About
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Build High-Performing Teams. Scale Without the Chaos.
Fractional People Director for Seed to Series C companies. Former Senior People Leader at Bolt & Voi.
I help founders transition from 'Startup Mode' to scale-up performance—building sustainable, commercially focused organisations without the burnout.
Scaling Shouldn't Mean Losing Control
You’ve built something remarkable. But the scrappy culture that got you here won’t get you to the next stage of maturity.
You need systems, structure, and strategic leadership, without losing the agility that makes you competitive.
I provide fractional leadership to help founders build the plane whilst flying it. I don't just advise; I embed into your team to build the organisational architecture that enables commercial ambition.

Trusted by leaders at:
  • Bolt: International People Operations
  • Voi: Multi-Country Scaling
  • Chapter 2: Founding Team Partner
  • TREC: Strategic People Leadership
Senior People Leadership for Seed to Series C
I help you spot the expensive mistakes before you make them. We identify the risks in your current setup and steer clear of the costs that usually hit growing companies. Avoiding reputational damage and thousands in legal costs
The Scale
At Bolt and Voi, I managed people operations across 30+ countries, navigating the complexities of international scale. I've built frameworks that work across diverse regulatory environments, managed distributed teams through rapid expansion, and maintained culture coherence when headcount doubled year-over-year.
The Agility
At Chapter 2 and The Recruitment Events Co, I worked closely with founders of smaller teams (20–50 staff) to act as a trusted confidant and builder. I've sat in the difficult conversations, defining high standards, and designed org structures that work in practice.
Culture is an Operating System
I don't just 'do HR.' I help to build High-Performing Teams that deliver commercial results. This means balancing aggressive growth targets with a culture that prevents burnout, ensuring your best people stay, perform, and compound their impact over time.
High performance isn't about working longer hours or pushing harder. It's about clarity of purpose, intelligent org design, effective performance management, and removing the friction that stops talented people from doing their best work.
The companies that win the next decade won't be the ones that scaled fastest. They'll be the ones that scaled sustainably—building organisations that can adapt, iterate, and outperform competitors year after year.
Choose Your Level of Engagement
Flexible engagement models designed for your growth stage.
Some founders need a sounding board. Others need someone to build the entire function. Most need something in between. Here's how we can work together:
CONSULT
Advisory & Audit

You need a second opinion or a strategic deep-dive to diagnose issues. Perfect for founders who have a capable team but need expert guidance on complex decisions.
  • Strategic advisory sessions
  • Organisational audits & health checks
  • Founder coaching & executive alignment
Typical engagement: Retainer-based / Ad-hoc Advisory
PLAN
The Zero to One Roadmap
You need the architecture for growth—mapped out in detail for your team to execute. I create the blueprint; you build it.
  • People strategy & OKR alignment
  • Organisational design & restructuring
  • HR Tech stack & operational infrastructure

Typical engagement: Fixed-scope project
BUILD
Execution & Interim

You need hands-on leadership to implement the strategy and run the function. I become part of your leadership team, driving execution and building capability.
  • Fractional People Director role (1-3 days/week)
  • Change management & internal comms
  • Manager capability building & risk mitigation
Typical engagement: Fractional Leadership / Embed
Note: These are indicative examples, not a fixed menu.
Not sure what fits? We can blend these models to create a bespoke roadmap, or start with a pilot project to prove value quickly.
What My Clients Say
Hearing directly from founders and leaders I've partnered with offers the best insight into the impact of strategic people leadership. Their words speak to the tangible results and transformative journeys we've embarked on together.
"Transformative is a term that great HR professionals hang their hat on. James' deep understanding of our people allowed us to re-org, his market intelligence has allowed us to build for the better, his kindness and care has made us a better employer, and his patience has built a functioning c-suite."
- Jamie, CEO & Co-Founder
"I have LOVED working with James this year - our business trajectory has accelerated over the last 12 months in a way that this time last year I would not have believed. Having James onboard the last 6 months has been super fuel to this journey - working within the C-Suite to help bring the plans to life. For any other business owners looking to take their business on a bold transformation - call James!! He really is ace!"
- Lois, Co-Founder
"We have covered a ridiculous amount of ground since having James in the business. Huge big thanks from me! If anyone is looking for Fractional People Leadership, I can not recommend James Driver highly enough."
- Zoe, Chief Operating Officer
"James has redefined what the role of HR is and, to me, what it should be going forward." - CEO - Global Creative Agency
Let's Discuss Your Growth Trajectory
Whether you need a sounding board, a strategic audit, or a fractional leader embedded in your executive team, the first step is a conversation. We'll discuss your current challenges, commercial objectives, and where you're heading over the next 12–24 months.
I work with a small number of clients at any time, ensuring each engagement receives the focus and strategic attention it deserves. If we're a good fit, we'll design an engagement structure that matches your needs and stage.
No generic proposals. No cookie-cutter solutions. Just pragmatic, commercially focused people leadership from someone who's navigated the journey from seed to unicorn scale.
James Driver Consulting | Fractional People Director for Scaling Tech Companies
Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 2026
1. Introduction James Driver Consulting ("we", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect and use your personal data when you visit our website, book a call, or engage our services.
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