Pre-Release copies going fast

Get on the
waitlist now!

Get on the
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Sustaining Leadership is the new framework for fusing emotional intelligence, AI, and global business. Copies will be released on November 13th, 2025. With your copy of the book you also get exclusive and private community conversations through the Sustaining Leadership Academy. 

Sustaining Leadership is the new framework for fusing emotional intelligence, AI, and global business. Copies will be released on November 13th, 2025. With your copy of the book you also get exclusive and private community conversations through the Sustaining Leadership Academy. 

Sustaining Leadership is the new framework for fusing emotional intelligence, AI, and global business. Copies will be released on November 13th, 2025. With your copy of the book you also get exclusive and private community conversations through the Sustaining Leadership Academy. 

Yes, Save My Spot

Yes, Save My Spot

Yes, Save My Spot

Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle,

Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle,

Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle,

Senior Research Scientist,
Yale Center for 


Emotional Intelligence

Senior Research Scientist,
Yale Center for 


Emotional Intelligence

Senior Research Scientist,
Yale Center for 


Emotional Intelligence

“James Nicholas Kinney doesn’t preach. He doesn’t posture. He writes from a life lived at the intersection of performance and purpose, burnout and breakthrough. As a global Chief People Officer, a double-certified AI strategist, and a trusted voice in the world of business transformation, Kinney has sat in the rooms where leadership happens—and too often, where it falls apart.”

“James Nicholas Kinney doesn’t preach. He doesn’t posture. He writes from a life lived at the intersection of performance and purpose, burnout and breakthrough. As a global Chief People Officer, a double-certified AI strategist, and a trusted voice in the world of business transformation, Kinney has sat in the rooms where leadership happens—and too often, where it falls apart.”

“James Nicholas Kinney doesn’t preach. He doesn’t posture. He writes from a life lived at the intersection of performance and purpose, burnout and breakthrough. As a global Chief People Officer, a double-certified AI strategist, and a trusted voice in the world of business transformation, Kinney has sat in the rooms where leadership happens—and too often, where it falls apart.”

What Executives are saying

What Executives are saying

What Executives are saying

Photo-of-the-Designer
Photo-of-the-Designer
Photo-of-the-Designer

James Nicholas Kinney

James
Nicholas
Kinney

James
Nicholas
Kinney

Summary
James Nicholas Kinney is a globally recognized, author, leadership expert and AI strategist. A Chief People Officer and AI strategist in practice and a Chief Data and AI officer (July 2026).

Summary
James Nicholas Kinney is a globally recognized, author, leadership expert and AI strategist. A Chief People Officer and AI strategist in practice and a Chief Data and AI officer (July 2026).

Summary

James Nicholas Kinney is a globally recognized, author, leadership expert and AI strategist. A Chief People Officer and AI strategist in practice and a Chief Data and AI officer (July 2026).

Expertise
With elite training from Carnegie Mellon, MIT, and Wharton, Kinney advises mid to large size companies and governments. His expertise lies at the intersection of AI deployment and implementation, data, and human-centric transformation. He is one of the most trusted voices guiding leadership into the next era with clarity, candor, and compassion.

Expertise
With elite training from Carnegie Mellon, MIT, and Wharton, Kinney advises mid to large size companies and governments. His expertise lies at the intersection of AI deployment and implementation, data, and human-centric transformation. He is one of the most trusted voices guiding leadership into the next era with clarity, candor, and compassion.

Expertise

With elite training from Carnegie Mellon, MIT, and Wharton, Kinney advises mid to large size companies and governments. His expertise lies at the intersection of AI deployment and implementation, data, and human-centric transformation. He is one of the most trusted voices guiding leadership into the next era with clarity, candor, and compassion.

