James Wood is a professional keynote speaker and facilitator in addition to being a senior leadership consultant and coach with FranklinCovey based both in Denver, Colorado and Honolulu, Hawaii.  He has over twenty-five years of diverse leadership experience with project management, software development, engineering, operations and training organizations.  He is deeply passionate about utilizing brain-based, results-focused techniques to consult with and coach individuals and organizations to realize greatness.  To that end, he is ardently driven toward teaching, inspiring, and guiding others in discovering methods that lead to fulfilling and enriched personal and professional lives.

James is a co-author of the book Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager.

James began his career as a unionized technician for a US government contractor.  In that job, he began to work his was up the leadership ranks, from first-line supervisor to the senior director of a large, highly technical operations, engineering, and scientific organization.  James then transitioned to a leadership role in the information technology sector.  In that role, James dove deeply into understanding the theory and practice of realizing true leadership and performance greatness, transitioning from a software engineering leader to a full-time leadership and performance consultant.

James holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree along with a Masters Degree in Computer Information Systems and a Masters Degree in Environmental Policy and Management. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration: Management from Regis University. 

James is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute. He is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation.  He recently completed a graduate certificate in the Foundations of NeuroLeadership from the NeuroLeadership Institute -- deeply studying the neuroscience of performance, leadership, and change.

James is an Adjunct Professor of Business at four universities, teaching undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students.  He often speaks on issues of change, leadership trust, project management, and leadership greatness. 

James lives in Westminster, Colorado and Kaneohe, Hawaii.  He has two adult children – his daughter is a marine biologist and photographer in Oahu, Hawaii and his son is an airline pilot based in Denver, Colorado.  James is an enthusiastic sailor and aviator and he enjoys golfing and motorcycle riding along with spending quality time with his family and friends.