Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to James Wilkerson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi James, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
Whenever I get a case of creativity block, I return to my college campus for inspiration. College has always held a special place in my heart. It was a place where I really came into my own and for me, there is such a creative energy on campus. Taking walks through the same buildings that captivated me and that I learned so much in years ago, always sparks my creativity. I’ve written some of my best speeches on a stroll through my alma mater.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
First, I am a public speaker. I am part of a speaker firm called Greek University which specializes in speaking at colleges across the country on a variety of topics. My specialty is a variety of presentations on sexual misconduct topics such as consent and bystander intervention, and men’s issues like mental health and healthy masculinity practices. Speaking of mental health, I just gave my third TEDx Talk on the subject at TEDxLakeSuperiorState in Michigan. That video is out now on YouTube.
In addition to speaking, I am also a professor. My keynote course is called Advanced Issues in Criminal Law: Sex Offenses, which I teach at the University of Louisville’s Law School, as well as an undergraduate version called Sex Offenders, at Indiana University Southeast. I also teach women’s, gender, and sexuality studies at Indiana University Southeast.
Lastly, I’m an author. My first book is entitled, “The Title IX Guy: Several Short Essays on Masculinity (Both the Good and Bad Kind), Rape Culture, and Other Things We Should Be Talking About.” This book was released in 2021, and has been on Amazon’s Gender and Law bestseller list. It has also been used as a textbook for several college courses. My second book “Consent Is _____: The Things They Didn’t Teach You In Sex Ed” was released in 2023 and also sits on Amazon’s Gender and Law bestseller list. I am currently working on my third book, “90’s Man”, which is a gender and cultural study of the 1990’s. In addition to my books, I have also been published in legal journals such as the University of Louisville Law review, periodicals such as the Louisville Eccentric Observer (LEO), and I have a regular column at the “I Taught the Law” legal blog. I have been named best local writer in the LEO Reader’s Choice Awards for the past two years.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The biggest area of knowledge that has been most impactful in my journey has been the knowledge of the law. To this day, I still say that attending law school was the best decision I ever made. My legal education has allowed me to view the world in a more logical way and has equipped me with the tools I need to make the world better for those around me.
My fearlessness in the public eye has been one of the most valuable skills I’ve obtained. This comes from years of being on theatre stages. I was able to overcome nervousness and stage fright at an early age. Today I am able to gracefully stand before audiences of all sizes to deliver my message.
Understanding how to use my voice as my instrument has also been a valuable quality. Anyone that knows me will tell you that I am animated and loud. Through my time as a member of my law school’s mock trial team, I learned how to use those attributes properly. I learned when to be quiet as a mouse, when to roar like a lion, and how to be captivating when I do either.
For someone who is early in their journey, the best advice I can give you is to properly appraise every opportunity that comes your way, regardless of if there is a check involved. People get so turned off when they are asked to use their talents pro bono. I encourage you however, to not look at those opportunities as just “a gig where you’re not getting paid” or a “waste of time”. Rather, look to see how you can benefit from that gig; be it networking that can lead to other opportunities or gaining practice, so you’re ready for when the larger (and paid) things come your way.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
A quote that recently spoke out to me said, “competition happens at the bottom. The people at the top are collaborating.” So, yes! I am always looking for people that are working to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people to collaborate with. Whether it is on the collegiate level, or on the middle/high school level; if you are helping young people approach social issues, you’re who I want to collaborate with. There is a lot of work to be done. The load is lighter however, if we can bear it together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://greekuniversity.org/
- Instagram: @jamesjwilkerson
- Facebook: James J. Wilkerson, JD
- Linkedin: James Wilkerson, J.D.
- Twitter: @jamesjwilkerson
Image Credits
James J. Wilkerson
