We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris James a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

It all started because I have this deep-rooted love for education. Seeing other women excel at what they do, even when it seems effortless, always brought a smile to my face. But here’s the kicker – it’s not just about talent; it’s about understanding the system.

My lightbulb moment came when I was teaching fellow students to apply for scholarships, just like I did. With each growing seminar, my passion grew, and I realized something profound: you can get paid for your expertise(in any field) outside of the traditional 9-5 grind or (7-4 that was mine because I worked for the government).

Fast forward to today, and that passion has blossomed into a full-blown program creation business. But here’s where the magic happens – I noticed that once women left our program, they struggled with tech setup during our calls. And that’s when it hit me – I didn’t want technology to be a roadblock to helping others.

So, why is our mission so meaningful? Because it’s rooted in the belief that education shouldn’t just be about knowledge; it should be about empowerment. It’s about giving women the tools they need to succeed, whether it’s crafting their coaching programs or mastering the tech side of things.

Our mission isn’t just a statement; it’s a passionate journey of empowerment and support.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a former government worker turned speaker, coach, and entrepreneur, on a mission to help women cultivate their legacies and carve out their own paths to success.

My journey into this world began in 2012, following the birth of my first son. At that time, I felt trapped, believing that a better life wasn’t within my reach. In my job, I encountered older women who often squashed my ideas, leaving me without the role models I needed for a more supportive environment. But then, a pivotal moment came when my first mentor arrived, overwhelming me with her kindness and inspiring me to uplift myself and other women, rather than hold them back.

Thanks to her guidance, I embarked on a journey of personal and professional growth, pursuing education against all odds while juggling a full-time job and raising children. Along the way, I found myself mentoring fellow students on how to secure scholarships, eventually stepping onto stages to speak to larger audiences. I discovered my passion for coaching and decided to lean into it with everything. Even when I was applying to dental school, my professors would say “It sounds like you should just go into motivational speaking”

Today, I’m proud to say that I’m not just a coach, but also a wife, mother of four boys, and a dog mom. When I’m not chasing after my family, you can find me buried in books or indulging my love for all things Marvel. And let’s not forget my motto – “nothing is off-limits” (except, perhaps, the kids’ bathroom!).

Now, let’s talk about what I do and who I serve. My clients often find themselves overwhelmed, feeling like they’re trying to climb a mountain without a map while juggling their other life responsibilities. They struggle with feelings of shame, frustration, and burnout because despite their past business success, they can’t seem to make things work this time around. They’re resentful towards their team members or contractors, afraid to appear like they don’t know what they’re doing, and constantly comparing themselves to others in the online entrepreneur space. It’s a tough spot to be in, but that’s where I come in.

What sets me apart is my commitment to providing personalized support and guidance, helping my clients navigate through the chaos and confusion to find clarity and direction. I’m not here to give cookie-cutter solutions; I’m here to roll up my sleeves and work alongside you to create a plan that fits your unique circumstances and goals.

So, if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making meaningful progress towards your dreams, then I’m here to help. Let’s embark on this journey together and turn your aspirations into reality. After all, nothing is off-limits when you’ve got the right support by your side.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A time when I had to pivot, not just in my career, but in life itself.

You see, there was a time when I had my heart set on dental school. I applied not once, not twice, but three times, only to be turned down each time. It was a blow, to say the least, and I found myself at a crossroads, of self doubt and exhaustion, unsure of what to do next.

But life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. Just as I was trying to bounce back from the disappointment of rejection, The plans I had meticulously crafted were thrown out the window, and I found myself facing a new reality.

I became a stay-at-home mom, a role that wasn’t anywhere on my vision board, but turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. You see, during those moments of uncertainty, I realized that I had placed too much importance on titles and external achievements. I would get awards form work and college- not a home because I was using my talents and gifts there.

And that’s when the pivot happened. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, I embraced the opportunity to explore new avenues and pursue my passion for coaching and entrepreneurship. It wasn’t an easy transition, but it was a necessary one – one that ultimately led me to where I am today.

So, while the road may have been rocky and the destination uncertain, that pivotal moment taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and seizing the opportunities that life throws our way. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

There are many many stories, as I reflect, that I have been resilient, from things that it takes many women I know years to heal from. This is one I hope inspires them not to judge themselves in the middle of their story.

I love love this quote form Tiffany Aliche, “Shame shields solutions” . I want to encourage every women out their to give themselves grace and understand mistakes happen when you are trying something new, it make look like what “doesn’t work” means your life is flushed away. I want to encourage you- that you are still in the story and keep growing through.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

When it comes to shaping my management and entrepreneurial thinking, there are several resources that have had a profound impact on me.

First up, we have “Confident Women” by Joyce Meyer. This book changed my life drastically (I always recommend), guiding me through moments of doubt and empowering me to embrace my true worth and potential as a woman ( and in business- even though it’s not a business book).

Next, we have “The Pumpkin Plan” by Mike Michalowicz. This book taught me the importance of focusing on the core aspects of my business and nurturing them to grow and thrive, just like tending to a pumpkin patch. (really most of his books are amazing!

Then, there’s “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug. This book isn’t just about web design; it’s about simplicity, clarity, and understanding the needs of your audience – principles that are essential in both management and entrepreneurship.

And let’s not forget about my love for Marvel and DC movies. Yes, you heard that right – superhero movies have been a surprising source of inspiration for me. From tales of courage and resilience to epic battles of good versus evil, I find that the best stories often come from this movies and comics.

In fact, I firmly believe that inspiration is all around us – we just have to be willing to seek it out. Whether it’s in the pages of a book, the pixels of a screen, or the everyday moments of life, there’s wisdom and inspiration waiting to be discovered.

So, if you ever catch me with my nose buried in a book or binge-watching superhero movies, just know that I’m not just indulging in entertainment – I’m fueling my entrepreneurial spirit and honing my management skills. After all, inspiration knows no boundaries.

Contact Info:

• Website: chrismjames.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismjames_programcreator/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-james-program-creation/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrismjames_programcreator