THE FINE LINE | with Lydia Fenet

The Fine Line | with Lydia Fenet

Lydia Fenet is a powerhouse auctioneer, author, speaker, and founder of the Lydia Fenet Agency, where she helps brands and individuals harness the art of selling — both on and off stage. With her signature confidence and charisma, Lydia has spent over two decades commanding the room at the world’s most prestigious auctions, raising nearly a billion dollars for nonprofits globally, and redefining what it means to sell with purpose.

A trailblazer in the world of fundraising and female leadership, Lydia is known for her dynamic stage presence, polished storytelling, and ability to connect deeply with audiences. Her bestselling book The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You has inspired thousands to own their voice, embrace their ambition, and lead with authenticity. Through keynotes, media, and mentorship, she equips women with tools to advocate for themselves, whether they’re negotiating a deal or building a career that lights them up.

Motherhood has profoundly shaped Lydia’s perspective on work and leadership. As a mom of three, she involves her children in the behind-the-scenes magic of her work, turning pre-auction rituals into bonding moments and inviting them into her world with joy and intention. These experiences underscore the lessons she hopes to pass on: that work can be meaningful, effort can be joyful, and success can coexist with softness.

In this conversation for The Fine Line, Lydia reflects on the power of presence, the lessons she’s learned from balancing the spotlight with bedtime routines, and how women can find strength in both their drive and their downtime. Her story is a testament to the belief that confidence is not just built — it’s modeled. And when women lead with conviction, they create space for others to rise, too.

How do you involve your children in understanding your work, and what do you hope they take away from watching your career unfold?

I love involving my children in my work at every opportunity.

As an auctioneer, I’m often heading out just as they’re winding down for bed, and over time, it’s become a special part of our routine. My daughters help me pick out dresses, do my hair and makeup, and even practice my lines — they love being part of it. I also auction for an organization they’re involved with, and they join me onstage, which is such a joy. When I host retreats, they help pack gift bags and get everything ready the night before I leave.

It’s important to me to show them the value of hard work and the excitement it can bring. Every summer, as soon as auction season ends, we plan a family trip to celebrate and reconnect.

FOLLOW ALONG

Follow Lydia at @lydiafenet.

Follow Brigade Events and stay tuned for the next iteration of The Fine Line at @brigadeevents.

We’d be honored to include you — or a woman you admire — in this series. If you or someone you know has a story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at carly@ingoodcompanypr.com. Together, we can uplift, support, and redefine leadership for the next generation.

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