[1] Completing regular media appearances in Australia and internationally, his reports such as the iPod index and State of the States are often reported upon and often called a "user-friendly" economic outlook for average individuals.
After leaving Narwee Boys' High School in 1979, James joined the Rural bank, while undertaking his Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) at the University of New South Wales in 1984.
[3][2] At the start of 2012, James was appointed as adjunct professor in the Curtin Business School.
Rankings and indicators designed by James are often covered by general media such as The Mercury,[6] the ABC[7] and the Sydney Morning Herald.
He finished in the top six for the Men's Health Man of the Year 2011 competition.