Recognition
A top-tier keynote speaker, Kinney was named "The Ad Industry’s Therapist" by Adweek." His work has been featured in:

• Harvard Business Review
• Adweek
• MSNBC
• Top 500 in AI by visionary CIO

Recognition
A top-tier keynote speaker, Kinney was named "The Ad Industry’s Therapist" by Adweek." His work has been featured in:

• Harvard Business Review
• Adweek
• MSNBC
• Top 500 in AI by visionary CIO

Recognition

A top-tier keynote speaker, Kinney was named "The Ad Industry’s Therapist" by Adweek." His work has been featured in:

• Harvard Business Review

• Adweek

• MSNBC

• Top 500 in AI by visionary CIO

Philosophy
AI is the biggest wave to come along in decades. We must fuse AI with EI (emotional intelligence) and business innovation to lead now and next.

Philosophy
AI is the biggest wave to come along in decades. We must fuse AI with EI (emotional intelligence) and business innovation to lead now and next.

Philosophy

AI is the biggest wave to come along in decades. We must fuse AI with EI (emotional intelligence) and business innovation to lead now and next.

Speaker & certifications

Speaker & certifications

Pre-Release copies going fast

Get on the
waitlist now!

Get on the
waitlist now!

Sustaining Leadership is the new framework for fusing emotional intelligence, AI, and global business. Copies will be released on November 13th, 2025. With your copy of the book you also get exclusive and private community conversations through the Sustaining Leadership Academy. 

Sustaining Leadership is the new framework for fusing emotional intelligence, AI, and global business. Copies will be released on November 13th, 2025. With your copy of the book you also get exclusive and private community conversations through the Sustaining Leadership Academy. 

Yes, Save My Spot

Yes, Save My Spot

Yes, Save My Spot

New Era Visionary

New Era Visionary

James Nicholas Kinney is one of the most 


consequential leadership minds of our time.

James Nicholas Kinney is one of the most 

consequential leadership minds of our time.

With a rare combination of technical fluency, emotional depth, and cultural insight, Kinney stands at the vanguard of a new era—where artificial intelligence, organizational trust, and human-centered transformation must converge for the world to move forward.

With a rare combination of technical fluency, emotional depth, and cultural insight, Kinney stands at the vanguard of a new era—where artificial intelligence, organizational trust, and human-centered transformation must converge for the world to move forward.

With a rare combination of technical fluency, emotional depth, and cultural insight, Kinney stands at the vanguard of a new era—where artificial intelligence, organizational trust, and human-centered transformation must converge for the world to move forward.

01 ——

Author of Sustaining Leadership

Rewriting the Language Model for Leadership, a groundbreaking book that reimagines how we lead in a world shaped by accelerating AI, mental health crises, and collapsing trust in institutions.

Innovation

Trust

Leadership

Resilience

01 ——

Author of Sustaining Leadership

Rewriting the Language Model for Leadership, a groundbreaking book that reimagines how we lead in a world shaped by accelerating AI, mental health crises, and collapsing trust in institutions.

Innovation

Trust

Leadership

Resilience

01 ——

Author of Sustaining Leadership

Rewriting the Language Model for Leadership, a groundbreaking book that reimagines how we lead in a world shaped by accelerating AI, mental health crises, and collapsing trust in institutions.

Innovation

Trust

Leadership

Resilience

02 ——

The Ad Industry’s Therapist

Recognized as the Ad Industry’s therapist by Ad Age in 2023, he stresses that AI is not just about automation; it’s about how it transforms workplaces, decision-making, and human interactions. For AI to truly drive progress, leaders must go beyond the technology itself and focus on its behavioral, psychological, and cultural impacts.

Empathy

Transformation

Behavior Impact

Driving progress

02 ——

The Ad Industry’s Therapist

Recognized as the Ad Industry’s therapist by Ad Age in 2023, he stresses that AI is not just about automation; it’s about how it transforms workplaces, decision-making, and human interactions. For AI to truly drive progress, leaders must go beyond the technology itself and focus on its behavioral, psychological, and cultural impacts.

