Curator Biography James Brown

James E. Brown Jr. has over 30 years of commercial leadership experience working for some of the world’s most innovative companies (Dow Chemical, Kraft Foods, General Electric, Hewlett Packard, and Royal Dutch Shell). 

In June of 2016, James left his role as Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy, Brand, Corporate Communications and Business Development at Superior Energy Services. In this new role, James has created a new online platform focused on encouragement – EncourageX.com. James believes everyone is going through something, and we all need a little encouragement along the way that is personal, authentic, and consistent. The new platform will be available for use by individuals and corporations in September 2018.

Prior to his role at Superior, James served in various roles: Director of Marketing Strategy & Go-to-Market, Business Strategy & Planning Manager, Product Development Manager, Brand Strategist, Business Development Manager, Field Marketing Development Manager, Solutions Consultant, and Distributor Sales Representative. 

James has a relentless focus on the diagnosis, design, and implementation of effective communication tools, programs, and campaigns. He believes that people are the most important asset in any organization – “The best leaders always find a way to get it done…with less money…and a lot of informal influence.”

James is a noted speaker and advisor related to brand development and design, organizational alignment, project management, and the relentless pursuit of clear, concise and consistent communication. 

James is a native of Chicago, Illinois. He attended the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, where he received an undergraduate degree in business management. He later attended Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business in Evanston, Illinois, where he earned three masters degrees in marketing, strategy, and organizational behavior. 

James is married to Michelle Riley-Brown, Executive Vice President of Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. He and Michelle have one daughter, age 8, Sarah Elizabeth Riley Brown.

• Age Range: 45-55
• Relationship Status: MARRIED
• Occupation: CHIEF ENCOURAGEMENT OFFICER
• City: HOUSTON, TEXAS
• Hobbies & Interests: ENCOURAGEMENT, BUSINESS, MUSIC, RUNNING, FITNESS TRAINING, LEADERSHIP
• Important Holidays: EVERY DAY
• Media Preferences: ONLINE, PODCASTS
• Music Preferences: R&B, POP, SINGER SONG-WRITER, HIP-HOP, BIG BAND, ALTERNATIVE
• Product Quality: QUALITY, ECONOMY
• Religion & Faith: NON-DENOMINATIONAL
• Sports & Recreation: FOOTBALL
• Style & Lifestyle: CONTEMPORARY, TRANSITIONAL
• Tone of Voice: MOTIVATIONAL, INSPIRATIONAL
• Values & Virtues: PERSISTENCE, PATIENCE, INTEGRITY, HONOR