Date June 9, 2023
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Communications and brand strategist reflects on journey to become a certified leadership and executive coach

By Amber J. Adams

Ever since her first job, Amber J. Adams has been helping her colleagues grow their careers. When she found the ACT Leadership and Brown University Leadership & Performance Coaching Certification program, she knew it was time to take her coaching career to the next level.

Amber Adams at Brown School of Professional Studies

 

Last September, I journeyed from NYC to the Brown University School of Professional Studies campus in Rhode Island to begin my Leadership & Executive Coaching certification program. For those of you who know me and who have worked with me over the years, this isn’t shocking news!

Pretty much since I landed my first job at Essence Magazine way back in the day, I have been the colleague that many have turned to help them figure out their next career steps, how to frame difficult conversations, and for thought partnerships on how to make the mind shifts needed to reframe one’s professional experience and reimagine what could be next.

Over the years I have cherished and loved these clandestine convos, but I always knew I wanted to take my experience as a brand strategist, mentor, and coach and put a proper framework behind it. When I found the program at Brown in partnership with ACT Leadership, I knew this was it, this was the moment!

“ Over the years I have cherished and loved these clandestine convos, but I always knew I wanted to take my experience as a brand strategist, mentor, and coach and put a proper framework behind it. ”

Amber J. Adams

And oh, what a moment it has been!Amber Adams standing in front of Brown University Van Wickle Gates

Over the last few months, I’ve had the honor to coach individuals at every stage of their careers. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, and we’ve moved forward with hope for the future.

Two of my clients received new job offers (yay!), all have seen their ability to make choices in a new light, and I’ve partnered with equity-minded executives to coach their team members who are on the cusp of finding their potential to hit their stride in their role.

Part of this work is straight business. I have over 10+ years of experience building brands, helping to frame and position stories, and leading teams so it feels natural to apply that knowledge in this new space to help individuals and teams move forward.

But the majority is pure heart. At my core, I love to see people succeed as who they truly are. I want people to work and give their talents in environments that honor and see them as the creative, resourceful, and whole humans they are. I am determined to do my part to change how work spaces and work relationships have traditionally functioned. "Sunday Scaries" be damned and warned!

I hope you all find value and feel inspired and encouraged as I share different parts of this journey. I look forward to writing more!

This story was originally published on LinkedIn. Follow Amber's journey → 

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