In partnership with

Hello Beautiful and Kind people!

Welcome to Mid May and Issue # 14. The year is flying by.

Let’s dive in!

The best leadership teams have a "soul": (Hint: It's not functional expertise.)

After leading teams across Disney, Retail, and Media for 25+ years, I'm seeing a seismic shift in what makes leadership teams work. The old playbooks are becoming obsolete in 2025.

It's not just about functional expertise anymore. It's about navigating complexity without losing your values.

Here's what leadership teams need in the modern day:

But here's the truth...

It's not enough to have these individual stars. The real magic happens in how they move together.

Through intentional collaboration where:

→ Every voice is heard and respected

→ Conflict becomes opportunity for growth

→ Diversity drives innovation

→ Values guide every decision

I've helped dozens of creative companies build and align their leadership teams. Now I'm coaching the next generation of leaders to do the same.

Ready to build a leadership team that drives both profit AND progress?

Let's connect. I'm currently accepting new clients for 1:1 coaching and team alignment sessions. Visit my website to book a meeting.

https://hijimfielding.com/

🎓 A Full Circle Moment 🎓
From one Hoosier to another…

In 1987, I graduated from Indiana University with degrees in Political Science and Business, full of dreams, nerves, and a lot of hairspray.

Today—2025—my brilliant niece Samantha walks that same campus in cap and gown, earning a double major in International Studies and Environmental Affairs & Urban Planning.

She’s the next generation of leadership. She’s thoughtful, bold, kind, and relentless in her pursuit of a better, more sustainable world. And I couldn’t be more proud.

“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” — Barack Obama

I’ve watched her grow from a curious kid asking “Why?” into a passionate young woman asking “Why not?”

“Your legacy is every life you touch.” — Maya Angelou

To be honest, I’m emotional.
Because as a proud Gay Uncle—GUNCLE—I know that visibility, education, and courage change lives.
Samantha represents all three.

“Let us be enraged by injustice, but never destroyed by it.” — Bayard Rustin

She gives me hope.
She reminds me why we fight for justice.
And she proves that kindness and impact aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re a leadership strategy.

Samantha, go lead with love. Shake the world—gently, boldly, and without apology.
We need you now more than ever.

I first learned of Dr. Joel through LinkedIn and his incredible book that was published in 2023. I was drawn to his intense research, his incredible insights, and his humanity. He schooled us ALL on the amazing power of Queer Culture and works around the world to train and transform leaders and educators.

Fast Forward to May 2025, and Dr. Joel and I spent a day together with the educators and supervisors of The College of Marin and The Branson School in Marin County, California. Together, we shared our stories, our insights, and challenged their community to learn and grow. Through exercises and discussions on Microaggressions, Resistance, and Allyship, we were able to produce and enjoyable and important event.

It was a complete pleasure to spend time in partnership with Dr. Joel. I feel a kindred spirit and energy with him. I look forward to more opportunities to collaborate as we elevate and amplify our Community.

Please read his book. Follow him. Listen and Learn.

Follow Dr. Joel on LinkedIn

Happy Mother’s Day to our USA Friends and Family.

My story of my Mom and her allyship:

We were flying down I-75 in suburban Toledo, going 70 MPH.
She was driving. I was in the passenger seat, carrying a truth I couldn’t hold anymore.

Tears filled my eyes.
She asked what was wrong.
And I said it—pushed it out like a confession I had rehearsed for years:

“Mom, I’m gay.”

She didn’t flinch.
She didn’t deflect.
She pulled over to the side of the highway, turned to me, and said:

“I have known. I was just waiting for you to tell me. It wasn’t my place to ask.”

Then she hugged me. And we talked. For an hour.

That’s what Radical Kindness looks like.
That’s what being an ally actually looks like.

💡 My mother didn’t push.
She didn’t force me into her narrative.
She waited. She learned. She listened. She loved.

Thank you, Oprah and Phil Donahue, for being the teachers she needed.
And thank you, Mom, for being ready when I finally was.

💬 How to Be an Ally

1. Listen deeply.

2. Learn constantly.

3. Accept unconditionally.

4. Wait with love.

Radical Kindness isn’t performative.
It’s quiet. It’s patient.
And when it shows up like this—it changes lives.

🌀 Happy Mother’s Day to every mother, mentor, and chosen family member who has stood in love, not judgment.

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I love being in Community for speaking and training opportunities. I recently returned from the West Coast, have been speaking regularly at Emory University, and have a few Midwestern dates lined up in the next few months.

Pride Month is just around the corner, and I still have room in my calendar!!

Let’s Celebrate Together!

Here is the honest truth: I want to do more!!

Not for my ego or revenue, but I feel a tremendous sense of urgency this year to be in Community, in Training Facilitation sessions, and with groups of all sizes to discuss our current realities and needs. I want to hear and share stories. I want to find new people in our chosen family to amplify, elevate, and support. Sharing the link to my speaker’s bureau. Please reach out if you have any ideas on how I can be with your group or company, in person or virtually.

Thank You!