Dr. James’ path started a long way from the busy boardrooms and international conferences he would eventually attend. His early years were rooted in simplicity and service—living on five acres of land, living off the earth, and raising a family in a log cabin constructed using timber cut from his own land. His initial forays into professional life were through a role heavily invested in the community: that of a pastor in Allagash, Maine. From this point, his journey developed not through a single moment but through a profound, long-term pursuit of learning, leadership, and togetherness.
After making the move to Western New York, Dr. James came on board with spiritual care coordination at a mid-size hospice, where he also established and led an inter-institutional ethics committee. That position refined his awareness of life’s most intimate transitions and of the ethical subtleties that accompany them. While assisting others, he also invested in education, attaining a bachelor’s in professional studies from Empire State College, and an MBA from Canisius University. Afterwards, he graduated from the renowned Cornell University MILR program in 2001.
Dr. James’ path is that of a polymath—mashing up service, academia, finance, and philosophy. He instructed Leadership, HR, and Organizational Development, worked with the U.S. government on post-9/11 economic recovery efforts, and grew a loan portfolio by tenfold as a bank manager. Whether leading financial decisions at UBS or assisting a company in going public, his assignments reflected a dogged pursuit of excellence and harmony. This passion would ultimately propel him toward doctoral study and a passion for merging conflict resolution paradigms into one cohesive, actionable philosophy.
Professional Trajectory and Unity’s Emergence
Unity referred to by Dr. James as “we statement”—was not just an idea; it was a calling that revealed itself gradually through diverse professional and personal experiences. The hospice work was a pivot point, illuminating for him the multiplicity of worldviews around life and death. His drive for understanding expanded through interdisciplinary studies in finance, sociology, and philosophy. This quest led him to define a framework where unity wasn’t an abstract ideal but a lived practice in four objective linked parts.
Meeting a visionary international artist, Ekatherina S, who used her craft to explore themes of unity became a pivotal moment. Together, they found resonance in their shared commitment to unity and balance. Dr. James would speak while she exhibited—at global venues including the United Nations and Oslo, Norway. This collaboration gave birth to the Foundation of Unity in 2010, blending scholarship, spirituality, and social impact into a tangible mission. He also spoke on conflict management and executive education at the US Department of Justice, Columbia University’s International Studies, Cornell’s ILR HR professionals, Faith’s Brain Reserve, and Austin’s AIA Leadership Institute, among other engagements.
Through the Foundation, Dr. James continued his doctoral research. His dissertation on conflict resolution revealed that physical and monetary force yielded largely negative outcomes, while social and intellectual strategies bore more constructive results in every conflict management paradigm. Collaboration, even within conflict, emerged as a profoundly positive social-economic force. Additional direct human research on unity with executives and the top-levels of human life experience with a diverse global group were published in the Journal of Integral Theory and Practice and later, the Journal of the International Society for Knowledge Organization.
Balancing Identity, Responsibility, and Contribution
Dr. James defines life balance through a triad: self, family, and global value contribution. These areas are not silos but intertwined streams, unified by his personal focus and intentional action. He believes that whether in business or personal life, people navigate the same four pillars: relationships, money, emotions, and material things. Each may wear different names—community or colleagues, income or revenue—but they spring from a common human foundation.
His philosophy positions the self as the nucleus of this complex system. From this center, value flows outward—to family, society, and the broader economy. His life, marked by deep relationships with his adult children, grandchildren, and former spouse, exemplifies this belief. For Dr. James, love means complete presence—a shared journey that honors the individuality of each bond.
In applying this balance professionally, Dr. James integrated the same principles. Whether mentoring students, leading financial teams, or coordinating ethical panels, he brought a whole-person perspective. This holistic framework underpinned his leadership at the Foundation of Unity and guided his consulting work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite global disruption, he continued his mission, using his expertise to assist federal anti-fraud efforts while advancing his research and nonprofit goals.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Global Vision
Dr. James views business as humanity’s grand expression of creativity and collaboration. Its fruits—innovation, longevity, and improved quality of life—are outcomes of imagination and persistent effort. His passion for entrepreneurship is rooted in this belief: that business, when aligned with purpose, becomes a conduit for shared prosperity.
