I’ve spent my career in some of the world’s most unforgiving environments, tracking, filming, and telling the incredible stories of animals that face impossible odds. That work has earned BAFTAs and an EMMY. But what I bring to the stage isn’t just stunning visuals and wildlife drama — it’s a lens that highlights the parallels between personal and business life.

I translate those lessons into stories that resonate with anyone who has ever had to make a tough call, build a team, or navigate uncertainty. The boardroom and the jungle have more in common than you’d think.

The natural world connects with the human world in powerful and often surprising ways. Through a range of compelling themes — tailored to suit business, educational, or creative audiences — my talks draw clear parallels between animal behaviour and the subjects that matter most: teamwork, leadership, strategy, and resilience.

Nature has been running that masterclass for millions of years. The stories it tells are more relevant to the challenges we face today than most boardrooms would care to admit.

Close encounters with dangerous animals, the realities of filming in some of the world’s most remote locations, and first-hand accounts of leading expeditions through hazardous environments — navigating unpredictable climates, dangerous wildlife, and at times, even more challenging human dynamics.

Exploring failure, risk, and perseverance with honesty — because the most powerful lessons rarely come from the moments that go to plan. Delivered with humour and wit, James’s stories range from the profound to the gloriously absurd — from who’d win in a fight between a shark and a crocodile, to getting attacked by piranha, a snake and a swarm of fire ants, breakfast in bed with a broadcasting legend, and how to remove a leech from the more sensitive areas of the body.

Beyond the keynote stage, James speaks to schools and universities on the craft of filmmaking — from cinematography to visual storytelling. His work spans traditional blue-chip natural history films, giant screen productions including the Sphere, VR experiences, and social media content. As head of the BBC Natural History Unit’s digital team, he brought wildlife content to over a billion people globally.

As former head of the NHU Dive Team, underwater filmmaking remains one of James’s core specialist areas, with talks delivered at institutions including the Royal Geographic Society, Galapagos Trust, Whale Fest and the North Carolina Maritime Museum.