Routines + Rituals: Vanessa James, Founder And CEO Of Vanessa James Media
Vanessa James has built a career on the power of her voice, though her path to becoming “the voice you hear everywhere” was anything but traditional. From overcoming a childhood stutter to becoming the voice of global brands like Netflix, Amazon, and the PGA Tour, Vanessa’s journey reflects resilience, creativity, and purpose. After two decades in corporate radio, she launched Vanessa James Media to tell stories on her own terms, amplify Caribbean culture, and carve out space for diverse voices in an industry where women and people of color remain underrepresented.
Today, whether serving as the official “Voice of God” for the Global Entertainment Marketing Academy Awards, co-hosting Business Traveler on Reach TV, or championing collaboration over competition, Vanessa continues to expand what’s possible for women of color in media.
Her Agenda spoke with Vanessa about her daily routines and rituals, offering a glimpse into the daily practices that contribute to her success.
Her Agenda: What does your morning routine look like, and how does it set the tone for your day?
Vanessa James: As a founder, every minute counts, and I’ve learned that intentional mornings are my secret weapon. My routine is simple yet powerful: warm water, then straight into a power walk and deep stretch. That commitment to movement isn’t just about physical health; for me it’s about cultivating the mental clarity that directly translates to my business. By the time I sit down, I’ve already earned the focus to tackle my top three priorities, setting the pace for a high-impact day and helping me to master my flow.
Her Agenda: What’s one non-negotiable habit or ritual that has had the biggest impact on your success?
Vanessa James: Beyond my personal routine, there’s one simple truth that’s truly anchored my journey: being a woman of my word. It’s not just a business principle for me; it’s genuinely who I am, and it’s absolutely been the bedrock of my 15+ years in business. Whether I’m hopping on a Zoom call with a new brand, fine-tuning a studio session for a voiceover client, or meticulously reviewing every detail for a speaking gig I’m hosting, that commitment to follow through is everything. Knowing my clients can simply count on me, every single time, is what has truly kept my business thriving and growing all these years.
Her Agenda: How do you stay focused and productive while balancing multiple responsibilities?
Vanessa James: It really comes down to smart breaks and strategic self-rewards throughout my day. Sometimes it’s the simple joy of a fresh cup of coffee, or putting on some smooth jazz to set the perfect work vibe. Other times, if my schedule allows, it’s a treat like taking myself out to lunch to work remotely from a different setting. These little moments of reward aren’t just indulgences; they’re my secret sauce for staying motivated, refreshed, and ultimately, truly productive.
Her Agenda: What’s a challenge you’ve faced in your journey, and how did your routines or mindset help you overcome it?
Vanessa James: It hasn’t always been easy, and anxiety has definitely been a challenge, especially in my daily voiceover work. This came from overcoming a stutter that really weighed on me in my early entrepreneurial days. But my routines and mindset became my greatest allies. My consistent power walks, dedicated breath work, and the firm belief that I am truly worthy of the opportunities I’m given transformed that anxiety into excitement. Now, when nerves appear, I boldly declare, “I can do the thing!” and get straight into my zone. It’s a technique that has proven successful for me, without fail.
Her Agenda: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received that has shaped how you approach your goals?
Vanessa James: Ultimately, my biggest piece of advice, especially for other female founders, is this: be who you truly are, lean into all of you. When you embrace your authentic self, your unique strengths, and even your journey’s challenges, something remarkable happens. The people who need to find you – whether they’re clients, collaborators, or mentors – will naturally flock to you. It’s about building a business from a place of genuine alignment, and that’s incredibly powerful.
Her Agenda: How do you handle the emotional load of being in a high-impact position while balancing your personal life?
Vanessa James: When the load gets heavy, especially during the intense event planning season for our signature Food, Wine, and Fête experience, that’s when I lean even harder into my “why.” I consciously remember how many people are positively impacted by the event. Seeing the joy and connection it brings to others is truly the north star of my work, and it’s what helps me navigate those demanding times. It reminds me that all the effort is worth it.
Her Agenda: If you could give one piece of advice to women striving to achieve success on their own terms, what would it be?
Vanessa James: Be clear about who you truly are, what genuinely brings you joy, and most importantly, who you want to become. Once you have that clarity, empower yourself by hiring people to help you navigate the parts of the business you’re not an expert in or simply don’t find joy doing. From there, be crystal clear about your boundaries. In a world that often pressures us to please everyone – clients, partners, and countless others on our journey – knowing precisely who you are and what you stand for will save you immeasurable time and priceless energy.
Do you have a daily ritual or routine that helps you thrive? We’re spotlighting the habits that power ambitious women, and we want to hear from you. If you’re interested in being featured in our Routines & Rituals series, fill out this survey.
