Founders Future

From Freelancer to CEO: How James Jeffrey Built Radar BI’s Data Revolution

Closers.io

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, James Jeffrey, founder of Radar BI, shares his journey from freelancing in data visualization to building a boutique analytics firm that helps businesses transform raw data into actionable insights. James reveals how he identified a critical gap in the market—clients overcomplicating their dashboard needs—and developed 3 core services (fractional BI, dashboard diagnostics, and embedded analytics) to deliver focused, user-friendly solutions. He also discusses the evolving role of AI in business intelligence and why human-centric design still reigns supreme for storytelling and fundraising visuals.*

James offers a candid look at his 6-year evolution from freelancer to CEO, including key mindset shifts around pricing, branding, and productizing services. For data professionals aspiring to entrepreneurship, he shares hard-won lessons on transitioning from hourly work to scalable offerings, plus his vision for Radar BI’s next phase—balancing AI-powered efficiency with the irreplaceable art of data storytelling. A must-listen for consultants ready to systemize their expertise.