"The Remarkable Journey of James Smith — From Bold Innovation to Lasting Unity"

Some individuals move through life with a carefully charted plan. Others carve their own way, guided by resilience, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose. James Smith belongs to the latter—an extraordinary visionary whose path spans industries, disciplines, and decades of transformation.

From building a log cabin in the remote forests of Maine to navigating boardrooms, university halls, and global crises, James’s journey defies convention. His story is one of adaptability, service, and relentless learning.

Early Life: From Simplicity to Self-Discovery

Raised with a small circle of close friends—and a high school girlfriend who would become his wife—James left the East Coast just two days after graduation to seek broader perspectives on the West Coast. Eventually settling in Maine, he purchased 10 acres of land and built a log cabin from trees he felled himself. At the heart of it all was a vision: to raise a family and live in harmony with both people and nature.

James began his professional life in quality control at a wall-covering factory. But a calling to serve led him to Bible college, where he trained under local clergy and became a pastor in Allagash, Maine. As his children approached college age, the family relocated to Western New York to expand their educational opportunities. There, he served as a spiritual care coordinator for a growing hospice—an experience that deepened his understanding of compassion and human connection.

An Education Rooted in Purpose

While working full-time, James pursued his education with the same drive that defined his life. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Dispute Resolution and Law from Empire State University, an MBA from Canisius University, and ultimately, a Master of Industrial and Labor Relations (MILR) from Cornell University. His academic path reflected a single goal: to understand the intricate relationship between people and money.

After graduating from Cornell, James joined the U.S. government’s efforts to support businesses after the 9/11 attacks. He also taught at Empire State College and later helped transform small business lending at Hudson Valley Bank in New York City—growing it more than twentyfold through innovative credit review systems.

During the 2008 financial crisis, he worked at UBS Financial Services in the iconic Pan Am Building while simultaneously earning a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Development. His dissertation focused on unifying conflict resolution models—a theme that would come to define much of his later work.

Leadership and Lessons in Innovation

Between 2010 and 2013, James took on dual roles: President of the Foundation of Unity, Inc., and President of Quality Resource Technologies (QRT), a composite materials and sustainable energy company. Under his leadership, QRT went public, developed patented shipping containers, and explored renewable energy solutions through waste-to-energy systems and commercial solar.

Though the company ultimately dissolved, James views that chapter as one of his greatest learning experiences—sharpening his skills in strategy, leadership, and resilience through negotiations in Washington, D.C., congressional outreach, and venture financing.

A Vision for Unity

James’s lifelong work coalesced under the Foundation of Unity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to promoting collaboration across education, business, and society. His groundbreaking research, presentations (including at the United Nations), and global studies in realist ontology continue to influence how we understand identity, morality, and interconnectedness.

Notably, James collaborated with Barry Smith, co-creator of Basic Formal Ontology (adopted by the International Standards Organization), to build models that explore human experience through four foundational dimensions:

• Physical (tangible reality)
• Energy (motivation and emotion)
• Sociology (human relationships)
• Money (a symbolic measure of value)

These elements now form the core of James’s teachings and consulting frameworks, helping individuals and organizations thrive through greater clarity and alignment.

Guiding Principles and Ongoing Impact

Today, as President of the Foundation of Unity, James continues to speak, write, and consult with organizations around the world. His work is centered on helping others understand the human experience holistically—through unity, purpose, and shared understanding.

James’s proudest achievements include his role in supporting others through national crises (9/11, the 2008 financial collapse, and the COVID-19 pandemic), and his ability to synthesize complex disciplines into actionable insights that empower individuals and communities.

Words to the Next Generation

For young professionals, James offers simple but profound advice:

“Find spaces where your voice matters and where your pace of growth is respected. Return often to the passions that ground your soul. Success isn’t just about progress—it’s about staying aligned with your core purpose.”

Legacy in Motion

James Smith’s life is a masterclass in perseverance, reinvention, and service. From rural wilderness to global forums, from banking to academia, from crisis response to pioneering unity-based models of human development—his path reveals what’s possible when vision and values align.

As he continues to inspire new generations of leaders, James remains a living example of how challenges can become catalysts, and how the pursuit of unity can drive both personal and societal transformation.

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