Episode 4

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Published on:

7th Dec 2021

Jim Wilkinson | The Art Of Intensive Ambiguity

You would assume that someone whose career history includes such entries as Chairman and CEO of TrailRunner International, SVP Head of International Corporate affairs for Alibaba Group, EVP of communications for PepsiCo, Chief of Staff to the US Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson, AND Senior Advisor to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, would have some interesting insights to share wouldn't you? And you'd be right!

In today's episode of The Higher Standard, Chris sits down with Jim Wilkinson, whose resume contains all of the above and much more. Jim shares some of the wisdom and experiences he's accumulated throughout his career.

You'll learn a little about Jim's extensive background, from his time at Yale in the Global Executive Leadership program to leading TrailRunner International.

You'll discover the concept of "intensive ambiguity" - the idea that you can never truly predict where your life or career will go, and why you need to focus on daily wins more than detailed, long-term plans.

You'll also learn why being in business is surprisingly similar to being a mixed martial arts fighter.

This is a show you do not want to miss! Join Chris and Jim as they unpack a wealth of insights and advice about business and life.

Enjoy!

What You’ll Learn in this Show:

A little about Jim's extensive background and his philosophy around working harder than everyone else.
Why he believes that you can never truly predict where your life or career will go, and why you need to focus on daily wins more than detailed, long-term plans.
The surprising similarities between being in business and being a mixed martial arts fighter.
And so much more...

Resources:

TrailRunner International

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About the Podcast

The Higher Standard

This isn’t a different standard, it’s the higher standard.

Welcome to the Higher Standard Podcast, where we give you ultra-premium, unfiltered truth when it comes to building your wealth and curating the lifestyle of your dreams. Your hosts; Chris Naghibi and Saied Omar here to help you distill the immense amount of information and disinformation out there on the interwebs and give you the opportunity to choose a higher standard for yourself. Sit back, relax your mind and get ready for a different kind of podcast where we elevate your baseline with crispy high-resolution audio. This isn't a different standard. It's the higher standard.

About your host

Christopher Naghibi

Christopher M. Naghibi is the host and founder of The Higher Standard podcast — a rapidly growing media platform delivering unfiltered financial literacy, real-world entrepreneurship lessons and economic commentary for the modern era.

After nearly two decades in banking, including his most recent role as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of First Foundation Bank (NYSE: FFWM), Christopher stepped away from corporate life to build a brand rooted in truth, transparency, and modern money insights. While at First Foundation, he had executive oversight of credit, product development, depository services, retail banking, loan servicing, and commercial operations. His leadership helped scale the bank’s presence in multiple national markets from $0 to over $13 billion.

Christopher is a licensed attorney, real estate broker, and general building contractor (Class B), and he brings a rare blend of legal, operational and real estate expertise to everything he does. His early career spanned diverse lending platforms, including multifamily, commercial, private banking, and middle market lending — holding key roles at Impac Commercial Capital Corporation, U.S. Financial Services & Residential Realty, and First Fidelity Funding.

In addition to his media work, Christopher is the CEO of Black Crown Inc. and Black Crown Law APC, which oversee his private holdings and legal affairs.

He holds a Juris Doctorate from Trinity Law School, an MBA from American Heritage University, and two bachelor degrees. He is also a graduate of the Yale School of Management’s Global Executive Leadership Program.

A published author and sought-after speaker (unless it’s his son’s birthday), Christopher continues to advocate for financial empowerment. He’s worked pro bono with families in need, helped craft affordable housing programs through Habitat for Humanity, and was a founding board member of She Built This City — helping spark interest in construction and trades for women of all ages.