Dr. James M. Dobbs is an executive coach, organizational consultant/assessor, and adjunct professor at Penn State University, teaching courses in leadership, ethics, and strategic planning. He has supported senior leaders globally, enhancing their leadership and organizational effectiveness through an expanded sense of self-awareness. Dr. Dobbs has worked across various industries including technology, finance, retail, government, non-profit, healthcare, and education, partnering with organizations such as Nike, Target, Wells Fargo, the NFL, Workday, The White House, US Army, FEMA, the International Rescue Committee, The Rockefeller Foundation, American Red Cross, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and many others.
With over 25 years of experience, Jimmy excels in building high-performing teams and developing individuals to reach their full potential. His career began as a U.S. Air Force officer, progressing through roles in acquisitions, logistics, and strategic communications before transitioning to academia where he served as a dean, director of leadership programs, and department head. Trained as a counselor, he shifted his focus from general life effectiveness to enhancing leadership skills within organizations.
What Jimmy’s clients say about his work:
Intuitive and Pragmatic Approach: “Jimmy is the kind of professional that every executive leader should talk with to get a clearer perspective on complex leadership matters. He is incredibly intuitive and pragmatic, using his tact and broad experience to leverage a productive and valuable professional self-analysis. He helped me to make assertive decisions on unusual situations faced within my organization, allowing my operation to continue on a successful direction.” - Managing Director, Howmet Wheel Systems South America
Wealth of Knowledge & Experience: “I’ve had the pleasure to work with Jimmy as my executive business coach and although the challenges and goals change there’s been one constant, his ability to keep me focused and motivated. At times the answer to my questions are obvious, so many times he helped me to get out of my own way, trust the path to success, and work the plan. I value his opinion and outlook even when they didn’t line up with my own. Jimmy is a wealth of knowledge and experience and my success has been in large part due to his dedication to helping me succeed.” -VP of Operations, Multinational Manufacturing Company
Jimmy’s coaching approach begins by understanding the clients’ specific interests and concerns in order to establish a focused, research-backed strategy for the coaching engagement. Reframing long-standing challenges can lead to surprising solutions, and having a thought partner can make all the difference. His goal with executive leaders is to integrate their motives, aspirations, strengths, hidden talents, and developmental areas with their key goals to create a plan for the desired future. He realizes that the foundation for this objective requires trust, so he approaches coaching as an essential partnership.
Jimmy holds a PhD in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego, master’s degrees in counseling and leadership from the University of Colorado, and aviation management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Certified as an ICF (PCC) Executive Coach, he also has various coaching certifications. Outside work, Jimmy enjoys fly fishing, skiing, traveling, and reading. Residing in Colorado Springs, he cherishes his time in the mountains, sharing big ideas and laughs with family and friends.