Corporate leadership meets country living

In Whitesboro, life moves at a different pace for 43-year-old Nicole James. Where slow isn’t part of the routine. 

James serves as the director of programming manager at one of the biggest aircraft seating companies in the world, Safran Seating. Working at the Gainesville location, she leads a team of 25 who oversee all the projects that run through the company. Not only is she the leader of a huge company, but also a mom of three. 

“I don’t really have a standard 8-5 job,” James said. “I work with people all over the world. I could have calls at five in the morning or late at night; my job never stops.” 

Her role in the commercial airline industry comes with constant communication and commitment. It is high-pressure. She leads her team through managing designs, production and delivery of the aircraft seats. 

But long before she stepped into the corporate world, her roots were planted on a farm. 

Originally from northern Michigan, James spent her childhood split between city life near Chicago and summers on her family’s farm, where she grew to love and care for horses. 

“It was the best of both worlds,” she said. 

Her passion for horses followed her into college at Murray State University, where she studied agricultural business and competed on the rodeo team. She later worked for a well-known cutter in Mississippi and Texas. 

But eventually, reality set in. 

“I had to decide if I wanted to have a job that would allow me to keep horses in my life but also provide benefits and days off,” James said. “In the horse world, you don’t get days off.” 

That realization led her to transition into the business world, where she worked her way up while also holding onto her passion for horses. 

Today, that passion has grown into something she can share with her family. 

James, her mother and her three children are all involved in the quarter horse industry. They share a single horse, Cooper, who is their top show horse. 

Her children, each within their own interests and abilities, have found their place in the equestrian community. 

Her youngest daughter is beginning her first year competing in Hunter Under Saddle. 

Her middle son participates in equestrian programs designed for riders with disabilities, while her oldest is exploring other sports. 

“Riding is something we can all do together,” James said. 

Balancing a demanding career, family life and competitive riding isn’t easy. James admits her time is her biggest challenge. 

“I make it a point to start riding at least once a week, even if I just go for 30 minutes,” James said. 

Her intentional balance between work and horse is what keeps her grounded. 

On tough days, she reminds herself that beyond the workload and busy schedule, horses and time with her kids are her outlets.

Her advice for others considering a career in the horse industry is simple: be honest with yourself. 

“You have to be okay with the lifestyle,” she said. “There are no days off and long hours. It’s not just a job. It’s a full-time commitment. If that’s not what you want, find another way to keep horses in your life.”  

For James, ambition and passion drive her family and career goals. In a world of constant motion, she’s found her stride both in the corporate world and in the saddle.