Empathy

Transformation

Behavior Impact

Driving progress

02 ——

The Ad Industry’s Therapist

Recognized as the Ad Industry’s therapist by Ad Age in 2023, he stresses that AI is not just about automation; it’s about how it transforms workplaces, decision-making, and human interactions. For AI to truly drive progress, leaders must go beyond the technology itself and focus on its behavioral, psychological, and cultural impacts.

Empathy

Transformation

Behavior Impact

Driving progress

03 ——

Global Executive / Speaker / A.I. Trainer and Chief People Officer

In this multifaceted role, James emphasized that mental health is crucial infrastructure, not just a perk. He quotes that effective leadership involves knowing "what to stop doing" and fostering trust and clarity.

Wellbeing

Clarity

Trust

Effective Leading

03 ——

Global Executive / Speaker / A.I. Trainer and Chief People Officer

In this multifaceted role, James emphasized that mental health is crucial infrastructure, not just a perk. He quotes that effective leadership involves knowing "what to stop doing" and fostering trust and clarity.

Wellbeing

Clarity

Trust

Effective Leading

03 ——

Global Executive / Speaker / A.I. Trainer and Chief People Officer

In this multifaceted role, James emphasized that mental health is crucial infrastructure, not just a perk. He quotes that effective leadership involves knowing "what to stop doing" and fostering trust and clarity.

Wellbeing

Clarity

Trust

Effective Leading

04 ——

Education

2026 graduate of the Chief Data and AI Officer Program at Carnegie Mellon University (#1-ranked AI program in the US); advanced certifications from MIT’s AI Business Strategy Program and the Wharton Executive Education AI Leadership Program.

Excellence

Expertise

Innovation

Leadership

04 ——

Education

2026 graduate of the Chief Data and AI Officer Program at Carnegie Mellon University (#1-ranked AI program in the US); advanced certifications from MIT’s AI Business Strategy Program and the Wharton Executive Education AI Leadership Program.

Excellence

Expertise

Innovation

Leadership

04 ——

Education

2026 graduate of the Chief Data and AI Officer Program at Carnegie Mellon University (#1-ranked AI program in the US); advanced certifications from MIT’s AI Business Strategy Program and the Wharton Executive Education AI Leadership Program.

Excellence

Expertise

Innovation

Leadership

05 ——

Grounded Holistic Leadership

Kinney equips leaders—Fortune 100 to civic—to build trust and resilience. He champions ethical AI, sustainable rhythms, and purpose-driven design over burnout and fear, fostering conscious leadership.

Trust

Resilience

Ethical AI

Purpose-driven Design

05 ——

Grounded Holistic Leadership

Kinney equips leaders—Fortune 100 to civic—to build trust and resilience. He champions ethical AI, sustainable rhythms, and purpose-driven design over burnout and fear, fostering conscious leadership.

Trust

Resilience

Ethical AI

Purpose-driven Design

05 ——

Grounded Holistic Leadership

Kinney equips leaders—Fortune 100 to civic—to build trust and resilience. He champions ethical AI, sustainable rhythms, and purpose-driven design over burnout and fear, fostering conscious leadership.

Trust

Resilience

Ethical AI

Purpose-driven Design

06 ——

Media Features

Sought-after speaker and strategist whose insights have appeared in Harvard Business Review, CNN, and MSNBC—trusted sources that showcase his voice at the intersection of leadership, AI, and culture.

Credibility

Influence

Insight

Culture

06 ——

Media Features

Sought-after speaker and strategist whose insights have appeared in Harvard Business Review, CNN, and MSNBC—trusted sources that showcase his voice at the intersection of leadership, AI, and culture.

Credibility

Influence

Insight

Culture

06 ——

Media Features

Sought-after speaker and strategist whose insights have appeared in Harvard Business Review, CNN, and MSNBC—trusted sources that showcase his voice at the intersection of leadership, AI, and culture.

Credibility

Influence

Insight

Culture

07 ——

Impact

Advises leaders across industries—from finance to media to government. His work bridges the boardroom and the inner world, offering a deeply human roadmap to leadership in a time when systems are being rewritten—technologically, politically, and spiritually.

