Shanna Adamic
Optimism Keynote Speaker | Author | Emmy Winner
Shanna Adamic inspires leaders and organizations to tap into the life-changing power of optimism by embracing the unknown, igniting "I will" power, and imagining extraordinary possibilities. As a brain tumor survivor, former NFL cheerleader, and Fortune 100 leader who guided teams through the largest healthcare IT merger in history, Shanna delivers authentic resilience lessons that transform how teams approach challenge and change.
Shanna Adamic isn't your typical motivational speaker—she's lived the message she shares. When you book Shanna for your event, you're bringing someone who battled a life-threatening brain tumor with only a 4% chance of regaining facial function and emerged victorious through audacious optimism. As a Fortune 100 corporate social impact and global philanthropy leader, she guided her organization through the largest merger in healthcare IT history with Oracle—a defining moment that tested and strengthened her optimistic leadership approach. Her extraordinary journey from NFL cheerleader to Emmy winner to corporate executive to survivor makes her message impossible to ignore.
Shanna's signature keynote "The Power of Audacious Optimism" teaches the mindset shifts and leadership practices that breathe optimism into life during times of uncertainty and change. She focuses on three transformative pillars: embracing the unknown with curiosity rather than fear, igniting your "I will" power to replace doubt with bold confidence, and imagining what could be possible when you approach challenges through an optimistic lens. Meeting planners consistently praise how Shanna's blend of awe-inspiring personal story, savvy leadership insights, and shared human experience opens hearts and minds while introducing fresh perspectives during pivotal business moments.
Through powerfully motivating storytelling that connects her survival journey with corporate transformation experiences, Shanna equips audiences with practical tools to meet any obstacle with audacious optimism. Her presentations resonate across industries because optimism isn't just feel-good philosophy—it's a strategic choice that drives results. Whether addressing healthcare organizations, technology companies, associations, or leadership summits, Shanna delivers actionable insights on cultivating resilience, promoting personal growth, and leading teams through uncertainty. Attendees leave inspired, reenergized, and equipped to champion their biggest challenges.
Embrace the unknown with curiosity—discover how uncertainty becomes the birthplace of opportunity when approached with optimistic intention rather than fear.
Ignite your "I will" power—learn practical daily tools to practice optimism, replace fear with bold confidence, and fuel resilience through adversity.
Imagine what could be possible—envision beyond limits, celebrate both success and failure, and thrive instead of merely surviving through daily practices.
Lead with optimism as your North Star—understand how optimistic leadership transforms organizational culture, drives change, and inspires teams to achieve extraordinary results.
"Shanna brings an awe-inspiring story and personality to the stage"
Her relentless drive for "audacious optimism" has been the perfect blend of inspiration, "how to" and hope.
When you book an optimism keynote speaker, you want someone whose message is forged from genuine adversity, not borrowed philosophy. Shanna Adamic delivers exactly that. Her journey includes battling a life-threatening brain tumor with only a 4% chance of regaining facial function—odds she defied through unwavering optimism and determination. This wasn't just a personal battle; it became the crucible that refined her understanding of resilience and the transformative power of choosing optimism even in the darkest moments.
Shanna's professional credentials are equally impressive. As a Fortune 100 corporate social impact and global philanthropy leader, she dedicated her career to leading impact and change. She recently guided her team through the largest merger in healthcare IT history with Oracle—a monumental challenge that wasn't for the faint of heart. This corporate transformation tested every leadership principle she held, strengthening her optimistic mindset and team-building approach. Her ability to maintain hope and drive results during massive organizational change provides invaluable insights for today's leaders.
Beyond the boardroom, Shanna's journey includes nearly a decade as an NFL cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs and winning a regional Emmy Award. As a hearing-impaired woman executive, she brings additional perspective on overcoming barriers and leading with authenticity. Her upcoming book "Audacious Optimism" invites readers to embrace the unknown, ignite their "I will" power, and imagine what could be possible—themes that resonate powerfully in her keynote presentations for organizations ready to transform how they approach challenge.
