James Mapes
James Mapes inspires audiences with applied imagination, peak performance insights and breakthrough strategies that elevate results.
Why you should book James Mapes for our next event
- Shows audiences how to use applied imagination to overcome limits and unlock bold new levels of performance and confidence.
- Brings decades of research on human behavior together with dynamic storytelling that drives lasting mindset shifts.
- Delivers practical tools for creativity, leadership, communication and change that teams can apply immediately.
Non-binding request for James Mapes
Expert in applied imagination, breakthrough thinking & peak performance
James Mapes is one of the most prominent voices on applied imagination, breakthrough thinking and peak performance. For more than three decades, he has helped individuals, teams and organizations push past barriers, rethink possibility and cultivate the confidence to create meaningful results. As founder of Quantum Leap Thinking™ and creator of The Transformational Coach™, he blends behavioral insights, creativity and an engaging stage presence to spark lasting change. His message empowers audiences to master their mindset and turn bold ideas into action.
About James Mapes
James Mapes is recognized for his deep expertise in applied imagination, creative thinking and the psychology behind lasting performance. As the founder of Quantum Leap Thinking™ and the creator of The Transformational Coach™, he has spent more than 30 years studying human behavior and guiding people toward stronger confidence, clearer direction and higher achievement. His work encourages audiences to rethink what they believe is possible and to adopt the mindset needed to transform goals into reality.
Through his speaking, consulting and coaching, Mapes gives people a powerful way of reframing challenges so the invisible becomes visible and the impossible becomes possible. His approach has helped organizations and individuals experience major breakthroughs in performance, communication and leadership.
A Career Shaped by Performance & Psychology
James’ unique path began in the world of theater. After earning his Master of Arts degree in theater and speech from California State University in 1969, he built a successful career as an actor, producer and director. He worked in repertory theater, off-Broadway productions and ran two theater companies of his own, gaining extensive experience in television and film.
This background shaped his remarkable ability to connect with audiences. His stage presence, timing and authenticity give his presentations a dynamic energy rarely found in business speakers. His media appearances, including CNN, The Today Show, Good Morning America and Fox Family Channel, reflect the broad recognition of his expertise and communication skills.
Book James Mapes for Your Event
Booking James Mapes brings audiences a mix of insight, creativity and practical tools. Event planners choose him for his ability to shift thinking and spark measurable improvement. Key strengths include:
- Helping individuals and teams apply imagination to break barriers and strengthen confidence.
- Delivering practical strategies for communication, leadership, change and decision-making.
- Creating an interactive experience that blends humor, science, storytelling and behavioral insight.
His presentations move people toward immediate action while giving them a mindset they can sustain long after the event. His client list spans more than 70 countries, including financial institutions, the military, healthcare organizations, software companies, universities and major non-profits. Companies such as IBM Corporate, the U.S. Coast Guard, Lockheed Martin and The Princeton Center for Leadership Training have highlighted his work in their training materials.
Core Themes & Impact
James delivers actionable concepts tied to imagination, perception and behavioral patterns. By teaching people how to direct their mind more effectively, he helps them build a stronger sense of control and clarity. His message encourages openness to new thinking and equips individuals with tools for navigating change, strengthening teamwork and improving performance.
His coaching background allows him to move beyond inspiration and into real implementation. Participants leave with concrete steps that elevate communication, creativity and leadership. This combination of deep insight and off-the-charts engagement makes him a standout choice for events seeking measurable impact.
Beyond the Stage
James Mapes’ commitment to living an exceptional life is reflected in his varied pursuits outside of speaking. His passions include scuba diving, ballooning, racecar driving, Kempo Karate, world travel and a lifelong dedication to reading. He is the best-selling author of Quantum Leap Thinking: An Owner’s Guide to the Mind and The Workbook: The Magic of Quantum Leap Thinking. His book Imagine That! Igniting Your Brain for Creativity and Peak Performance continues his mission to help people tap into their untapped potential. He also developed the 2-CD program Patient Pre-Op/Post-Op Healing Therapy, supporting mental preparation and recovery for patients.
Through every project, Mapes remains focused on one goal: helping people use their imagination as a tool for success. His work continues to motivate audiences to break limits, embrace change and create the results they truly want.
