By Beth Barhydt
When it comes to auctioneering and philanthropy, Lydia Fenet’s groundbreaking success and audacious innovation set her apart. Her journey from the bayous of Lake Charles, Louisiana to the opulent auction halls of Christie’s in New York City is a narrative marked by ambition, skill, and an ability to engage an audience… and hold their attention.
Born and raised in the Southern charm of Lake Charles, Fenet’s upbringing was imbued with the richness of Louisiana’s culture. Her educational pursuits led her to The Taft School right here in Connecticut and then to Sewanee, where she majored in art history and history. How often have we been told that this field of study would be worthless in the real world? How wrong would those people be in this case?
Her love of art history and history would serve Fenet well in the world of fine arts auctioneering as would her later participation in the European Studies program at Oxford University.
Fenet’s introduction to the auction world was not through the grand entrance but via the back door and hard work of internships. It was in these roles, including with Senator John Breaux in Washington, D.C., and Sir Julian Brazier in the House of Commons, where she honed the art of observation and the nuances of negotiation. Her pivotal internship at Christie’s auction house marked the beginning of a career in a world where gavels command attention and fortunes change hands in minutes.
Rising through the ranks at Christie’s, Fenet became the Global Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships and the lead benefit auctioneer, roles in which she raised over a billion dollars for various non-profits globally. In 2011, she established Christie’s Strategic Partnerships division, showcasing her prowess in scaling operations and her acumen in forging relationships that transcend transactions.
Beyond the auction podium, Fenet’s voice echoes in the literary world through her best-selling books, “The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You” and “Claim Your Confidence.” Published by Simon & Schuster in 2019 and 2023, respectively, these works could be considered manifestos of empowerment, urging readers to harness their innate power and to command any room they enter. Lydia Fenet’s “The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You” serves as a compelling and insightful guide, combining elements of a memoir, a motivational speech, and a career handbook. Through her experiences as the lead benefit auctioneer at Christie’s and her success in raising over a billion dollars for non-profits globally, Fenet offers readers a unique perspective on harnessing self-confidence and command in professional and personal spheres.
The book unfolds as a narrative of Fenet’s career, imbued with strategies and lessons learned from her experiences. One of its core themes is the cultivation of what Fenet terms the ‘strike method,’ a personal strategy to instill confidence and assertiveness from the onset of any interaction or negotiation. This concept is particularly resonant, as it encourages readers to find their own unique approach to presenting themselves with assurance and poise.
Fenet’s writing is both instructional and deeply personal and reflective. She shares anecdotes from her life, including how she entered the world of auctioneering, overcame challenges, and recognized her worth, advocating for a higher salary and more significant responsibilities. These stories add a human element to her advice, making the book not only a guide to professional success but also a candid reflection on personal growth.
Moreover, “The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You” is peppered with advice from other successful women across various industries. These insights add depth and breadth to the book, showcasing a range of experiences and perspectives on power and confidence in the workplace.
Fenet’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making the book a quick and enjoyable read. Her tone is conversational yet authoritative, filled with humor and wisdom. It’s evident that her skills as an auctioneer – particularly in engaging and captivating an audience – translate well into her writing.
“Claim Your Confidence” builds on the success of her first book; delving deeper into the concept of self-confidence, offering a roadmap for readers to develop and harness their inner strength.
The book also touches upon the often overlooked aspect of handling failure and rejection. Fenet’s approach to these inevitable professional experiences is practical and empowering, suggesting that resilience in the face of setbacks is a key component of confidence.
Her podcast, “Claim Your Confidence,” extends this dialogue, offering a digital platform for her insights and experiences.
As the founder and CEO of the Lydia Fenet Agency, she now leads a boutique agency that represents top charity auctioneers. The agency, echoing Fenet’s personal brand, is known for its dynamic, personality-driven approach to auctioneering, ensuring that each event is as engaging as it is successful.
What sets Fenet apart is not only her ability to raise funds, which is impressive, but also her style of doing so. Her auctioneering is a unique blend of charisma, wit, and a profound understanding of her audience. She brings a rare energy to the stage, making each auction a memorable experience.
