A PRACTITIONER ACROSS TWO FRONTLINES

Maria James began her career working alongside CEOs of major global organisations while serving as a Royal Military Police Reservist. Her authority on leadership under pressure comes from two front lines: military operations, where behaviour carried life-and-death consequences, and more than 20 years leading culture and people change.

Compulsorily deployed to Basra during a militia uprising, she led a national community policing programme for the Iraqi Police Service, training officers through interpreters and helping rebuild trust between police and local communities. Rank carried little weight for a woman in that context. Respect had to be earned through action, and her contribution was recognised with a Military Commendation.

Her corporate experience includes supporting executive integration during Virgin Mobile UK’s $2bn merger, building the culture and communications function for the Virgin Mobile India start-up across 23 regions, and leading Deloitte UK’s culture plan for 27,000 people across five businesses.

Living and working in India reinforced that change cannot simply be imported. Culture, language and local expectations shape how leaders communicate,  and whether new ways of working are adopted.

Across these environments, Maria saw the same risk repeat: change was launched, but behaviour did not change. Ownership blurred, difficult issues surfaced late and delivery appeared to move forward while adoption lagged behind.

She works at that gap, setting clear expectations, clarifying ownership and creating the conditions for issues to surface early, so the business can lead delivery without relying on the central programme team.

Awarded Soldier of the Year by the Army Reserves, Maria was admitted to the Freedom of the City of London in recognition. In 2026, the British Forces in Business Awards named her a Finalist for Outstanding Achiever.

Her commitment to helping others be at their best extends beyond work. She is also a qualified yoga and meditation teacher.