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I've been a private advisor to business and world leaders for more than a decade. With…
Articles by James Michael
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29K followers
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James Michael Sama shared thisPeople instantly "rank" you the moment that they see you. I know this is a taboo topic that we hate to admit is true...but, well...it is. The human brain processes multiple inputs that it gets from you...how you choose to dress, how you walk, talk, treat them, how confident you appear. And then, it compiles those inputs into a story about you that it perceives as truth. That person subsequently treats you in accordance with that story. Is the way we perceive and interpret status always fair? No. Is it the reality of our world? Always.
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James Michael Sama shared thisIt was an honor to be back speaking at my alma mater (Suffolk University) for the second year in a row. And of course I had to visit my good friend Sean Garballey at the Massachusetts State House next door. Special thanks to Jaida Fonfield and Dr. Tamara Stenn for having me back!
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James Michael Sama shared thisIt's true now more than ever that you are a brand. Every interaction people have with you creates a story in their mind about how trustworthy you are, what your values are, whether they want to work with you, be friends with you, or date you... The good news is, you are in full control of the image you want to project to the world. Just make sure it's genuine, because when it isn't, the world will always find out eventually.
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James Michael Sama shared thisIt’s amazing to think that in its prime, this website was generating more than 700,000 unique visitors PER DAY through completely organic traffic. Up until a few days ago, it had been years since I posted on or even updated it, as I mostly write on other platforms now. The funny thing is that even now, 500 - 1,000 visitors still pass through every single day, simply through the SEO provided by 187 pages of articles I've written. I've begun making some tweaks and publishing some new work on here. This website is what literally launched my career, and I intend to honor it by keeping it fresh.
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James Michael Sama posted thisLooking forward to speaking at my alma mater, Suffolk University for the 2nd year in a row this coming Monday for the "Employers in Residence" event. Each spring, this course brings together business professionals and entrepreneurs to help first-year business students build early networking skills and explore career pathways. This year’s program invites both innovative ventures and professionals with entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial experience to share industry insights and engage in meaningful conversations with students. Last year was a great experience and it's an honor to have been invited back once again.
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James Michael Sama posted thisI believe that when you accept the responsibility of being a provider, every conscious decision you make must be in support of that duty. Those you provide for (children, spouse, all, or other) are trusting you to prioritize their needs, and any decision that jeopardizes your ability to meet those needs is a betrayal of that trust. This may sound extreme to some, but anyone providing for a family knows the weight of the responsibility warrants such a serious focus. "But what about the wants and needs of the provider?" The answer is simple: Work harder. Work hard enough to gain a surplus beyond necessity, and in that surplus, one finds luxuries and novelties. "That sounds like too much pressure." Then, don't do it. Not everyone will make the decision to be a provider. Most people would probably crack open like an egg under the pressure. But, for those who do, the responsibilities are clear. There is, however, an upside: You will never be more driven or focused on elevating yourself and your abilities than you are when others are relying on you. There simply is no other option but to innovate, to excel, to create, to conquer. Pressure provides you with the opportunity to find out what you're really made of. That is an honor in itself.
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James Michael Sama shared thisFor more than a decade, I've served as a private advisor to hundreds of the world's highest achievers. CEOs, executives, physicians, attorneys, government officials, entrepreneurs... When a fresh perspective is needed on a challenge, I get the call. When a relationship problem needs to be navigated, I get the call. When a pivotal shift happens in one's life and they need to stay grounded and focused, I get the call. When a leader needs to communicate more effectively to their team, I get the call. If a "secret weapon" in your back pocket would ease the burdens of life while creating more streamlined and efficient strategies for succeeding within it...let's talk. Schedule a private call with me at the link in the first comment.
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James Michael Sama posted thisA note on marketing: Since childhood, I've been reading Robb Report. Almost as much as the articles, I carefully examine all of the advertisements for inspiration in my own personal work as my private clientele aligns with the magazine's readership. This month I noticed something interesting: A bright red page with lots of text that is littered with Em dashes. If you keep up with AI, you know why I'm bringing this up. Notoriously, ChatGPT written content is easily recognized by use of Em dashes. Now, I've been using these in my writing long before ChatGPT existed, but I've consciously stopped as I don't want to give the wrong impression. It's surprising to me that a service such as the one being advertised here, would print an ad in such a publication, that is literally covered in these symbols. Was this ad written by AI? Maybe, or maybe not. But, their presence immediately raises the question and, in my opinion, dilutes the entire message of the service. Right off the bat I am less interested in the company and more curious about whether they were too lazy to write this themselves. Another note: There are blatant typos as well. "Health living" rather than "healthy living" for example. If they can't pay attention to detail in an advertisement, why does the reader think they'll do so when providing a premium service? When you're marketing a product, service, or most of all...YOURSELF, it is absolutely key to be vigilant about each small individual detail. It's not always what you intend to project that gets heard, seen, or read...but the lens through which it lands with the recipient. Both must be equally considered and tailored to.
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James Michael Sama shared thisHere’s your sign to ignore the negative self-talk and keep pushing forward until you achieve success.
James Michael Sama commented on a post
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Thanks so much for having me back again, it’s always such a great experience and inspiring to see the ambition in these future leaders. Looking forward to more opportunities to contribute!
