James Michael Lafferty

4-time Forbes Top 100 CEO—Olympic Coach—Speaker and Corporate Trainer—3X Powerlifting World Champion—Retired Officer Procter & Gamble

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About

I firmly believe the very best are not one-dimensional yet lead a diverse and wide-ranging life. We get only one shot at life---it's not a "dress rehearsal"---so we have to take risks and seize the day! I am a proven builder of people, businesses and brands, particularly in developing markets. I have had a P/L responsibility for 35 straight years since 1989 and I have over-delivered the P/L in 32 out of 35 years. Yet, I bring far more to the table. I am a husband and father of 6. I am a grandfather of 3! I am a marathoner, mountain-climber and Olympic track and field coach. I am a writer. I am a consultant and speaker. And I am a philanthropist, believing when we are blessed we must give back to those less fortunate. All of this conspires to make me the best I can be, rich in experience, rich in friendships and work relationships, and rich in wisdom on transforming change.

Experience

  • Meet Director—Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge at World Athletics
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

    Overall Meet Director for the most prestigious and lucrative street Pole Vault event in the World. On September 21, Manila and the beautiful Ayala Triangle Park in central Makati, will welcome an elite collection of the world’s top 10 vaulters to compete in public for record prize money. This will be a first for Asia, a first for Philippines and a first for the world! More details to follow on global media access and a listing of the final competitive field!

  • Partner at TTA—The Turnaround Artists
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

    TTA focuses on helping establish a “bridge” between great local and regional brands seeking global expansion—And world-class distributors seeking to add strong principal brands to their portfolio. We lead this marriage and develop the business, creating new global brands and stronger distributor partners. We represent some of the next great brands under construction!

  • Chairman of the Board at Katapult Digital
    Nov 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

    Katapult is the future of creative agencies. First, we are based in low-cost Manila, Philippines (Ranked #131 globally in cost of living). We hire world class talents—but instead of burdening clients with massive overheads associated with locations such as London (#8 cost of living), New York (#7), or Dubai (#15)—Katapult is devoid of high cost overheads in salaries, rents, and fancy offices! We provide low cost, world class solutions to our clients which allows them to smartly invest in growing their business—not investing in agency overheads! Secondly, Katapult is pioneering the world of “sniper-shotgun” media planning. Today’s common approach is to offer one or the other. “Sniper” media buying is highly targeted yet with low reach; “Shotgun” is poor targeting but high reach. By leveraging our proprietary AI which we affectionately call “Sniper-Shotgun”, we enable clients to enjoy high reach yet hyper-targeted. It’s an unbeatable combination—A world class team, at highly efficient costs, and offering targeted yet high reach. This is the future of how brands, and profits, are built. Call us today! https://www.katapultdigital.com

  • Chairman of the Board at KARE Homecare Services
    Nov 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

    KARE is the premium Homecare service provider in UAE. With a focus primarily on infant and child care, and assisting new moms, KARE is DHA certified and the only Homecare company worldwide to have earned the seal of acceptance from the doctors of the Medical Wellness Association. With Dubai’s leading OB/GYN and Paediatrician on-staff, moms know they have a trusted partner they can count on.

  • Member Science and Liberal Arts Board of Advisors at Rochester Institute of Technology
    2021 - Present · 5 yrs 7 mos