Her Story
About Cheryl
Cheryl James is the Founder and Fractional COO of CL James Consulting, where she helps female entrepreneurs transform growing businesses into scalable, efficient organizations through the strategic use of artificial intelligence and automation. After spending 27 years leading operations, product strategy, and customer experience initiatives for Fortune 100 companies, Cheryl launched her consulting firm in 2019 to bring enterprise-level operational expertise to service-based business owners. Today, she designs custom AI solutions that eliminate bottlenecks, streamline workflows, and empower business leaders to focus on growth instead of day-to-day operations.
Leveraging her background in operations management, technology, and business strategy, Cheryl specializes in building AI systems that reflect each client's unique voice and processes rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions. She primarily serves agency owners and women launching second careers, helping them improve collaboration, automate repetitive tasks, and create sustainable systems that support long-term success without increasing overhead. A Google AI Certified consultant and graduate of Eastern University with a degree in Organizational Leadership, Cheryl is committed to staying at the forefront of emerging AI technologies through continuous education, research, and professional development.
Beyond her technical expertise, Cheryl believes lasting success is built on authentic relationships, exceptional customer experiences, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. She credits much of her own professional growth to cultivating meaningful connections that have opened doors to referrals and new opportunities throughout her career. Guided by faith and beginning each day with devotion, Cheryl approaches every client interaction with integrity, care, and the goal of ensuring people leave every conversation feeling supported, empowered, and better equipped to lead businesses that run smarter, scale faster, and create lasting impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cheryl
01What do you attribute your success to?
A big part of my success has been being in the right rooms and developing the right relationships. The people that I have met along the way have been an excellent source of referrals and creating opportunities. When I was in corporate, part of my role was the customer experience, and I brought a big part of that into my business because at the heart of all things, I just want people to have a good experience when they encounter me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When I first started my business, I had a business coach that I always credit to shortening my onboarding time. Just learning how to do things the right way, and making sure that it was up to the standard that I had set for myself. It was worth its weight in gold.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Bet on yourself. 99% of the time, as women, because we work so hard at it, we are the smartest ones in the room. Be confident in your voice. And of course, ensure that she gets the right level of education.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The greatest challenge is getting people to cut through their overwhelm or confusion about AI to be educated and understand how it can positively impact their business. People say they use AI but really just open ChatGPT and use it like Google. It's hard to convey that without being offensive. The field is growing so fast, I have to be my own student at all times, taking training classes, reading, listening to podcasts and books.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value customer experience and authentic care. I want people to have a good experience when they encounter me, whether you become a client or not. I want you to walk away feeling positive, because it's not what you say to people, it's how you make them feel. I am very much Spirit-felt and very religious, and I start my day with my daily devotion.
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