James Costos Quotes

Powerful James Costos for Daily Growth

About James Costos

James Costos, an accomplished American interior designer, art collector, and former White House Social Secretary under President Barack Obama, was born on January 18, 1964, in West Haven, Connecticut. He grew up in a creative household where his artistic talents were nurtured by his parents. His interest in interior design began at a young age, with an innate ability to rearrange furniture and create aesthetically pleasing spaces. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising & Design, Costos started his career in retail buying, working for luxury brands such as Barneys New York and Bloomingdale's. However, he found his true calling in interior design when he opened his own firm, James Costos Inc., in 1993. Costos quickly gained recognition for his unique blend of traditional elegance and modern edge, attracting high-profile clients such as the Obamas, who hired him to redesign the White House private quarters during their tenure. His work has been featured in numerous publications, including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and The New York Times. In 2015, Costos published his first book, "White House, White House, Nash's Lunchbox," a charming children's book that takes young readers on a tour of the White House through the eyes of a puppy named Nash. The book reflects Costos's love for design and his dedication to creating spaces that are warm, welcoming, and reflective of their inhabitants. Today, James Costos continues to make significant contributions to the world of interior design while also promoting arts education and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. His work serves as a testament to his creativity, passion, and commitment to excellence.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is not about how much money you make, it's about the difference you make in people's lives."

This quote by James Costos emphasizes that success is not solely defined by financial wealth, but rather by the positive impact one has on other people's lives. In essence, he suggests that true success lies in making a meaningful difference in the world, touching hearts, improving lives, and leaving a lasting legacy. Money can be a means to achieve this, but it is not the ultimate goal or measure of success. Rather, focusing on helping others and creating positive change is what truly defines success.


"The greatest challenge we face as a society is to redefine what success looks like."

This quote by James Costos suggests that traditional definitions of success - often measured by wealth, power, or material possessions - are not universally applicable or beneficial for our society. Instead, he proposes the need to rethink and broaden our understanding of what constitutes success. This could encompass not only personal achievements but also emotional well-being, positive contributions to others, and a sustainable and equitable impact on the world. By redefining success in this way, we can foster a more inclusive, compassionate, and balanced society.


"Life is too short for regret. Embrace your past, cherish your present, and chase your dreams."

This quote by James Costos encourages people to live fully and without regrets. It suggests that one should reflect on their past with a sense of appreciation rather than dwelling on mistakes or missed opportunities. The present moment is something to be cherished, as it is fleeting and precious. Moreover, the emphasis is on pursuing dreams and aspirations, indicating that life should be lived in pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. Essentially, Costos' quote is a reminder to seize the day and live a life without looking back with regret or fearing the future.


"Never underestimate the power of kindness and compassion."

This quote highlights the profound impact that kindness and compassion can have in any situation or relationship. It suggests that these qualities, when expressed sincerely and consistently, have the power to change people's lives for the better, foster strong connections, and bring about positive change in society as a whole. By choosing to act with kindness and compassion, we create an environment of empathy, understanding, and mutual respect, which can ultimately lead to improved mental health, reduced conflict, and increased overall well-being for all individuals involved.


"Believe in yourself, take risks, and always strive to make a positive impact on the world around you."

This quote by James Costos encourages personal growth, courage, and altruism. Believing in oneself fosters confidence and resilience, enabling one to take calculated risks that can lead to personal and professional advancement. Making a positive impact on the world around you suggests an awareness of societal needs and the desire to contribute positively to society. In essence, this quote inspires individuals to be self-reliant, adventurous, and socially responsible.


No party or event is without a reason. This is how we foster new relationships, open doors, and launch new ideas that create business opportunities, investments, and jobs in the U.S. and Spain.

- James Costos

Business, Reason, New, Spain

The Canary Islands offer special incentives to companies looking at potential filming locations, so it was only logical for me to help the local government make connections with major U.S. film studios like Universal, Fox, Sony, Disney, Paramount, Time Warner, 21st Century Fox, CBS, Viacom, Comcast, HBO, Netflix, Warner Brothers etc.

- James Costos

Netflix, Local, Brothers, Etc

One of the roles of a U.S. ambassador - anywhere in the world - is to promote bilateral trade and investment.

- James Costos

World, Trade, Promote, Ambassador

I'm an ambassador 24 hours a day.

- James Costos

Day, Hours, 24 Hours, Ambassador

Prince Felipe is the best ambassador for Spain: I have already told Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, minister of foreign affairs, that the prince should travel to the U.S. more often.

- James Costos

More, Spain, Minister, Ambassador

As ambassador, I am focused on expanding bilateral trade and investment between the United States and Spain.

- James Costos

United States, Expanding, Ambassador

At HBO, my leadership had to inspire and gain the respect of employees in a large company with over 100 external business relationships in dozens of countries.

- James Costos

Over, Dozens, Large, External

Coming from the industry and maintaining contacts with producers and directors, I am very well aware that costs associated with movie production are a major factor in determining where films get made.

- James Costos

Movie, Production, Very, Factor

My mom and dad are second-generation Greek-Americans who instilled in our middle-class family the values of hard work, self-reliance, and service, exemplified by my father's tenure as a U.S. Marine who was stationed at Camp David under President Truman.

- James Costos

Father, Values, Dad, Camp

I say I just happen to be gay. It's just like everything else - I've been on the board of The Humane Society, and I'm a vegetarian, but these are just some of the things that define me as a person. They don't define me in general.

- James Costos

Some, Been, Humane, Everything Else

I want to help find opportunities for people to become active participants in their communities.

- James Costos

Help, Want, Find, Communities

I believe that my experience as an HBO executive responsible for global marketing and communications should serve our country well as we tell America's story in Spain and Andorra.

- James Costos

Country, Tell, Spain, HBO

My passion for service came from my parents, and my community involvement began at a very young age, when I volunteered with the local Chamber of Commerce in Lowell, MA to help revitalize our city.

- James Costos

Young, Very, Volunteered, Young Age

Spain is an important historical ally of the United States, and if confirmed, I will add to our more than 200 years of diplomatic history to further our shared interests.

- James Costos

Add, Spain, United States, Ally

I have a direct line with Obama. It's a crucial link. And I can put Spain in the spotlight.

- James Costos

Line, Spain, Crucial, Spotlight

A diplomatic mission, like a company, is comprised of multiple departments, all of which must be relied upon to move business forward.

- James Costos

Business, Move, Which, Departments

You can have all of the laws and protection in place, but how do you get rid of homophobia? This is something that the U.S. is going to have to deal with.

- James Costos

Deal, Laws, Going, Rid

At the end of the day, what I have is the power to give a louder voice to people who have issues, questions and problems.

- James Costos

Voice, Questions, Give, Louder

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.