Who is Lucian James (to promise such things)?

1. I’ve been a strategist for 25 years. The roles have changed but the work has stayed the same - simplifying complexity, solving problems, and helping leaders and performers in intense environments to be more successful.

2. The first half of my career was in creative industries - as a television producer, and strategic planner. Developing talent, creating formats, and working with creative brands and agencies - LVMH, MTV, Sony, Cadillac, Harley Davidson, Coca-Cola, Ogilvy, Chiat/Day, others. I ran my own strategy agency for 15 years.

3. I’m a recovering academic, with a BA and MA in Modern Languages and Linguistics from Oxford University.

4. My work is particularly inspired by Zen philosophy, martial arts and other Japanese systems of thought. Japan offers what the 21st Century most needs: simplicity, intensity, clear thinking, focus, and fearless action.

5. Beyond Japan, I adapt tools from best practices in a range of other disciplines, including: sports psychology, systemic therapy, CBT, NLP, esoteric tricksters such as Gurdjieff, and all great strategists.

6. My style is rigorous, atypical, and focused on results. It’s not for everyone.

7. I was born on the Welsh borders. I now split my time between London, Paris and San Francisco. When I’m not working, I run long distance. My favorite marathons so far: Tokyo and Munich.