What does it take to raise over a billion dollars on stage, share it with celebrities like Elton John and Hugh Jackman, and then build a powerhouse agency from scratch? In this episode, I sit down with Lydia Fenet — the world’s leading charity auctioneer, bestselling author of The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You, and founder of the Lydia Fenet Agency.
Lydia Fenet is the founder and CEO of the Lydia Fenet Agency, a boutique agency representing best in class charity auctioneers. Over her two-decade long career, Lydia served as the Global Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships for Christie’s reshaping the fundraising landscape. She has single handedly raised over $1 billion dollars for more than 800 organizations and broken-down countless barriers for women in the auction industry. Widely recognized for her poise and power onstage, she has stood alongside celebrities including Bruce Springsteen, Hugh Jackman, Elton John, Matt Damon and Jerry Seinfeld to raise record-breaking donations for the most notable charities across the globe. Lydia is the author of two best-selling books, The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You & Claim Your Confidence as well as the podcast host of Claim Your Confidence.
In this episode:
- Her unconventional path from Louisiana to the NYC auction world
- The moment she knew she had to launch her own business
- Why persistence (and a little charm) always wins
- How to make a strong first impression and command a room
- Her advice for building confidence, expanding your network, and asking for what you want—without feeling awkward
Whether you're pitching investors, applying for your dream job, or just trying to find your voice in a crowded room, Lydia’s story will inspire you to show up, speak up, and go for it.
Connect with Lydia:
Website: lydiafenet.com
Instagram: @lydiafenet
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
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