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All in a weekend's work 🌈 All Pride, No Ego Newsletter
Speaker events... Coaching.... Spencer Pride festival.
Jim Fielding
October 16, 2024
Hello beautiful people!
If I had to sum up my new life in just four days, it would be last weekend! My mission to create authentic leaders and inclusive workplaces is underway.
On Friday, I headed to Dallas, Texas, to be a featured speaker at Unleashed LGBTQ. Then on Saturday, I flew to Indiana to give the keynote at the Spencer Pride Festival.
Sunday was all about exploring with my chosen family, which was such a nice break. And then on Monday, I had a book signing at the District Theatre in Indianapolis with 50 people! It was a whirlwind, but it felt amazing to see everything come together.
I filmed my favorite parts from Spencer Pride Festival, take a look!!
New here?? Join the All Pride, No Ego community!
💡 One Big Thing: Coach vs. Mentor… What is the difference?
I have been a mentor to many people during my career. Now that I am an executive coach, I have been reflecting on the differences. You need both in your life.
Here is how coaches and mentors differ:
A coach is not a problem solver. A coach spends times with you, asks lots of questions, and guides you to solve the problem yourself. That’s what a coach does. We don’t say “Do this, then this.” We help you figure out what is blocking you or your team from making the decisions you need to make.
Mentors give advice. They might say, “Let’s work on your LinkedIn,” or “Let’s work on your resume and make it better.”
Coaching is more of a partnership between the coach and the client. Coaches guide you to solve problems and identify opportunities on your own. A common question is this:
“What is blocking you from solving this situation we are talking about?”
I was also a consultant for much of my career. Consultants are paid to give answers. Coaches ask questions. I have to remind myself, “Coach, coach, coach.” I must remember to be a mirror for my clients to help them find their own way. It is not my job to give them the answers.
Coaching can be frustrating for folks who just want to be told what to do. There have been times in my life when I felt like this. But the beauty of coaching is that when YOU find your own answers, you become a BETTER person and professional. It’s a bit like teaching a man to fish vs. giving him the fish. Coaching teaches you how to think about and solve problems on your own. That is invaluable.
I am new in this new coaching career, but so far it has been extremely rewarding. I often think of my wonderful executive coach, David Oldfield. He made such a impact on my life, I just hope to do the same.
What is your experience with coaching? And how can I be of service?
🌟 Leader Spotlight: Brian Sims
Advocate, Public Servant, and LGBTQ+ Leader
Brian Sims is a nationally recognized advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, a public servant, and a dedicated voice for social justice. With over a decade of legislative and advocacy experience, Brian made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ elected official in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, where he served from 2012 to 2022. As a State Representative, he championed progressive legislation on LGBTQ+ equality, reproductive rights, racial justice, and healthcare access, becoming a leading advocate for marginalized communities.
Beyond his time in public office, Brian has worked extensively as an international policy expert and lecturer, providing diversity and inclusion training to major corporations, nonprofit organizations, and global institutions, including Facebook, Microsoft, and the United Nations. His leadership and policy work extend across the U.S., Asia, and Africa, where he has led campaigns to advance LGBTQ+ rights and gender justice.
In 2023, Brian became the CEO of AgendaPAC, a national political action committee dedicated to defeating anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and protecting reproductive rights. With a sharp focus on targeted communications and aggressive electoral strategies, AgendaPAC is at the forefront of holding politicians accountable for harmful, discriminatory policies.
Brian’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Stonewall Award from the American Bar Association and the NARAL Champion of Choice Award. He has been named to the ‘Out 100’ list of influential LGBTQ+ leaders and has been celebrated for his relentless dedication to equality and justice.
A lawyer by training, Brian holds a JD from Michigan State University College of Law and has completed executive education at Stanford Graduate School of Business and Harvard Kennedy School. He serves on multiple boards, including Vivent Health and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, where he continues his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Brian remains a prolific public speaker and media contributor, known for his unapologetic stance on equality and his commitment to making the world a more just and inclusive place.
🌈 What I'm LOVING ❤️❤️❤️
My Mission and Vision are coming into focus!
Since October 1st I have:
Completed an onsite team executive coaching assignment
Continued to study and prepare for my Advanced Coaching Class at Emory University Goizueta School of Business
Presented and signed books at Unleashed LGBTQ+ Event in Dallas, Texas
Visited and was in community at Spencer, Indiana PRIDE
Incredible event at District Theatre in Indianapolis Monday Evening.
✊ What's Worth Fighting For
LGBTQ History Month is October to coincide with National Coming Out Day on 11 October and to commemorate the first and second marches on Washington in 1979 and 1987 for LGBTQ rights.
Learn about Bayard Rustin: the man who organized the first march on Washington for Gay rights.
🏳️🌈 Read All Pride, No Ego. A USA Today Best Seller!
Love the book?? It would mean so much if you would leave a review.
Last thing...
Who knew all this was going to manifest following my publication of All Pride, No Ego?? I am living my most Authentic life and enjoying the Learnings and Insights.
With gratitude for a supportive Life Partner and Dog Dad to allow me to do what I am meant to do…
How can I be in Community with YOU and help you achieve YOUR goals??
I am listening…
Jim