James Michael Sama commented on a post
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It was an honor to be back speaking for the 2nd year in a row, a particularly special experience as an alumni. Thank you again for having me!
James Michael Sama replied to a comment
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Satar Mohammadi fantastic meeting you Satar! You are destined for great things, communication is key!
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James Michael Sama liked thisJames Michael Sama liked thisThe Harvard Club of Boston has officially launched the search for its next Chief Membership Officer. Please share the position profile with anyone who may be interested in learning more about the role and the organization: https://lnkd.in/eZMRPmtE
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James Michael Sama reacted on thisJames Michael Sama reacted on thisBig shout out to Lisa Paglia, Eileen Riestra, Rob Sarnie, James Michael Sama, Haley Cormier, Shaun P. Stimpson, Cameron Knight, cara Laffredo and Michael Sattler for visiting our SBS104 Innovative Teaming course at Suffolk University - Sawyer Business School and sharing your amazing entrepreneurship journeys with us. The students felt inspired by your authenticity and grit. It really helped the to widen view to all that is possible. Thank you Jaida Fonfield and the Career Center for making this happen. #SuffolkUniversity #SBS
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James Michael Sama liked thisJames Michael Sama liked thisThe “AI” bot outreach on LinkedIn is some of the most embarrassing marketing happening right now. The templates and pitches are completely predictable. I get 25+ messages a day, and they all sound exactly the same. If these people could see how identical they are, they might rethink what they’re doing. I would never do business with someone who approaches me like this. And the worst offenders are the “business growth coaches”... really? If you can’t be authentic and just be yourself, why would I even consider engaging with you? Honestly, I feel embarrassed for a lot of these people. The problem is, they’ll never realize it because they have no idea who they’re actually reaching out to. #linkedinspam #marketingfail #growthhack #beauthentic
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James Michael Sama liked thisJames Michael Sama liked thisI created the President’s Club over 20 years ago when I was the COO of the Revolution. There was a mini revolt from the purists. I know we were the first in the MLS (perhaps in all of Soccer) to put seats on the pitch. I am very pleased that the vision is still going strong and it is one of the most coveted seats for a Revolution game. #GoDo
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James Michael Sama reacted on thisJames Michael Sama reacted on this🎊🤝Conversations, Connections, and Community - this is what Employers in Residence is all about! This week in collaboration with Suffolk University Center for Career Equity, Development & Success, Suffolk University Center for Entrepreneurship (Shari L.S. Worthington, PhD, Dr. Tamara Stenn, Chaim Letwin, Joe Nigro) and Startup Boston (Stephanie Roulic), we hosted a two-day roundtable networking experience impacting over 350+ first-year Sawyer Business School students with 30+ business professionals and entrepreneurs for them to engage with. Thank you to everyone for your valuable contributions to this experience! Shweta Agrawal, Jennifer Byrd, Haley Cormier, Ann DeLuca, CPA, Niru Dhawan, MBA, Michael Dwyer, Edward Galan, Dr. Charmain Jackman, Ph.D., Helen Joseph, Sophia Kambanis, Cameron Knight, MBA, Aishwarya Kothari, Brandon Kou, Jason Kraus, Cara Loffredo, Matthew Martino, William O'Connell, Michelle Miller, EdD, Lisa Paglia, Zheina Pramatarova, Eileen Riestra, James Michael Sama, James T., Rob Sarnie, Michael Sattler, Shaun P. Stimpson, Sheila Walsh, Chuck Goldstone, Adam W. Barney ✨Special thanks to Sarah Burrows for keeping the ball rolling while I was away and James Hubbard for hopping in this year for a session!
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James Michael Sama liked thisJames Michael Sama liked thisOld power is closed off and closely guarded. New power is open and operates like a current—and is most forceful when it surges. https://s.hbr.org/4c0saGe
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James Michael Sama liked thisJames Michael Sama liked thisWhat does it take to become the leader of tomorrow? In Mistakes Over Failure Season 4, co-hosts Dr. Christine Crawford and Debby Carreau, alongside fellow YPO members, unpack the missteps, breakthroughs and lessons shaping the leaders of the future. Hear how today’s CEOs are evolving, what they’ve learned along the way and how they’re building lasting impact in a constantly changing world. Subscribe on YouTube to watch all the episodes: https://on.ypo.org/4c3eMBk #YPO #MistakesOverFailure #YPOShapingTheFuture #Podcast
Experience & Education
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The Round Table
View James Michael’s full experience
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Volunteer Experience
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Leadership Coach
Babson College
- Present 10 years 7 months
Education
Volunteer leadership coach for the Babson College Coaching for Training and Leadership Program, where I observe and coach undergraduate students in order to help their presenting skills, body language, self-awareness, and confidence prior to their entry into the workforce.
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Entrepreneurship Speaker
Suffolk University
- Present 1 year 2 months
Education
Volunteer speaker and coach at the Suffolk University "Startup in Residence" program multiple years running.
Publications
Projects
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Esco Advisors Video Blog
See projectVideo presentation for multiple clients, this particular selection discusses Illinois weighing its options in the face of a potential nuclear plant closing.
Honors & Awards
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Best Male Blog 2015
The Indie Chicks
Award voted on by the public for the best male blog of 2015. 2nd time winner, also won in 2014.
Organizations
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American Marketing Association
Member
- Present
Recommendations received
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