We were lucky to catch up with Chelsea Adams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chelsea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

The pressure that high stakes testing puts on the educational system in the U.S. has become untenable for both teachers and students. Teaching to the test (the scores of which are often given great weight in teacher evaluation systems) creates various pressures that stifle creativity, give teachers less time for individualized instruction, and depress critical thinking. While the collection of data pertaining to student achievement in our school systems has been and should remain a critical tool for evaluating the strength of our school systems, we need to rethink the way we conduct these evaluations so that we can revive our struggling school system. Our country’s teachers need our support!

Chelsea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a software architect and creator. My software consultancy (86Alfa, LLC) works with clients around the world to build software, websites, and digital experiences for a variety of industries and non-profits. I also co-host and produce a podcast called 16:1, which convenes conversations about education, teaching, and learning. I got into technology professionally to pursue my love of learning and to explore cutting edge innovations. Computers have always been a part of my life, as my father started a software company with his roommate and business partner in college.

I take great pride in the work that I am able to do leading teams of highly skilled, creative developers and other stakeholders in projects that push the boundaries of what is possible on the Web. I’m proud of the client relationships I have maintained– many of my clients have been working with me for more than a decade. My company enjoys tackling solutions to boutique and challenging problems; if you have an idea but aren’t sure how to execute it, my specialty is to help you formulate a plan and hit the ground running.

I also take my creative work quite seriously, and it’s serious fun. My partner, Katie Day, and I co-created 16:1, our podcast, and have been running it for nearly three years. Our global listening community of educators, students, and curious folks of all backgrounds inspires us. Working with Katie is a delight. She’s a passionate, veteran educator and a skilled researcher, and it has been fun to grow the show alongside her. We are always looking to start new conversations about interesting topics related to learning and curiosity, and we have a great time putting the show together every other week.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

99% Invisible – Roman Mars’ design-focused podcast is constantly inspiring me and pushing me toward civic activism and developing leadership skills, among other things.

Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life, a book by Eric Klinenberg.

Clifton Strengths. I have a good friend who is a corporate trainer who offered to do a consulting session with me on his own time to review my Clifton Strengths profile. I think the real strength of the resource was in that consultation session with my friend. As a longtime solo developer turned entrepreneur, I’ve often lacked traditional mentorship opportunities and avenues for self-assessment that can help spur internal growth and spark creativity in leadership.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth marketing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://86alfa.com/
• Other: 16:1 Podcast – https://www.sixteentoone.com/ Moonbeam Media LLC – https://moonbeammediallc.com/ Personal Website – https://www.chadams.me/