Guidance

Deeply Human Roadmaps

Adaptability

Leadership

07 ——

Impact

Advises leaders across industries—from finance to media to government. His work bridges the boardroom and the inner world, offering a deeply human roadmap to leadership in a time when systems are being rewritten—technologically, politically, and spiritually.

Guidance

Deeply Human Roadmaps

Adaptability

Leadership

07 ——

Impact

Advises leaders across industries—from finance to media to government. His work bridges the boardroom and the inner world, offering a deeply human roadmap to leadership in a time when systems are being rewritten—technologically, politically, and spiritually.

Guidance

Deeply Human Roadmaps

Adaptability

Leadership

08 ——

Personal

Alright, forget the corporate speak for a second. James isn’t just as suit throwing around buzzwords. He lives what he preaches, and he's a devoted father too, which changes everything. He's not just talking about "emotional intelligence" and "ethical AI" because it sounds good in a boardroom. No—he's actually out there, in his own life, building that foundation of real connection and unwavering purpose. Just like he's showing up for those grueling marathons or scaling mountains – that's the same deep-seated commitment he brings to making sure AI isn't just smart, but human. He fights for meaningful leadership because, well, that's just who he is.

Authenticity

Commitment

Connection

Fatherhood

08 ——

Personal

Alright, forget the corporate speak for a second. James isn’t just as suit throwing around buzzwords. He lives what he preaches, and he's a devoted father too, which changes everything. He's not just talking about "emotional intelligence" and "ethical AI" because it sounds good in a boardroom. No—he's actually out there, in his own life, building that foundation of real connection and unwavering purpose. Just like he's showing up for those grueling marathons or scaling mountains – that's the same deep-seated commitment he brings to making sure AI isn't just smart, but human. He fights for meaningful leadership because, well, that's just who he is.

Authenticity

Commitment

Connection

Fatherhood

08 ——

Personal

Alright, forget the corporate speak for a second. James isn’t just as suit throwing around buzzwords. He lives what he preaches, and he's a devoted father too, which changes everything. He's not just talking about "emotional intelligence" and "ethical AI" because it sounds good in a boardroom. No—he's actually out there, in his own life, building that foundation of real connection and unwavering purpose. Just like he's showing up for those grueling marathons or scaling mountains – that's the same deep-seated commitment he brings to making sure AI isn't just smart, but human. He fights for meaningful leadership because, well, that's just who he is.

Authenticity

Commitment

Connection

Fatherhood

Applause

  • Scott Domann

    Chief People Officer at Calm

    James is not only one of the first people I call to discuss all things cutting-edge in People and culture, he's someone who inspires me to innovate and make a difference in the world. There's no better person to have on your team or personal board of directors.

  • Karine Shahar

    Chief People Officer at Blumhouse Productions

    I’ve worked with James for years across many different industries and areas. He’s incredibly talented at building rapport with his team, managers, and partners. He’s collaborative, an incredible listener, and a speaker. Always invested and inspiring, James gives 200% to everything he does. He’s a wonderful and supportive executive coach and innovative leader. I continue to partner with James to do high-impact work and will do so throughout the rest of my career.

  • Qiana Patterson

    Venture Capitalist

    James is an authentic disruptor of the status quo. A leader, a great thinker, and an empathetic truth teller that seeks to examine the world in order to make it better for us as friends, colleagues, collaborators and so much more. He is the change we all deserve

  • Ameeth Sankaran

    CEO of Religion Sports

    James is an incredible speaker. He calls upon his impressively broad knowledge base of law, business, advertising, and the human experience to authentically engage with his audience. His style is all his own - engaging, accessible, and filled with compassion. It was an inspiring and eye opening experience for our team.

  • Mary Grundy

    EVP

    Many thanks to the incredible James Nicholas Kinney for investing your time and energy to develop, design and personally teach. The experience was inspiring and I so appreciate your support, advocacy and strategic insights.

