James grew up on a farm near Plum Coulee, Manitoba, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Majoring in Agricultural Economics) from the University of Manitoba. From the radiant agriculture fields of eastern Manitoba to the resource rich landscapes of northern Manitoba, in his role as RBC’s Vice-President of Commercial Financial Services, James is responsible for achieving a best-in-class sales and service experience for the business community, including Manitoba’s dynamic Agriculture and Agribusiness sector. He leads a talented team of Commercial Relationship Managers committed to providing holistic and tailored advice with an expertise in digital, lending, investing, foreign exchange, and business solutions that extend beyond banking.
James is a Professional Agrologist with the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists. He is also on the National Board of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors, , and was a past Provincial Council member of the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists. James proudly serves as the Executive Advisor of RBC Reach, an employee resource group committed to advancing the conversation on invisible and visible disabilities.
Get to Know James:
Q: What inspired you to join the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce board, and what impact do you hope to make?
A: I have the enviable role of engaging with many businesses and entrepreneurs across Manitoba. As a member of the MCC Board, I have a unique opportunity to bring to the table these many different perspectives spanning diverse industries and sectors. I value how the MCC brings our business community together to help elevate one another and solve for shared challenges. Leading a team that is also deeply connected to the local Chambers in their communities, my involvement is aligned to RBC’s higher purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper.
Q: What is one key challenge or opportunity you see for businesses in Manitoba right now?
A: This economic environment means different things to different businesses. What will always make Manitoba businesses set themselves apart is the attraction, engagement, and retention of diverse talent for more innovative ideas and solutions. With the rapid growth of several local businesses, investing in strategies to support human resource management is key to their ongoing success.
Q: What is one piece of career advice that has shaped your professional journey?
A: By treating others with respect, you in turn earn the respect of others over time.
Q: If you could have dinner with any influential person, past or present, who would it be and why?
A: Wayne Gretzky! As the great one, I would love to hear his story from his perspective, as well as what he learned about being a team leader. Wayne’s famous quote, “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been,” speaks directly to the ambitions of Manitoba’s business community.
Q: What is your favorite local Manitoba company, restaurant or event to support?
A: I love great food. When I travel throughout Manitoba, I look for local cuisine while supporting locally owned businesses.
