In the fast-moving world of startups, it’s easy to focus on ideas, growth, and the hustle- sometimes forgetting the people behind it all. At Founders500, we’re proud to be part of a community of creative founders who are not only building businesses but shaping a more inclusive and supportive startup ecosystem. Our Founder Spotlight is designed to go beyond the pitch decks and products, giving you a chance to get to know the humans behind the ventures- their journeys, challenges, and perspectives. By sharing these stories, we aim to strengthen connections, spark new ideas, and remind every founder in our community that they’re not building alone. Read the mini interview below!
A bit about Kit:
Kit James is the founder of Kit James Coaching, a private practice working with ambitious individuals who’ve hit the traditional markers of success, yet find themselves questioning ‘what next?’
His clients are high-achieving and often in positions of influence, yet beneath the external milestones lies a deeper search for clarity, meaning, and legacy.
Kit’s approach is personal and instinctive. It’s shaped by his own decision to walk away from the expected path and define success on his own terms. He brings challenge, sharp perspective, and real precision to the process, helping clients cut through noise, confront difficult truths, and move forward with purpose.
This is coaching for those who are serious about change. It’s rigorous, honest, and designed for people ready to do the real work.
What do you do today- and what’s the story of how you got here?
I run and Executive and Personal Coaching business working with Founders/ CEOs and entrepreneurs and help them to achieve levels of success they previously thought were impossible.
What problem do you help solve, and why does it matter to you personally?
The problems could be multifaceted but in short I enable my clients to step out of their comfort zones and do the inner work necessary to achieve success, whatever that means to the client. It matters because my work has a profound impact on my clients and helps them to perform at previously unimagined levels whilst maintaining work-life balance.
What was the moment you knew you had to build this (even before you knew how?)
The first day of my Coach training!
What is the biggest lesson you learned in your first year of building?
It always takes longer than you want it to.
What is a mistake you made that taught you something that you still use today?
Being attached to things I can’t control- when you start up it is really frustrating when you meet a good potential client, who you know could benefit from your product or service, and they don’t sign up immediately ! So my advice is to control the things you can and try and avoid attachment to outcomes which are outside your control.
What is one decision or change that had the biggest impact on your growth?
I hired a coach…
What is something people think is the reason you succeeded, but the real reason is different?
I think it is easy to judge a book by its cover but there is no short cut for building a bespoke business like mine. Those that make it look easy will still have done ‘the work’.
When things get hard, what keeps you going?
Seeing my clients flourish and an absolute knowledge that I am doing the job that I am meant to be.
What is one belief or mindset shift that made everything easier (or clearer)?
This too shall pass….
Is there anything or anyone who has inspired you that has shaped your journey?
I love the Big Leap by Gay Hendricks. It speaks of your zone of genius and also upper limiting – something I have come across both personally and also frequently with clients.
What did you enjoy the most about the Founders500 event?
It had a great energy and it was fun to be in the room with so much creative talent.
What advice would you give someone who is one chapter behind you?
Keep at it but also allow yourself time to think and process . The ‘disease of busyness’ stops many businesses from following the right path.
Thank you to all of our wonderful speakers for taking part in our Speaker Spotlight!
You can watch Kit’s session here.