Chief Financial Officer, Rxo
Search every verified James Harris interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. James Harris, Chief Financial Officer of RXO, spoke at the 64th Boyles Distinguished Lecture Series at Appalachian State University on September 17, 2023. He described RXO as an asset-light transportation solutions provider with more than 7,000 employees, approximately $5 billion in revenue, and a market cap just over $2 billion. Harris said he initially declined the CFO role at RXO because he was happy in his previous position, but was intrigued by the business from his experience as a shipper at Coca-Cola. He stated that the company is "doing well" but is operating in a "tough economic cycle and a tough freight market." During his lecture, Harris emphasized the importance of preparation, personal health, and building trust in business. He said he works out four to five days a week and prioritizes nutrition due to his Crohn's disease. Harris advised students to turn adversity into opportunity, noting that "very few people in business have become successful feeling like a victim." He also encouraged the younger generation to become "strong, highly ethical, passionate leaders" in their chosen fields.
“I joined the company last fall to help them do a spin-off from their parent company a company called XPO Logistics. When I was approached about the job I said no the first time because I was actually very happy with the role I had but I knew the company just from having been as a shipper at Coca-Cola before was intrigu...”
“RXO is a leading provider of asset light Transportation Solutions with more than seven thousand employees. We use technology, industry knowledge and customer relationships really to maximize shippers' transportation needs with carriers who are looking to haul freight. We're trading on the New York Stock Exchange, about...”
“The company is doing well, but it's a tough economic cycle and a tough freight market right now. The team is working hard and I think the company has a very bright future.”
“In business, there are tons of boundaries: ethical and industry expectations, rules, accounting and financial principles, organizational structure. But entrepreneurial spirit is a must if you're going to succeed. Some boundaries are requirements, some are nice to haves, but it's very important you understand them and k...”
“There is no substitute for preparation in business. You have strategy decisions, investor meetings, media interviews—you have to be prepared. The real leaders are prepared and they love pressure; they thrive because they're fundamentally sound and mentally and emotionally ready for the moment.”
“Your personal health and wellness is a must; it must be a priority. I work out four to five days a week, a couple hours a day. Being strong physically is very important as I get older. Good nutrition is extra important for me because I have Crohn's disease. I recommend setting physical condition and good nutrition as a...”
“In business, be ready for the unexpected. There are new surprises every day. If you're unprepared, the unexpected will dominate your time and take your focus away from what you're trying to do. You must anticipate and have capacity in your schedule to manage the unexpected in a routine manner.”
“Turn your adversity into opportunities. You have to have the capacity for adversity and learn how to handle it. Most people are either in a crisis, leaving a crisis, or getting ready to enter a crisis. You can own your adversity, use it as a motivating tool, or allow yourself to feel like a victim. Very few people in b...”
“In business, build trust. Prove to your peers, companies, and investors that you can be counted on. The trusted person always gets high-profile assignments, promotions, and is often a leading candidate for CEO, president, or CFO roles. Establish yourself as someone who can be counted on under pressure.”
“Our world needs leaders from the younger generation. We need strong, highly ethical, passionate leaders everywhere—in business, higher education, coaching, teaching, ministry, government. Students, you are the next generation of leaders. Please go use your God-given talents and become a leader in whatever field you pur...”
The 64th event in the Boyles Distinguished Lecture Series featured Mr. Jamie Harris, Chief Financial Officer at RXO. His talk ...
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