His current program speaks to leaders and educators but is designed with universality in mind. It offers foundational principles for all eight billion people on Earth, proposing a life built on awareness, service, and growth. His ambition isn’t confined to boardrooms or classrooms; it extends to every individual ready to live consciously and contribute meaningfully.
Dr. James’ drive is deeply tied to the idea of legacy—not as recognition but as influence. Through his program and the Foundation of Unity, he aims to plant seeds of enlightenment, helping people understand themselves and others in richer, more holistic ways. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about building new systems where creativity and compassion guide progress.
Passion: A Vision of Global Prosperity
The driving force behind Dr. James’ work is a world in which unity prevails—not uniformity, but harmonious diversity. He envisions a world where individuals, like bright, talented children, contribute joyfully to homes and communities. He imagines a future where prosperity is as ubiquitous as morning sunlight—touching every corner, reaching every life.
In this vision, his work acts like that light, spreading warmth and clarity. His program, based on integrative learning and ethical leadership, is designed to help people rediscover their purpose. Prosperity here isn’t merely financial—it includes emotional richness, social cohesion, and spiritual or values awakening.
This passion has made his career more than a profession; it’s a life mission. “It’s what led me from the pulpit to policy rooms, from log cabins to global capitals. For me success is measured not by milestones alone, but by the lasting impact on people and systems.” he says
Resilience During Global Disruption
Unlike many ventures that struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. James’ work remained largely uninterrupted. The Foundation of Unity continued to flourish, offering insights and support when the world most needed connection and clarity. Concurrently, he lent his expertise to federal efforts aimed at reducing lending fraud—a testament to his versatility and public spirit.
Rather than retreat during uncertainty, Dr. James leaned into it, offering guidance rooted in years of study and service. His approach wasn’t reactive but foundational, reflecting the resilience that unity as a principle can inspire. His balanced life, grounded in inner clarity and outer purpose, helped him navigate the crisis with focus and compassion.
Strengths, Reflections, and Lessons Learned
Dr. James credits much of his success to three principles: a relentless pursuit of truth, collaborative learning, and belief in possibility. These strengths have propelled him through decades of diverse achievements, from community service to corporate leadership, from research to global speaking engagements.
“I believe that every “yes” I received was worth a hundred “no’s.” I learned that discovery lies just beyond uncertainty, and that age brings understanding if one keeps learning. My mindset has been shaped by both triumph and trial, teaching me that the greatest force in existence is the human spirit—ever evolving, ever reaching.” he says.
In terms of weaknesses, Dr. James sees them as gateways to learning. He remains open about challenges, viewing them not as limitations but as areas for growth. His ability to reflect critically, seek mentorship, and adapt without losing authenticity has made him a compelling guide for others on similar paths.
Recognition and Milestones of Impact
Dr. James’ professional journey has been decorated with notable milestones—academic publications, strategic partnerships, and leadership appointments. Yet, he sees these achievements not as endpoints but as confirmations of a life lived with intent. His doctoral research broke new ground in conflict resolution theory and his further research was embraced by leading journals.
He helped take a company public, worked on a billion-dollar fund, and spearheaded loan growth at a regional bank. His influence extends to academia, corporate boardrooms, and spiritual communities alike. But perhaps his most profound achievement is intangible: the creation of a global narrative rooted in unity.
His personal life is equally rich—marked by meaningful relationships, a close-knit family, and a sense of peace born from authenticity. Each award and accolade tell a chapter of a story still unfolding—a story driven not by ego, but by a call to serve.
Guiding Tomorrow’s Leaders
Dr. James’ advice to aspiring leaders is both practical and profound. “Be transparent about your goals and let those in a position to help know how they can support you. Build genuine relationships, both personally and professionally. Take time to understand people beyond their roles, as much as they’ll allow.”
He urges leaders to prioritize service, not status. Influence, in his view, is earned through trust, compassion, and sustained effort. He champions integrity as the core of leadership—along with curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to the common good.
For those looking to make a mark, Dr. James offers this reminder: “Success is not about rising above others but about lifting yourself and other people up. True leadership is about unity—bringing diverse voices together to understand and shape a better world. And in that collective pursuit, every person, every voice, matters.”
