CEO & Founder of CL James Consulting, LLC | Fractional COO | Systems & Automation Strategist

After 27 years working with Fortune 100 clients in high-pressure corporate roles, Cheryl James was burned out—and ready for a change. That change came in the form of a powerful mission: to help women entrepreneurs transition from overwhelmed solopreneurs to confident, scalable CEOs.

Now, as the Founder and CEO of CL James Consulting, Cheryl specializes in business operations, systems optimization, and automation strategies that free up time, reduce stress, and fuel business growth. Her mission is clear: streamline the chaos, simplify the systems, and create space for entrepreneurs to lead boldly.

The Pivot: From Corporate Burnout to Purpose-Driven Business

Cheryl’s decision to leave the corporate world didn’t come lightly.

💼 “I had spent nearly three decades building a career I was proud of—but I realized I was no longer aligned with the traditional corporate path,” she shares.

Her burnout was a wake-up call, and she saw firsthand how so many women entrepreneurs were struggling to manage their operations and scale effectively.

💡 That’s when she launched CL James Consulting, using her deep expertise to help women create tailored operational systems, efficient workflows, and automation strategies to grow their businesses with confidence and clarity.

Cheryl’s Superpower: Building Businesses That Run Smoothly (and Profitably)

Cheryl’s approach is grounded in efficiency, simplicity, and intentionality. She works with service-based entrepreneurs, offering everything from CRM implementation and SOP templates to workflow audits and automation consulting.

Her sweet spot? Helping business owners unlock the power of delegation and technology, so they can focus on what they do best—leading and growing their companies.

💥 “We often try to do it all ourselves,” Cheryl says. “But scaling requires structure, support, and letting go of the things that no longer serve your growth.”

The Balancing Act: What’s Challenging and What Keeps Her Going

As a fractional COO, Cheryl constantly juggles educating clients on the value of systems while also running a business of her own.

🎯 “The most challenging part is balancing client acquisition and retention with limited time and resources,” she says.

But the reward?
✨ Watching women business owners gain clarity, control, and confidence as their businesses start to run more efficiently—and profitably.

Advice from a Thought Leader: Build Your Business Around Systems, Not Hustle

Cheryl’s advice for women entrepreneurs is refreshingly straightforward:

📌 “Embrace the power of systems to create freedom in your business and life.”

Instead of burning out trying to do everything manually, she encourages women to:
✔ Invest in streamlined operations
✔ Use automation tools to simplify tasks
✔ Create a strong foundation that supports long-term growth

“Scaling doesn’t mean doing more—it means doing better with what you already have,” she says.

Finding Community and Connection with IAW

Though she’s relatively new to the International Association of Women, Cheryl has already felt the positive energy and collaborative spirit of the community.

💬 “There’s so much power in connection and collaboration. IAW is filled with women from all walks of life—don’t hesitate to ask questions, share your journey, and lean into the support available here.”

She encourages new members to show up, share their expertise, and build relationships that lead to both personal and professional growth.

Connect with Cheryl James

Ready to streamline your operations, simplify your systems, and scale your business with ease? Cheryl would love to connect.

🌐 Website: cljamesconsulting.com
📍 Facebook: Cheryl Odoms James
📍 Instagram: @iamcljames
📍 LinkedIn: Cheryl James
📍 IAW Profile: Inner Circle