Jim Burns is a dynamic leader and community builder based in the Upstate of South Carolina. With roots just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jim has become synonymous with development, community outreach, and economic growth in his adopted hometown. As the Chief Operating Officer for Hartness Development and founder of C LLC, specializing in strategy and execution excellence, Jim combines an entrepreneurial spirit with a deep commitment to purposeful leadership. He is known for championing personal growth, emotional intelligence, and the power of building strong, resilient teams—values that he credits to his “three Fs”: family, friends, and faith. Jim is also a former Greenville County Council member and an active participant in a wide range of local initiatives, leaving a lasting positive impact on his community.

Takeaways

Growth is Essential: Both personally and professionally, continual growth is key. Jim emphasizes that in business and life, “if you’re not growing, you’re dying”—intentional, measurable growth should be every leader’s focus.

Self-Awareness Drives Leadership: Knowing your strengths and weaknesses enables you to build teams that complement your skill set, rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Surrounding yourself with strong, capable people is critical for organizational success.

Emotional Intelligence in Action: Leading with emotional intelligence—especially self-regulation and empathy—allows leaders to handle challenges with composure and make better decisions, setting an example for their teams.

Sound Bytes

“You want your companies to grow, you want personal growth, you want the organizations that you’re a part of to grow—whether philanthropic or community or whatever.”

“If you’re not growing, you’re dying... Plan for it. Be intentional about your growth.”

“As a leader, what can I control? I can control what I think, what I say, and what I do. I can’t control anybody else.”

Connect & Discover Jim:

LinkedIn: @jim-burns

Instagram: @hartnessliving

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