5 of 5

I was leading an exciting initiative with lots of moving parts with different stakeholders and I was looking for a way to bring them together in a really constructive and productive way. We invited Obi to create a multi-part programme for us with smaller sub-team sessions designed to give people spaces within their respective teams to align around a common voice/representation for their sub-teams in preparation for one big global session. The global session had sub-teams with different levels of power/privilege and with members that did not really know one another well. The feedback from their sessions was positive – the sub-teams felt they were able to understand each other better and share a united front which built their confidence to meet in the global team. It meant that when we all got together, people were much more able to have a dialogue, establish where they were starting from, what it is that they wanted to share and what requests they had to make. It made the global session much more productive and there was a lot of really positive feedback from people about the space to do that, as well as a real keenness to carry on meeting. So, it helped reset everybody, re-energised our whole initiative and made everyone connect better as part of a big, meaningful puzzle – not just their piece of the puzzle. It was really a chance to stop, think together and to reconnect with the values, mission and purpose of the initiative. Obi is really skilled at relationship building and is not fazed by conflict so effectively navigates through complexities. She has a really calm persona and that expertise of knowing how to find a way through the noise with a really powerful ability to constructively be with silence or challenge. That helped people to feel comfortable in sharing what they were really thinking and to surface the things that they were finding really difficult as well as the things that they were finding really positive. I think that is what enabled us to find that constructive way forward. It was almost like a ground clearing so that we could all build from a renewed and solid foundation. I would highly recommend Obi and her team to any leader, team or organisation that wants to make a breakthrough in any area that they feel stuck, find challenging, complex or difficult.“

Kathleen Kelly Director of Collaboration, Local Motion

5 of 5

When we requested Obi to open up our Hearts, Minds and Hands Expert Masterclass Series online for the People Profession in NHS Wales, we knew that Obi would offer something unique. Her insights and expertise in inclusive leadership is aligned to our aspirations to develop the people profession into a modern, inclusive and future-fit workforce to serve NHS Wales. Obi led a fully interactive and thought-provoking online event which highlighted the importance of power and self-awareness, which are key to inclusive leadership. Obi is a warm and inviting speaker who offers her participants a safe space to show vulnerability, to reflect and learn, and to challenge their thinking. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Obi and I am grateful for the time we have spent together in planning and preparing for such a key event for our profession. Thank you for your warmth and generosity, Obi!

Toni Davies Leadership and Succession Programme Manager at Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW)/Addysg a Gwella Iechyd Cymru (AaGIC)

5 of 5

Obi’s first league facilitating skills shaped us, IQPC Finance Transformation Summit & Corporate Finance Executives 2016 participants into open-hearted and open-minded individuals straight in the very first 5 minutes of the event. The remaining 2 hours were run with the same constant level of energy, finely tuned to the mood of the audience, with Obi being always with us, encouraging and manoeuvring with a natural grace and ease. Group dynamics, outputs of our discussions and her agenda created a monolithic structure, where the content simply slipped into our heads and remained there for good. I truly believe that Obi was prepared to present every single topic in a few possible ways and no distraction existed that could threaten her skills and objectives as workshop leader. These things contributed to my 100% satisfaction and I am positive they shall promise the same with regards to her any future projects.

Beata Rodzoch Finance Lead, Head of Finance

5 of 5

Obi James facilitated 2 strategy days for the Royal African Society, which really helped us to grow and reflect collectively as a team. Obi’s approach is very unique and holistic – she uses creative tools and exercises that promote team-building and help bring clarity of vision and purpose. Her team work has a transforming and lasting impact on both the individuals and the organisation as a whole. I also received some leadership development coaching from Obi when I first became a senior manager at the Royal African Society, which enabled me to really step into my new role. I would highly recommend her services and we shall continue to draw on her expertise in the future. In fact, we valued Obi’s contributions so much that we put her forward to be elected as a Council Member and Trustee of the Royal African Society in 2019, which means she is now an integral part of our charity’s strategic development and future direction.

Sheila Ruiz Deputy Director, Royal African Society (RAS)

5 of 5

If you need a good head to help provide you with mind searching thinking that can provoke the best of you then Obi is your person. The very first session with her is still reverberating in my day to day activities today

Tomi Davies Collaborator-in-Chief (CiC) at TVC Labs

5 of 5

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), UK Chapter sought an experienced and knowledgeable professional to speak to and facilitate discussions with its members at its Quarterly meeting. The Topic of choice was ‘Succeeding in Today’s Hybrid Workplace’. Obi James did an excellent job at asking us thought-provoking questions, sharing her knowledge and refining & redefining our thoughts through her insightful presentation and facilitation. The feedback received from the attendees has been amazing with members applauding her depth and breadth of knowledge and leaving better equipped to serve as leaders in the emerging hybrid workplace.

Stella Nse Okuzu Stella Okuzu (Social Secretary and Member of the Executive Committee of CIBN UK Chapter)

5 of 5

Obi recently participated in a virtual panel discussion at Microsoft with an impressive audience of 229 participants from around the globe. Obi effortlessly created a safe environment for open discussions, allowing for a candid sharing of experiences and wisdom regarding the initial struggles of starting a book-writing journey. It was inspiring to witness her ability to engage with the audience and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with members applauding Obi’s profound knowledge and expertise.

Lily Satterthwaite Regional Lead at Microsoft | Global Technical Women Committee Lead & Asians ERG Board Member | TEDxLondon TEAMx | Founder of Care, Share & Inspire, STEM Mentor #SocialMobility | Exec MBA & Women’s Club Cofounder @Quantic

5 of 5

Obi was recommended to the World Cities Culture Forum by one of our city leaders and what a find! She facilitated a leadership and inclusion session with senior leaders at our annual Summit bringing together 40 cities across six continents. We took a hunch as we’d never worked with her before. The feedback from participants spoke for itself: overwhelmingly positive and candidly grateful. Obi’s care and open approach to working with a range of issues, cultures and points so view is inspirational. Her generosity and positivity are contagious. Everyone should have Obi in their professional life!

Laia Gasch Director at World Cities Culture Forum