Today we’d like to introduce you to James Pacey.
Hi James, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My interest in teaching and mentoring others was formulated during my college years. I was a resident assistant and assistant dorm director, while pursuing a degree in Physical Education. Fast forward to my professional career in the YMCA, I continued my journey of teaching. I became a national trainer and realized how much I enjoyed training and helping people transform. I was chosen to be in the very first cohort of a new training called “Leading and Coaching Others.” That is where I first acquired and developed the skills of Emotional Intelligence and realized they align with how I try to live my life. I had found my passion.
After 38 years, starting four grassroots YMCA’s in four different parts of the country, I had developed a strong coaching background and extensive nonprofit experience. In 2018, I went out on my own as Pacey Consulting & Coaching, which focuses on Implementing EI knowledge and skills, connecting with and training individuals, groups and organizations on board development, fundraising, budgeting, and strategic planning.
Wanting to know more about how neuroscience combined with EI, I completed a Neuroscience Coaching & Leadership certification through OptiMind Neuroscience Coaching & Training Institute.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like the leadership principles I help others discover, it’s rarely a smooth road. Consulting has its ups and downs and can be a challenging road to pursue. Finding the right niche and clientele has been both rewarding and, at times, messy. After 8 years of trying to find my way, I feel like I’m finally hitting my stride as a coach and consultant. Fortunately, I have not had to be solely reliant on my consulting and coaching business financially. This gives me tremendous freedom to pick and choose who I work with and what I do. Additionally, I’m fortunate to have contacts over the years that have steered me in the right direction to utilize my skills as a workshop leader and a professional coach.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My passion for staying in shape and being in the outdoors is a great way for me to relate coaching and mentoring others. Each presents its own challenges physically, mentally and spiritually. Through my workshops and coaching, I try to bring to life the theory and research to practical applications, particularly in the nonprofit world of leading. My successes and failures (experiences) have shaped me as a leader and my joy comes in sharing my own experiences and research with others. I continue to read and research leadership ideas as a backdrop for my approach with others. I probably learn more from my clients and participants than they do! Like James Clear writes in Atomic Habits, we should aspire to a 1% improvement every day.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Kindness and learning are two of my most precious values. Kindness leads to empathy and understanding that we all come from different sets of circumstances and what works for me may not work for you and vice-versa. I’m not about fixing anyone, but hopefully leading them to a better version of themselves. Learning is a passion to challenge myself and practice what I preach, to be a better version of myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paceyconsulting.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaceyConsulting/about/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-pacey-04a405a/
