Get to know James Barlia 🎙️

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Get to know James Barlia from STATION DC in a new episode of Capitol Spotlight, a video and audio podcast from CNCT.

Born and raised in the district, James has a unique perspective on what it means to bring technology to the capital. From a young age, he had a desire to innovate (hear about his toothpaste venture in the episode), and he sees that desire within D.C.'s policymakers.

As Executive Director for STATION DC, James created a hub for tech, policy, and capital in the district. His vision is a place where innovators, policymakers, and investors collaborate to address national challenges.

Get to know more about James...


🏠 Hometown: Washington, D.C.
🎓 College: Tulane University
🔗 CNCT with James about... STATION DC!
 

If you're considering starting your own business or want to learn more about entrepreneurship, you should check out James' interview.

More about James

Do you want to start a business one day? Do you have an idea that you just can't shake? You may have the entrepreneurial bug. In that case, James has plenty of words of wisdom and recommendations for your future ventures.
 
"It's not easy to start anything. It's really hard. There's pressure. It's lonely sometimes ... You have to have deep, deep conviction in whatever it is that you're doing," says James.

💪 Starting a business – or acting on any idea — takes a lot of work. In this episode, James emphasizes the importance of being action-oriented when it comes to one's ideas.

📚 What's a good first step? Reading up. Here are some of James' book recommendations if you're interested in starting a business:

  • Good to Great, by Jim Collins

  • Built to Last, by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras

  • Place Nice But Win, by James Kaplan and Michael S. Dell

  • Made in America, by Sam Walton

  • Grinding It Out, by Ray Kroc

  • ... and many more!

So, if you think you have the entrepreneurial bug, the time to act is now. Get to reading!

One more thing from James: "There is no such thing as perfect. Don't wait around."