Laurie J. James – A Lifelong Guide for Career Growth and Leadership

We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Laurie J. James as one of the 10 Most Acclaimed Women in Business, 2026.

Her journey in business began from a place of necessity. Years ago, when her rent was due and her job suddenly disappeared, she had no choice but to act fast. She started a typing service called Just Your Type, Inc. and slowly upgraded her tools, shifting from a typewriter to a computer and modern printer. As the economy changed, she adapted her services and moved from typing term papers to crafting résumés. Every challenge taught her how to turn difficult moments into new opportunities, a mindset that became the foundation of her long career.

A major turning point in her growth as a business leader came from earning certifications. She first pursued them to sharpen her skills, but they opened doors far bigger than she expected. These certifications led her to co-create the Professional Résumé Writing and Research Association in 2000. As its president, she brought together members from 19 countries. In 2005, the organization rebranded as Career Directors International, which still thrives today. Her leadership journey proved that small steps taken for self-improvement can lead to global impact.

In her early years, one of her biggest challenges was learning to charge what she was worth. She understood her craft well, but placing a confident price on her work took time and courage. With experience, she realized that confidence spreads. When she valued her own work, clients respected and trusted that value too.

Staying motivated through ups and downs has always been important to her. Résumé writing can be seasonal, with periods of high demand and periods of quiet. She learned to stay flexible by diversifying her work and never hesitating to take up a side gig when needed. This flexibility became her superpower. It kept her moving forward even when challenges appeared.

Her leadership style is built on strong personal values. Collaboration, innovation, integrity, ethics, transparency, accountability, respect, empathy, and humility have guided her decisions for over four decades. These values shape how she works, how she leads, and how she builds relationships.

She believes in building strong teams by taking on small tasks, encouraging others to take risks, and being open about her own weaknesses. She understands that many people hesitate because they compare themselves to experienced professionals. By sharing her own experiences, celebrating both small and large achievements, and laughing at her own mistakes, she creates a supportive environment. This approach encourages her teams to grow with confidence and resilience.

For women who want to succeed in business today, she highlights the importance of resilience, consistency, and intuition. She has learned to ignore doubts and negativity, to take bold but thoughtful risks, and to surround herself with supportive people. One example of this mindset was when she convinced PRWRA members to partner with a résumé software company. Nearly everyone resisted the idea at first, but it later brought global visibility and success to the organisation.

Flexibility is a superpower that keeps motivation strong even when challenges appear.

She balances innovation with stability by staying flexible. After completing career projects, she shifts her focus to her Mary Kay business, where she experiments with new marketing ideas. This creative balance keeps her motivated and helps her maintain steady income while staying open to new possibilities.

Trust building is central to her work. She believes in showing up, listening carefully, and helping without expecting anything in return. Even after retirement, she helped a long-time client with his résumé simply because he needed guidance, and he went on to secure his dream job. She also remembers the influence of her father, who encouraged her to trust in her own potential from the very beginning.

She stays updated in her field by embracing technology, attending conferences, networking, and staying curious. Every interaction and new tool becomes an opportunity to learn and grow.

Mentorship has played an important role in her life, beginning with her first mentor, Dr. Nelda Spinks. Today, she continues that cycle by mentoring student-athletes and young adults who seek clarity in their career paths.

Her advice to young women is simple: chaos can create opportunity. She turned a series of hurricanes into a successful Mary Kay career by trusting her instincts and following her passion. She believes that any idea, when nurtured with courage and creativity, can grow into something extraordinary.

She hopes her legacy will inspire others to dream boldly, act with integrity, and build meaningful careers. Her life’s work stands as a reminder that purpose, passion, and perseverance can create opportunities not only for oneself but for future generations as well.

Confidence in your value is contagious, and when you believe in your work, clients believe in it too.