HPU Expert in Residence Neen James Teaches Students About Importance of Nonverbal Communication

High Point University Expert in Residence Neen James, a globally recognized leadership strategist and luxury expert, spoke to students about ways to lead without words during her recent visit to campus as part of HPU’s Access to Innovators program. Pictured was moderator Noelia Velazquez, a sophomore journalism major, conducting a Q&A session with James.

HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 13, 2025 – High Point University Expert in Residence Neen James, a globally recognized leadership strategist and luxury expert, spoke to students about ways to lead without words during her recent visit to campus as part of HPU’s Access to Innovators program.

Renowned for her work with some of the world’s most influential executives, James has redefined leadership by applying the principles of luxury — attention, personalization and deep human connection. She has collaborated with leaders at companies such as Viacom, Comcast and Virtuoso Travel.

James brought those luxury principles to life as she greeted each person who entered the Callicutt Life Skills Theater before her speech on Oct. 29. She asked for their names and created personal connections with students, faculty and staff. She also shared lunch with LIFT scholars and recorded a podcast while on campus.

James advised students to always have a sense of curiosity and questions to ask to open conversations and elevate emotional intelligence. Asking clarifying questions and saying such phrases as “tell me more” can easily deepen conversations, she said.

“It’s not just the words you speak,” James said. “It’s the energy you bring into the space. It’s your presence, your personal brand, your gestures and your eye contact. Using people’s names costs nothing, and when you use people’s name, it makes them feel seen, heard and valued.”

James referred to her new book, “Exceptional Experiences: Five Luxury Levers to Elevate Every Aspect of Your Business,” as she shared her insights on why luxury is more than exclusivity. It’s about creating transformational experiences.

“Our speaker is not just a powerhouse of energy. She’s a global thought-leader in attention, leadership and personal branding,” said moderator Noelia Velazquez, a sophomore journalism major from Greenville, North Carolina. “She has worked with the world’s most recognizable brands, and her insights have been featured in Forbes, Harvard Business Review and Fast Company. But what makes Neen James unforgettable isn’t just her resume, it’s the way she shows up. With every word, every action and every moment, she reminds us that everything speaks, even when we’re not talking.”

James suggested students visualize the calm elegance of a swan or duck while paddling energetically beneath the surface when they face high-pressure situations. She demonstrated 15 techniques to show emotional intelligence. In addition to asking questions, those techniques include holding eye contact, showing confidence, actively interacting, making others feel valuable, using voice tone, understanding the power of a pause, sitting in the front third of a chair and always finishing your point.

Liv Penteado is a sophomore international business major who earned her emotional intelligence certification from HPU’s Life Skills certification program. She said she wanted to hear James after being encouraged by multiple people who described her as an engaging speaker. What she heard was impactful.

“The main point I really loved to take away was being the host of a conversation,” said Penteado, who is from Minnetonka, Minnesota. “It’s about greeting them first, asking those questions first and facilitating that conversation. It does make an impression. I really liked her point about preparing questions beforehand and having those in the back of your mind so that you always feel prepared. It makes an impression on others when you are prepared, and you know what you want to ask.”

James’ advice on ways to deepen conversations and influence others impressed Jonathan Lazaridis, a senior sales major with a minor in economics.

“It’s not just what you say but how you say it with tonality, body language and making sure that others feel comfortable with you,” said Lazaridis, who is originally from Greece and grew up in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. “Especially in sales, you’re trying to provide value to the customer, and she gave some amazing advice in terms of the questions you ask to understand the other person’s values and perspectives.”