Taking action with Christie’s Lydia Fenet, author, auctioneer and Global Director of Strategic Partnerships

Lydia Fenet
Christie’s Managing Director, Global Strategic Partnerships

 

No one knows what the future holds, but you can determine what success looks like in your own life and keep moving forward. The path to success comes from taking action.

RECENTLY POSTED BY LYDIA FENET ON INSTAGRAM DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC AND THE DEPTH OF GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY, LYDIA FENET TURNS HER WORDS INTO ACTION.  DURING THE TEMPORARY CLOSING OF CHRISTIE’S DOORS, SHE HAS CREATED A SERIES OF ENGAGING AND INFORMATIVE DAILY CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER  ACCOMPLISHED WOMEN WHO KEEP MOVING FORWARD. SHE IS DEDICATING HER TIME AND EXPERTISE TO SHARING HER BUSINESS ACUMEN AND SAVVY, ASKING ONLY THAT THOSE WHO CAN, DONATE TO THE RIVER FUND NEW YORK, http://www.river.fund, A LOCAL NON-PROFIT THAT PROVIDES DIRECT EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES, THE LARGEST FREE-FOOD OUTLET IN THE CITY.

https://www.instagram.com/lydiafenet/

HER MOST RECENT GUESTS INCLUDE ILANA RAIA, A FORMER SKADDEN ARPS ATTORNEY AND FOUNDER OF ETRE, A RESOURCE AND MENTORSHIP PLATFORM FOR YOUNG WOMEN; AMORY McANDREW, A LITIGATOR AND EXPERT ON EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS, ON THE STEPS TO TAKE IF WE ARE LAID OFF DUE TO THE PANDEMIC; AND ALLY LOVE, BROOKLYN NETS IN-ARENA HOST, PELOTON INSTRUCTOR, ADIDAS GLOBAL AMBASSADOR, AND CEO OF LOVE SQUAD, AN ONLINE PLATFORM  FOR WOMEN TO CONNECT; AS DIVERSE AND INNOVATIVE A ROSTER OF TODAY’S WOMEN AS ONE COULD HOPE TO FIND.

Lydia Fenet
Author
The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You

THEIR ONE UNIFYING FORCE IS LYDIA FENET, GLOBAL MANAGING DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AND LEAD BENEFIT AUCTIONEER AT CHRISTIE’S AUCTION HOUSE. AUTHOR OF “THE MOST POWERFUL WOMAN IN THE ROOM IS…YOU”, SHE IS A MAGNET FOR OTHER SUCCESSFUL AND DYNAMIC WOMEN WHO ARE CHANGING OUR PERCEPTION OF THE WORKPLACE, THE NEGOTIATING TABLE, AND THE HOME- EVERYWHERE.

LYDIA, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE LRFA BLOG!

WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN IN THEIR NEGOTIATING MINDSET AND SKILLS?

In my experience, men tend to walk into negotiations with the expectation that if they go into a negotiation with a big number, they will ultimately walk out where they want to be. Once they throw out that number they don’t try to justify what they are asking for – the number is the number and it is up to the person across the table to agree or disagree. Women tend to come in asking for the number that they want to get and then spend thirty minutes explaining why they should receive that amount. It always seems to me that men feel like they deserve more whereas women feel like they are asking for a favor.

HOW DO YOU COUNSEL A WOMAN TO NEGOTIATE AS POWERFULLY AS A MAN BUT STAY WITHIN THE ARENA OF THEIR PERSONALITY AND NATURE? 

The most important thing to do is lose the emotion. I have never been in a negotiation with a man where the end result was tears. I have definitely seen that a number of times with women – and I have also been the woman who burst into tears. You need to remember that business is business – and personal is personal. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SPECIAL EVENTS YOU HAVE PLANNED IN THE COMING YEAR BOTH IN TERMS OF PROMOTING THE BOOK AND IN FURTHERING THE STRATEGIC GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM?

I have been holding events around the book nonstop since it launched last April. As long as there is an appetite for it, I am thrilled to promote it. In Strategic Partnerships we are focusing on bringing in fewer partners so that we can concentrate on integrated marketing programs that deepen the relationship between the partners and Christie’s.

YOU ARE HARDLY ONE TO STAY IN THE STATUS QUO. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? WHAT ARE SOME DREAMS YOU HAVE PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?

The list is long and changes almost weekly at this point!

On the personal front, now that my kids are getting a little older, I look forward to traveling with them around the world. Travel was such an important part of my childhood that I want to expose them to the world in a similar way.

On the work front: I would love to stay at Christie’s and continue to grow my department, and serve as an ambassador for the firm as an auctioneer. I continue writing all of the time – if you ever see me on a plane I am usually writing something just to write. (Simon & Shuster published Lydia’s 2019 “The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You”).   Additionally, my book has been optioned by New Form Entertainment so hopefully I will have exciting news about a TV/film deal in the coming year. I am also in talks with a number of companies about developing an unscripted TV series. Finally, I am co-founding a hospitality platform for female travelers with my sister called She Gone.

