In Conversation with Madinah James

Tell us about your background: 

I am a domestic and international media professional with extensive experience working in television/media/marketing/public relations.

I specialize in diverse business and media consulting projects including writing for renowned media outlets and organizations such as CNN, MSNBC, Mercedes-Benz USA, The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Medium, Harper's Bazaar Arabia, New York Fashion Week, The American Heart Association, The World Hypertension League, etc. Some of my various roles include TV Production/Writing, Booking, Research, Public Relations, Publicity, Speaking, Script Writing, Voice Overs, Coordinating, On-Camera Correspondence, Social Media Marketing/Management and Content Creation. Some of my achievements include providing media coverage for domestic and international media outlets, affiliates and international news bureaus, to create newsworthy stories. I cover diverse news and events from the entrepreneurial, business, philanthropic, health & wellness, educational, political, societal, entertainment and community landscapes.

I have a media consulting company, MNJ Media Consulting, cultivated from 20 years of different media experiences and comprised of diverse services. Professionally, I serve as a 'think tank' for organizations seeking to increase their visibility in local, national and international communities. I am mission based in promoting businesses and organizations while balancing economic prosperity and providing tools to successfully communicate their strategies. Furthermore, I provide a pathway by which organizations and businesses can ensure accountability, in that all communication passes through a third party for accuracy. Also, I am responsible for organizing executive communications such as external press calls, press appearances and other logistics. Additional roles include participating in international panel discussions at the United Nations around gender equality for women and the role the media plays in highlighting relevant issues and topics, raising awareness and countering stigma and misinformation to covering local and global forums, discussions and events.

I recently expanded my platform to the Middle East, doing media coverage of Expo 2020, a global 6-month event highlighting close to 200 countries with a focus on mobility, sustainability and opportunity. I have also served as a marketing consultant for a privately held, fully integrated real estate firm and investment fund manager, highlighting unique, quality opportunities between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. I was also responsible for creating presentations for fund managers representing domestic and international investors during annual advisory board meetings in Singapore, Paris and London.

I also started a non-profit organization in my father's name, The Robert Hill Foundation, after my father had a massive, hemorrhagic stroke in 2011. I became a full-time caregiver, shifting away for a season from my career in media at the time. The premise of the foundation is to highlight stroke awareness and prevention, aligning with similar like-minded philanthropic organizations while creating global initiatives to promote overall health and wellness. I do a lot of work with the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association and the World Hypertension League. My father passed away in 2016 and my passion for health and wellness is even stronger now as is the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to bridge my media experience with my philanthropic endeavors to create effective domestic and global initiatives.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

I wish I would have known about the importance of ongoing mentorship and learning how to tap into your creative gifts and talents early on.

Best career advice you've ever received?

Be a team-player, be confident, be flexible, be discerning, stand up for what you believe in, shine and showcase all of your God-given gifts and talents.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Leadership qualities that are important to me: Honesty, Compassion, Ethical, Trust-Worthy, Hard-Working, Caring, Disciplined, and Visionary.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? 

I would say the biggest challenge was shifting out of my media career after my father had a massive stroke and taking on the role as a caregiver. However, out of that experience, I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship, starting my media consulting company and then launching a non-profit organization in my father's name, highlighting stroke awareness and prevention.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

I have so many! A nice blazer, a sharp coat and chic shoes or boots!

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madinah-n-james/

Website: www.mnjonline.com

Instagram: @madinahnajla @mnjconsultingcorp @roberthillfndn