About James Robinson-
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 TN, I lead Project Reflect in Madison. We provide affordable Pre-K, after-care, wrap-around services, and manage Smithson Craighead Academy (our grassroots public charter school)—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 that I was bad at—smile, inspire, tote the line even if you don't agree.
But I argued when I disagreed with certain ideas, stayed quiet when I shouldn't have, and the dissonance showed.
At the same time, the culture was bad.
A former chief called me "highly unlikable but effective"; another CEO told me to use my bonus to get my teeth fixed over breakfast. By late 2022, alignment was gone. I left amid an "attempted coup" (team's words), and moved to a short-term K-12 pipeline gig to learn.
At that time, I invested in myself: I became a Certified Jungian Coach, launched Mining and Shining Idea Lab, committed to daily prayer/men's breakfast, committed to deep year-in reviews, and steady reading/writing. These re-centered me.
In 2024, I walked away with no backup plan—six months without income. However, my stress stayed low. Jungian coaching and prayer taught me to stay calm and in flow. During that season, I recorded raw Courage Gap talks: lo-fi rants on complicity in education and adult financial incentives . No polish, just honest wrestling. Playlist: YouTube
I wanted leadership to be over. The politics of the role got to me.
Then Sister Sandra's story found me. A friend texted about the Executive Director opening; I half-heartedly applied. The board president shared the vision; and 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 still have a lot of work to do, but in 14 months we've made great strides.
We complain by doing better.
Our small size and our stories are our assets.
It is a blessing to be doing this work in the arena at this older age, working closely with younger leaders.
Jungian Coaching for Undercover Creatives is my coaching program for undercover creatives over 40—helping those who've hidden their real work to excavate and shine it into legacy-- it doesn't have to be a novel, it could be your strategic plan.
Mining and Shining runs through everything: Undercover Creatives coaching, Courage Gap talks, schools—because the truest gold appears when we stop hiding and start shining.
If this resonates—email me.
james@miningandshining.com
Franklin, TN