Helping leaders feel human again.
Empathy, identity, and stress-management that transform the workplace from the inside out.
MEET
JAMES
BARNES
While other middle schoolers were busy with sports or video games, James was hunting for any stage he could find; cafeterias, youth groups, talent shows, anywhere he could offer hope, humor, and tools for climbing out of the dark.
Because he knew the darkness firsthand.
As a teenager navigating depression, suicidal thoughts, and the sting of feeling “less than” because of undiagnosed ADHD and the quiet but terrifying truth that he was Transgender, James learned early how devastatingly lonely life can feel. And he learned something even more important: that empathy, self awareness, and genuine human presence can pull someone back into the light.
That belief and his love for public speaking became his life’s work.
For more than 25 years, James has been speaking to audiences, from Fortune 100 executives and C-suite conferences to universities and community leaders, reminding people of their humanity in rooms that often forget they have beating hearts in them. His specialty isn’t the typical leadership training that jumps straight to behavior change. James goes deeper. He helps people understand who they are before he ever talks about what they do. Because when leaders strengthen their core values, manage stress, and build self-awareness, they don’t just lead better, they become anchors for the people around them.
Beyond the stage, James coaches individuals who want to strengthen their voice, literally and figuratively. He teaches public speaking with the conviction that every person’s story carries weight and deserves to be heard. His personal development coaching blends his core-value work with practical stress management tools shaped by his own ADHD experience.
James brings the full weight of his lived experience to everything he does: a leadership speaker and coach who overcame suicidal ideation, a dad and husband learning to thrive with ADHD, and a Trans man who has spent his life building bridges across difference. His approach is practical, funny, heartfelt, and deeply human. Audiences routinely say they leave feeling more alive, braver, and connected; to themselves and to each other.
He has inspired thousands of leaders across some of the world’s most influential companies, and he continues to champion a culture of empathy, well-being, and authentic connection everywhere he speaks!
If your event needs a keynote that sparks real change—not with clichés, but with humanity—James Barnes is ready to bring the room back to life.
For bookings, contact James@motivatedbyjames.com.
“Watching James speak on stage was like watching an artist paint a picture!”
- Julie D.
WSPA CONFERENCE
Speeches
At 7 years old, I stared into the abyss. My 4 year old little sister was drowning right in front of me. Thankfully, I knew how to swim and saved her. And that day, I learned a far greater lesson: true leadership requires seeing beneath the surface and taking action.
Welcome to the S.W.I.M. Method. It's not just about staying afloat; it's about becoming a powerful force for hope, impact, and community!
You'll learn to:
S- Uncover Your Story: Understand your perspective, assumptions, and the driving force behind your leadership!
W-Wait & Listen: Develop the patience and communication skills needed to truly connect with your team. We’re talking actively listening, clarifying questions, and thinking critically. People don’t need a mirror, they want to feel understood!
I- Integrity That’s Unshakeable: Lead with authenticity and inspire trust in every interaction. Be your best friend who knows exactly what your core values are and how to build on them!
M- Manage Your Stress: Become a leader who is calm under pressure by using my life changing 1-2-3 Stress Free Method! I provide additional tools for ADHD individuals!
The S.W.I.M. Method isn't just about surviving, it's about thriving. It's about creating a ripple effect of empathy, resilience, and positive impact! Do you want to create a ripple effect at your next event?
DIVE INTO
EMPATHY
S.W.I.M. TO AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP!
FIRESIDE
CHAT
James will have a conversation with a host answering pre-determined questions about leadership, empathy, understanding, and the Transgender experience!
This is a more casual approach which can feel more warm and welcome while engaging employees & attendees versus a speech, but all of the main points in his keynote will still be touched on.
James will dive into his own personal experiences, create a flowing conversation full of vulnerability and authentic storytelling, leaving your audience with tools to make an impact!
Twilio, Gong, and Comcast have used this option and received outstanding feedback!
THE COST OF STRESS
(Amounts and side effects are from studies from the Mayo Clinic, American Psychological Association, and NIH)
THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE:
GIVING LEADERS TOOLS FOR STRESS INCREASES THEIR
EMPATHY WHICH DIRECTLY IMPACTS THOSE THEY LEAD.
The majority (86%) of employees
believe empathetic leadership boosts
morale while 87% of employees say
empathy is essential
to fostering an inclusive environment.
The main causes of workplace
stress are workload (39% of workers),
interpersonal issues (31%),
juggling work and personal
life (19%), and job security (6%).
More than 50% of workers
are not engaged at work
as a result of stress, leading
to a loss of productivity.
“Three in five adults (62%) said
they don’t talk about their
stress overall because they
don’t want to burden others”
As a motivational speaker and Trans man with ADHD, James Barnes teaches you and your audience how to reframe their assumptions of others, have clear communication skills, and manage their stress strategically! This is crucial for the stress and divide so many of us are feeling!
"James is such an articulate,
compassionate speaker."
Feedback from Gong speech
“James is one of the best speakers
I have ever worked with!”
Ben with Ring Central
Empathetic Leadership through the lens of a Trans man:
I believe if we create spaces in our lives to be authentic, we’re more capable of learning and making space for others which means more growth in our communities. If we understand our own relationship with masculinity and femininity then when people bring up pronouns or name changes we are able to better understand it. If we take care of our own mental health, we can have the capacity to support others. Whether it is through a Human Resource conference keynote, a company wide Trans education workshop, or an executive roundtable, I can empower you!
We are all leaders in our own lives, leading ourselves and then leading our families, friends, or co-workers in small and big ways. Raising our capacity for empathy, for others and ourselves, is crucial to being an ally, activism, and community growth!
EMPATHY WAS CREATED HERE:
Jeffrey- Integrated Marketing lead
“James led a presentation on behalf of True Colors – Del Monte’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, and brought really valuable and practical ways educating our group on how to become an advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Del Monte
Hailey- CPO
“This was such a wonderful way for Netrush to kick off Pride Month! Everyone came away with more knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, tools to be a better Allies.”
Netrush
Carly- Camp Director
“We loved having James at camp to do a training on Inclusive Leadership for our staff members. He provided a safe learning environment for our staff to ask questions and broaden their knowledge on how we should support our campers.”
Tamarack Camp
Charmagne - Senior
Paralegal
Zendesk
“The speech given by James, has enhanced our professional and leadership goals at Zendesk, as well as advancing our equality knowledge base!”
CONTACT JAMES:
