By: Bay Miraflores from Mindful Agency
Adam W. Barney’s life journey, marked by resilience and commitment, reflects the transformative power of optimism and autonomy. Through his experiences in disaster recovery and as an energy coach, Barney exemplifies how personal accountability and hope can lead to meaningful growth.
Adam W. Barney, Energy Coach and author of Make Your Own Glass Half Full, is a firm believer in the transformative power of optimism and autonomy. His coaching practice centers on helping individuals and businesses navigate challenges by crafting a vision and breaking it into tangible steps. For Barney, transformation is deeply rooted in personal energy and accountability—principles he embraced through years of personal and professional growth.
Barney’s journey toward becoming an energy coach began with his volunteer efforts following Hurricane Katrina. He volunteered with Boston Cares, an organization that typically focuses on local community work but mobilized to aid New Orleans after the disaster. His initial trip to New Orleans was a turning point. His work included gutting houses, mold remediation, and other recovery efforts. What stood out to Barney wasn’t just the devastation but the connections he built. Among them was his future wife, Paula.
His commitment to New Orleans didn’t stop there. Barney returned seven more times, driven by a desire to make a difference. He recalls a visit to Plaquemines Parish, where he helped build a playground in a FEMA trailer park. Although the playground wasn’t yet ready for use, a young boy named Keith encapsulated the spirit of resilience, telling the other children that “we have something to look forward to… we’ve got hope here that we can build off of.”
Keith’s words resonated with Barney, serving as a reminder of the power of hope in adversity. Today, Keith is on the board of directors and Chairman for the Plaquemines Medical Center, and Barney cherishes their connection after all these years. These lessons of resilience and optimism form the backbone of Barney’s coaching practice, Adam W. Barney—the W standing for Wellington, the middle name on his father’s side, that goes back five generations. Including it is a subtle tip of a hat back to that lineage.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes designing a vision, building a system, and breaking goals into manageable steps. One of his favorite metaphors is the 3-ton slab of marble: “Imagine you’re Michelangelo. How many chips does it take to turn that big piece of marble into a beautiful statue?”
Barney’s approach is both structured and adaptable. He incorporates tools like Ikigai, the Japanese concept of finding purpose, and the Odyssey Plan, which helps clients envision their future 10 years from now. It’s not about a three-month engagement or a six-month engagement. It’s about a multi-year transformational guidance to keep them moving forward.
Flexibility is also a cornerstone of his methodology. He brings his clients into this realm of whatever their preferred communication channel is. By maintaining consistent engagement through platforms like Slack, text, or email, he ensures his clients feel supported throughout their journey.
Barney thrives on working with challenging clients. That’s where he likes to thrive… because true transformation isn’t easy. Whether he’s guiding executives, small business owners, or emerging leaders, Barney’s ultimate goal is to unlock their potential and help them achieve lasting growth.
His book, Make Your Own Glass Half Full, captures his philosophy of optimism and accountability. “Throw that glass out, take your own glass, and fill it up yourself,” he urges. For Barney, this mindset is a powerful tool for navigating life’s challenges and building resilience.
Beyond his professional achievements, Barney’s personal experiences have shaped his outlook. He speaks candidly about losing his mother to ALS, an event that spurred his involvement in ALS research and advocacy. This commitment to making a difference, whether through coaching or community service, is at the heart of Barney’s work.
Barney’s story is a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and hope. Whether he’s coaching clients, volunteering, or spending time with his family, Barney exemplifies the transformative impact of optimism and autonomy. His work is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, growth and progress are always possible.
To learn more about Adam W. Barney, visit his website here or get your own copy of his book Make Your Own Glass Half Full today!
Published by Mark V.
