Welcome to Driving People Operations.

We’re excited to introduce James Neilson — our Managing Partner, Owner & Founder.

At DPO, we specialize in helping businesses grow through intentional leadership collaboration and strategic people practices.

We believe that when leaders are empowered and people are prioritized, extraordinary results follow.

Let’s make it happen!

​James Neilson didn’t just build a business — he built a calling. With over two decades of experience in HR and leadership development, James founded Driving People Operations (DPO) to help businesses grow by investing in what matters most: their people.

His journey began as a leadership consultant for an international nonprofit, where he discovered the power of purpose-driven leadership. That passion led him to GTE’s prestigious management development program, where he honed his skills in organizational effectiveness. A brief pivot into sales gave him a front-row seat to the business side of operations — an experience that sharpened his ability to align people strategies with bottom-line results.

Since then, James has partnered with Fortune 500s, startups, and small businesses to drive growth through agile transformation, leadership development, and employee engagement. His approach is rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and a deep belief that empowered leaders create thriving cultures.

Outside of DPO, James is a dedicated community leader and currently serves on the board of Phi Gamma Delta. He has also previously served on the boards of The Plus Collective, Twirl Foundation, and Synchronicity Performance Group. He holds a B.A. in Business and Organizational Communication from the University of Akron.

Ready to elevate your leaders and unlock your team’s full potential?
Connect with James to explore how DPO can help your organization grow through the power of people.