Jim Fielding
Jim Fielding is a respected retail and media industry veteran whose expertise combines storytelling, product innovation, merchandising, and consumer experiences. Jim currently serves as a partner at Archer Gray, an independent media company, and president of its Co-Lab Division. Having led consumer products groups at the world’s largest media companies, including Disney, Dreamworks, and Twentieth Century Fox, Jim has built diverse cultures and visionary teams that excelled in competitive global markets. He served as president of Disney Stores Worldwide for four years, transforming its global consumer experience. He also served as CEO of Claire’s Stores, Inc., a leading jewelry and accessories retailer.
Jim’s early experience spanned leading global retail companies, from The Gap to Lands’ End. He mastered all aspects of vertical specialty retail, including supply chain, product design, store operations, and visual merchandising.
An active community leader and philanthropist, Jim serves on the board of directors for the Indiana University Foundation and was a founding member of the Dean’s Council for the Hamilton Lugar Global and International School. Jim is a founder of the Queer Philanthropy Circle, the nation’s premier fundraising and advocacy group for the queer community. He also participates in the Women’s Philanthropic Leadership Circle and the Black Philanthropy Circle. Jim has served as a board member for GLSEN, Make-A-Wish International, and American Red Cross, as well as an executive-in-residence for IU Ventures and Indiana University’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He has endowed several scholarships at IU to support overseas study, international internships, and advocacy leadership training.
As author of All Pride, No Ego (Wiley, Aug. 15, 2023), he is committed to safe and authentic spaces for all individuals.
-
LEADING WITH AUTHENTICITY
Building high performing teams and cultures of excellence highlighting the 10 Leadership lessons in his book ALL PRIDE, NO EGO: A Queer Executive’s Journey to Living and Leading Authentically
-
INVITING IN
Sharing stories to build a culture of Inclusivity and Belonging. Insights and Learnings from a 35+ year career at some of the world’s leading companies including The Gap, Disney, Dreamworks, and 20th Century Fox. Leadership techniques to navigate the current consumer and legislative landscape
-
EXCLUSIVE, AUTHENTIC, ORIGINAL - REINVENTING the MAGIC OF DISNEY STORE
- Global stories and insights from the reinvention of Disney Store during my tenure as President, Disney Stores Worldwide
- While historical in nature ( period is 2007-2012), the learnings are universal and include corporate legends like Steve Jobs, Bob Iger, and Andy Mooney
- The power of storytelling and a vision of creating “ The Best 30 Minutes of a Family’s Day”
- Anecdotes from opening flagships in Times Square, Oxford Street London, Champs Elysees Paris, and Maihama, Tokyo
- China Market strategy to coincide with opening of Shanghai Disneyland
See Jim Fielding in action.
All Pride, No Ego: A Queer Executive's Journey to Living and Leading Authentically
An experienced and respected retail and media industry veteran, Jim Fielding has built his successful career and expertise at the intersection of quality storytelling, innovative product and merchandising, and compelling consumer experiences. Jim currently serves as a Partner at Archer Gray, an independent media company, focusing his energies on building businesses, products, and experiences for its ecosystem of creators and client partners. He also proudly served as a part-time Executive-in-Residence for IU Ventures and The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Indiana University. Jim spent the bulk of his career leading Consumer Products groups at the world’s largest media companies, including Disney, Dreamworks, Awesomeness TV, and Twentieth Century Fox. A known culture and team builder, he has built diverse and visionary teams that have excelled in challenging and competitive marketplaces globally. Jim spent four years as President of Disney Stores Worldwide, completely redefining the digital and physical experience around the globe. He also served as CEO of Claire’s Stores, Inc., the world’s leading destination for teen jewelry and accessories.
Jim’s early experience was firmly rooted in leading global retail companies, including stints at Dayton Hudson, The Gap, Lands’ End, and J. Peterman Company. He built an extensive knowledge base in all aspects of vertical specialty retail, including supply chain, product design, store operations, and visual merchandising. An active community leader and philanthropist, Jim currently serves on the board of directors for the Indiana University Foundation and was a founding member of the Dean’s Council for the Hamilton Lugar Global and International School. Jim is a founder of the Queer Philanthropy Circle, a first-in-the-country fundraising and advocacy group for the queer community. Jim also participates in the Women’s Philanthropic Leadership Circle and the Black Philanthropy Circle. In addition, Jim is a former board member for GLSEN, Make-A-Wish International, and American Red Cross. He has endowed a number of scholarships at Indiana University to support overseas study experiences, international internships, and advocacy leadership training. Jim currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his partner, Joseph, and their dogs, Cricket and Olive. In the summers, you will find them in Leland and Northport, Michigan.
As author of All Pride, No Ego (Wiley, Aug. 15, 2023), he is committed to safe and authentic spaces for all individuals.
Our speakers get attention.
-
How to lead with authenticityExperienced executive Jim Fielding explains why his leadership philosophy revolves around authenticity and outlines how today’s challenges can be met by creating respectful and empowering work environments
-
Jim Fielding, Ex-Head of Disney Stores, on the Struggles of Making It as a Queer ExecutiveWhat does it feel like to live inauthentically at work? For his first professional job in the 1980s, in the fashion industry, Jim Fielding led what he calls a “double…
