Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam W. Barney
Hi Adam W., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been drawn to the energy and potential that comes with connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. My story starts with a mix of curiosity and resilience—two traits that have guided me throughout my journey.
Early on, I found myself navigating the corporate world, working across startups and established companies, where I discovered my passion for helping teams stay energized, motivated, and aligned toward their goals. But I also experienced burnout firsthand, and it became clear that so many people were struggling with balancing their ambitions with their well-being.
This realization was the spark that led me to become an Energy Coach. My work now focuses on helping emerging leaders and executives harness their energy, align it with their vision, and create meaningful systems for success. Along the way, I authored my book, Make Your Own Glass Half Full, which distills this approach into actionable steps for optimism and autonomy in both life and leadership.
It’s been a journey filled with learning, growth, and a deep commitment to helping others find clarity, connection, and purpose in what they do. Every step has reinforced my belief that by focusing on mindset, visioning, and building systems, we can transform challenges into opportunities and create a positive ripple effect in our communities and beyond.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s rarely a smooth road when you’re building something meaningful, and my journey has been no exception. Like many, I’ve faced moments of uncertainty, doubt, and even burnout. Early in my career, I struggled to balance ambition with sustainability—pushing myself too hard, too often, and realizing the toll it took on my health and relationships.
One of the most pivotal challenges came when I transitioned from the stability of corporate roles to building my own coaching practice. The uncertainty of stepping out on your own, combined with the imposter syndrome that creeps in when you’re starting something new, was daunting. I had to overcome the fear of putting myself out there, trusting that my experiences and insights would resonate with others.
On a personal level, losing my mom to ALS was a heartbreaking chapter that shifted my perspective entirely. It taught me the value of resilience and the importance of living intentionally—lessons I carry into my coaching work every day.
Through these struggles, I’ve learned to embrace imperfection and see challenges as opportunities for growth. They’ve not only shaped my perspective but also deepened my ability to connect with the clients I coach. Every setback has ultimately reinforced the belief that we’re capable of much more than we imagine when we focus our energy and purpose in the right direction.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At its core, my work as an Energy Coach is about helping leaders—whether they’re emerging talent or seasoned executives—harness their energy to create meaningful, sustainable success. I specialize in blending visioning, goal-setting, and systems-building with practical tools to help individuals align their personal and professional goals in a way that fuels their growth without burning them out.
What sets me apart is my focus on energy as a resource. Many coaches focus solely on time or productivity, but I believe that energy—both mental and emotional—is the true driver of success. My coaching helps clients design systems that amplify their natural energy, enabling them to stay motivated, resilient, and adaptable in the face of challenges.
I’m especially proud of the unique tools and frameworks I’ve developed, including the Odyssey Plan, which helps clients map their long-term vision, and the Glass Half Full methodology, inspired by my book Make Your Own Glass Half Full. These approaches combine optimism with autonomy, equipping clients to create a foundation for success on their own terms.
My coaching services include 1:1 programs, group coaching through The Glass Half Full Collective, and corporate workshops for leadership development and team-building. I also integrate platforms like Positive Intelligence and visioning frameworks like Ikigai to provide actionable strategies that create lasting impact.
I want readers to know that my coaching isn’t about cookie-cutter advice or quick fixes. It’s a collaborative, empowering process where we create a clear path toward achieving goals while ensuring balance and alignment along the way. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to level up, my work is here to help you plug in, power up, and shine bright. 🔌
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is the many family road trips we took together—just my parents, my sister Liz, and sometimes joined by our close family friends from Chicago, the Murphy’s. We explored so many incredible places, from Disney World and Hershey Park to Chicago (more than a few times!), Gettysburg, and Washington, DC—including a particularly memorable visit to the White House.
What I treasure most about those trips wasn’t just the destinations but the journey itself. Long hours in the car meant endless conversations, singing along to music, and the eternal debate over where to stop for food—decisions we almost never agreed on! Those vacations were about togetherness, adventure, and creating memories that still make me smile to this day.
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