James’ purpose is ‘Dream – Believe – Focus – Succeed'. Simply translated, James’ passion is helping women and men of all ages, articulate their life, family and career dreams – helping them believe their dreams are achievable and coaching and mentoring them to achieve each of the crucial steps which are cornerstones to the success and achievement of their dream. James believes this purpose is crucial to our roles as senior leaders in companies, in the community and wider society.
James’ strong belief in making a real impact in every interaction was forefront in his early leadership roles as an Officer in the Australian Navy; as a teacher and Housemaster at Shore School, and in his corporate roles in Boral and Origin Energy. These early experiences informed his interest in building effective teams and leading with pragmatic strategies and actions to achieve a particular goal.
Outside work, James is an active family man and is the current Chair of the Pymble Ladies’ College Council. James is a passionate White Ribbon Ambassador and frequently raises money for charities such as Lifeline, and the Sir David Martin Foundation through high adrenaline activities such as abseiling off buildings in the Sydney CBD.
James is a self-professed fitness fanatic and is a proud member of the KPMG Dragon Boat racing team which competes annually as part of the colourful Chinese New Year celebrations in Darling Harbour. When he needs to step away and clear his head, James travels overseas with his wife Katrina, and children Charlie, Lexie and Harry, or simply reaches for a paintbrush, acrylics and a canvas.
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Masters in Business Administration - Executive (AGSM)
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Awarded Dux of Course 1992 and AGSM MBA Susakowa Scholarship 1993
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Bachelor of Science (UNSW) – 1984
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Diploma in Education (UNE) – 1990
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Various Leadership, Management, Media Training, Leadership Training and Communication Training (Australian Defence Force, Boral, Origin, Capgemini and KPMG).
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Numerous areas of expertise and specialisation, including Lean Accreditation (Cardiff University), Procurement & Supply Chain Accreditation, and Transformation Accreditation
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Member of AICD (Australian Institute of Company Directors) and advises Boards and Executive Teams on leadership and effective governance strategy
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Founder & Chairman of XRAN Network (Network across Corporate Australia of Ex-Royal Australian Navy Officers (& some Royal Navy) – regular Corporate Events – 1999 to 2015.
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Former Board Member of the B4MD [Millennium Development Goals] in Australia
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Member of UNSW, and AGSM (Australian Graduate School of Management) Alumni.