James Clift

Professional Background

James Clift is a seasoned entrepreneur with a kaleidoscope of experiences in founding and leading companies in diverse sectors, including home services and Software as a Service (SaaS). From the very start of his career in high school, James has been dedicated to the entrepreneurial landscape, illustrating his unwavering passion for innovation and business development. As the former CEO of VisualCV.com, a leading online resume and portfolio creation platform, James played a pivotal role in aiding millions of individuals in their career journeys. Under his leadership, VisualCV scaled to help over 4 million users worldwide, making it a go-to resource in dozens of countries for career advancement.

In 2017, VisualCV's rapid growth earned it a notable accolade as the 28th fastest growing startup in Canada. This recognition is a testament to James's visionary leadership and strategic acumen in the startup ecosystem. After successfully exiting VisualCV in 2020, he turned his attention to new projects, including Holopod, which was subsequently sold to Pulse. James's entrepreneurial ventures are not only diverse but also deeply aligned with his mission to empower others in their journey to business ownership.

Education and Achievements

James Clift holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting (Honours) from The University of British Columbia, an esteemed institution known for its rigorous academic standards and illustrious alumni. His educational background provided him with a solid foundation in business principles, finance, and management, all of which have been instrumental in his career as an entrepreneur. James has consistently demonstrated a commitment to learning and growth, exhibiting how foundational knowledge can impact one's professional trajectory positively.

Throughout his career, James has taken on various leadership roles, emphasizing his versatile skillset. Beyond his position as CEO of VisualCV, he co-founded and served on the board of Workstory and co-founded other successful endeavors such as KarmaHire. His leadership extended to the role of Chief Employment Officer at Callings, showcasing his versatility and dedication to workforce development. Additionally, he has displayed his commitment to education as a Managerial Accounting Teaching Assistant at the Sauder School of Business at UBC, where he helped shape the minds of future business leaders.

Achievements

James Clift's achievements reflect his unwavering dedication to entrepreneurship and his belief that owning a business should be accessible to all. His mission is to facilitate entrepreneurship, and that is the driving force behind his latest venture, Durable.co. At Durable.co, James aims to simplify the process of starting and running a business, making it easier than ever for aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap into ownership and innovation. His philosophy is rooted in the idea that everyone who aspires to own and grow a business should have the tools, resources, and support to do so. Through Durable.co, he hopes to demystify the entrepreneurial journey and encourage more individuals to pursue their business aspirations.

As he continues on his entrepreneurial journey, James remains committed to enabling others to realize their dreams of business ownership. His extensive career, marked by innovation, leadership, and dedication to others' success, positions him as a thought leader in the entrepreneurial landscape. Stakeholders in the startups and entrepreneurship space can look to James Clift not just as an entrepreneur but as a mentor and a catalyst for change. With his track record of accomplishments and his vision for the future of entrepreneurship, James is poised to make a lasting impact, empowering a new generation of business leaders and innovators.