Hi! I am Micah James, the Admin Lead at Empowering Financial Coaching, LLC, in Norman, Oklahoma. The journey I have taken to get here has been a winding one. I think that is what makes me passionate about the vision and mission of what we are doing at Empowering Financial Coaching. Charles and I started this adventure because we both know what it is like to go through the ups and downs, zigs and zags of life. Through those moments, it was the mentors and friends who stood by and supported, cheered, and guided that helped me the most. That is what we aim to be for our clients in coaching - both their accountability partner and cheerleader.

Throughout my professional career, I have had the opportunity to grow my skills and serve in several fields. Along the way, I have intentionally educated myself at each turn to grow my skills. Building on my degree in Education, I completed my Master of Divinity before entering the ministry. In addition, I followed my passion for administration and completed a certificate in Church administration. In the last few years, I also accomplished a significant goal of achieving my Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.

In my first role as an educator, I learned the skill of handling diverse learning styles, communicating with different modes of learning and listening, and collaborating with families to accomplish educational goals. Next as a minister and pastor, I cultivated the skills of compassion and care for individuals and families going through a variety of life’s toughest situations. Now as a manager of a team of trainers and coaches, I have grown as a leader and mentor to an amazing group of individuals as they are guiding others to learn. I didn’t realize it at the time, but with each change, I was adding to my tool belt for use later down the road.

Over my career, I have also had the opportunity to be an entrepreneur as I led an administrative consulting business several years ago with my father. Together, my father and I built a small consulting business that taught churches and their leaders the important administrative skills to build the foundation of solid ministry. Working with these leaders and congregations to develop solid plans and work through tough real-life situations made my passion for working with people in a coaching and mentoring atmosphere come alive!

All the while I was building skills and growing as a professional, life happened. I faced my own financial troubles and sought out the support of a counselor, financial coach, and personal coach. These supports were the bright spot in an otherwise very, very tough and dark time. I was able to come out the other side, not only with a plan to accomplish some professional goals, but with skills to build my budget, manage/tackle my debt, and plan for my future. Without this support system, I can truly say I would not be in the place I am today. I am so grateful for those three wonderful ladies.

When I am not working with my amazing team at work or prepping something for Empowering, I love cheering on my TCU Horned Frogs, cooking for our crew, and hanging out with the family. Our unique “Brady-bunch” crew is the joy of my life. Outside of giving Charles a hard time about his college football allegiances, I couldn’t be happier for our two nerdy souls to have found each other.

As we start this journey of coaching and partnering with you, I am excited for all of these passions, skills, and personal experiences to come together in Empowering Financial Coaching. I hope that our partnership will be, for you, a bright spot in your journey.