James Bernard

About James Bernard

I\'m the CEO and co-founder of Global Impact Collective, a women-owned consultancy working at the intersection of sustainable food systems, climate action, and conservation. With over 30 years of leadership experience—including 15 years at Microsoft managing global education and workforce development partnerships—I now focus on helping organizations use systems thinking and human-centered design to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing our food systems and planet.My approach to this work was shaped early. Growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, I witnessed firsthand the stark differences in opportunity and access. Those six years ignited a commitment to compassionate, impactful leadership that has guided my career across 50+ countries and multiple sectors.At Global Impact Collective, I specialize in three key areas: building strategic partnerships and collaboration models in food systems; developing corporate sustainability strategies for food and beverage, CPG, fisheries, and agricultural companies; and creating AI-driven traceability and data solutions that bring transparency to complex supply chains. Our clients include global companies, international NGOs, foundations, and local governments—organizations committed to building impactful and resilient solutions that address critical issues across supply chains, starting with farmers and fishers.I believe the most complex challenges—food insecurity, climate change, biodiversity loss—require cross-sector collaboration. That\'s why I\'ve spent my career building bridges between corporations, international donors, NGOs, and public institutions. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, we create solutions that are both sustainable and scalable.

Experience

1. Senior Advisor (Consultant)

   DT Global

   Nov 2022 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Advise DT Global on the startup of a new Commercial Advisory business line. Developed strategy, integration into broader DT Global business, business development process, launch and communications materials.

Education

• Ohio University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Journalism

  1986 — 1990