James Knopf is a certified professional Life Coach specializing in career, relationship, and executive coaching. Married to his life partner, Bill Kocis, in 2001, James and Bill are the proud parents of a 3 year old daughter, who was conceived through gestational surrogacy.

James holds a graduate degree with certification in leadership coaching and team building from George Washington University, as well as a B.A. in Communications and Sociology from Tulane University.

James began his professional career in the real estate industry and moved quickly up the corporate ladder, becoming president of ESK Management Corporation, where he served for 12 years. He is also a former actor, director and Artistic Director of New Voices Theater Ensemble in New York City. During this time he discovered he had a true passion for directing and he began to realize that his many interests and talents could be brought together to serve a single, powerful purpose: Life Coaching.

James' primary focus is working with individuals and businesses; identifying and capitalizing on their strengths while providing structure, feedback and support to reach their highest potential and goals. Over the past 10 years, James has successfully motivated and coached hundreds of men and women in recreating their lives both personally and professionally making him one of the most sought after Life coaches not only in Manhattan but around the country.

Again and again James has seen how Coaching can help individuals and businesses be more effective. James has one goal -- to help his clients translate their desires into action and lead the most passionate and fulfilling lives possible.

James' Executive Coaching includes leading workshops for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, HBO, MTV Networks, Citigroup, American Express, Conde Naste, The Drama league, Sesame Workshop, The Producers Guild of America, AWRT, The National Arts Club and has been on Faculty for several years at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He has lectured and or taught coaching classes at George Washington University, C.W Post and Adelphi University, and has been guest speaker for several local and national organizations.

International Coaches Federation Member