Meet James Henry, Associate General Counsel at ZoomInfo—a seasoned corporate lawyer with a strong background in navigating complex regulatory environments. With expertise in data privacy law, commercial contracts, and regulatory compliance, James is a dynamic and goal-oriented transactional attorney. He excels in fast-paced settings, fearlessly tackling challenges and delivering innovative solutions.
Beyond his professional pursuits, James understands the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. He values the presence of family and friends, cherishing quality time with loved ones. Living in the vibrant Pacific Northwest, he takes full advantage of the region’s diverse range of activities. James recognizes the significance of striking a balance between his personal and professional lives, acknowledging that nurturing relationships and indulging in enriching experiences outside of work contribute to his overall well-being.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and James Henry:
Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company?
As an attorney who has exclusively worked within companies and has a strong focus on efficiency and a transactional mindset, my background is uniquely geared towards optimizing legal processes and facilitating smooth business transactions.
Throughout my career, I have immersed myself in corporate environments, gaining a deep understanding of the intricacies and challenges that businesses face. This firsthand experience has provided me with valuable insights into the specific needs and goals of companies, allowing me to tailor my legal approach to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
My experience within companies has given me a comprehensive understanding of various transaction types and their complexities. I excel at navigating intricate contractual arrangements, identifying potential risks, and finding practical solutions that align with the company’s strategic objectives. I bring a holistic perspective to the table, considering not only the legal aspects but also the operational and business implications of each transaction.
Time is often of the essence in corporate transactions, and I thrive in fast-paced environments. I am accustomed to working under tight deadlines and collaborating closely with internal stakeholders to ensure efficient decision-making and execution. My goal is to deliver results promptly without compromising the quality and integrity of the legal process.
Before working at ZoomInfo, I worked for a national senior living management company based in Portland, Oregon as well as a financial services firm based in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
I joined DiscoverOrg in 2017. DiscoverOrg was founded in 2007 by Henry Schuck and Kirk Brown. The company’s origin story begins with Henry Schuck, who recognized the need for accurate and reliable sales intelligence data while working for another firm.
Their goal was to build a comprehensive and up-to-date database of company and contact information that would empower sales and marketing professionals to make informed decisions and improve their sales performance.
DiscoverOrg’s commitment to data quality and innovation quickly gained recognition, and the company experienced rapid growth.
Over the years, DiscoverOrg continued to evolve its product offerings and acquired other companies in the sales and marketing intelligence space to further enhance its capabilities. Notable acquisitions included RainKing in 2017 and ZoomInfo in 2019.
In 2020, the company rebranded as ZoomInfo following the acquisition of ZoomInfo. The combined entity became a powerhouse in the B2B data and intelligence industry, offering a comprehensive platform for sales, marketing, and recruiting professionals.
Today, DiscoverOrg, now known as ZoomInfo, remains a trusted leader in providing sales and marketing intelligence, enabling businesses to target their ideal customers and drive growth through accurate and actionable data.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
I work hard, focus on the priorities of the business/client that I support, and make sure I am a pleasure to work with. I am also a relentless self-advocate (when appropriate) and ensure I find ways to measure and demonstrate my value. I value honesty, integrity, and excellence.
Which are the major services of the company and how do the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
ZoomInfo offers a range of services aimed at providing comprehensive sales and marketing intelligence to businesses.
ZoomInfo’s focus on data quality, comprehensive coverage, advanced technology, integration capabilities, and continuous innovation helps it stand out in the competitive landscape of sales and marketing intelligence providers.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in, and how do you build this culture?
Three important aspects of a company’s culture are:
- Performance Excellence: A strong culture emphasizes a commitment to performance excellence. It sets high standards for employees and encourages them to strive for continuous improvement and exceptional results. This culture promotes a strong work ethic, a focus on quality, and a drive to exceed expectations.
- Accountability: A culture of accountability ensures that employees take ownership of their responsibilities and deliver on their commitments. It fosters a sense of personal responsibility and promotes a results-oriented mindset. In this culture, individuals are held accountable for their actions, decisions, and outcomes, which leads to greater productivity and a sense of pride in one’s work.
- Recognition and Rewards: A culture that values recognition and rewards acknowledges and celebrates exceptional performance. It creates a positive environment where employees’ efforts are acknowledged, appreciated, and rewarded. This recognition can be in the form of monetary incentives, promotions, public appreciation, or other forms of recognition that motivate employees to consistently strive for excellence.
These aspects of culture create an environment where performance and excellence are valued and celebrated. They inspire employees to consistently perform at their best, fostering a high-performance culture that drives the company’s success.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
Innovative ideas are crucial for companies because they:
- Provide a competitive advantage
- Drive business growth and adaptability
- Improve operational efficiency
- Engage and retain employees
- Foster continuous improvement
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
From my experience, this depends on the size of the company. The larger the company, the less impact comes from individual heroics because the work is so large and complex that it requires many people doing multiple things all at once to reach a successful outcome.
What are your responsibilities in your position in the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
I manage the Commercial and Product teams within the ZoomInfo Legal Department. This means I am primarily focused on commercial contracts such as purchase agreements, licensing deals, or partnerships.
I also manage oversight of the Real Estate and Intellectual Property portfolios of the organization.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Be honest with yourself about your shortcomings. Ensure that your team feels valued and challenged.
