Intro
Our Founder
Strategic Communication Expert
James Brown is an award-winning communication professional with 15+ years of experience spanning national media, organizational leadership, and strategic communication. His unique background combines journalistic storytelling with practical organizational implementation—creating approaches that are both compelling and actionable.
As a consultant, James helps leaders and organizations transform how they communicate internally and externally, driving better understanding, engagement, and results.
Intro
Professional Background
National Media Experience
As a National Digital Editor and Host for USA TODAY, James produced daily podcast content achieving 40,000-60,000 downloads per episode. This experience honed his ability to distill complex information into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
His work in public broadcasting earned multiple AP and NYS Broadcaster Awards for Excellence in Journalism, recognizing his ability to create content that drives both understanding and engagement.
Organizational Leadership
As Internal Communications Manager for the City of Rochester, James developed comprehensive communication strategies that aligned departments, improved transparency, and enhanced employee engagement. This role provided deep insights into the challenges of communicating effectively within complex organizational structures.
Digital Communication Expertise
Throughout his career, James has led initiatives that transformed digital communication effectiveness, including:
- Increasing search rankings by 30% through strategic content approaches
- Boosting video engagement by 40% through storytelling techniques
- Improving email open rates by 15% through message structure refinement
Cross-Sector Impact
James has worked across media, government, nonprofit, and private sectors, giving him versatile perspectives on communication challenges in different organizational contexts. This diverse experience allows him to adapt proven approaches to each client’s unique environment and needs.
Education & Professional Development
- Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Niagara University
- Multiple AP and NYS Broadcaster Awards for Excellence in Journalism
- Member, National Association of Black Journalists
- Organizer, Rochester Indymedia
Want That Uplift?
Rooted in decades of storytelling analysis
James approaches communication consulting with three core principles:
Structure Creates Clarity
Clear communication isn’t about talent or natural ability—it’s about following proven structures and frameworks. Even the most complex messages become manageable when structured effectively.
Message Reception Matters More Than Intention
The true measure of communication effectiveness isn’t what was said, but what was understood and acted upon. Every approach focuses on practical impact rather than theoretical ideals.
Sustainable Systems Outperform Individual Brilliance
The best communication approaches can be taught, replicated, and sustained across an organization. Every solution aims to create systems that don’t depend on individual communicators’ natural abilities.
Why Clients Choose to work with James
Deep Expertise
James combines journalistic rigor with organizational understanding, creating communication approaches that are both compelling and practical.
Practical Implementation
Every recommendation comes with concrete implementation guidance—no theoretical concepts without actionable applications.
Measurable Results
James focuses on outcomes that can be measured and tracked, ensuring communication improvements deliver tangible business value.
Custom Approaches
Each client engagement is tailored to specific organizational challenges, culture, and context—never one-size-fits-all solutions.
Testimonials
What leaders and colleagues say about James
A Trusted Expert in Communication, Messaging, and Leadership Clarity
“James is a dedicated and creative professional who continues to evolve his skill set. It’s truly impressive how much he has grown through the years.”
— N.C., Executive Director, Nonprofit Housing Sector
“I’ve seen James grow immensely from our early newsroom days to our collaborations now. He’s a bright, adaptive, and calming influence in any room. I highly recommend him.”
— K.K., Deputy Communications Director, Government & Public Affairs
“Working with James was a game-changer for our leadership team. His approach to internal messaging and strategic communication is unmatched. He not only teaches clarity—he embodies it.”
— R.S., HR Director, Fortune 500 Company
“James is an intelligent and resourceful professional. While managing social media for multiple brands, we saw significant growth in online engagement. He played a key role in producing newsworthy and meaningful content.”
— E.H., Former Web Developer, Tech & Marketing Industry
“James has a unique ability to bring clarity to complex topics. His expertise in messaging and storytelling helped our team refine how we communicate internally, leading to stronger engagement and alignment.”
— T.L., Senior Communications Manager, Corporate Sector
“James brings a creative approach to communication. He can take complicated content and craft easy-to-understand messaging that resonates. His depth extends across video editing, photography, web content, and more.”
— M.R., Former Program Manager, Digital Media & Communications
“James is an intelligent and resourceful professional. While managing social media for multiple brands, we saw significant growth in online engagement. He played a key role in producing newsworthy and meaningful content.”
— E.H., Former Web Developer, Tech & Marketing Industry
“James has an excellent sense of what is newsworthy and is reliable and resourceful. He created a training manual that was incredibly helpful, especially during high-pressure newsroom shifts. A true team player.”
— M.M., News Producer, Broadcast Media
“James brings a creative approach to communication. He can take complicated content and craft easy-to-understand messaging that resonates. His depth extends across video editing, photography, web content, and more.”
— M.R., Former Program Manager, Digital Media & Communications
“Knowledgeable, creative, and willing—qualities that come to mind when I think of James. He has transformed our organization’s brand, making RochesterWorks! a recognized social media innovator in the nonprofit workforce sector.”
— J.P., Director of Community & Business Services, Workforce Development
“James is a truly impressive individual. He jumped in with both feet and never looked back. He has the patience of Job and never backs down from a challenge. His assistance has been a tremendous asset.”
— V.W., Education & Legal Professional, Public Sector
“James brings a creative approach to communication. He can take complicated content and craft easy-to-understand messaging that resonates. His depth extends across video editing, photography, web content, and more.”
— M.R., Former Program Manager, Digital Media & Communications
Connect with James
Ready to explore how strategic communication consulting can address your needs.
During this 30-minute call, we’ll discuss your specific situation and determine if my approach might be a good fit for your needs.