Dr. Jim Boren, author of six books and many magazine and newspaper articles, has traveled throughout the world spreading his tongue-in-cheek message, "When in charge, ponder... When in trouble, delegate... When in doubt, mumble." 

Boren has gained insight from his long and extensive careers in politics, government, education, and business. His knowledge of the bureaucratic process is readily apparent in his humor.

You can share his hilarious perspective by arranging for Jim to come to you!  Contact Jim Boren to speak at your next meeting, conference, convention, or other special occasion. Read a "thank you" letter from a recent client and browse through the rest of this section to discover more of Jim's comedic and political past.

In 1972 Jim ran a 170 mile race with the U.S. Mail (from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.). Using six quarterhorses, his Pony Express beat all the U.S. Mail...some of it by as much as 8 days. In 1991 he repeated the race... from Muskogee, OK, to Tahlequah, OK, (25 miles by road). Jim didn't take the beaten path. This time, the mail was carried by canoe, by joggers running backwards, clog dancers, waltzers, and a group of Native Americans. The final leg of the race was run with a herd of turtles. His Turtle Express won...even after giving the Postal Service 24 hours bonus time. This race was featured in the April 1995 issue of Smithsonian Magazine.

In 1957 Jim Boren was the state campaign manager for Ralph Yarborough's successful race for the U. S. Senate. He served as the Senator's Chief of Staff until 1961, when he was named the Deputy Director of the United States Economic Mission to Peru. While in the Foreign Service, Jim founded and directed the Partners of the Americas, a private sector program aimed at grass roots development in education, health, and community initiatives. The program continues today and is the hemisphere's largest volunteer program.

Prior to government service, Jim was in the independent oil business in Texas and Oklahoma. In 1970 he became President of Development Services International in Washington, D. C. In this capacity he served as a consultant and professional speaker. It was at this time that he launched an auxiliary career as a humorist with a focus on political and business bureaucracies . . . and as a witness before Congressional committees. Over the years, Jim has spoken to almost 2000 major conventions, conferences, and governmental meetings. His satirical portrayal of the bureaucratic ways has been used by many corporations looking to reduce bureaucratic problems.

In 1992, Jim Boren was an official candidate for President of the United States of America as the candidate of the Apathy Party of America. His slogan: "I have what it takes to take what you've got." Only on the ballot in Arkansas, he received enough votes as Honest Jim Boren to place 17th nationally in a field of 28 candidates.

In 1996 Jim was the Democratic nominee for the U. S. Senate in Oklahoma. He failed to take his own advice, and lost. The state election board issued to him its first and only Certificate of Defeat, making him the nation's first certified loser. He is happy to be back on the trail as a humorist and satirist and back in the university classroom where he can continue his research on the vacuumental thinking and idiotoxicities of Washington.

Boren's commitment to education began at a young age. He was the President of his class in high school, and he went on to earn four college degrees. Boren later received two honorary degrees which were given in recognition of his work in Latin America and his reform-oriented use of humor.