Jim Hays
About Jim Hays
Jim Hays is the Founder and Managing Partner of The ASPIRE! Group, LLC, where he has worked since 2002. He has a diverse background in sales and management, with previous roles at companies such as Octel Communications, Cisco, IBM, and the United States Air Force.
Work at The Aspire Group
Jim Hays serves as the Founder and Managing Partner of The ASPIRE! Group, LLC, a position he has held since 2002. Based in Gold River, CA, he has led the organization for over 22 years. Under his leadership, The ASPIRE! Group focuses on enhancing business outcomes through innovative strategies and client engagement. Hays has developed a reputation for facilitating essential mindsets and behaviors in client-facing teams, aiming to improve overall business performance.
Previous Employment History
Before founding The ASPIRE! Group, Jim Hays accumulated diverse experience in various roles. He worked at Octel Communications as a Branch Sales Manager from 1989 to 1995. Following that, he spent two years at Cisco, contributing to disruptive innovations in the circuit-switched ACD and call center industry from 1999 to 2001. Hays also held an Account Manager position at IBM Corporation from 1985 to 1989 and served as a Captain in the United States Air Force from 1977 to 1983.
Education and Expertise
Jim Hays earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Miami, where he studied from 1974 to 1977. His educational background laid the foundation for his extensive career in sales and business strategy. Hays is recognized for originating the Business Outcome-based Selling approach in 2008, which emphasizes understanding enterprise buying behaviors. He has spent years acquiring insights inspired by Charlie Munger's concept of a 'latticework of mental models.'
Client Base and Global Impact
Hays has established a diverse client base that includes major corporations such as AT&T, BT Group, Cisco Systems, Verizon, and Telstra. His work spans more than fifty countries, where he collaborates with a global network of thought leaders, consultants, and coaches. This collaboration aims to innovate business strategies, go-to-client approaches, talent management, and operational models, demonstrating Hays' influence in the business landscape.