  • Scott Domann

    Chief People Officer at Calm

    James is not only one of the first people I call to discuss all things cutting-edge in People and culture, he's someone who inspires me to innovate and make a difference in the world. There's no better person to have on your team or personal board of directors.

  • Karine Shahar

    Chief People Officer at Blumhouse Productions

    I’ve worked with James for years across many different industries and areas. He’s incredibly talented at building rapport with his team, managers, and partners. He’s collaborative, an incredible listener, and a speaker. Always invested and inspiring, James gives 200% to everything he does. He’s a wonderful and supportive executive coach and innovative leader. I continue to partner with James to do high-impact work and will do so throughout the rest of my career.

  • Qiana Patterson

    Venture Capitalist

    James is an authentic disruptor of the status quo. A leader, a great thinker, and an empathetic truth teller that seeks to examine the world in order to make it better for us as friends, colleagues, collaborators and so much more. He is the change we all deserve

  • Ameeth Sankaran

    CEO of Religion Sports

    James is an incredible speaker. He calls upon his impressively broad knowledge base of law, business, advertising, and the human experience to authentically engage with his audience. His style is all his own - engaging, accessible, and filled with compassion. It was an inspiring and eye opening experience for our team.

  • Mary Grundy

    EVP

    Many thanks to the incredible James Nicholas Kinney for investing your time and energy to develop, design and personally teach. The experience was inspiring and I so appreciate your support, advocacy and strategic insights.

Applause

  • Scott Domann

    Chief People Officer at Calm

    James is not only one of the first people I call to discuss all things cutting-edge in People and culture, he's someone who inspires me to innovate and make a difference in the world. There's no better person to have on your team or personal board of directors.

  • Karine Shahar

    Chief People Officer at Blumhouse Productions

    I’ve worked with James for years across many different industries and areas. He’s incredibly talented at building rapport with his team, managers, and partners. He’s collaborative, an incredible listener, and a speaker. Always invested and inspiring, James gives 200% to everything he does. He’s a wonderful and supportive executive coach and innovative leader. I continue to partner with James to do high-impact work and will do so throughout the rest of my career.

  • Qiana Patterson

    Venture Capitalist

    James is an authentic disruptor of the status quo. A leader, a great thinker, and an empathetic truth teller that seeks to examine the world in order to make it better for us as friends, colleagues, collaborators and so much more. He is the change we all deserve

  • Ameeth Sankaran

    CEO of Religion Sports

    James is an incredible speaker. He calls upon his impressively broad knowledge base of law, business, advertising, and the human experience to authentically engage with his audience. His style is all his own - engaging, accessible, and filled with compassion. It was an inspiring and eye opening experience for our team.

  • Mary Grundy

    EVP

    Many thanks to the incredible James Nicholas Kinney for investing your time and energy to develop, design and personally teach. The experience was inspiring and I so appreciate your support, advocacy and strategic insights.

  • Scott Domann

    Chief People Officer at Calm

    James is not only one of the first people I call to discuss all things cutting-edge in People and culture, he's someone who inspires me to innovate and make a difference in the world. There's no better person to have on your team or personal board of directors.

  • Karine Shahar

    Chief People Officer at Blumhouse Productions

    I’ve worked with James for years across many different industries and areas. He’s incredibly talented at building rapport with his team, managers, and partners. He’s collaborative, an incredible listener, and a speaker. Always invested and inspiring, James gives 200% to everything he does. He’s a wonderful and supportive executive coach and innovative leader. I continue to partner with James to do high-impact work and will do so throughout the rest of my career.

  • Qiana Patterson

    Venture Capitalist

    James is an authentic disruptor of the status quo. A leader, a great thinker, and an empathetic truth teller that seeks to examine the world in order to make it better for us as friends, colleagues, collaborators and so much more. He is the change we all deserve

  • Ameeth Sankaran

    CEO of Religion Sports

    James is an incredible speaker. He calls upon his impressively broad knowledge base of law, business, advertising, and the human experience to authentically engage with his audience. His style is all his own - engaging, accessible, and filled with compassion. It was an inspiring and eye opening experience for our team.

