I am Colleen James, a Learning & Development professional based in Phoenix, AZ with 25+ years of experience designing, implementing, and facilitating training across hospitality, gaming, manufacturing, mining, and HR environments. I help organizations strengthen culture, grow leaders, and boost performance by building engaging learning solutions. My strengths include curriculum design, leadership coaching, onboarding strategies, and talent development. I excel at translating business goals into practical, measurable programs, coaching individuals to unlock strengths, and partnering with stakeholders to maximize learning platform adoption and impact.

Colleen James

I am Colleen James, a Learning & Development professional based in Phoenix, AZ with 25+ years of experience designing, implementing, and facilitating training across hospitality, gaming, manufacturing, mining, and HR environments. I help organizations strengthen culture, grow leaders, and boost performance by building engaging learning solutions. My strengths include curriculum design, leadership coaching, onboarding strategies, and talent development. I excel at translating business goals into practical, measurable programs, coaching individuals to unlock strengths, and partnering with stakeholders to maximize learning platform adoption and impact.

Available to hire

I am Colleen James, a Learning & Development professional based in Phoenix, AZ with 25+ years of experience designing, implementing, and facilitating training across hospitality, gaming, manufacturing, mining, and HR environments. I help organizations strengthen culture, grow leaders, and boost performance by building engaging learning solutions.

My strengths include curriculum design, leadership coaching, onboarding strategies, and talent development. I excel at translating business goals into practical, measurable programs, coaching individuals to unlock strengths, and partnering with stakeholders to maximize learning platform adoption and impact.

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Work Experience

Development Professional & Facilitator at Looking Forward Consulting
January 1, 2022 - Present
Facilitate instructor-led and virtual learning programs for employees and leaders at all levels. Deliver training in leadership, teamwork, communication, integrity, and inclusion, workplace safety, and professional development. Partner with clients to maximize adoption and utilization of learning platforms and supporting technologies. Coach individuals to identify strengths, development opportunities, and personalized learning pathways. Design customized learning experiences that increase engagement, retention, and workplace application.
Training Specialist at Cliff Castle Casino Hotel
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021
Developed and delivered organization-wide training programs supporting operational excellence and employee development. Facilitated learning initiatives focused on guest service, leadership, diversity and inclusion, communication, and health and safety. Managed onboarding and training operations, ensuring consistency and quality across departments. Collaborated with Human Resources leadership to strengthen new hire integration and employee engagement programs.
Food & Beverage Training Manager at Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2020
Created and launched a comprehensive Food & Beverage Standards of Service program to drive consistency across venues. Designed and implemented onboarding, skills development, and operational training programs for property-wide F&B teams. Developed training materials, manuals, and performance resources supporting employee success. Coached supervisors and leaders to strengthen accountability, service excellence, and operational performance.
Human Resources Trainer at Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2019
Developed and facilitated learning programs that strengthened leadership effectiveness, communication, guest service, and team performance. Partnered with department leaders to identify skill gaps and implement targeted development strategies. Maintained training compliance and employee development records while supporting organizational learning initiatives. Contributed to continuous improvement through performance analysis and training evaluation.
Training Coordinator at Cliff Castle Casino
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2015
Designed and facilitated training programs ranging from guest service fundamentals to management development. Created employee certification pathways and recognition programs that supported career growth and engagement. Partnered with operational leaders to align training initiatives with organizational objectives. Supported workforce development efforts through coaching, facilitation, and performance support.

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Behavioral Health at Arizona Christian University
January 11, 2030 - June 2, 2026
Associate of Business Management at Yavapai College
January 11, 2030 - June 2, 2026

Qualifications

Predictive Index Certified
January 11, 2030 - June 2, 2026
FranklinCovey Certifications
January 11, 2030 - June 2, 2026
ROI Methodology Master Class, ROI Institute
January 11, 2030 - June 2, 2026
BulletProof Manager Series, Crestcom International
January 11, 2030 - June 2, 2026
Crucial Learning: Mastering Dialogue, Accountability, and Getting Things Done
January 11, 2030 - June 2, 2026
Certification in Management, Yavapai College
January 11, 2030 - June 2, 2026

Industry Experience

Gaming, Travel & Hospitality, Manufacturing, Education, Professional Services