Corporate Leadership:
• Fortune 100 social impact & philanthropy leader
• Led largest healthcare IT merger (Oracle)
• Guided teams through years of transformation
• Hearing-impaired woman executive and advocate
Media & Entertainment:
• Regional Emmy Award winner
• Former NFL cheerleader (Kansas City Chiefs)
• Nearly decade-long professional cheerleading career
• Media personality and storyteller
Author & Survivor:
• Author of "Audacious Optimism"
• Life-threatening brain tumor survivor
• 4% recovery odds overcome through optimism
• Advocate for resilience and hope
Shanna brings extraordinary lived experience overcoming a life-threatening brain tumor with only a 4% chance of regaining facial function. As a Fortune 100 corporate leader who guided teams through the largest healthcare IT merger in history with Oracle, former NFL cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs for nearly a decade, and regional Emmy Award winner, she combines authentic resilience with proven leadership strategies. Her message of audacious optimism isn't theoretical—it's forged from real adversity and corporate transformation. As a hearing-impaired woman executive, she also brings unique perspective on overcoming barriers and leading with authenticity that resonates across diverse audiences.
Shanna's signature keynote "The Power of Audacious Optimism" focuses on three transformative pillars: embracing the unknown with curiosity rather than fear, igniting your "I will" power to replace doubt with bold confidence, and imagining what could be possible when approaching challenges optimistically. She addresses leadership through adversity, building resilient teams, managing change, creating optimistic workplace cultures, and promoting personal growth. All presentations draw from her survival journey and Fortune 100 leadership experience, providing both inspiration and actionable strategies. Shanna customizes every keynote to align with your organization's specific challenges and goals.
Yes, absolutely. Shanna delivers powerful virtual keynote experiences that maintain the same emotional impact and inspiration as in-person events. Her background as a regional Emmy Award winner and experienced corporate communicator ensures polished, professional delivery in any format. She understands how to connect authentically through digital platforms, bringing her awe-inspiring story and optimistic energy to remote audiences. Shanna is experienced with all major virtual event platforms and can customize her technical setup to match your specific needs.
Shanna's keynote presentations are typically 45-60 minutes. However, she's highly flexible and works with meeting planners to create the perfect timing for your event. Whether you need a powerful opening keynote to set an optimistic tone for your conference, a closing session that sends attendees home inspired, or a mid-day presentation to reenergize participants, Shanna adapts her content and delivery accordingly. She can also participate in panel discussions or extended Q&A sessions as part of your event programming.
Absolutely. Shanna works closely with event organizers to understand your organization's specific challenges, culture, and desired outcomes. With her Fortune 100 corporate background leading teams through the largest healthcare IT merger in history, she understands diverse industry contexts and organizational dynamics. Whether your audience works in healthcare, technology, finance, associations, nonprofits, or any other sector, Shanna ensures her audacious optimism framework and leadership insights speak directly to their experiences. Her message of resilience and optimistic leadership is universal, but her examples and applications are tailored to your unique situation.
Select Voices operates as a boutique speaker bureau, providing personalized attention throughout the entire booking process. We know Shanna personally and have complete confidence in her ability to deliver a transformative keynote experience that combines her awe-inspiring survival story with practical leadership strategies. We handle all logistics including contracts, travel arrangements, technical requirements, and pre-event coordination with Shanna's team. You'll work directly with us to customize Shanna's presentation content, coordinate timing, and ensure every detail aligns with your event vision. Our goal is making your event unforgettable while providing a seamless, stress-free booking experience from inquiry to post-event follow-up.
Ready to inspire your team with the power of audacious optimism? We know Shanna personally and trust her completely to deliver a keynote experience that transforms how your organization approaches challenge, change, and possibility. Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch within 24 hours to discuss availability, pricing, and how we can customize Shanna's presentation for your audience.