Meet James Lee | Professional Manager and Sailor

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles and have always embraced the vibrant Southern California lifestyle. After earning my Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford, I launched my career at The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo. Around the same time, I was commissioned as a Naval Officer in the Reserve Engineering Duty Officer program. I also assisted in my father’s business, further enhancing my education by earning an MBA from the University of Southern California. Raising my two wonderful daughters has been among my proudest achievements.

A significant chapter of my life began when I transitioned to active duty to teach at The Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. There, I taught courses in Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Offshore Sailing. It was an honor to mentor the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps leaders and proud to wear the uniform every day. My tenure at the academy included a seven-month deployment to Iraq, where I was involved in vital infrastructure projects, including significant enhancements to the Haditha Hospital—a project that gained recognition in the Los Angeles Times.

Upon completing my active duty, I continued my work in space systems, as both civilian and military advisor. This role was on the periphery of my father’s company’s efforts supporting Air Force airborne capabilities providing me some interesting perspectives. Eventually, I returned to Los Angeles to lead my father’s business into its next phase, allowing him to retire. I concluded my military career in 2020 as a Navy Captain, having also established a new command in the Navy Reserve supporting USCYBERCOM.

My passion for sailing, which significantly increased during my time at the Naval Academy, led me to obtain a USCG captain’s license and become a sailing instructor in Los Angeles. My adventures on the sea have taken me across the Atlantic and to numerous sailing destinations in the US and Europe. In 2024, I furthered my education with an Executive Certificate in Strategy and Innovation from MIT Sloan, focusing on Artificial Intelligence and its applications in business— a valuable update to my MBA 24 years ago.

Recently, I’ve taken on a leadership role as Commodore of the King Harbor Yacht Club in Redondo Beach, where I’m leading strategic planning to accommodate our growth post-COVID. This role has allowed me to influence changes in our processes, organization, and culture, enriching our contributions to local waterfront community programs focused on education, boating safety, youth engagement, and women’s sailing.

Looking back five years, I could never have predicted this path, but I am grateful for the opportunities to make a difference. Lifelong learning is my mantra, and I am continually seeking new knowledge and experiences.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Everyone brings a unique blend of experiences and talents to their life’s journey, and my path has been shaped by being at the right place at the right time. Time and again, I’ve been able to deliver on my promises, a trait I attribute to the strong values of integrity, generosity, and commitment to education instilled in me by my parents. These values continue to guide me as I lead others, emphasizing Dignity, Good Manners, and a relentless Pursuit of Knowledge.

I naturally lean towards an introverted style, preferring to listen and reflect before acting. This thoughtful approach doesn’t mean I’m any less driven—once I set a goal, I pursue it with unwavering determination. I often compare leadership to sailing: the sea is both a formidable adversary and a unpredictable force, requiring a blend of solid knowledge and creative problem-solving.

At the Naval Academy, I didn’t just teach midshipmen the technical skills of sailing; I was preparing them to be adaptive leaders ready to face any unpredictability at sea. Rather than issuing loud commands, I’d rather speak in measured tones, compelling my crew to listen intently and engage fully—a subtle yet powerful way to foster deep understanding and proactive teamwork.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I absolutely love showcasing Los Angeles to visitors, friends, and family. One of my favorite pastimes is catching a movie in the iconic theaters of Hollywood and Westwood. As a patron of the American Film Institute, I’m passionate about supporting enriching programs like the Directors Workshop for Women and the annual AFI FEST film festival.

For laughs and great entertainment, I frequent the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, where I recently enjoyed performances by Jay Leno and Arsenio Hall among other brilliant comics. If you ever get a chance, an evening at the Magic Castle in Hollywood is a must—it’s truly an enchanting experience!

From my childhood, Catalina Island has been a cherished getaway. Whether it’s playing miniature golf in Avalon, hiking in Two Harbors, or sailing around the island, it’s a splendid retreat. For those seeking tranquility coupled with adventure, the Channel Islands National Park near Santa Barbara is my top recommendation for boating and exploring the serene beauty of Southern California.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to the King Harbor Yacht Club for its exceptional role in our community. This club isn’t just a place for boating; it’s a vibrant hub of activity where members engage in racing, fishing, cruising, and comprehensive boating education. More importantly, it’s a place where friendships flourish and families and local organizations come together. A standout example of this is the King Harbor Youth Foundation, which thrives under the club’s support. Watching these young sailors grow and compete at a national level is nothing short of inspiring. Additionally, the club offers a wealth of volunteer opportunities that are vital to its operations and invaluable for those looking to step into leadership roles. The King Harbor Yacht Club truly represents the heart of our community, fostering both connection and growth.

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