hello : )

I’m Chris Adams – Creative Strategist, Brand Builder, Integrated Marketer, Internal Communications Specialist & Executive Coach. I live at the intersection of human connection + business, where I help organizations craft authentic narratives & build strong, engaging brands with thriving employees and impactful leaders.

my life live & in action
Close-up of a colorful bouquet of pink and peach peonies in a vase with a blurred, vibrant background.
A blue mug filled with frothy green matcha tea on a countertop.
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Plastic dinosaur figurine next to a small bouquet of flowers on a bright windowsill.
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A bowl of chili topped with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapenos, with two pieces of flatbread on the side. In the background is a cozy living room with a Christmas tree and decorations.
Spider-Man action figure and red dinosaur toy on windowsill.
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"If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

"If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

"If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

"If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

"If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

"If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

...long for the endless immensity of the sea"

...long for the endless immensity of the sea"

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I’m a purposeful storyteller.

Imagine a seasoned brand storyteller paired with a sharp, creative strategist who also happens to be a leadership advisor, and marketing & internal communications expert—that’s essentially what I do. With 15+ years of experience, I help organizations craft compelling brand narratives and align marketing and internal communications. And by brand, I mean the story your organization tells about itself when you're not in the room—from visual identity and internal culture to external perception. I ignite passion with action – through dialogue, solutions, honesty, courage, a fire in the belly, and joie de vivre.

Person holding a mug standing in a living room with a hanging star-shaped light and artwork on the walls.
Woman standing in a living room holding a mug, wearing glasses, a striped green jacket, and a shirt with a design. The room has a star-shaped light fixture, a green couch, and framed artwork on the walls.
Woman wearing glasses and holding a mug stands in a sunlit room with a blue couch. A dog and a cat are on the couch by the window. There is a hanging star-shaped lamp.
A person standing in a living room with a checkered coat, next to a dog sitting on a couch. The room features a window with blinds, a mirror on the wall, and a star-shaped pendant light.
A person wearing glasses and a plaid jacket holds a mug while standing in a living room. The room has a couch with blue cushions, a window with a blind, a star-shaped light fixture, and a mirror on the wall.

I have
been known to…

Do the research, follow the data, speak honestly about challenges, and transform diverse ideas into compelling narratives that are genuine, engaging, and sometimes refreshingly candid—with a touch of wit and a hint of irreverence––when called for. In short, I ensure that every part of your organization authentically reflects your identity and values, paving the way for sustainable growth & meaningful impact.

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Woman with gray hair and glasses smiling, wearing a teal sweater and large earrings, standing in front of a wall with assorted round mirrors.

talk to me about…

A dinosaur toy and a Batman action figure on a windowsill.

A seasoned creative director, brand strategist, marketer, and digital storyteller who thrives in collaborative environments where strategy, creativity, and messaging come together. I am passionate about growing and developing both an organization’s brand and the people within it, fostering a culture of creativity, trust, and continuous improvement to drive business success and customer loyalty. I bring my passion for storytelling, and digital innovation to organizations that value creativity, data-driven insights, and cultural relevance—helping brands create deeper connections and lasting influence.

Vintage toy monkey on tricycle with vase of flowers on windowsill.

My passion for leadership development inspired me to found Red Thread Leadership Lab, an executive coaching and brand consultancy. My approach to prioritizing leadership development revolutionized the way many of my individual and business clients take action and make a difference in the world. With a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by today's leaders, I take a personalized and holistic approach to helping my clients achieve their goals.

Toy dinosaur next to a plant in a vase on a windowsill.

I’m excited to be seeking a role where I can work cross-functionally to positively impact internal communications and employee engagement, drive brand strategy, align marketing efforts, shape compelling narratives, and support creative execution while mentoring teams. I’m eager to support and collaborate with communications and marketing directors, executives, and key stakeholders to communicate through impactful storytelling, strengthen brand presence, support an internal team, and foster leadership excellence as a dedicated employee at a mission-driven organization.

case studies
& portfolio

I spent the last 8 years as Founder, Brand Strategist, Creative Director, Leadership Advisor, and Marketing & Internal Communications Specialist of Red Thread Brands –– an integrated marketing agency specializing in connection. My portfolio is a snapshot of that teamwork––igniting passion with action!

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Brand | Creative Strategy
Marketing & Communications

Red Thread Brands
Led brand strategy, executive advisory, creative direction, integrated marketing, internal communications, and event strategy for healthcare, global not-for-profit, and mission-driven clients.

Chris Adams
Founder, Brand Builder, Creative Strategist, Integrated Marketer & Internal Communications Specialist | Executive Leadership Coach

Eight Years
2016 - 2024

"You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand." -- The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

"You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand." -- The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

"You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand." -- The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

"You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand." -- The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

"You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand." -- The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

"You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand." -- The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

"You become. It takes a long time...

"You become. It takes a long time...

Check out my substack where I share my thoughts on love, life, food, relationships, menopause, and everything else from business to leadership challenges –– just a Southern girl living in a Pacific Northwest world.

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Smiling woman with glasses and gray hair in a room with artwork on the wall.
Bowl of spaghetti with tomatoes and herbs on a kitchen counter
Three people in a kitchen enjoying a casual gathering, with food and drinks spread out on a counter.
Green, spiky seed pod on a wooden surface
Woman sitting in a brightly lit room with shelves and decorative items in the background.
Small, scruffy dog with a collar sitting on a blue couch indoors.
Close-up of a black and white cat with large green eyes standing on a blue cushion, looking directly at the camera indoors.
Close-up of a curious dog with a black and tan coat, sitting on a bed with a fluffy beige blanket and a red pillow in the background.
Homemade pizza with cheese and toppings on a cutting board in a kitchen with a toaster and kitchen items in the background.
Stegosaurus toy figurine on a light green surface