Behind the Mic: Vanessa James's Journey from Stutterer to Voiceover Queen

LEAVE YOUR MARK: Freshly Brewed Career Advice with Aliza Licht

In this new Leave Your Mark episode, I sit down with Vanessa James. Vanessa is the CEO and Founder of Vanessa James Media (VJMedia), a multi-media company where she celebrates her passions for voiceover, storytelling, travel, and on-camera hosting. You may not know her name, but you definitely know her voice. Known as "the voice you hear everywhere," Vanessa is a sought-after, seasoned multicultural voiceover actress who has lent her voice and talents to some of the world's most iconic brands. Her captivating voice can be heard nationwide on television, over 30 radio stations, and in the bustling yellow cabs of New York City on 103.5 KTU. Vanessa has voiced campaigns for Netflix, CW Network, PGA Tour, Amazon, IHeartMedia, and more.

Vanessa's early years were marked by a significant speech impediment—a stutter that could have easily deterred her from pursuing a career that relies so heavily on clear and precise communication. Instead of letting this challenge define her, Vanessa transformed it into a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity. Her story is a potent reminder that our perceived weaknesses can be harnessed into our greatest strengths with determination and the right mindset.

In this episode, you'll learn how Vanessa transformed challenges into triumphs, empowers women in media, and why she never stops learning how to perfect her craft. Vanessa's story is a powerful reminder that anything is possible with determination and hard work.