About Me

I’m Curtiss Jacobs—executive coach, creative entrepreneur, culture keeper, and author—with a unique blend of creativity, corporate leadership, and community service at the heart of my work.

My journey began in celebrity fashion photography, assisting legendary photographers Richard Avedon and Annie Leibovitz. I captured iconic images of fashion luminaries and Grammy and Academy Award-winning celebrities such as B. Smith, Naomi Simms, Erykah Badu, Max Roach, Boyz II Men, Common, and Dionne Warwick.

After a successful creative career, I transitioned into the corporate world, rising from an entry-level role to senior executive positions at globally renowned companies including Citigroup, AIG, Pitney Bowes, and Bank of America. My expertise in operational excellence, risk management, and P&L leadership has generated measurable financial impact globally through enhanced growth strategies, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation.

I co-founded the Leadership Elevation Alliance to empower leaders to redefine success and thrive. I regularly speak on topics including leadership development, corporate culture transformation, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and authored the book Demystifying Corporate America: A Real-World Guide to Navigating the Corporate Landscape Without Losing Your Personal Life, Your Mind, or Soul.

Committed to arts and culture, I founded Renaissance Fine Art of Harlem (now Curtiss Jacobs Gallery) in 2009, where I curate exhibitions featuring diverse artists. I also advise the family of renowned author and activist James Baldwin, guiding initiatives that honor and amplify his legacy.

My commitment to leadership extends to nonprofit board service, including a three-year term as a nationally elected board director for 100 Black Men of America, mentoring underserved communities across the U.S., U.K., and the Caribbean. I've served as board chairman of World of Money, focused on youth financial literacy, and as a board advisor for ProjectArt, supporting emerging artists nationwide.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Management and Communications from Adelphi University, where I serve on the President’s Advisory Council, and an MBA in International Business from Northeastern University.