creators of sales tools, and extensions of in-house teams. Through deep industry knowledge and determination to push past the ordinary, Right Hat combines design, content, and digital strategies to bring powerful brands to life with fresh ideas that help clients stand out in crowded markets.

Educated Spaghetti w/ yours truly as their inaugural guest … Episode 1: How to Build Consensus: https://youtu.be/YCuS5LmS8YA?si=aKWCorURTVmd0f74

With an open heart and a healthy sense of humor, serendipity can serve one nicely.

3 October 2025

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A year ago this week I gave a speech at LMA Southeast Region’s conference. (Yes, I explain the zany suit if you watch.) I’d honestly forgotten about this. Dear friend Nancy Leyes Myrland had a reminder pop up today and sent this video she had captured. I might’ve watched this at the time – but I honestly can’t recall. And I only watched a few minutes of it just now. Like many people, I don’t like the sound of my own voice and I really don’t like watching myself. C’est la vie.

But moreover, I had a lot going on existentially last year. That may be why this was lost to the ether of my addled mind. I do know I wasn’t really happy. (I am now.) I felt a bit lost, misunderstood, possibly angry. I felt I’d done my best to give what I could to this world, but was receiving too many signals that it wasn’t enough, that there should be “less of me out there,” that I had somehow disappointed people I had admired and honored. Like all things, much of that was probably in my own head.

But this speech was born of that moment, in which I did my best to lay bare – with humor and gratitude – how I saw myself and how I believed so fully in the differentiating power of authenticity. (And still do.) Was this my ego showing? Probably. Was it a form of self-indulgent group therapy? Indubitably. Was it an effort to try to help others avoid the pain I was feeling then? That was my prayer.

What a difference twelve months makes. I’ve had a LOT of change this year. I hope I’ve grown. Jury is out on that. But for this moment I feel like the bet I placed on myself – as expressed in this video – was the right one.

I’m so unbelievably grateful for the opportunities that have come my way in this time. The me in this video had no idea a remarkable, transformational, literally life changing offer was just around the corner. This new role and new adventure in a new city with a lovely new team and colleagues have meant the world to me.

The video isn’t the complete speech – some of the intro and conclusion is missing – and, honestly, I like it like that. There are few discrete beginnings and endings in life. With an open heart and a healthy sense of humor, serendipity can serve one nicely.

Thank you again to Nancy for this and for always helping me remember I matter. That we ALL matter. And that our stories make a difference. Also, grateful to Toni Toomer Wells and Matthew Gallagher, co-chairs of last year’s event, for believing in me and giving me the chance to share these thoughts with the universe. I hope they can continue to be helpful to whomever is kind enough to give this a watch.

Build sidewalks, not fences: Host and Creative Director Kelli Kelley interviews yours truly for “The brndBrief Podcast”

18 September 2025

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🎧 NEW EPISODE: Roy Sexton, Chief Marketing Officer at Vedder Price, just dropped some serious wisdom about marketing in the legal world – and honestly, his insights apply way beyond law firms.

Roy works in the one of the only industries that still questions whether marketing is even necessary (wild, right?). But here’s how he’s mastering it:

📌 Start with relationships, not strategies — Roy’s approach to his new role as CMO involves walking around, meeting people, understanding their pain points, and looking for patterns before implementing any major initiatives.

📌 Lean into specialization — Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, focus on your distinctive expertise areas and create compelling, specific content that positions you as the authority in your niche.

📌 Use AI as your co-editor — Treat AI tools as collaborative partners that polish and enhance your work, allowing your team to “level up” and think strategically rather than just execute tasks.

📌 Build sidewalks, not fences — Drawing from Walt Disney’s philosophy, successful marketing means removing barriers and making it easier for prospects to engage with your content and expertise.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-build-legal-marketing-strategies-leveraging/id1724388941?i=1000727314353

📹 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woi2lEsUnCo&lc=Ugxy60n-xiYgJjEFgAh4AaABAg
———-

🔔 If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe to be notified when new episodes drop
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brndbrief-podcast/id1724388941

“The Power of Connection: Turning Relationship Data into Growth Strategy” at LMA Midwest ’25 – October 9-10 in Chicago – with Introhive’s Adam Stewart, Mayer Brown’s Dave Southern, and yours truly

12 September 2025

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🔗 Want to turn relationship data into strategic growth?

Join us at the 2025 LMA Midwest Regional Conference for “The Power of Connection: Turning Relationship Data into Growth Strategy”—a forward-thinking session moderated by Adam Stewart of Introhive, and panelists Dave Southern of Mayer Brown, and Roy Sexton of Vedder Price. 

You’ll learn how to:

🔍 Use connected data to uncover whitespace and guide priorities

🤝 Strengthen collaboration and client engagement through relationship insights

🧑‍💼Drive smarter, human-centered growth across your firm

Walk away with a roadmap to elevate your data strategy and deliver impact where it matters most.

🔗 Conference details: https://legalmarketing.org/Event-Details/2025-midwest-regional-conference

#MidwestActivate #LMA #LegalMarketingAssociation #LegalMarketing #ClientEngagement #RelationshipData #GrowthStrategy

InsidePractice’s “The State of Client Intelligence” webinar on October 7 with Pamela Cone, Aubrey Bishai, and yours truly

10 September 2025

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From InsidePractice: Ahead of November’s Law Firm Client Intelligence conference (Chicago Nov 5) – Join us for a dynamic virtual discussion on The State of Client Intelligence in today’s legal profession.

Register here: https://www.insidepractice.com/the-state-of-client-intelligence-in-todays-legal-profession

Join Pamela Cone, and guest speakers Roy Sexton, Chief Marketing Officer at Vedder Price, and Aubrey Bishai, Chief Innovation Officer at Vinson & Elkins to unpack the meaning of “Client Intelligence” and explore:

The competitive advantages it can unlock

The cultural and historical barriers holding firms back

The current state of maturity within the profession

DATE: Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
TIME: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CENTRAL US TIME
LOCATION: Inside Practice Community