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
Push the Frontier
Continuous learning and exploration drive everything. The best leaders stay curious, embrace the unknown, and never let fear stand between them and what's next.
High Performance
Evolve to Your Full Potential
A relentless commitment to continuous evolution. Operating at full potential isn't a destination—it's a discipline of constant growth, adaptability, and raising the bar.
Empathy
People First, Always
Trust and strong relationships start with understanding. Creating supportive environments where current and future leaders can thrive.
Strategic
Vision Meets Execution
Deep expertise and practical experience to navigate digital transformation. Integrating data, AI, and systems in ways that drive growth and competitive advantage.
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