Photo Courtesy: Jim Fielding
In a world that often tries to dim our shine, Jim Fielding’s story is a blinding light of hope. His journey proves that being true to oneself is the ultimate act of defiance.
As the former president of Disney Stores Worldwide, CEO of Claire’s, and a key leader at DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox, Fielding has spent decades at the helm of some of the world’s largest companies while living authentically as an openly gay executive.
Today, he’s determined to forge a path for other individuals to follow in a society that often resists change. His journey represents not only personal triumph but also a beacon of hope for marginalized leaders looking to carve out their own space in the corporate world.
Through his brand All Pride, No Ego, Fielding advocates for authentic expression, inclusion, and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.
A Legacy of Leadership and Transformation
Jim’s career has been truly impressive. In his roles at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, Jim managed the merchandising and licensing for legendary franchises like Avatar, Trolls, and The Simpsons.
At Disney Stores Worldwide, he shared the customer experience while steering a $1.2 billion business across 12 countries. His leadership extended to another renowned brand, Claire’s Stores. There, he manages around 3,000 stores in 41 countries. He played a significant role in accelerating the global expansion of the retail leader.
Along with his outstanding professional roles, his journey has been defined by his candid and grounded approach to managing others, playing a pivotal role in his achievements.
While looking back on his leadership journey, he once said, “Leadership is about showing up authentically. The more you embrace who you are, the more impact you can have on the people around you.” His leadership philosophy is centered around building inclusive environments for individuals. This philosophical idea throughout his career helped him create forward-thinking teams that drove success across fast-paced international markets.
Advocacy and the Power of Authenticity
As an openly gay executive, Jim’s journey through the corporate world was far from easy. In his famous book All Pride, No Ego, he sheds light on the obstacles he faced as an inclusive individual while striving to stay true to his identity. While sharing his personal experiences, he shared, “It wasn’t easy to show up authentically in every room, but I had to do it for the people who couldn’t.”
His message goes beyond words; it serves as motivation for individuals who struggle every day to stay true to themselves in corporate spaces. Beyond the commercial sphere, Jim is a vocal and steadfast advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and marginalized communities. As a fair contribution, he founded the Queer Philanthropy Circle, an advocacy and fundraising group that backs LGBTQ+ community interests.
Moreover, he has likewise set multiple endowed scholarships at Indiana University to support marginalized students in leadership programs and abroad study experiences. According to UNESCO, students from disadvantaged backgrounds are four times less likely to complete higher education compared to their more privileged peers.
To tackle inequalities like these, he founded these scholarships with the goal of leveling the playing field. He also aims to provide these students with opportunities to excel in both academic and global environments. His initiative is a vital stride in combating the systemic barriers that often prevent these students from reaching their full potential.
Shaping the Future Through Speaking, Coaching, and Storytelling
Currently, Jim channels his energy into coaching and public speaking. As a partner at Archer Gray, he oversees the Co-Lab Division in launching innovative products while improving consumer experiences. His purpose is to inspire leaders to lead with integrity and build inclusive and high-performance work cultures.
In one of his conversations, he highlighted the fact that the world needs more kindness and more sincerity. We can’t afford to step back and we must push forward, especially for those whose voices are not yet heard.
He views storytelling as an imperative tool for creating lasting connections, overcoming differences, and sparking change in the community we live. He uses his skills to inspire both individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact. In corporate settings and beyond, he crafts moving narratives to empower leaders and foster growth.
A Continued Focus on Inclusive Leadership
As Jim moves ahead in his journey, his aspirations are deeply rooted in his desire to create more inclusive spaces for all. His work as a speaker, coach, and author is dedicated with a heartfelt goal of empowering marginalized leaders and guiding them toward success.
As he has said, “It is more important now than ever to share our authentic stories and address the urgent issues and needs in our community.” This guiding principle sheds light on his mission to create high-performance, inclusive cultures that uplift all voices.
Reflecting on the impact of his work, Elizabeth Litten Miller, a former creative executive at Disney, DreamWorks, and Fox, remarked, “Inspiring and riveting, All Pride, No Ego weaves a fascinating career with wisdom we can all use during these ever-changing times. Jim’s journey is a lesson in love, compassion, balance, and evolution and a compelling reminder to keep our feet on the ground as we reach for the stars.” These words capture the essence of Fielding’s career and the influence he hopes to have moving forward.
With plans to write more books and expand his coaching practice, Jim Fielding is committed to building a future where diverse voices lead with confidence and authenticity, driving meaningful change in the organizations and communities they serve.
So are you ready to change the game of leadership? Connect with Jim Fielding on Instagram now for raw, unfiltered wisdom that will empower you to lead with integrity and inclusivity like never before.