James Rodgers

“The Diversity Coach,” is a leading strategist in diversity management with over 35 years of experience advising top executives globally. Through his impactful writings, executive coaching, and leadership in non-profits, he is dedicated to building inclusive leaders and creating real change for individuals, businesses, and society.

Books

DIVERSITY TRAINING THAT GENERATES CHANGE

Language (s)

English

Travels From

USA

Engagement Fee

$20,000-25,000 domestically

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Biography

Dr. James O. Rodgers has practiced diversity management as an enterprise performance tool for over 35 years. He is recognized by his colleagues as one of the leading strategists and the #1 thought leader in the field of diversity management. He is known as “The Diversity Coach.”

Dr. Rodgers has been a behind-the-scenes advisor to leaders in over 300 major enterprises including The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Power, BellSouth (now AT&T) and ThyssenKrupp Elevator N.A. and, not-for-profits including YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the High Museum of Art. Internationally, he has been a trusted advisor for global brands such as J&J, IBM, BP Amoco, and Chevron Texaco.

Dr. Rodgers is known internationally as a leader in the field. His published writings are read across the globe in places like UK, Australia, India, the Philippines, and South America. He has been quoted in major media outlets like NYT, Financial Times of London, Chicago Tribune, AJC, and WSJ. He is the author of Managing Differently: Getting 100% from 100% of your people 100% of the Time. Managing Differently has been called the most practical approach to diversity and management and is frequently used as source material for MBA courses.

His new book, Diversity Training That Generates Real Change: inclusive approaches that benefit individuals, business, and society fills in the gap of understanding about the intent, history, and commercial value of diversity and inclusion (D&I).

In addition to his current role as executive coach to C-Suite executives, Dr. Rodgers serves as Director of the Executive Academy of ITSMF. His mission is to “build leaders of color for a changing world.” His value to the aspiring leaders is based on his own executive career, his work as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, and his role as board leader for several high-profile non-profits including Habitat for Humanity and the High Museum of Art. In every board position Dr. Rodgers improved the performance of the organizations in measurable ways.

Dr. Rodgers is a frequent speaker at conferences and corporate retreats. He has published over 200 articles including his latest entitled Who Should Lead Diversity and Inclusion: Not Who You Think (Leader-to-Leader journal September 2022). Dr. Rodgers is a member of the 100Coaches Community started by his friend Marshall Goldsmith and is committed to changing the world for the greater good.

He was recently elected to be a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC-USA). The Fellow of the Institute is the highest honor awarded in the management consulting profession.

James is also a spiritual teacher and a serial non-profit leader. His second book, “Epiphany: Finding Truth without Losing Faith” is designed to change the conversation about religious diversity.

Jim has also given back by leading numerous community non-profits.

• He chaired Metropolitan Ecumenical Ministries (Newark, NJ) and returned it from the brink of extinction to a thriving social services agency supported by a dozen large corporations and multiple diverse religious denominations.

• He chaired the Citizens Committee of the Birmingham Regional Planning Committee and restored its credibility as an advocate for citizen input.

• He chaired Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta and increased annual builds from 15 to 65 and established Atlanta as the premier Habitat affiliate.

• He served as Vice-Chair of the High Museum of Art and helped to establish the High as a Top 5 art museum in membership and audience.

• He served as a Trustee of Literacy Action and supported a movement to increase collaboration between literacy providers in order to have greater impact on an increasing challenge (adult functional illiteracy).

James Rodgers in Action

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Testimonials

“Dr. Rodgers is a visionary in the field of diversity management, his insights have transformed the way we approach inclusion in our organization.”

“Working with Dr. Rodgers was a game-changer for our leadership team. His practical approach to diversity and inclusion has had a lasting impact on our organization.”

“James’ expertise and guidance have been invaluable in shaping our diversity initiatives. His dedication to creating positive change is truly inspiring.”