30 years advising leaders across private business, government, and nonprofits. Pioneering projects at Microsoft, banking systems, and national law enforcement. James doesn't speak from theory — he speaks from the work.
He's been in the room when
Speaker · Moderator · Event Partner
James Murray
it mattered.
Lunch & Learns
Virtual
Panels
KeyNotes
Moderator
Fireside Chats
Founder · Executive Risk Consultant
Workshops
On-Site
"He's not teaching from a textbook. He's teaching from the work."
Most speakers study risk. James has managed it — inside large enterprises, government agencies, and hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses navigating the moments that define them.
He's been the person in the room during economic disruption, cybersecurity breaches, rapid growth, and ownership transitions. He's worked on projects that became industry firsts. He's seen what happens when leaders have clarity — and what it costs when they don't.
Why James
That depth is what makes him different on a stage. He doesn't deal in buzzwords or generic frameworks. He brings the kind of hard-won perspective that only comes from decades of being accountable for real outcomes — and he makes it accessible to every leader in the room.
He's also taught practical risk management strategies at colleges and businesses for over 20 years — which means he knows how to transfer an idea, not just deliver a monologue.
30 years in the room
when stakes were high.
Organizations James has served
WA State Patrol
Financial services
Smith Barney
City of Seattle
Banking & financial systems
WaMu / Chase
Pharmaceutical distribution
McKesson
Wireless infrastructure
T-Mobile & AT&T
Azure · On-premise · GEO Team
Microsoft
Cisco Systems
Cybersecurity & Infastructure Processes
Local Government & Policing
Local, Regional, & National Policing Systems
James's goal isn't a standing ovation. It's a room full of people who leave with something concrete — language, perspective, and a way of thinking about decisions that compounds over time.
Every topic.
Available as
Flexible length.
Speaking topics
Semester Course
Weekend Retreat
Half day workshop
45- minute talk
15- Min Talk
Business Strategy
Why 97% of businesses fail in the first ten years — and how to be in the 3% that thrive in change. A frank look at what leaders consistently get wrong about uncertainty.
It's Never What You Expected
Growth Strategy
Turning growth upside down — doing 80% better at 20% of the cost. How leaders stop chasing volume and start building leverage into every decision they make.
80/20 Growth Strategies
Operations & Systems
If you want something to improve, document it. Build baselines, build policies. This is the key to eliminating business and technical failures before they compound.
Don't Document It
James adapts to what your event needs — from a 20-minute keynote to a full moderator-led industry panel. Every format is designed to create real value, not just fill a slot on the agenda.
The right format
for your audience.
Event Formats
Core Offering
Keynotes, conference sessions, luncheon presentations, and workshops — in-person or virtual. Sessions from 20 minutes to a full day, with optional Q&A.
Speaking Engagements
High-Impact Events
Need an event that will attract industry leaders to the room? James can organize moderators and speakers, manage the marketing, and handle post-event follow-up.
Moderator & Event Partner
Community Building
Structured opportunities for industry promotion, networking, and reconnection — without the overhead of a full conference. Keeps your network warm between larger events.
Casual Industry Forums
- Keynotes & conference sessions
- Luncheon presentations
- Interactive workshops
- Podcast & virtual sessions
- Executive panels on growth, risk & change
- Sponsored leadership forums
- Fireside chats with subject matter experts
- Marketing, management & post-event follow-up
- Breakfasts
- Lunch & Learns
- Evening networking events
Cross-Industry
Introduce local experts, business leaders, and government officials to your customers and network. Cross-industry panel events that demonstrate your organization's reach — and make introductions that don't happen at traditional networking events.
Industry Panels
Internal Events
Events designed to inspire your workforce, leadership team, and VIP customers. Once-in-a-lifetime sessions your team will talk about long after the room clears.
Internal Firesides
James tailors every talk to the room. These are the organizations and groups he most frequently serves — and where the message lands hardest.
who is this for?
Built for audiences
Local & national. Business community leaders navigating economic change.
that lead change.
Chambers of Commerce
Professional groups seeking practical tools their members can use immediately.
Business & Industry Associations
Technology organizations bridging the gap between technical risk and leadership decisions.
Cybersecurity & IT Firms
Continuing education, leadership programs, and business faculty forums.
College Forums & Academia
Founders and early-stage leaders learning to manage growth and transition risk.
Startup Accelerators
Regional organizations building resilient business ecosystems.
Economic Development Groups
Boards and executive teams navigating governance and operational risk.
Nonprofit Leadership
Investment and portfolio leadership managing transition-stage risk.
Private Equity Forums
Past Speaking Venues
Business Industry Associations
Seattle Technical College
Evergreen Community College
Spokane Chamber of Commerce
Kirkland Chamber of Commerce
Professional Networking Groups
Planning a session with James is straightforward. Here are the questions we hear most often — answered directly.