Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adam W. Barney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Adam W., thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism is deeply rooted in how I view challenges and opportunities in life.
Growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by family and mentors who instilled the belief that every obstacle contains the seed of growth and transformation. This mindset has guided me through personal and professional challenges, including moments of uncertainty when launching my coaching practice and writing my book, Make Your Own Glass Half Full: The Path To Empowered Optimism and Autonomy.
For me, optimism isn’t about ignoring difficulties—it’s about embracing them as opportunities to learn and evolve. I also find endless inspiration in the people I coach, whose resilience and ability to overcome their own hurdles remind me daily of the power of a positive, solution-oriented mindset.
Ultimately, my optimism is fueled by a deep belief in human potential and the impact we can create when we harness our energy and align it with a meaningful vision. It’s not just something I practice—it’s something I aim to share with others every day through my work.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Thank you for the opportunity to share more about my journey and work!
I’m Adam W. Barney, an Energy Coach, speaker, and author passionate about helping leaders and changemakers harness their energy to achieve sustainable growth and impact. Through my coaching practice, I work with individuals and teams to align their personal and professional visions, develop actionable systems, and navigate challenges with resilience and optimism.
What sets my work apart is my focus on energy as a driver of success. I guide my clients to tap into their intrinsic motivation, helping them break free from burnout, clarify their goals, and build accountability frameworks to sustain momentum. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the transformations that happen when people realize they have the power to create meaningful change in their lives and communities.
I’m especially proud of my book, Make Your Own Glass Half Full: The Path to Empowered Optimism and Autonomy, which encapsulates the principles I share with my clients. It’s a resource designed to inspire readers to reframe challenges and take ownership of their growth.
Right now, I’m excited about the growth of The Glass Half Full Collective, my group coaching program. It’s been incredible to foster a community of like-minded individuals who are eager to support each other’s journeys while diving into frameworks like the Odyssey Plan and Ikigai to shape their visions.
Looking ahead, I’m also expanding my speaking engagements and workshops, connecting with organizations and conferences to inspire leaders to think differently about energy and success. My focus is always on creating ripple effects of equity, justice, and empowerment—ensuring that the work we do together benefits not just the individual but the broader community.
For anyone interested in diving deeper into my work, I’d love to connect through coaching, speaking, or even just a conversation about how we can energize your vision and make your glass half full.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities and skills stand out as being instrumental in my journey: resilience, vision, and the ability to connect authentically with others.
Resilience: Life and leadership are full of unexpected challenges, and resilience has been essential in navigating them. For me, resilience isn’t about powering through but rather about adapting, learning, and growing from each experience. My advice? Practice reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth. It’s a skill you can cultivate by regularly reflecting on challenges and identifying the lessons they hold.
Vision: Having a clear sense of where I want to go has kept me grounded and focused, even when the path forward wasn’t obvious. Tools like the Odyssey Plan and Ikigai have helped me connect my values and goals to actionable steps. If you’re early in your journey, invest time in understanding what truly drives you. Journaling, coaching, or even engaging in visioning workshops can help clarify your purpose and guide your decisions.
Authentic Connection: Building meaningful relationships has been a cornerstone of my career and personal growth. Whether it’s with clients, peers, or collaborators, the ability to connect authentically has opened doors and created lasting impact. To develop this, focus on active listening and showing genuine interest in others. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about building trust and mutual respect.
For anyone starting out, I’d also encourage patience and curiosity. Growth takes time, and the willingness to explore, experiment, and embrace discomfort is key. These three qualities have not only shaped my journey but continue to guide how I coach others to achieve their goals and align their energy with their vision.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is someone who is ready to step into their potential, even if they’re not entirely sure what that looks like yet.
They’re often leaders, entrepreneurs, or changemakers who feel a spark inside them but need clarity, direction, and systems to bring their vision to life. What makes them ideal isn’t their title or industry—it’s their willingness to engage fully in the process, embrace challenges, and do the work required to grow.
An ideal client is also someone who values resilience and optimism but may feel overwhelmed or stuck. They’re eager to move past burnout, navigate uncertainty, and find alignment between their personal and professional goals. Most importantly, they’re open to reflection, new perspectives, and accountability, knowing that growth often comes from stepping outside their comfort zone.
Working with people who want to create positive ripple effects—whether within their teams, families, or communities—is especially inspiring for me. If you’re someone who wants to energize your vision, embrace sustainable growth, and align your actions with your purpose, you’re my kind of client.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adamwbarney.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamwbarney/
- Other: https://www.makeyourownglasshalffull.com/
