Behind the Brilliance 243 Executive and author Jim Fielding on the secrets to building world class teams in high stakes environments and how to build a values-aligned career
Jim Fielding is casting the kind of light we all need to free us from the anxiety of being enough and doing enough. Throughout his illustrious career as an executive as the world's most recognizable companies, he found that authenticity and kindness were the secrets to achieving the kind of success he most craved.
But these realizations didn't come easy. After struggling with coming out, building international teams, and climbing corporate ladders, Jim left it all behind to lean into a new chapter where he brings his whole self to his work.
This conversation is a must listen for anyone who wants to design a more meaningful professional life that delivers fulfillment and stability without sacrificing authenticity.
Behind His Brilliance: Family
Say hi to Jim on Instagram @allpridenoego
THE GUESTJIM FIELDING | EXECUTIVE + AUTHOR, ALL PRIDE, NO EGO
Jim Fielding is a partner at Archer Gray, and president of its Co-Lab Division. A retail and media industry veteran, Jim served as president of Disney Stores Worldwide, and led global consumer experiences at DreamWorks and Twentieth Century Fox. His early career experience included top global brands, from The Gap to Lands' End. Jim later served as CEO of Claire's Stores, Inc. He is author of ALL PRIDE, NO EGO: A Queer Executive's Journey to Living and Leading Authentically (Wiley, August 15, 2023). Jim's expertise combines storytelling, product innovation, merchandising, and consumer experiences. He is an active community leader and philanthropist, a founder of the Queer Philanthropy Circle, and serves on the board of directors for the Indiana University Foundation. Jim has served as an executive-in-residence for IU's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and a board member for GLSEN, Make-A-Wish International, and American Red Cross. He is based in Atlanta, GA and Northport, MI.
TOPICS COVEREDJim's path into retail and how he found success
How authenticity accelerated Jim's elevation as an executive
How Jim navigates high pressure situations
Jim's advice on designing effective teams and collaborative cultures
Jim's advice to professionals weighing their options
A fresh perspective on failure – and how to fail up
Why Jim stopped chasing the next promotion and title
The ah ha moment that healed years of trauma
And much more!