From Innovation to Unity: The Remarkable Path of James Smith
Some individuals navigate life with a clear roadmap, while others embrace the unknown, shaping their own unique paths through resilience, learning, and a deep sense of purpose. James Smith belongs to the latter category—a visionary whose journey spans industries, disciplines, and profound experiences, each adding to his dynamic story of growth and transformation.
From building a log cabin in the forests of Maine to becoming a pastor, from guiding small businesses through economic crises to pioneering new technologies and financial systems, James’s career has been anything but conventional. His relentless pursuit of knowledge led him to earn multiple degrees, including an MILR from Cornell, and work with the U.S. government in critical moments like the 9/11 aftermath and the 2008 financial crisis.
Beyond his contributions to finance, academia, and dispute resolution, James played a pivotal role as president of Quality Resource Technologies (QRT), a company focused on composite material innovations and sustainable energy solutions. His leadership in taking QRT public and engaging with government agencies showcased his ability to navigate complex business landscapes. Though the venture did not end as planned, the lessons he gained became invaluable stepping stones for future endeavors.
Now, as the president of the Foundation of Unity, Inc., James dedicates his expertise to fostering collaboration and understanding in education, business, and society. His work bridges disciplines, offering a holistic perspective on unity, conflict resolution, and human potential. Through his research, speaking engagements, and thought leadership, he continues to inspire individuals and organizations worldwide.
James Smith’s journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to progress. His experiences reflect the power of curiosity and the importance of embracing both triumphs and challenges as essential components of success.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Tell us about your early life, education, and career journey.
A few close friends and a girlfriend, who later became my wife, were my key companions growing up. Two days after high school graduation, I left the East Coast for the West Coast to explore a broader perspective on life. I later moved to Maine, where I built a log cabin from the trees on the 10 acres of land I purchased. My main goal was to have a family and grow in harmony with nature and other people.
I began my career as a quality control specialist at a business wall-covering factory. Over time, I pursued education at a Bible College and was mentored by local clergy, eventually becoming a pastor in Allagash, Maine. As my children approached college age, we moved back to Western New York so they could have a wider choice of educational opportunities. During this time, I became the Spiritual Care Coordinator for a young hospice that eventually grew tenfold.
While working, I attended New York Empire State University, earning an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree focused on dispute resolution and law. I later obtained an MBA from Canisius University and was accepted into Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR), where I earned a Master of Industrial and Labor Relations (MILR). I pursued this education to better understand the intricate relationship between people and money.
After graduating from Cornell, I worked with the U.S. government in 2001 to help businesses recover from the World Trade Center disaster. I also taught college courses at Empire State College for a year and a half. Later, I moved to New York City and joined Hudson Valley Bank, where I transformed its small business lending operations—growing it by over 20 times—and implemented a new, precise credit review system.
Subsequently, I worked in downtown New York at the Pan Am Building with UBS Financial Services during the 2007–2010 financial crisis. At the same time, I was enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Human and Organizational Development, focusing my dissertation on unifying all conflict management paradigms. I graduated in 2013.
From 2010 to 2013, I held dual roles:
-
President of the Foundation of Unity, speaking at numerous events, including the United Nations (on the "Unity Jerusalem" art program and time management at the UN Church Center).
-
Author of an article published in The Journal of Integral Theory and Practice, featuring 13 interviews with high-performing professionals on unity—past, present, and future.
I later collaborated with Barry Smith, then-head of the Philosophy Department at the University of Buffalo and co-creator of Basic Formal Ontology (adopted by the International Standards Organization (ISO)). This collaboration helped me develop a structured approach to understanding individual identity in relation to unity and energy.
My research continued with a global study involving 30 individuals across diverse demographics, aimed at defining the human experience in realist ontology. This study was later published by the International Society for Knowledge Organization.
