James Simon is a high-performance coach, speaker, and author of Headwaters to Change: Navigating Growth, Cultivating Presence, an Amazon Top New Release. With over 20 years of experience spanning healthcare, business, industry, and elite sport, James is recognized for blending the philosophy of Kaizen with the stillness of mindfulness to unlock genuine, lasting performance.
As the founder of Headwaters to Change High-Performance Coaching, James helps individuals and teams cut through the noise, master their mindset, and lead with intention. He is also an Advanced Instructor in the Oxygen Advantage method, integrating breathwork and physiology into his coaching to support focus, resilience, and performance under pressure.
His teachings are shaped by mentorship from Toyota leaders and mindfulness and performance coach George Mumford, who has brought mindfulness to NBA legends such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, among others.
Whether in high-pressure clinical environments, with athletes, or in leadership spaces, he brings a human-focused edge rooted in lived experience, from the hospital floor to the boxing ring to the boardroom. His approach is grounded, real, and results-driven, inviting people to embrace the process, sharpen their focus, and be present in the moment.
