ABOUT JAMES B. MOWDY
James founded BSPOKE in 2011, working with individuals, teams and the C-suite across a variety of communications, strategy and training briefs. BSPOKE specializes in social media and brand strategy, website UX, pitch deck development, executive speaking engagements and bespoke brand experiences. James’ clients and colleagues have called him a “consummate brand activation expert” and “creative analytic” who delivers “real-world results.”
James built The Santa Fe Opera's first strategic storytelling plan, revived and redirected this premiere opera company's presence on Twitter and developed a tailored Opera Singers are Brands training for its globally-renowned apprentice singers (2015). His Periscope live video insights were featured in PR Daily and presented at PR News' San Francisco Conference (2016). Since 2013, James' brand communications and strategy skills have played a critical role across various health, wellness and organizational initiatives at the University of California, San Francisco (2014-18). James and BSPOKE provided corporate communications oversight and management for Community Housing Opportunities Corporation in Northern California and the Coachella Valley (2018-21), brand activation training experiences, and one-to-one Brand Therapy Virtual Consulting via Instagram, FaceTime and Zoom for startup, small business and classical arts professionals (2018-2021).
BSPOKE clients include The British American Business Council of Northern California, Community Technology Alliance, Coloratura Soprano Kelli “Opera Geek” Butler, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP), Author Craig A. Smith, Countertenor Brian Asawa, Composer Kurt Erickson, The GLBT Historical Society Museum and Archives, Musica Marin, Oakland Symphony, Panasonic R&D, Mezzo Soprano Nicole Piccolomini, Simply Social Media New Mexico, Sweat Oakland Fitness, Mezzo Soprano Diana Tash and URSUS IT Recruiting.
In May 2020, James launched Opera Innovation, which focuses on opera's convergence with tech, brand, culture and global innovation. An extension of BSPOKE, Opera Innovation was founded as an act of service. Coupled with our mission to connect opera professionals to new markets and like-minded business leaders, this drives our business of opera content, OI Insights subscriber-based newsletter, unique professional services portal, and one of a kind events that will break norms and blow up expectations.
In July 2021, James became the Corporate Communications Director for client Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC), an affordable housing developer based in Fairfield, CA. At CHOC, James leads strategic brand storytelling, reputation management, and marcom initiatives showcasing CHOC's mission, vision, value proposition and affordable housing innovation. In addition to leading a 5-person communications team, James manages CHOC's PR partner relationship, successfully raising CHOC's affordable housing profile and influence in California through innovative content, social media, event, and PR campaigns. Please visit LinkedIn for more CHOC highlights and achievements.