I am happiest when I am busy – so, I am definitely happy these days!

The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is YOU
by Lydia Fenet

 

https://www.amazon.com/Most-Powerful-Woman-Room-You-ebook/dp/B07GNTSTZ8

Excerpts of reviews of The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is …You

Fenet highlights the importance of operating in the business world from a position of strength and confidence . . . through knowledge.

Her career in a male dominated business as an auctioneer for Christie’s to her outlook on helping woman help other woman reached me on a deep level.

I cannot speak enough to the power of the written word and especially when it’s written by an author/woman who wants to positively impact our working and personal lives today.

IN OUR BUSINESS, A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS, ERGO A VIDEO IS PRICELESS. LAST WEEK, LYDIA JOINED BRIAN McCOMAK, CEO & FOUNDER OF HUMMINGBIRD HUMANITY, IN A SERIES BRIAN CREATED DURING THE PANDEMIC CRISIS, “HOPE, HEART AND THE HUMAN SPIRIT”.

 

BRIAN IS A PASSIONATE EXPERT ON INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE AND MET LYDIA AT CHRISTIE’S WHERE HE SERVED AS HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES FOR ALMOST FIVE YEARS. THEY ARE FRIENDS AS WELL AS COLLEAGUES AND LYDIA’S FORTHRIGHT HONESTY AND HUMANITY RESONATE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CONVERSATION.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-dcola-015&hsimp=yhs-015&hspart=dcola&p=lydia+fenet#id=23&vid=4d36e63dcf813a0951abbe7d5019e519&action=view

IT HAS BEEN A GREAT PRIVILEGE AND DELIGHT FOR THE LRFA BLOG INTERVIEW LYDIA FENET, WHOSE INSIGHT, INTELLIGENCE AND GRIT SET A HIGH STANDARD FOR ALL OF US IN TODAY’S WORLD.

IN OUR NEXT LRFA BLOG, I AM VERY PLEASED TO INTRODUCE MIETY HEIDEN. MIETY IS  DEPUTY CHAIR AT PHILLIPS AND HEADS PRIVATE SALES AND PHILLIPS NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM, PHILLIPS X, EFFECTIVELY EXPANDING THE FOOTPRINT OF PHILLIPS BEYOND LIVE AUCTIONS.

PLEASE JOIN US!

Lydia Fenet, a passionate philanthropist, and charity auctioneer, Managing Director, Christie’s

Lydia Fenet
Global Head of Strategic Partnerships, Christie’s

MANY CHARITIES RELY ON SIGNATURE ANNUAL EVENTS TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THEIR MISSION-DRIVEN WORK. OFTEN, THE ANNUAL GALA FEATURES A BOTH LIVE AND SILENT AUCTIONS THAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FUND-RAISING EVENT OF THE YEAR. THE CHARITY SOLICITS DONATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES. NOW IN THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES, THE GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT OF DONORS MATTERS ALL THE MORE.

LYDIA FENET IS BEST KNOWN IN HER ROLE AT CHRISTIE’S, GLOBAL HEAD OF STRATEGIC PLANNING, A CONCEPT SHE INVENTED AND ESTABLISHED FOR THE AUCTION HOUSE AFTER THE CRASH OF 2008.  EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO HER AND TO ALL THOSE SHE HELPS IS HER VERY PROMINENT AND DEMANDING SECOND CAREER AS ONE OF THE WORLD-WIDE LEADING CHARITY AUCTIONEERS. EVEN WITH THE JOYS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FAMILY OF THREE YOUNG CHILDREN, LYDIA MAINTAINS AN EXHAUSTING SCHEDULE OF EVENING CHARITY AUCTIONS AFTER FULL WORKING DAYS AT CHRISTIE’S.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/13/arts/lydia-wickliffe-fenet-christies-auction.html

Are you looking to exceed your fundraising goals? Elevate your auction to the next level? Leave your guests entertained, inspired, and with considerably less money following your auction? Look no further than the woman who has raised over half a billion dollars for non-profits globally: Lydia Fenet. Using her charisma, humor, and uncanny ability to connect meaningfully with audiences of 100 and 3,000 (and everything in between), Ms. Fenet commands every stage effortlessly without leaving a dollar in the room.

Since leading her first auction in 2001, Lydia has taken over a thousand auctions, and is recognized as the top performer in her field.

Over the past fifteen years, Lydia has taken between 70 – 100 auctions a year. Her recent auctions have benefitted Tipping Point, AMFAR, the Bob Woodruff Foundation, New Yorkers for Children and the Naples Winter Wine Festival.

https://lydiafenet.com/

THE LRFA BLOG IS DELIGHTED TO HAVE LYDIA BACK TO SHARE HER INSIDER’S VIEW ON THE CHARITY AUCTION WORLD.