  • Mary Grundy

    EVP

    Many thanks to the incredible James Nicholas Kinney for investing your time and energy to develop, design and personally teach. The experience was inspiring and I so appreciate your support, advocacy and strategic insights.

Applause

  • Scott Domann

    Chief People Officer at Calm

    James is not only one of the first people I call to discuss all things cutting-edge in People and culture, he's someone who inspires me to innovate and make a difference in the world. There's no better person to have on your team or personal board of directors.

  • Karine Shahar

    Chief People Officer at Blumhouse Productions

    I’ve worked with James for years across many different industries and areas. He’s incredibly talented at building rapport with his team, managers, and partners. He’s collaborative, an incredible listener, and a speaker. Always invested and inspiring, James gives 200% to everything he does. He’s a wonderful and supportive executive coach and innovative leader. I continue to partner with James to do high-impact work and will do so throughout the rest of my career.

  • Qiana Patterson

    Venture Capitalist

    James is an authentic disruptor of the status quo. A leader, a great thinker, and an empathetic truth teller that seeks to examine the world in order to make it better for us as friends, colleagues, collaborators and so much more. He is the change we all deserve

  • Ameeth Sankaran

    CEO of Religion Sports

    James is an incredible speaker. He calls upon his impressively broad knowledge base of law, business, advertising, and the human experience to authentically engage with his audience. His style is all his own - engaging, accessible, and filled with compassion. It was an inspiring and eye opening experience for our team.

  • Mary Grundy

    EVP

    Many thanks to the incredible James Nicholas Kinney for investing your time and energy to develop, design and personally teach. The experience was inspiring and I so appreciate your support, advocacy and strategic insights.

  • Scott Domann

    Chief People Officer at Calm

    James is not only one of the first people I call to discuss all things cutting-edge in People and culture, he's someone who inspires me to innovate and make a difference in the world. There's no better person to have on your team or personal board of directors.

  • Karine Shahar

    Chief People Officer at Blumhouse Productions

    I’ve worked with James for years across many different industries and areas. He’s incredibly talented at building rapport with his team, managers, and partners. He’s collaborative, an incredible listener, and a speaker. Always invested and inspiring, James gives 200% to everything he does. He’s a wonderful and supportive executive coach and innovative leader. I continue to partner with James to do high-impact work and will do so throughout the rest of my career.

  • Qiana Patterson

    Venture Capitalist

    James is an authentic disruptor of the status quo. A leader, a great thinker, and an empathetic truth teller that seeks to examine the world in order to make it better for us as friends, colleagues, collaborators and so much more. He is the change we all deserve

  • Ameeth Sankaran

    CEO of Religion Sports

    James is an incredible speaker. He calls upon his impressively broad knowledge base of law, business, advertising, and the human experience to authentically engage with his audience. His style is all his own - engaging, accessible, and filled with compassion. It was an inspiring and eye opening experience for our team.

  • Mary Grundy

    EVP

    Many thanks to the incredible James Nicholas Kinney for investing your time and energy to develop, design and personally teach. The experience was inspiring and I so appreciate your support, advocacy and strategic insights.

Pre-Release copies going fast

Get on the
waitlist now!

Get on the
waitlist now!

Get on the
waitlist now!

Sustaining Leadership is the new framework for fusing emotional intelligence, AI, and global business. Copies will be released on November 13th, 2025. With your copy of the book you also get exclusive and private community conversations through the Sustaining Leadership Academy. 

Sustaining Leadership is the new framework for fusing emotional intelligence, AI, and global business. Copies will be released on November 13th, 2025. With your copy of the book you also get exclusive and private community conversations through the Sustaining Leadership Academy. 

Sustaining Leadership is the new framework for fusing emotional intelligence, AI, and global business. Copies will be released on November 13th, 2025. With your copy of the book you also get exclusive and private community conversations through the Sustaining Leadership Academy.