From July 2010 to August 2011, I was president of Quality Resource Technologies (QRT), a private company that we took public on the pink sheets in 2011. This was a composite materials company that had twofold income streams that were developing. One was a composite-made container that was approved and patented for shipping. The other was energy, electrical energy, made from burning waste materials and commercial solar installations. My role was to support the board of directors, communicate with attorneys, fundraise and negotiate, and create plans to present to the U.S. government department at that time called the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), now known as the International Development Finance Corporation. This company did not have a happy ending after all this work, and all I ended up with were several thousand worthless securities. But I learned a tremendous amount, and that is what counted. From going to Washington, D.C., to talk with investors, attorneys, and Congresspersons to being a stalking-horse for a purchase in Northern Miami, this experience provided invaluable lessons in leadership, strategy, and resilience.
The next step was to create technologies that would make this knowledge accessible for businesses while demonstrating its moral foundation. Just as I was developing The Objects of Objective Morality, the 2020 pandemic struck. At that time, I rejoined the Small Business Administration (SBA) of the United States, where I worked alongside my role as President of the Foundation of Unity, Inc.
A Role with Impact
What is your current role, and what do you enjoy most about your work?
I currently serve as the President of the Foundation of Unity, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. I deeply enjoy speaking and presenting to organizations about the principles of unity and how my research applies to education, business, personal growth, social cohesion, and a positive future.
Proud Moments and Professional Achievements
What has been your proudest professional accomplishment?
Throughout my career, I have provided comfort and support during times of extreme distress—including 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and the 2020 pandemic.
One of my proudest accomplishments has been demonstrating that in conflict, everyday life, and objective morality, there are four fundamental disciplines that shape interdisciplinary understanding:
- Physical (tangible reality),
- Energy (the driving force behind actions and emotions),
- Sociology of People (human relationships), and
- Money (a tool for measuring value).
Through my research, I have shown how these elements form the core of human experience, a discovery I am deeply grateful for.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
What is one major challenge you've faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
One of the greatest challenges in my work has been proving that unity is a tangible reality not just an abstract philosophy or mythological concept.
I’ve worked to demonstrate that while individuals are unique, we all exist within the same interconnected system like the squares of a Rubik’s Cube. Each piece is distinct yet part of a greater whole.
To overcome this challenge, I developed mathematical and conceptual models that illustrate this interconnectedness. By applying these models, businesses and individuals can improve communication, collaboration, and overall understanding, whether in the workplace, at home, or within communities.
Staying Ahead in a Dynamic Field
How do you stay ahead in your industry?
My field revolves around mental and emotional well-being, helping people feel connected, understood, and empowered. Many professionals work in this space, but what sets me apart is my focus on the "Unity of All Things" , a theory that explains the human experience in its entirety.
To stay ahead, I continue to publish research, give talks, and actively engage with audiences to spread awareness of this transformative approach.
Advice for Young Professionals
What advice would you give to young professionals aiming for success?
Find an environment where your ideas and approach are valued, allowing you to communicate and grow at your own pace.
Your soul is the center of your life. As you navigate different areas to meet your needs, always return to your core passions for renewal and clarity. Success is not just about progress but about staying aligned with what you truly love.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Growth and Impact
James Smith’s story is not just one of career transitions and professional milestones—it is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding pursuit of knowledge. From his early days seeking harmony with nature to navigating the complexities of business, finance, and human development, his journey reflects a deep commitment to growth and impact.
His leadership in diverse fields, including his tenure as president of Quality Resource Technologies (QRT) and his pivotal role in small business recovery, showcases his ability to innovate and lead in times of both crisis and opportunity. Today, through the Foundation of Unity, Inc., he continues to shape discussions on education, business, and social cohesion, proving that true success lies in creating meaningful change.
As James looks ahead, his work remains a beacon for those striving to integrate knowledge, unity, and purpose in their own paths. His journey reminds us that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones, guiding us toward deeper understanding and greater achievements.
Also Read:-
Recent Comments: