James Baker, Ph.D., is an author, motivational speaker, and consultant. For 30 years, he served in the U.S. Navy until he retired in 1993. He later earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at the University of Texas in Austin, graduating magna cum laude in 1996. He has also served as president to two organizations: the Austin Optimist Club in 1998 and National Sojourners, Incorporated (a national masonic organization promoting patriotism and Americanism) in 2016-2017. He now lives in the Texas Hill Country outside the small town of Liberty Hill, Texas. where he and his wife, Kay, are major donors to the arts in Austin, Texas, contributing to both The Long Center for the Performing Arts and Paramount and State Theatre Alliance.

James is a co-founder of Crystal Clear Seminars, LLC and is a highly sought after motivational speaker who shares his wisdom on his list of “20 Ways to Make Your Life Better”. His latest project is publishing a book, in which he presents concepts of optimism, allowing his readers to expand their bubble of optimism and eliminate the pessimistic vacuum of negativity sucking the life out of them. This supports his life’s purpose to serve others by teaching them to be optimistic about opportunities presented to them throughout their life’s journey.