Adèle James Consulting Inc.

Strategic Action, Organizational Development, and Change Leadership Coaching

Meet

Adèle James

Adèle James Consulting Inc. (AJC Inc.) guides mission-driven organizations through complex transitions by fostering collaboration and supporting leaders to achieve measurable community impacts.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience and management of more than $180 million in program funding across California, AJC Inc. aligns its approach with clients’ values and their vision for change, while exploring avenues for transformation amid an ever-evolving landscape. AJC Inc.’s engagement style is marked by respect, collaboration, humor, and personal accountability. By focusing on building resilience and cultivating adaptability, AJC Inc. equips organizations with key tools for sustaining efforts and remaining effective in the face of ongoing challenges.

AJC Inc. leverages founder Adèle James’ national consulting experience and nuanced understanding of California’s diverse landscape to shape a unique perspective. Ms. James’ professional background, coupled with academic credentials from Stanford University and Columbia University, and as a former adjunct professor for the University of San Francisco’s MA in Public Administration, propels the company’s strategies.

Strategic Organizational Development & Change Leadership

Specializing in strategic facilitation, organizational change assessment, and effectiveness in navigating complex challenges. Provision of professional development solutions that account for adaptability and resilience.

Executive Coaching & Leadership Development

Delivering executive coaching to nonprofit and government leaders, emphasizing high-performing teams and partnerships. Supporting first-time managers, new role transitions and career advancement.

Philanthropy & Grantmaking Program Development
Expertise in strategic grantmaking across physical health, behavioral health, housing, and social justice sectors. Offering portfolio optimization, cross-sector partnership cultivation, and identification of emerging philanthropic opportunities. Former program officer for The California Endowment, The San Francisco Foundation and The Women’s Foundation of California as well as coordination of funding disbursement for the Mental Health Services Act Prevention & Early Intervention grants.

 

What Our Client Are Saying

Testimonials

Lilyane Glamben, M.Ed. | ONTRACK Program Resources, Inc.

Program Manager (Facilitation/Community Engagement Client):

Adèle has a special gift for group facilitation. She creates a warm, thoughtful atmosphere where participants are engaged and groups relate well to each other, even around challenging topics. Her skills working with diverse backgrounds are priceless.

Anna R.

(Coaching Client)

Adèle helped me remain positive and centered during a tough transition. She encouraged me to address blockages and find the strength to make difficult changes. I cannot thank her enough.

Shawn Harrison | Soil Born Farms

Executive Director and Founder (Grant Management Client):

Adèle translated complex ideas into measurable objectives, a skill she taught me to develop. I now more quickly articulate key issues in grant proposals and conversations with funders.

Sunia Zaterman | Council of Large Public Housing Authorities

Executive Director (Responsive Client Services & Staff Engagement Planning):

Adele’s skills to develop productive conversations and address conflict were unparalleled. I promise you will not find a better facilitator than Adele James.

Shannon Williams, PhD | Institute for Social Research

Executive Director (Team Building Client):

Adèle’s expert facilitation engaged our entire staff through innovative exercises and thoughtful discussions that helped us identify common themes and values. Her combination of expertise, empathy, and results-oriented approach makes her an invaluable partner in organizational development.

Kali

(Virtual Consulting Client):

“Thank you Adele for your adaptability and ability to hold such a wild group as one in a VIRTUAL space.”

Ken White | CalMHSA Statewide Mental Health SDR Consortium

(Strategic Planning Client):

“Adele’s facilitation led to completion of the Consortium’s Statewide Strategic Work Plan in only four months. Her excellent organizational skills promote inclusion, collaboration, and strategic planning.”

Training Participant

(Training Participant):

“Adele is knowledgeable and personable, which made the training enjoyable. She used pop culture and current events to make the material engaging.”

Megan G.

(Coaching Client):

“I was stuck, and Adèle helped me become unstuck. Her tools and insights gave me much-needed mental clarity, and I feel energized looking forward.”

Our Clients

Exploring Middle Passage Arts

Documenting the Stories of
African Diaspora Artists in the Caribbean

Discover how Middle Passage Arts, founded by Adèle James, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of African Diaspora artists in the Caribbean. Learn more about this initiative and its mission to amplify these important voices.