Dr. James Rodgers, PHD, FIMC

Dr. James O. Rodgers has practiced diversity management as an enterprise performance tool for more than 35 years. He is recognized by his colleagues as one of the leading strategists and the #1 thought leader in the field of diversity management. He is known as “The Diversity Coach,” and is CEO of J O Rodgers.

James has been a behind-the-scenes advisor to leaders in more than 300 major enterprises including The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Power, BellSouth (now AT&T), ThyssenKrupp Elevator, and not-for-profits including YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the High Museum of Art. Internationally, he has been a trusted advisor for global brands such as J&J, IBM, BP Amoco, and Chevron Texaco.

James is known internationally as a leader in the field. His published writings are read around the globe in places like the UK, Australia, India, the Philippines, and South America. He is the author of “Managing Differently: Getting 100% from 100% of Your People 100% of the Time.” “Managing Differently” has been called the most practical approach to diversity and management and is frequently used as source material for MBA courses.

His new book, “Diversity Training That Generates Real Change: Inclusive Approaches That Benefit Individuals, Business, and Society,” fills in the gap of understanding about the intent, history, and commercial value of diversity and inclusion (D&I).

In addition to his current role as executive coach to C-Suite executives, James serves as director of the Executive Academy of ITSMF. His mission is to “build leaders of color for a changing world.” His value to the aspiring leaders is based on his own executive career, his work as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, and his role as board leader for several high-profile nonprofits including Habitat for Humanity and the High Museum of Art. In every board position, Dr. Rodgers improved the performance of the organizations in measurable ways.