With over 25 years of experience coaching senior leaders across the globe, Jim Rees stands as a powerful voice in emotional intelligence and mindset mastery. From his early days in the pharmaceutical world to becoming a solo entrepreneur, author, and endurance athlete, Jim’s journey reflects resilience, vulnerability, and an unwavering commitment to human potential. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature his story—one that inspires our 5M+ community to lead with strength, compassion, and emotional awareness in a rapidly changing world.
Q: What inspired your journey into coaching?
A: I originally worked in the pharmaceutical industry with AstraZeneca before discovering coaching through a global organization called Speakers International. That experience opened the door to my passion for helping people grow. After three years, I stepped out as a solo entrepreneur, and for the last 22 years I’ve focused on leadership coaching, emotional intelligence, and executive performance. My personal adventures—like competing in the Race Across America four times—have shaped my philosophy on mindset and human endurance.
Q: What challenges did you face while establishing yourself as a leadership coach?
A: The biggest challenge was consistently bringing in new clients. As a solo entrepreneur, you’re constantly selling yourself—through networking, social media, and staying visible. Referrals and strong client feedback have supported me over the years, but adapting to the constant need for self-promotion was something I hadn’t expected early on.
Q: What milestones are you most proud of?
A: Being invited to speak for organizations like the Institute of Leadership, writing four books—including my latest, Vicious Cycle, which required deep vulnerability—and sharing my personal story openly. That book reflects both my professional insights and my personal journey of taking responsibility and growing through life’s difficult moments.
Q: What is your perspective on women in leadership today?
A: Women continue to face systemic challenges—they’re often overlooked for senior roles despite remarkable capability. Historically, leadership has been shaped by a male-dominated world, and while change is happening, it’s slow. Emotional intelligence is a powerful leadership advantage, and in many cases, women bring strengths in this area that are equal to or greater than their male counterparts. Organizations need to create space for this strength to flourish.
Q: What message do you have for future women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs?
A: The world needs more of the feminine touch—more compassion, more nurturing leadership, more emotional intelligence. We are becoming less human in decision-making, especially in large organizations. Women have a natural ability to bring humanity back into leadership. The future will benefit tremendously from that.
Q: How do you define success?
A: Success is balance. Many senior leaders I coach are stuck on the corporate treadmill—chasing titles, money, and expectations—often at the cost of their health and relationships. Most leaders I’ve worked with need to slow down, recalibrate, and respond with greater intention. True success is about balance, awareness, and consciously choosing how you show up.
“Slow down, be conscious in your decision-making, and cultivate balance—because your mindset determines how you lead and how you live.”
Connect with Jim Rees
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