Today we’d like to introduce you to Portia James.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began working in the field of Behavior Analysis in 2006. There are a few things that I have treasured more. I started out as a Behavior Technician in San Fernando Valley while I completed my undergraduate degree. Over the years, I was blessed with the opportunity to explore all of the different facets of my field. I eventually worked my way into a corporate-level, national position prior to starting my own company.
I began providing contracted adult residential services in 2016. For my first four years, I provided private consult for six clients while working full-time. My husband and I both unexpectedly lost our jobs in 2019, just after having our third child. In 2020, I changed my business model and set out to build the largest Social Skills program in the Inland Empire.
Since the change, Behavior Genius® has overcome the most staggering global pandemic of our time. My practice has grown from zero to over 200 clients and 160 Team Members.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been an easy one to travel, but it has undoubtedly made me who I am.
Having an education certainly put me in the room; However, once I made it to the room, I had to be very intentional in undoing and disproving everything that people assumed about me as a woman of color. It all worked out for the best. My experiences built the tenancy that I needed to accomplish everything God set before me and gave me the courage to keep moving forward, despite the struggles. Entrepreneurship has been the greatest challenge of my life, but I wouldn’t trade it.
We’ve been impressed with Genius Operations, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Genius Operations®, we help minority ABA company owners promote themselves to CEO by developing operational systems that strengthen efficiency, free up time, and make space for the vision of their organization. Our #1 priority is to help business owners get results that are measurable, reliable, and – most importantly – duplicatable so that they can spend less time in the day-to-day and more time in the Genius Zone. Our systems have been proven to improve the quality of work for CEOs significantly within 6 months, helping them to attain a higher work-life balance and push their business toward optimal performance.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
There have been so many lessons that I have learned along this journey. I think one of the most important things to remember is that not everyone wants the best for you, and they will sacrifice even their own well-being and cross their fingers on the way down just to see you fumble. So, stay focused. Stay in your practice unconditionally. Don’t let anything outside of you distract or change you. And if you feel it in your heart – even if no one else can see your vision, DO IT. If you are afraid, do it afraid. Just don’t stop until you make yourself proud. Then, pay it forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.geniusoperations.com
- Instagram: @geniusops
- Other: www.behaviorgenius.com
Image Credits
AGT Photography
