Meet Adrienne Barker, MAS

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adrienne Barker, MAS a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrienne, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

One of the greatest gifts I received from my parents, Gloria and Herb Barker, was a relentless work ethic. I grew up in our family businesses—Barker Specialty Company and Barker Animation—where hard work wasn’t just encouraged, it was lived, every single day.

After college, I went straight into the business. From the beginning, it was clear: being present and dependable wasn’t optional. I rarely took time off, and if I was sick, it had to be serious. My parents showed up every day, no matter what. They modeled consistency, resilience, and dedication—and I followed their lead.

One memory that stands out: if I left work early, my parents would remind me that even if no clients were expected, someone might walk in. We needed to always be available, to serve, to show up for our team and our customers. That kind of mindset quickly became my own.

The lesson? You don’t build a strong business by showing up only when it’s convenient. You build it by being consistent, by setting the tone, and by leading through action. Your team watches you. If you’re all in, they will be too.

Work ethic isn’t something I had to learn—it’s in my blood. But for anyone who’s trying to develop it, start by showing up. Be the example. Because if you don’t take your business seriously, no one else will.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I proudly wear many hats—but at the heart of everything I do is helping people and businesses shine. I’m a business coach, podcast producer, LinkedIn strategist, and fractional CMO with a passion for visibility, strategy, and storytelling.

I grew up in my family’s business—Barker Specialty Company and Barker Animation—which shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. That foundation gave me the skills, work ethic, and heart to support others in building meaningful, sustainable businesses.

Right now, I’m most focused on helping entrepreneurs, speakers, and small business owners promote themselves through podcast guest appearances, strategic LinkedIn outreach, and visibility coaching. I love watching someone go from “best-kept secret” to confidently sharing their expertise in front of the right audiences. There’s nothing more exciting than helping people own their brilliance.

One of the most special things about my work is how personalized it is. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter marketing or generic pitches. Whether I’m helping a podcast host grow their reach or building a lead generation system for a small business, I dig deep into what makes them unique and help them amplify that.

As for what’s new—I’m launching a book called Brave. Bold. Brilliant. which will feature 15 of the most inspiring guests from my podcast Adrienne Barker Speaks: No Prep Needed. It’s a project that means so much to me because it’s rooted in authentic conversations and bold journeys. I’m also running several LinkedIn outreach campaigns for niche industries, helping clients connect without relying on ads.

My brand is built on kindness, consistency, and creative problem-solving. I’m not afraid to try new things or wear five hats if it helps my clients move forward. I always say: “Show up with a smile and do the work—even when no one’s watching.”

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three things have had the biggest impact on my journey: consistency, communication, and curiosity.

1. Consistency
This comes straight from my upbringing in a family business. Being consistent—showing up, doing the work, staying dependable—built trust with clients, employees, and partners. It’s not glamorous, but it’s powerful. My advice? Be the person others can count on. Even when it feels like no one’s watching, your consistency builds your reputation.

2. Communication
Whether it’s through podcasting, LinkedIn outreach, or coaching, communication has been key to everything I do. Knowing how to connect with people, ask the right questions, and listen with intention has opened more doors than any formal title ever could. To improve this skill, practice being present and genuinely curious when you engage with others—it goes a long way.

3. Curiosity
I’ve always had a deep curiosity about people, business, and how things work. That curiosity has led me to explore new tools, industries, and ideas—even when it meant starting from scratch. It’s why I’ve successfully pivoted so many times. For anyone early in their journey: never stop learning. Ask questions, take classes, join conversations—curiosity is your superpower.

The common thread among these? They don’t require perfection or degrees—they require intention, effort, and heart. Keep showing up, keep learning, and stay connected. That’s the foundation for long-term success.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely—collaboration is at the heart of everything I do, and I’m always open to partnering with passionate, purpose-driven individuals and brands.

I’m especially interested in collaborating with:

Podcast hosts looking for engaging guests or support with production and growth strategies.

Speakers, coaches, and consultants who want to amplify their visibility through podcast guest appearances, LinkedIn outreach, and strategic marketing.

Brands and organizations that align with my values and are seeking ambassadors, strategic partnerships, or promotional opportunities.

Event planners and media outlets in need of a dynamic speaker or guest expert on topics like LinkedIn strategy, business development, etiquette, or podcasting.

If you’re creative, kind, and excited about meaningful growth, I’d love to hear from you. You can connect with me directly on LinkedIn by searching Adrienne Barker, MAS, or email me at [email protected].

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