Test Drive MBE Magazine May June 2013 | Page 20

instructors based on who can best meet a client’s requirements. Since the company’s creation, James and his team, two full-time employees and one part-time, have grown the business exponentially. Partnerships with organizations such as Spranza, LLC, producers of aviation training and consulting materials, have helped the company develop its online aviation web portals, and there are plans to conduct several international aviationtraining conferences in Spranza’s training facilities in Barbados and Bulgaria. As President of Brainseed, James has successfully cultivated partnerships with the MITRE Aviation Institute, the Airport Minority Advisory Council, Momberger Airport Information, Pelos ID and the Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network. When asked about the challenges involved with running an international training firm, James notes that the uniform standards and practices issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have streamlined the process across borders. The application of its 18 technical annexes—in particular, Annex 14, which deals with airport operations, and Annex 17, which deals with airport security—have eliminated nearly all confusion for civil aviation businesses. His company’s greatest challenge is the language barrier staffers encounter when conducting educational sessions in non-English-speaking countries, which can produce the added expense of hiring translators for training sessions. Brainseed’s future plans include expanding course offerings and pedagogical methods. James recently announced that the company will begin designing and developing computer-based, interactive training courses that meet the eligibility requirements for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) human resource development programs. Brainseed has also contracted with Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to conduct its four-day airport management primer. As one of the company’s signature courses, the Partnering for the community seminar has been taught at locations including Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Dallas Love Field, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, and Entebbe, Uganda. When James is not in the office, he splits his time almost evenly between family, fitness, and philanthropy. He sits on the Fairfax County School Board as an advisor on equal access for students, and volunteers with the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church. Brainseed has been a supporter of Water Wells for Africa for three years, and through the company’s donations, two water wells have been created. ◆ Jazmin Brooks received her bachelor’s degree in English from Harvard University and her works have appeared in Ed. magazine, World Poverty and Human Rights Online and The Collegiate Review. Proud to be a part of it. At URS, we believe in the power of diversity. As a leading engineering, construction, and technical services firm, we are proud to support—and advocate for—minority and women-owned businesses. Our commitment to diversity throughout At U.S. Bank, our success is directly related to the success and vitality of the communities we serve. We believe strong communities help m Z