The Boy Who Refused to Be Defined
The Midwestern sky stretched endlessly over Jim Fielding’s childhood home, a place where tradition defined identity and expectations were as rigid as the neatly mowed lawns. A young Jim, growing up in Toledo, Ohio, often found himself standing at the crossroads between who he was and who the world expected him to be. He was bright, curious, and drawn to storytelling—not just the kind found in books, but the kind woven into human connection, into the way people express themselves through fashion, culture, and commerce.
Yet, there was a struggle—an internal battle between authenticity and survival. In a world where being different wasn’t celebrated, he learned early on how to adapt, how to blend in. But deep inside, a question burned: What if I didn’t have to hide? What if leadership wasn’t about fitting into a mold but breaking it? That question would shape the course of his life.
The Discovery of a Calling
Jim’s journey into leadership didn’t begin in an office or a boardroom—it started on the sales floor of a department store. It was there, surrounded by racks of clothing and the hum of commerce, that he discovered the power of human connection. Retail, he realized, wasn’t just about selling products—it was about storytelling.
His time at Indiana University Bloomington, where he earned a degree in Political Science, sharpened his understanding of human behavior. His studies took him abroad to Denmark International Studies Program, where he developed a broader perspective on business and culture.
The foundation was set, but Jim wasn’t looking for a straight path. He was drawn to possibility, to industries that thrived on creativity and reinvention. This led him to Gap Inc., where he spent nearly a decade mastering the art of merchandising and brand development. He had an eye for trends, but more importantly, he had an instinct for what made people connect with a brand.
His rise was swift, and soon he was leading teams at Lands’ End, shaping the way retail was experienced on a global scale.
From Disney Magic to DreamWorks Innovation
But it was at The Walt Disney Company where Jim’s career took a transformative turn. As President of Disney Stores Worldwide, he didn’t just manage retail—he reinvented it.
Jim understood that Disney wasn’t just a company; it was a feeling—a childhood memory, a sense of wonder, an emotional connection that spanned generations. He led a complete overhaul of the Disney Store experience, transforming it from a traditional retail space into an immersive storytelling hub, where customers didn’t just shop, they experienced the magic.
Jim’s success at Disney propelled him into the entertainment industry, where he became Global Head of Consumer Products and Retail at DreamWorks Animation and AwesomenessTV. Here, he shaped the way major franchises like Trolls and Kung Fu Panda connected with audiences beyond the screen, proving once again that he wasn’t just a retail executive—he was a master of brand storytelling.
When 20th Century Fox tapped him to lead Consumer Products and Innovation, Jim expanded his influence even further, pioneering new strategies in licensing and brand partnerships on a global scale.
The CEO Seat and a Moment of Reflection
Jim reached the pinnacle of corporate leadership when he became CEO of Claire’s, a beloved retail brand known for its deep connection with young consumers. At Claire’s, he led a strategic modernization, adapting the brand for a new digital era while preserving its core identity.
But something had shifted. He had climbed the corporate ladder, led global teams, and shaped billion-dollar brands—but was this the impact he truly wanted to leave?
As he sat in yet another executive meeting, another conference room filled with polished leaders reciting corporate jargon, the answer hit him: His greatest work wasn’t in leading companies—it was in leading people.
And so, he did what few executives at his level dare to do—he walked away.
A New Mission: Coaching, Writing, and Advocacy
In 2023, Jim Fielding launched Hi, Jim Fielding, an executive coaching and leadership development platform designed to help others find the courage to lead with authenticity. He didn’t want to just teach leadership—he wanted to redefine it.
He became an in-demand speaker, advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate spaces. He partnered with organizations like the Indiana University Foundation Board and the Point Foundation, supporting scholarships and mentorship programs for LGBTQ+ leaders.
But perhaps his most personal and profound contribution was his best-selling book, “All Pride, No Ego”—a deeply personal roadmap to authentic leadership. Organized into 10 powerful lessons, the book challenged outdated corporate ideals and encouraged leaders to own their truth.
His impact wasn’t just felt in boardrooms—it was felt in conversations, in communities, in the lives of professionals who had spent years hiding behind masks. Jim was giving them permission to lead as their true selves.
The Power of Community and the Future of Leadership
Today, Jim’s influence reaches far beyond his past titles and accolades. His 10,000+ LinkedIn followers aren’t just connections—they’re part of a movement. His thought leadership on topics like AI in retail, storytelling in branding, and the future of leadership is shaping the next generation of executives.
As Jim approaches his 60s, he’s proving that leadership isn’t about climbing—it’s about giving back.
He wakes up every morning excited for what’s next:
Expanding his coaching practice to help more professionals step into their power
Developing new content and research on the future of leadership
Advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion and social change
Inspiring leaders to ditch the mask and embrace their true selves
Because, as Jim puts it, “Life isn’t a countdown—it’s a count-up. And I’m just getting started.”
Nectar of Wisdom: Jim’s Five Leadership Truths
“Polished, perfect executives are dead. The best leaders are real, raw, and human.”
“Authenticity isn’t a strategy—it’s the only way to build trust that lasts.”
“Success isn’t about the title you hold, but the impact you make.”
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.”
“Your story is your superpower. Own it. Share it. Use it to lift others up.”
Editorial Note
Jim Fielding’s journey is more than a career story—it’s a movement. It’s proof that the best leaders aren’t the ones who conform, but the ones who dare to stand out.
Through his coaching, speaking, and writing, he’s challenging the next generation of leaders to do what he once struggled to do himself: show up fully, unapologetically, and lead with pride.
Are you ready to step into your true leadership?
Connect with Jim Fielding at www.hijimfielding.com
Connect with Jim Fielding on LinkedIn
