Hi – I’m Jim Vasconcellos. Youngest of 3 sons, born and raised in New Orleans. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I was taught early on if I wanted something bad enough then I needed to work for it.

At fourteen, I wanted a car, so I took my first job as a pot scrubber in a high-end restaurant. As a teen, the “wants” didn’t stop so I continued to work many jobs. I delivered newspapers, cut lawns, bussed tables, waited tables, loaded UPS delivery trucks, made and cut ice in an icehouse, sold clothes, pumped gas, did maintenance work for a hotel, served daiquiris in a bar, and other odd jobs.

In college, my focus shifted to finding my purpose. As I began pursuing a business degree, I worked for a bank in downtown Atlanta. That’s when I discovered my true interest. It was a fascination with the people side of business. The thought of developing and inspiring people in their career choice energized me! So, I changed my major into communications and set my sight on becoming a trainer for the bank. That came to fruition… and I loved it! But years went by and advancement was limited so I moved on.

My new role was in training for a data processing company. It came with a lot of promises for growth and advancement. I was excited. Yet I quickly became discouraged when I was passed up for roles which I was well-qualified and worked hard to achieve. So, I quit.

On the drive home, I was a bit anxious. How was I going to tell my wife I just quit my job? We had a new house and two young children to support and I had no job. It seemed crazy!

When I got home, my thoughts just poured out – jumbled but optimistic. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to take my discouragement and turn it into encouragement. I wanted to take my experience and my speaking skills and go out on my own as a contractor.

The entire time my wife listened patiently. Then she looked me in the eye and said, “Okay. I trust you. You got this.” That support made me determined. I quickly landed a contract delivering management seminars. And the journey moved to the next level.

After 20 years, a few countries, hundreds of cities, thousands of engagements, and two books later, I continue to listen to people’s needs and help them pursue better results.