James is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of remarkable experience in the Semiconductor industry. Through a 35-year career in the Semiconductor Industry, James has found the most fulfillment and success through guiding and serving others.
Starting in 1982, he was a founding staff member in the world’s first undergraduate program in microelectronic engineering. He taught, guided, and counseled first-year engineering students. It is here that he developed his love of communication and public speaking.
He worked as a process engineering team leader in manufacturing signal-processing microchips at Analog Devices for the next ten years while pursuing a Master of Electrical Engineering. Manufacturing engineering, regardless of the technology, hones one’s skills in persuasion and influence. Through his interactions with dozens of line operators and equipment technicians, he learned the impact of negotiation and compromise.
As Applications Manager at ADE corporation, he led a team of engineers and salesmen to launch new products. His singular efforts led to the formation of a Joint Venture agreement with the Israeli-based Galai Corporation. The expanded US/Israeli team he formed brought to market the first Artificial Intelligence based system for classifying yield-killing microchip defects. This technology was a pivot point for the industry.
He served as CEO of the software design firm Excelerate Technologies in the early aughts. Here he led funding efforts. He managed this firm through the 2001 recession. The company was purchased by August Technologies.
From 2006 through 2008, he served as the director of investor relations for Axcelis Technologies, a leading manufacturer of Ion Implant systems for the Semiconductor Industry. He reported to the CFO and led investor outreach and early new business development efforts.
From 2008 through 2017, he worked as an individual contributor at Applied Materials, the world’s largest manufacturer of Semiconductor Capital Equipment. While at Applied, he drove the market modeling program and several strategic marketing efforts in Solar Cell manufacture and the Power Industry.
Since 2017, James has developed an executive coaching practice specializing in creating the group mastermind concept. He is an accomplished public speaker, presenting to audiences as large as 5,000 from the Indian state of Goa to the North Shore of Massachusetts. Additionally, James is aiding in the creation of the Professional Development Programs at The Knowles Johnson Institute for Graduate Studies where he also has been accepted into the PhD program.
James Kawski’s rich and diverse experiences in the tech industry, coupled with his passion for teaching, personal growth coaching, and artistic pursuits, make him a dynamic and well-rounded professional. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance while nurturing health, wellbeing, and meaningful relationships sets him apart as a true visionary and influencer in multiple spheres.