Wildfires to startup culture: my journey has shaped an approach focused on growth and navigating change with intention.
My Story
My journey has been shaped by a range of diverse experiences, from fighting wildland fires and teaching high school to guiding whitewater rafting trips, and leading transformational teams in the corporate and tech startup worlds.
From a young age, my life has been shaped by a mix of curiosity, adventure, and a desire to make an impact. Growing up in a household that valued learning and exploration, and guided by a quote from Joseph Campbell that my parents often repeated, "follow your bliss," I developed a deep love for the outdoors and a curiosity for the complexities of human behavior. Whether it was discovering new parts of the world, immersing myself in different cultures, or tackling new challenges, I’ve always been drawn to pushing my boundaries and seeking new perspectives.
“My approach is about creating space to find clarity, aligning with values, and building stronger connections with others”
At 22, in the middle of my college education, I found myself fighting wildland fires—an experience that tested my resilience and taught me the power of teamwork, trust, and adaptability. Firefighting became a metaphor for the way I approach challenges: “Alone, it’s a challenge. Together, it’s an adventure.” Stay calm, work together, and always keep an eye on the bigger picture.
Teaching in the classroom had a similarly profound impact on me. It’s where I truly learned what it means to create effective learning experiences, where I forced myself to stand in the learners' shoes and test everything I asked my students to attempt. If it wasn't a good learning experience for me, why would I think it would be good for them? It taught me to bring deep curiosity to my own learning and then share this with others—creating experiences that challenge and inspire while being meaningful to those involved. This ability to craft learning environments that spark growth is a cornerstone of my approach to building bespoke learning that has real impact.
Raft guiding was yet another source of powerful metaphor that has stuck with me. The river, with its constant flow and unpredictable currents, taught me countless lessons about leadership, adaptability, and the balance between control and surrender. The amazing people I guided with taught me about the importance of finding the hidden treasure in all moments, even the most challenging. These lessons inform how I help leaders navigate both calm waters and rapids in their personal and professional lives
“I believe that growth happens when people are given the opportunity to reflect, connect, and explore. This is what I love to do, and it’s why I feel incredibly fortunate to have found myself in this work”
My curiosity and values have pushed me to constantly want to see around corners and have taken me on a circuitous career path through many diverse environments—from firefighting to teaching in the classroom, from guiding whitewater rafting trips to building corporate cultures. Working within the corporate and tech startup worlds gave me firsthand experience in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where agility and alignment are essential. Leading initiatives to build company cultures, align leadership, and foster growth helped me to understand the unique challenges these organizations face, as well as the power of intentional, values-driven leadership. Each experience reinforced a consistent theme: I thrive when I’m helping others grow, discover their potential, and connect with what truly matters to them.
Now that I’m a father, I’m committed to living these values in a way that, I hope, will illustrate for my son that he can choose his own path and write his own story.
As an executive coach and consultant, I’m driven by the same curiosity and care that have defined my path. My approach is about creating space for leaders to find clarity, align with their values, and build stronger connections with their teams. It’s not just about solving today’s challenges; it’s about helping people chart a course toward lasting impact and fulfillment.
I believe that growth happens when people are given the opportunity to reflect, connect, and explore. This is what I love to do, and it’s why I feel incredibly fortunate to have found myself in this work.
— James