The Reperio Team

The Reperio Team

Timothy James, MBA

Co-Founder, Reperio

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”

- Winston Churchill

Personal Journey

Core Experiences

Personal Journey

At a young age, Tim set his heart on a career in the sports industry. As a soccer player, Tim trained at a high level, but saw his career derailed by a litany of serious knee injuries that resulted in four major reconstructive surgeries. Determined not to be overcome by misfortune, Tim shifted his focus to academics and found a career working for the Department of Defense. In those days, he held two jobs serving as a program manager for the United States Air Force while also moonlighting as a soccer coach. Late at night, he took courses to complete his undergraduate degree. The experience of working two jobs while pursuing an education forged his deep connection to the principles of hard work and perseverance. After some time, Tim transitioned into the banking industry, where he currently leads North American consultant relations for one of the world’s largest custodian banks.

Apart from his interest in finance, Tim cares deeply about social justice issues. He currently serves as Chair of the Lenny Zakim Fund, an organization founded in 1995 that is dedicated to advancing social justice and dignity for all people. In holding this position, Tim leads efforts to provide funding, leadership training, networking opportunities, and pro bono legal support to grassroots organizations in Eastern Massachusetts. In 2022, Tim was announced as a Presidential Leadership Scholar. As a result, he has the benefit of learning leadership principles directly from Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. This program also allows him to learn from the Presidential experiences of George H.W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson. Tim is passionate about sharing the lessons he has learned throughout his career with others, and Reperio functions as a conduit to make that vision a reality.

Core Experiences

  • Working for the first black Mayor of Newton Massachusetts (Setti Warren), Tim learned the value of taking care of constituents and solving problems expediently
  • A former athlete, Tim learned the importance of teamwork, leadership, discipline, and of course, perseverance a trait that came in handy when his career was dashed by a series of injuries
  • At one of the world’s leading custodian banks, Tim participated in a Leadership Development Program that deepened his understanding of finance, risk management, and client centricity
  • Pastoring a small church in Massachusetts, Tim often serves as a sounding board for members that are trying to navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges (e.g., illnesses, family issues, hopelessness). The experience has humbled him, and helped him learn to help people cope, overcome, and find purpose in life
  • Fatherhood has also helped him immensely, as it requires patience, love, and the uncanny ability of being able to operate with significantly less sleep!
  • Early in career, Tim played a key role in the management and execution of a $1.9 Billion Air Force contract.
  • Through the Presidential Leadership Program, Tim refined his leadership skills in the areas of: vision and communication, decision making, collaboration, and strategic partnering.

“With self-discipline
most anything is possible.”

-Theodore Roosevelt