Keynotes
Keynote by James Mapes:
MIND OVER BODY: Harness Vision to Create a Wellness Strategy
Become a partner in your own wellness. Studies prove that how we think impacts our health. Not only have mind/body techniques become a vital part of integrative medicine, they have also presented us with limitless possibilities on creativity, innovation, motivation and leadership.
In James Mapes’ cutting-edge, interactive program, participants gain a clear understanding of how the brain works and the importance of communication to create positive expectations. They learn how to influence the subconscious with optimistic, affirmative suggestions, enabling them to look at their life and work with “new eyes.” They leave the program armed with practical strategies and valuable tools to control what can be controlled and let go of the rest.
The attendees will leave this inspiring and captivating program having learned:
- The mechanics of thinking, how the brain works and the importance of focus.
- How vision can sway the subconscious to create positive outcomes.
- How to apply mental imagery to reduce anxiety and spark creativity.
- How to create and communicate a clear, realistic, emotionally-charged vision to inspire wellness.
- How to recognize and break through the fear that impedes creativity, motivation and healing.
- How to “reframe” thinking to instill hope and confidence.
In MIND OVER BODY, James integrates more than three decades of experience as a speaker on creativity and leadership, performance coach, medical facilitator for pre-surgery patients, and clinical hypnotist. He draws from the latest research in brain science as well as lessons learned from his own open-heart surgery. James projects amazing positive energy and is passionate about educating everyone about the elegance of the imagination and the incredible power of the human mind and spirit.
This presentation can be tailored to your organization’s specific needs as either a keynote or workshop.
Keynote by James Mapes:
IMAGINE THAT! Igniting Your Brain for Creativity & Peak Performance
What is the springboard for achievement? How do you manage your thinking? Do you know how to focus your imagination? Do you have a “future vision?” In these challenging times, success literally depends on the importance of knowing the answers to these questions. As Einstein said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. It is a preview of life’s coming attractions.”
Exceptional individuals in all walks of life are distinguished by their capability to think creatively and perceive new opportunities for innovation. They have understood and mastered the skill of “creative visualization” and communicating a dynamic, clear and emotionally charged future vision with optimism and hope.
James Mapes, the leading authority on the psychology of “applied imagination” and creator of Quantum Leap Thinking™,” demonstrates how extreme success can be achieved by understanding and applying these concepts in your life. James skillfully stretches your perceptions to see new possibilities. He guides his audience to clearly recognize that the powerful mental pictures we all carry around definitely impact the opportunities we see and the choices we make.
In this cutting-edge, practical, interactive and entertaining program, James captures and holds the audience’s attention with dynamic, compelling stories and demonstrations that leave no doubt – “you can achieve what you imagine.”
The audience leaves this thought-provoking, fascinating and inspiring journey having learned:
- How to apply their imagination to achieve extreme success.
- How to craft a compelling, emotional, realistic and persuasive future vision.
- How to recognize and break through “illusory” fears.
- How to use core values to unlock motivation and propel action.
- How to manage change for growth through visualization.
Request a quote: James Mapes IMAGINE THAT! Igniting Your Brain for Creativity & Peak Performance
45 minutes – 90 minutes
Keynote by James Mapes:
TRUE LEADERSHIP: The Neuroscience of Effective Leaders
What is a leader? The business world is awash with leadership philosophies, how-to books and training institutes that can leave even the savvy manager perplexed as exactly how to encourage employees to develop their own leadership style.
It is important to push aside the clutter and get back to a fundamental understanding of why “true” leadership traits are essential for success. The adage “leaders are born, not made” is questionable, as it takes hard work to craft a leadership style that works for each individual. Have you assessed your leadership skills lately?
In this provocative, challenging, lively and interactive presentation, renowned “evangelist of the imagination,” brain researcher, break-through thinking coach and best-selling author, James Mapes, incorporates his legendary humor and an array of audience exercises to reveal:
- The five “culturally and morally neutral” traits of all successful leaders.
- Why morality, a nice disposition and power do not necessarily make a great leader.
- A guide to transform and enhance their personal leadership style.
- How to craft an emotionally charged, clearly compelling and realistic future vision.
Harnessing the Imagination | James Mapes | TEDxWindham
Watch James Mapes in action!
