Hi, I'm James Gray
Former Microsoft data executive, ex-CIO, and now fractional leader, coach, and course creator. I help leaders out-innovate their markets through data mastery, AI fluency, and elite performance habits.
Why I Do This Work
Over ten years at Microsoft, I built, operated, and scaled global analytics platforms that powered multi-billion-dollar decisions. I learned that the gap between AI potential and business reality isn't technical—it's human.
Most organizations chase shiny technology without the leadership rigor or data foundation to extract value. I believe technology innovation + people innovation = business innovation—and the constraint is rarely the tech; it's the leader's clarity, focus, and execution muscle.
My mission is to give you both the technical edge and the inner-game advantage so you can scale results—not just models.
How I Can Help You
Consulting & Fractional Leadership
On-demand C-level guidance to architect, launch, and scale data and AI initiatives—without full-time cost.
Executive & Professional Coaching
Certified leadership and performance coaching that helps you hit aggressive goals through disciplined accountability and AI-powered productivity.
Courses & Workshops
Hands-on programs that compress a year of learning into weeks, blending practical AI skills with personal strategy.
What Drives My Work
Curiosity Fuels Breakthroughs
Questions before code. The best solutions start with deep understanding.
Execution Wins
Ideas die without disciplined follow-through. High-performance execution is non-negotiable.
Empathy Unlocks Adoption
Technology only scales when humans believe in it. People first, always.
Strategic Focus Compounds
Do the vital few, ignore the trivial many. Clarity beats complexity.
Background & Expertise
A blend of enterprise leadership, academic rigor, and hands-on technical expertise.
Chief Product Officer, Chief Information Officer, and Data Executive experience
10 years building, operating, and scaling analytics platforms at Microsoft
MBA from the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley
Master of Information and Data Science from UC Berkeley
Berkeley Haas ExecEd Learning Facilitator for Data Strategy and AI courses
Certified Leadership and Performance Coach — Brown University
AWS and Microsoft Azure certified