James Jones

When people ask me what I do, I usually say I’m a business consultant and executive coach. But lately, I’ve been adding something new to that description: storyteller.

The photo you might have seen of me recently, sitting across from Brian Tracy, camera on tripod between us, represents one of those moments in life where everything comes full circle. Here I was, interviewing a man whose books and teachings have influenced millions, including myself early in my career.

A Full Circle Moment

I’ll be honest: I was nervous.

After thirty years in business, having worked across multiple continents and industries, having coached executives and led major organizational transformations, I still felt that flutter of anticipation before pressing record. Because this wasn’t just any interview. This was Brian Tracy.

For those unfamiliar, Brian is a legend in the personal development and business world. He’s authored over 80 books, spoken to millions worldwide, and has spent over four decades helping people unlock their potential. His insights on goal-setting, time management, and sales psychology have shaped how countless leaders—myself included—approach their work.

And there I was, sitting in his beautiful California home, about to have a conversation I’d been looking forward to for months.

Why I Started Documenting Leadership Stories

This interview is part of something I’ve become increasingly passionate about: capturing the real stories of leadership. Not the polished keynote speeches or the carefully curated social media posts, but honest, unfiltered conversations about what it actually takes to build a life of impact.

After three decades in leadership roles, I’ve learned the technical aspects: strategy, operations, project management. Those are actually the easy parts. What’s hard is the human element. The persistence required when everyone tells you your idea won’t work. The discipline to keep showing up when results seem distant. The wisdom to know which opportunities to pursue and which to decline.

These lessons don’t come from textbooks. They come from people who’ve lived them.

What Brian Tracy Taught Me (Again)

Even though I’ve read Brian’s work and heard him speak before, sitting across from him in person revealed dimensions I hadn’t grasped from books alone.

What struck me most was his authenticity. Here’s someone who has achieved extraordinary success by any measure, yet he spoke with genuine humility about his journey. He talked about the early struggles, the failures, the moments of doubt. He shared principles he’s held onto for decades and areas where his thinking has evolved.

One insight that particularly resonated: Brian spoke about how success isn’t about doing extraordinary things, it’s about doing ordinary things extraordinarily well, consistently, over long periods of time. At 81, he’s living proof of the compound effect of disciplined daily action.

We discussed leadership in a changing world, the timeless principles that never change despite technological disruption, and what he’s learned about human potential after working with people across every continent. His perspectives on mentorship, continuous learning, and staying relevant across generations aligned deeply with my own philosophy.

The Power of Listening

Being on the other side of the camera has been humbling and illuminating. When you’re the one asking the questions, truly listening without an agenda, you pick up on nuances you’d miss in a typical consulting engagement or even a casual conversation.

I noticed how Brian chose his words carefully, not from uncertainty, but from precision, the result of decades spent crafting messages that change lives. I observed his energy and sharpness, a reminder that continuous learning truly does keep the mind young. I appreciated his generosity in sharing not just what worked, but also what he’d do differently if starting today.

By the end of our conversation, I had filled pages with notes, not just for the video project, but for my own continued growth. Because that’s the beautiful thing about conversations like these: even after thirty years in business, I’m still learning. And I hope I never stop.

Why This Matters

I’m sharing this not to name-drop (though I’m genuinely honored to have had this opportunity), but because it represents something important: the transfer of wisdom from one generation to the next.

Brian Tracy has spent his career helping people achieve their goals and unlock their potential. Now, as I work with emerging leaders and established executives navigating new challenges, I see my role as continuing that legacy, not by simply repeating what others have taught, but by synthesizing insights from masters like Brian with my own experiences and making them relevant for today’s leaders.

These video conversations I’m conducting will eventually become a resource, a library of real-world insights from people who’ve been in the trenches, built remarkable careers, and have wisdom worth preserving. But even if they only serve to deepen my own understanding and make me more effective in my coaching practice, they’ll have been worth it.

The Ongoing Journey

After three decades in leadership, I’m more convinced than ever that we never “arrive.” There’s always another level of understanding to reach, another perspective to consider, another lesson to integrate.

Sitting with Brian Tracy reminded me of that. Here’s someone who has every right to rest on his laurels, yet he continues to write, speak, and contribute. His curiosity remains sharp. His commitment to helping others hasn’t wavered.

That’s the kind of leadership legacy I want to build, not one that peaks and plateaus, but one that continues growing, learning, and giving back.

So yes, I’m a business consultant and executive coach. But increasingly, I see my role as a bridge, connecting the wisdom of those who’ve traveled far with those just beginning their journey, and documenting the insights that might otherwise be lost.

And sometimes, when I’m really fortunate, I get to sit across from legends and capture their stories for others to learn from.

Thank you, Brian, for your generosity, your wisdom, and for reminding me why this work matters.

The full interview with Brian Tracy will be released soon. If you want to be notified when it’s available, drop your email below and I’ll add you to the waiting list.