LYDIA, WHO WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN YOUR TWENTIES? HOW HAVE YOU EVOLVED AND WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS IN WHICH YOUR SENSE OF SELF AND VALUE HAVE DEVELOPED IN YOUR THIRTIES?

In my twenties, I was very focused on pleasing everyone around me. An unkind word or a comment could upset for days. In my thirties, I realized that ultimately it has nothing to do with what people around me think. If I am living in my truth, acting with respect and kindness to those around me, I can be proud of who I am. 

YOU ARE THE LEADING CHARITY AUCTIONEER SPENDING 70 TO 80 NIGHTS A YEAR ON STAGE. HOW DID THAT ROLE EVOLVE?

When I first started taking auctions I would take any auction that I was asked to take. Because I spent so much time onstage, I was able to develop a style that felt very authentic and comfortable. As my auctioneering career evolved, I starting taking less auctions so that I could focus my energy on raising money for causes that I care deeply about in addition to the ones I do for Christie’s.

https://www.christies.com/features/What-I-have-learned-Lydia-Fenet-9768-1.aspx

HOW DO CHARITY AUCTIONS DIFFER FROM AUCTIONS AT CHRISTIE’S? AT AUCTION, THE FOCUS IS ON THE OBJECT, BE IT A RARE BOTTLE OF WINE OR  A PICASSO. CAN YOU GENERALIZE AS TO THE LOTS THAT REALIZE THE MOST AT A CHARITY AUCTION?

Without a doubt, charity auctions should focus on experiences, not art or items with an actual value. When something is considered “priceless” there really is no limit to what people will give. 

DO THE NON-PROFITS APPROACH YOU OR DO YOU WORK THROUGH CHRISTIE’S TO DECIDE WHICH AUCTIONS TO LEAD. HOW DID YOU ENTER INTO THE AUCTION WORLD AND HOW HAS YOUR APPROACH TO A SUCCESSFUL AUCTION DIFFERED FROM WHEN YOU STARTED AND HOW HAS IT REMAINED THE SAME?

It works both ways. If an auction goes well, I usually receive 2 or 3 requests from people in the audience asking if I will take their auction. In addition, I also receive a number of requests through Christie’s which are always interesting. I took a charity auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in June which was absolutely amazing. Christie’s is such a storied brand that the experiences I have had as an auctioneer for the firm have been truly amazing.

YOU TEACH A PROGRAM IN AUCTIONEERING AT CHRISTIE’S. DO YOU FIND THAT THE PROPORTION OF WOMEN TO MEN HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?

Definitely. I have had a number of women over the years tell me that they tried out because they saw me onstage and felt like a woman could do it too.

 

DO WOMEN HAVE A DIFFERENT AUCTION STYLE OR DO YOU COACH EACH PERSON IN THE COURSE TO IDENTIFY AND REFLECT THEIR OWN PERSONALITY?

Without a doubt it is according to their personality. Everyone has something unique to bring to the table – in the class I try to figure out what that is and help them bring it into their performance.

YOUR RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOK, THE MOST POWERFUL WOMAN IN THE ROOM IS YOU, COMES AT A TIME WHEN INCLUSION, EQUAL PAY AND FAIR TREATMENT ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF OUR POLITICAL AND SOCIAL CONCERNS. WHAT WAS YOUR PURPOSE IN WRITING THE BOOK?

I wanted women to understand that all the power they need is already inside of them – they just need to start believing in themselves.

WHAT IS THE AUDIENCE YOU ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN REACHING AND HOW HAVE YOU GONE ABOUT IT?

When I wrote the book, I hoped to reach women who were just starting out in the working world. I focused on doing podcasts and interviews in publications that focused on that targeted group. Interestingly, what I have since realized since the publication date in April, is the book actually has a much larger reach. I can’t tell you how many emails and letters I have received from 60 – 70 year old women thanking me for writing the book, and telling me that they wished they had had the book when they were in their 20s.

EVEN IN THIS TIME OF STAYING HOME, SOCIAL DISTANCING AND QUARANTINE, LYDIA HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE PRO-ACTIVE IN FORMING AN AMAZING DAILY INSTAGRAM IG LIVE.  SHE INVITES A ROSTER OF ACCOMPLISHED WOMEN TO SPEAK ABOUT THEIR LIVES, THEIR CAREERS AND THEIR VISION OF THE FUTURE. TRY TO TUNE IN, AT 6 PM EASTERN, AND OF COURSE, BEING THE INCOMPARABLE PHILANTHROPIST THAT SHE IS, SHE INVITES US ALL TO DONATE TO HER FAVORITE CAUSE, https://www.river.fund, OR TO A CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE.

PLEASE JOIN US IN THE NEXT LRFA BLOG POST WHERE LYDIA FENET OFFERS EXTRAORDINARY GUIDANCE IN THE ART OF NEGOTIATION.

AND, MOST OF ALL, STAY WELL AND STAY SAFE!