Playing From The Rough | feat. Jimmie James

Lisa Gardner is joined by Jimmie James, former ExxonMobil executive and author of "Playing from the Rough." James shares his remarkable journey from poverty in East Texas to becoming a senior executive, using golf as a metaphor for life's challenges.  

He discusses his book's inspiration, which includes honoring his mother, preserving his family's story, and promoting understanding across different backgrounds. 

James explores how golf became a lens for examining race, class, and human connection, detailing his post-retirement project of playing the top 100 golf courses in the United States. He candidly shares professional lessons about leadership, integrity, and treating people with compassion, emphasizing the importance of bringing one's whole self to work. 

Also in this episode:  

• Perseverance Matters Most: Success isn't about having special talents, but about never quitting and consistently working hard, even when facing significant challenges. 

• Dream Bigger Than You Think Possible: James advises that people should dream as big as they can, and they'll still likely be dreaming too small. The only real limitation is one's own imagination. 

• Golf as a Unifying Force: The sport can break down social barriers, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect and understand each other beyond stereotypes. 

• Principles Over Preferences: Be firm on core principles like integrity, but remain flexible about preferences and specific methods of achieving goals. 

• Bring Your Whole Self to Work: Employees are most productive when they can be authentic and don't have to expend energy "code-switching" or hiding parts of themselves. 

• Faith as a Guiding Force: Faith means believing in something greater than yourself and understanding that you're equipped to overcome any challenge you face. 

• Challenges Don't Define You: Your circumstances don't determine your potential. What matters is how you handle and respond to those challenges, turning rough patches into opportunities for growth. 

Apple Podcasts 

Spotify 

YouTube 

Connect With Lisa Gardner 

Instagram 

Linkedin 

TikTok 

Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children.