Hiding who we really are, whether it’s our boldest ideas, our identity, or our true passions, acts like a massive drain on our daily energy. It’s a recipe for burnout.
That’s exactly why I sat down with today’s guest, Jim Fielding. Jim has spent more than 30 years leading global brands, from Disney to The Gap to DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox.
He is an executive advisor, best-selling author, and the former President of Disney Stores Worldwide.
But his most profound career transformation wasn’t just climbing the corporate ladder; it was navigating the physical and mental stress of living a double life early in his career, and discovering the undeniable power of leading authentically.
In this episode, we dive deep into the real cost of inauthenticity, and the incredible innovation and performance that unlocks when you live a life that’s aligned with you really are.
Jim shares a brilliant framework for managing your personal energy to ensure sustainable performance in a world full of distractions. We also explore how the best leaders shift from having all the answers, to asking curious, open-ended questions that create environments where other people can truly thrive.
If you are ready to reclaim your energy and step into your true narrative, this one is for you.
“I had to hit rock bottom and look at myself in the mirror and say, Jim, this is ridiculous. You’ve got to pick yourself up. Like your life is not over.” – Jim Fielding
In This Episode, You Will Learn
- Why embracing your authentic narrative earlier in your career is the ultimate competitive advantage.
- How the physical and mental stress of double lives can manifest as serious health ailments.
- The “Blazing and Grazing” framework for managing personal energy and preventing burnout.
- Tactics for device management, including why your phone should never be your alarm clock.
- How to shift your leadership style from being the solution provider to an empowered question asker.
- The power of the “Access Audit” to regain control over your environment and reactions.
- Plus much more…
What We Discuss:
- 0:00:00 – Episode Opener and Introduction to the Podcast
- 0:01:04 – Podcast and Guest Intro
- 0:02:33 – Why Authenticity Matters
- 0:06:35 – Stress of a Double Life
- 0:08:20 – Finding a Tolerant Company
- 0:12:19 – Thriving at the Gap
- 0:17:42 – Blazing and Grazing
- 0:26:12 – Device Boundaries and Rest
- 0:31:07 – Intentionality and Temptations
- 0:33:22 – Choosing Hard Things
- 0:36:42 – Phone Boundaries
- 0:37:07 – Old iPod Simplicity
- 0:39:54 – Access Audit Habits
- 0:40:36 – Phones at Dinner
- 0:42:00 – Planning Meals Out
- 0:44:04 – Aging and Accountability
- 0:46:35 – Life in Five Year Cycles
- 0:48:01 – From Control to Empowerment
- 0:52:11 – Coaching Questions Mindset
- 0:56:23 – Curiosity Tone and Growth
- 1:02:58 – Career Pivot During COVID
- 1:06:08 – Ikigai and Leaving California
- 1:08:39 – Rock Bottom to Breakthrough
- 1:10:46 – Signs and Rock Bottom
- 1:11:48 – Becoming Authentic Jim
- 1:12:56 – Love After Healing
- 1:14:29 – Gratitude and Self Acceptance
- 1:17:16 – Calendar Break Time
- 1:20:07 – Five Minute Micro Moments
- 1:22:30 – Sacred Time and Ideas
- 1:25:54 – Weekly Feedback Loops
- 1:29:20 – Rapid Fire: Your Edge
- 1:29:35 – Kindness as a Value
- 1:33:28 – Small Changes Big Impact
- 1:37:30 – Pleasure Reading Ritual
- 1:40:24 – Where to Find Jim
- 1:41:01 – Final Thanks and Sign Off
About Jim
Jim Fielding is an executive coach, bestselling author, and globally respected brand leader redefining what it means to lead with authenticity, empathy, and impact. With over three decades leading powerhouses like Disney, The Gap, Claire’s, DreamWorks, and 20th Century Fox, he’s built his reputation by delivering results—while championing values that matter.
In 2023, Jim published All Pride, No Ego: A Queer Executive’s Journey to Living and Leading Authentically, a powerful memoir-meets-leadership-manifesto that established him as a leading voice in the authentic leadership and DEI space. He’s known for saying the quiet part out loud—whether in the boardroom or on stage—and for helping leaders cut through noise to lead with heart, not just hustle.
Jim’s career highlights include transforming Disney’s global retail business, leading the turnaround of Claire’s Stores as CEO, and developing next-generation customer experiences for brands like Peanuts Worldwide and the Intuit Dome, the new home of the LA Clippers. He brings this same operational excellence and creative energy to his coaching and advisory work today.
In 2024, Jim launched his executive coaching and professional speaking practices, working with leaders at companies including Salesforce, CVS Health, and Oshkosh, Inc. Whether supporting individuals in growth transitions or helping teams build high-performing, inclusive cultures, Jim brings radical candor, lived experience, and a future-focused mindset. He completed his coaching education at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and is pursuing his ICF certification in 2025.
A trusted authority on leadership and inclusion, Jim has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, and over 30 leadership and business podcasts. His insights reach across industries, audiences, and generations.
Outside of work, Jim is an active angel investor, mentor, and philanthropist. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Indiana University Foundation (where he chairs the Queer Philanthropy Circle) and for Xcel Brands, a publicly traded fashion and media company. He proudly supports LGBTQ+ organizations including The Trevor Project and Point Foundation. Now based in Atlanta, Jim is focused on building a kinder, more inclusive world—one leader, one conversation, and one radical act at a time. He lives there with his husband, Dr. Joseph Langham, and their 2 dogs – Cricket and Olive.
Show Notes
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