James Lenz

About James Lenz

I build learning that moves industries forward. And I do it with a simple belief: learning changes people—and people change everything.I’m a global learning strategist, organizational strategist, organizational development leader, and Director of Global Education and Training at GEAPS. I design education ecosystems that strengthen workforce pipelines, improve safety, and help organizations and industries grow with clarity and confidence. I also founded two different industry leading podcasts. Each podcast brings in listeners from 90+ countries. The CUES Podcast serves the financial industry. And since joining GEAPS, I serve as producer, editor, and host of The Whole Grain Show —turning expert insights into practical tools for the people who keep our food, fuel, and agriculture systems running. The Wonder EffectAt the heart of my work is The Wonder Effect—the idea that when you capture attention, awaken curiosity, and make learning feel meaningful, people don’t just absorb information…they take action. They change how they work, how they solve problems, and how they move their organizations forward. That’s the through-line in everything I build.What I Do Best• Modernize training with behavior-based, multilingual, scalable online learning• Build strategic education roadmaps that align to organizational goals and industry needs• Lead workforce development initiatives that strengthen talent pipelines and upskill teams• Architect credentials and digital academies that create real career mobility• Execute strategy—not just plan it• Grow programs and partnerships through innovation, collaboration, and design thinkingWhen Organizations Call Me• Their training is outdated and needs a modern, learner-centered rebuild• They need a credential or academy designed from scratch—with a full roadmap and execution plan• They want learning that supports a global or multilingual workforce• They need clarity, structure, and momentum for strategic initiatives• They want education to become a strategic advantage, not an afterthought* They want a multichannel approach to the delivery of educational projects* They want to expand their global brand and educational reach through podcast platformsMy approach is practical, people-centered, and execution-driven. I translate complex topics into clear learning experiences that empower teams, enhance and advance careers, and strengthen entire industries. If you want to elevate learning, build a stronger workforce, or turn education into one of your organization’s greatest strengths—let’s connect.

Experience

1. Founder, Producer, and Host of the Whole Grain Podcast

   Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS)

   Oct 2022 — Present

   We use this platform to explore the people, innovations, and trends shaping the grain handling and processing industry. The Whole Grain Podcast brings grain professionals together from 99 countries around the world. The mission of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society is to champion, connect, and serve the global grain industry and our members.

Education

• The Wharton School

  Executive Education, Global Talent Management Summit

• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

  Master of Science - MS

• Space Education Initiatives

  Program Completion, Space Education

• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

  Master of Science Degree- MSc, Curriculum and Instruction

• University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Biology, Resource Management, Education, Environmental Studies

• University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh

  UW-Oshkosh Modeling Physics Science Workshop

• University of Virginia Darden School of Business

  Executive Education, CEO Institute III

• University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

  Bachelor of Science - BS