We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Benjamin Adkins, ACC a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Benjamin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Benjamin J. Adkins’s journey toward leadership and empowerment began long before his professional career took shape. As a child, he was often hailed as a natural leader, with family and friends recognizing his innate ability to bring people together and foster meaningful connections. Affectionately dubbed “the connect” by his peers, Benjamin’s early years were marked by a profound sense of purpose and a deep-seated desire to support others in their personal and professional growth.
From a young age, Benjamin embraced his role as a source of inspiration and guidance for those around him. Whether it was lending a listening ear, offering words of encouragement, or providing practical assistance, he was always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need. This innate inclination towards service and leadership laid the groundwork for his future endeavors, shaping his trajectory and influencing his approach to life and work.
As he embarked on his journey into adulthood, Benjamin remained true to his calling, seeking out opportunities to uplift and empower those around him. Whether through his roles as a Spanish interpreter, high school teacher, employment consultant, human resources manager, tech program manager or corporate coach, he has always remained committed to the principles of mentorship, advocacy, and community building. Guided by a deep sense of purpose, he has dedicated himself to supporting others in their quest for fulfillment and success, embodying the very essence of servant leadership.
Today, as the founder of Benjamin J Adkins LLC Coaching Solutions, Benjamin continues to live and walk in his purpose, empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. His journey from a child with a penchant for bringing people together to a seasoned professional and mentor is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Through his unwavering commitment to leadership and empowerment, Benjamin J. Adkins has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals seeking to make a difference in the world.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As the founder of my life and leadership coaching business, I’m deeply passionate about helping individuals achieve balance, fulfillment, and success in both their personal and professional lives. My journey into this industry stems from a lifelong commitment to personal growth and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. At the core of my coaching practice is the belief that true success and happiness stem from a holistic approach to life. I work closely with clients to help them understand how to balance their priorities, cultivate self-awareness, and become more centered amidst life’s challenges. Whether it’s navigating career transitions, managing stress, or fostering healthier relationships, I provide tailored guidance and support to help clients unlock their full potential.
One of the key areas of focus in my coaching practice is leadership development. I partner with leaders and executives to help them enhance their leadership skills, navigate organizational change, and foster a culture of accountability and emotional intelligence within their teams. Through targeted coaching sessions and practical strategies, I empower leaders to lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose, ultimately driving greater success and fulfillment in their roles.
What sets my coaching approach apart is its foundation in agile methodologies. Drawing upon principles such as responding to change over following a rigid plan, I help clients develop the mindset and resilience needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world. By focusing on meaningful interactions and personal growth rather than simply adhering to predefined strategies, my clients are better equipped to adapt, pivot, and succeed in any situation.
In addition to working with individual clients, I also partner with agencies and organizations around the world to provide senior leadership coaching and support. Through these collaborations, I have had the privilege of helping companies foster stronger leadership teams, drive organizational change, and achieve their strategic objectives.
What I’m most proud of in my work is the transformation I see in my clients as they gain clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether it’s a leader who learns to lead with authenticity and empathy or an individual who discovers their true passions and values, witnessing these moments of growth and realization is incredibly rewarding.
For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that my coaching isn’t just about achieving short-term goals; it’s about creating lasting, meaningful change that resonates across all aspects of life. Whether you’re looking to become a more effective leader, find greater balance and fulfillment, or navigate a challenging transition, I’m here to provide the guidance, support, and tools you need to succeed.
Currently, I’m welcoming new individual life coaching clients who are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Together, we’ll explore your goals, uncover your strengths, and create a roadmap for realizing your fullest potential. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and take the next step towards a more fulfilling life, I invite you to reach out and start your coaching journey today.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Facing the aftermath of the pandemic, I encountered a significant pivot in my career trajectory. Like many others, I experienced the unsettling blow of being laid off from my job. Initially, the news was devastating, as it often is in such circumstances. However, I refused to succumb to despair. Instead, I viewed this setback as an opportunity for redirection and growth.
In the midst of uncertainty, I embarked on a journey of resilience and determination. Over the course of a challenging year, I applied to numerous Director and Vice President level roles, eager to carve out a new path for myself. Despite facing rejection, I persisted, securing interviews with seven specific companies that aligned with my aspirations.
Each interview presented its own set of challenges and opportunities. Despite pouring my heart and soul into the process, I found myself repeatedly making it to the final round, only to be met with disappointment as the job offers slipped through my fingers. It was a humbling experience, one that left me questioning my worth and direction in life.
In the depths of frustration and despair, I found solace in the unwavering support of my friends and family. Their belief in my abilities, coupled with their encouragement and guidance, served as a lifeline during my darkest moments. It was their faith in me that reignited my sense of purpose and propelled me forward.
Looking back on that tumultuous period, I now realize that the universe had a different plan in store for me. Rather than ascending to the ranks of Director or Vice President within a corporate setting, I was destined to embark on a new journey—one of entrepreneurship and mentorship.
With their encouragement ringing in my ears, I took a leap of faith and launched my own coaching business. In doing so, I discovered my true calling: to mentor, coach, and empower leaders to unlock their full potential. While I may not hold the title of Director or Vice President in a traditional corporate sense, I now proudly bear the title of Benjamin J. Adkins, CEO & Principal Coach of my own thriving business.
In hindsight, I see that my journey was never about reaching a specific destination, but rather about embracing the twists and turns along the way. Today, I stand tall in the knowledge that my greatest impact lies not in the titles I hold, but in the lives I touch and the transformations I facilitate. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?
Taking risks is an integral part of entrepreneurship, and one of the boldest moves I made early in my business journey exemplifies this truth. I embarked on a mission to support Black-owned businesses in the vibrant city of Chicago by providing them with high-quality consultative services entirely free of charge—a decision that some may have deemed audacious or even foolhardy.
In an industry where consulting fees often reach staggering heights, it may have seemed impractical to offer such valuable services without financial compensation. However, I firmly believed in the importance of leveling the playing field and ensuring that all businesses, regardless of size or financial resources, have access to the support and guidance they need to thrive.
Collaborating with friends and industry peers, I set out to identify Black-owned businesses in Chicago that could benefit from our assistance. One particularly promising opportunity arose when a senior engineer from a tech consulting firm reached out to me with a client in need of support.
I wasted no time in developing a comprehensive program—an innovative summit that would bring together a diverse array of experts, each offering their unique insights and expertise. From marketing mavens to financial professionals, sales representatives to licensed clinical social workers specializing in nutrition, we assembled a powerhouse team dedicated to propelling this Black-owned business to new heights.
The summit itself was a whirlwind of collaboration and creativity, spanning four intensive hours of brainstorming, strategizing, and problem-solving. Together, we delved deep into the intricacies of the client’s business, devising tailored solutions and actionable strategies that would rival those offered by top-tier consulting agencies.
Despite the considerable investment of time, effort, and resources on my part, the true reward came in the form of the tangible impact we were able to make. At the culmination of the event, we presented the client with a meticulously crafted plan—one that promised to revolutionize their business and unlock new avenues for growth and success.
Witnessing the client’s enthusiasm and gratitude was immensely gratifying, reaffirming my belief in the transformative power of collaboration and community support. For me, this experience served as a poignant reminder of why I do what I do—to uplift, empower, and champion the voices of Black entrepreneurs and businesses, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
In the end, the risk I took in investing my time and resources into supporting Black-owned businesses proved to be one of the most rewarding decisions of my career. And as I continue on this journey, I remain steadfast in my commitment to driving positive change and fostering opportunities for all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://benjaminjadkins.com/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ben-adkins-acc