Lydia Fenet: You Are What You Negotiate

25 Jul '25

By The Shift

Image courtesy of Lydia Fenet

25 Jul '25

By The Shift

Image courtesy of Lydia Fenet

The Shift highlights women’s stories through the lens of impact. It hopes to contextualize history and inspire action.

Lydia Fenet is a leading auctioneer, speaker and author of The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You. Known for commanding the stage at high-profile charity events, she empowers women with the tools to build lasting confidence, influence, and presence.

The Shift:

Who are three women that inspire you?

Lydia:

Glenn Close – I had the chance to work closely with Glenn when she was starting her annual gala for Bring Change to Mind. Her commitment to raising awareness around mental health issues is inspiring and shows the power of using your voice to impact change.

MacKenzie Bezos – I have been involved with a number of nonprofits in the past year who have received substantial grants from her foundation. What an incredible example she has set for anyone who has reached unimaginable success in their life.

My mom. She is my biggest cheerleader, friend, and role model in life.

The Shift:

What is one defining moment in your career or life that empowered you to create change, and how has it shaped the path you’re on today?

Lydia:

A decade into my career at Christie’s, I found out I was making one-third of the salary I should have been making in my role. I had mistakenly believed that the company I worked for was my family and was looking out for my best interest. It never occurred to me that I should take an ownership stake in my career and negotiate for a higher pay raise whenever possible. It was one of the greatest learning experiences of my career, and I penned a chapter about it in my first book, The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You, titled You are What You Negotiate to tell other women what I wish someone had told me. It is your life and your career. Don’t be afraid to ask.

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Lydia Fenet is honored as part of The Shift’s “90 Plus One” list, which recognizes influential women shaping contemporary culture. With Gloria Steinem featured on the inaugural print cover, the list pays homage to her 91 years of activism by highlighting a powerhouse community of women shifting culture.