About James Robinson
The Low Brow Executive – Founder of Mining & Shining Idea Lab

I'm James Robinson: Christian, Jungian Coach, Executive Director at Project Reflect, writer, and relentless digger of hidden gold. Based in Franklin, TN, I lead Project Reflect—affordable Pre-K, after-care, wrap-around services, Smithson Craighead Academy (our grassroots public charter school), and efforts to revive quality children's publishing—all founded by Sister Sandra Smithson to serve the poor with contemplative grace and bold action.

My path was messy. I lived the underdog/outsider story for years, even while climbing into regional leadership and a National Team Cabinet role. The executive title brought theatrics—smile, inspire, tote the line. But I argued when I disagreed, stayed quiet when I shouldn't have, and the dissonance showed. A former chief called me "highly unlikable but effective"; another CEO smirked about my teeth over breakfast. By late 2022, alignment was gone. I left amid an "attempted coup" (team's words), was replaced, and moved to a short-term K-12 pipeline gig to learn.

There, I invested in myself: became a Certified Jungian Coach, launched Mining and Shining Idea Lab, committed to daily prayer/men's breakfast, year-in reviews, and steady reading/writing. These re-centered me.

In 2024, I walked away with no backup plan—six months without income, but stress stayed low. Jungian coaching and prayer taught me to stay calm in flow. During that season, I recorded raw Courage Gap talks: lo-fi rants on complicity in education and adult financial incentives if kids actually performed. No polish, just honest wrestling. Playlist: YouTube

I thought leadership was over—I was tired, heartbroken. Then Sister Sandra's story found me. A friend texted about the opening; I applied half-heartedly. Mark Faulkner shared the vision with tears; the bylaws ("Reflect: 'Be still and know that I am God'") sealed it.

I was called back.

Project Reflect fits: small, grassroots (no incubator/TFA ties), experimental (e.g., Teacher Report Card—flat $74k base + input-based bonuses, 95% retention intent).

It's outside the mainstream, serving kids with love and a simple school model.  We have a  lot to do.

My coaching for creatives over 40 is Undercover Creatives—helping those who've hidden their real work to excavate and shine it into legacy.

Mining and Shining runs through everything: Undercover Creatives coaching, Robin Hood Services for schools/nonprofits, Courage Gap talks—because the truest gold appears when we stop hiding and start shining.

If this resonates—email me.

james@miningandshining.com (mailto:james@miningandshining.com)
Franklin, TN