How James Cooper III Found His Purpose Where He Least Expected It

When you ask James N. Cooper III, affectionately known as Pookie, what he dreamed of becoming as a child, his answer is simple yet unexpected.

“Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a police officer. The idea of serving and protecting my community inspired me from a young age.”

Today, Pookie may not be wearing a badge, but his role at EchoHouse still involves service, this time as an Account Manager, where he leads client relationships, oversees creative execution, and contributes to business development across major campaigns.

Did he always see himself in marketing? Not at all. “Marketing was never part of the plan,” he says. “I studied Management Information Systems, not because I had a clear path, but because I was drawn to technology and systems.” That changed when he joined EchoHouse, a creative agency known for bold, immersive projects.

“It wasn’t until I joined the Echo team, which was deeply involved in events, media and promotions, that my passion for marketing began to take shape,” he explains. His curiosity started with social media, creating content, managing engagement, and watching how people responded. “The more I engaged, the more I realised how powerful storytelling, branding, and digital connection could be.”

Thanks to EchoHouse’s rotating structure, Pookie had the opportunity to explore different departments before landing in client services. “The team played a huge role in my growth,” he shares. “Through brainstorming, on-the-job learning, and real exposure, I gained clarity on where I could add the most value.”

Today, as an Account Manager, Pookie wears many hats. He balances strategy with delivery, client needs with internal processes, and pushes himself beyond his comfort zone. “My role is demanding, but fulfilling. I manage relationships, supervise teams, and drive results, all at once.”

His self-acclaimed fun title? “Captain of Cool,” he says, without skipping a beat. “Because I lead standout experiences, push creative execution, and support my team in bringing cool, effective campaigns to life.” He believes the title reflects how calm, collected, and confident he is under pressure.

Among his proudest accomplishments is the MTN Y’ello Star musical event. “We were tight on time, and the client needed us to launch on a Monday. Through strong coordination and teamwork, we pulled it off ahead of schedule.”

Another defining project was the Radio Entertainment Launch (REL) in Liberia. “That one stretched me. I took on more responsibility than expected, from leading the execution to managing media rollout. It pushed me, and I delivered.”

These experiences taught him the importance of transparent communication, especially when working with highly involved clients. “Keeping the client informed at every stage made all the difference.”

Collaboration has been a recurring theme throughout Pookie’s journey. “Working in a team has completely changed how I build ideas,” he says. “You bounce off each other, and that always leads to better outcomes.”

So, what does being in “Accounts” at EchoHouse really mean for Pookie?

“To me, it means managing clients and growing the business. You’re the bridge between the creative team and the client, making sure everyone is aligned and delivering results,” he explains. The job demands versatility, relationship-building, internal coordination, budget management, and creative oversight.

But one of the things he values most is EchoHouse’s culture. “The freedom to bring your whole self to work is something I never take for granted,” he says. “You feel challenged, but supported, and that combination keeps you moving.”

This is EchoHouse in words for Pookie: “Cool. Creative. Family.”

Pookie’s journey is a reminder that purpose often shows up where we least expect it. What began as a childhood dream of becoming a police officer has evolved into a career rooted in structure, strategy, creativity, and community.

“Marketing wasn’t my original plan,” as he reflects. “But it is where I found purpose. Every day brings something new, and that’s what keeps me going.”