Human on the Inside. We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds … 

Maxme: Welcome Jennifer (Jen), and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight! 

You’re a wearer of two hats - Executive Communications Coach, and Founding Director of Eve Media.

In 1 sentence (ok, we’ll give you 3), what do these roles entail?

Jennifer Adams: I do wear several hats! You can also add mother to that line up. All roads lead to helping people communicate with impact. Whether that be through my role as an executive communication coach or a TV producer/presenter, I help people to build trust and connect with their audiences through clear, confident communications. 

M: Your impressive career spans 25 years in media and communications, including a decade in journalism primetime news reading, reporting and MC’ing for Seven Network. 

Since Founding Eve Media in 2004, one of your foremost accomplishments includes producing international travel series Places We Go (PWG), amassing a global audience of 300 million over 12 series. Eve Media has also taken you to all corners of the globe producing documentaries and special features for the likes of National Geographic, TEN and Discovery. Alongside this, you’ve authored three editions of Australia's Top 100 Places To Go 'The Ultimate Bucket List', published by Hardie Grant. 

Through your executive communications coaching, you’ve supported clients in vast sectors over the last decade, including engineering and technology, finance, retail, telecommunications and tourism. You’ve also coached executives from some of Australia’s leading brands including Bunnings, ANZ, NAWO, Telstra, ABB Australia, Leidos, Paradigm Biopharma, Orica, and Western Chances.

How does all this work speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual? 

JA: I’ll never forget the feeling of interviewing someone for the very first time. It was like I’d struck gold! “I just get to do what I love for the rest of my life? How good is this!” 

That feeling has never left me. Whether I’m making a documentary, or coaching a group of high performing executives, it all boils down to helping people have a voice. From first hand experience, I know this takes an enormous amount of courage - and work - to achieve. 

Perhaps what I love most about communication is the fact it’s a skill for life. Being a great communicator gives us the confidence to take a seat at the table and influence others in moments that matter - be it a birthday speech, or briefing 500 personnel. It’s such a privilege to be able to support someone in building this lifelong skill. 

M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career

JA: The last 25 years of travelling and interviewing people from just about every culture on the planet has been my greatest teacher. My insatiable curiosity has been well and truly fed. A bit like a ‘real time’ anthropologist, asking questions and digging deeper is ingrained in everything I do.

In terms of formal education, I studied journalism at Curtin University in Perth, WA. While I was there, I was fortunate to snag a part time role working in the ABC radio newsroom which quickly ignited a relentless itch to ‘get out on the road and report’. So I left Uni early, and returned to my home state of Victoria to commence a cadetship at WIN TV in Ballarat. Following this, my career kicked off in earnest with Network Seven in Melbourne. 

During my time at Seven, I worked with some fantastic coaches who helped to hone my broadcast journalism skills, while also showing me the incredible power and value of coaching itself. It was a beautiful collision of crafts!

Growing up I was also a keen student of drama and music. I believe this training had a strong impact on my career in terms of understanding performance rituals and bringing presence to verbal communication, especially going live on stage or camera.

A lifelong learner, I’ve also completed several short courses - particularly in recent years. Through Covid, I really enjoyed how online learning opened education to the world in more dynamic, immersive ways. I had an all-encompassing ‘up-till-midnight' kind of few months with Cambridge University studying Communication for Influence & Impact. This covered fascinating issues like misinformation and the importance of trust in all forms of communication. The Cambridge course also touched on critical current affairs like sustainability and the very real challenges facing our world - the global community that opened up in our tutorial forums was a true highlight.  

I also recently threw myself into one of Dr. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead courses. As many people know, Brené is an American research Professor who has dedicated her life to studying courage, vulnerability, empathy and leadership among other things. I gained a lot of personal insights from this course. I think I’ve listened to every podcast Brené has ever done - I really respect her willingness to show up, her humanness, if you like.

M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 21 year old self it would be ...

JA: To truly thrive, appoint a handpicked, trusted advisory board and support team. You’ll need cheerleaders and challengers to help you navigate all that life throws up. 

Also - ‘do life with your people’ - it’s the best thing of all, where we strive to be the best versions of ourselves together. 

I have a few mentors that meet different needs in my professional life; some challenge my thinking, others give me courage to ‘play big’ when I might otherwise hesitate. I’m eternally grateful for these people - they know who they are as I’m always acknowledging them!

I’d also tell 21 year old Jen to select her life partner wisely. Thankfully I did, and am lucky to have a high-performance coach as my ‘ride or die’ (and father of my two kids). Needless to say there’s plenty of dissection of mindsets and behaviours in our house, and how we’re both showing up to that. Be it fitness, wellbeing or career, it's a continuous journey of checking in on each other’s goals and ongoing growth. 

Over time I’ve noticed how my closest circle of friends - males and females - have formed a life committee for each other. We all share and listen deeply - not just over quick coffees or early morning ocean swims … sometimes we'll go hiking for days! It’s definitely in nature that I find my greatest breakthroughs. 

I believe it takes work to keep evolving, so perhaps I’d flag that with my younger self too. Make a conscious commitment to live an authentic life that’s right for you at the time. Honour the chapter you’re in - I’ve had many, and I quite like that.

M: Maximising the potential of individuals, communities and businesses through the power of human skills is the reason Maxme exists. Can you tell us a little about the role and / or value of human skills in your workplace or industry right now?

JA: I’m working on the front line of one of the most critical human skills - communication. It’s well documented that strong communication is the bedrock of thriving organisations, teams and of course individuals. No amount of AI can replace one human or organisation’s capacity to build deep connections, earn trust and have ideas understood by other humans. This all happens through effective communication. 

Through my work, I’ve seen time and time again the career barriers faced by those who choose not to build their communication skills. I say choose, because it’s indeed a choice - it takes work. 

Thriving professionals are mindful of their communications with all stakeholders, in both macro and micro moments. While big presentations matter, I strongly believe careers are made from the 1% interactions - the micro experiences we personally offer to others. These are human moments, and human skills!

M: Self Awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. With that said … what’s your strongest trait / personal super power?

JA: I’ve been told by many friends and clients that my superpower is the way I create psychological safe spaces so that others can be themselves in my company. In a work context this is critical, as authenticity is paramount to personal growth and development. 

I foster this psychological safety through active listening, but also empathy. I’ve walked the path and learnt first hand that when you truly connect to your own story, you’re able to connect with others. 

M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?

JA: Perfectionism. I often borrow Brene Brown’s line - “just do a shitty first draft”. I’ve been reciting it as I answer these questions! Interestingly, I find that when I’m in-action doing the work, my inner critic falls away. I don’t have time to over-analyse or be perfect. It’s a far more enjoyable place to be. Thus, I love my work!

M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to work in a field like communications coaching &/or media production, what would it be?

JA: To be your authentic self. Find your own voice. 

A dear friend, who has since passed away, shared this advice with me when I was 21: 

“Find your own mountain. The one that connects to your personal purpose. Once you find it, you can spend a lifetime going up and down, and around and around. Some days it will be sunny, some days cloudy, but boy you’ll see some incredible summits. And when you’re in the tough times, or times of transition, just think back to your mountain, and chip away.”

M: You’ve been granted approval to add one University graduate to your business, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?

JA: Values aligned to our organisation/team, and a zest for life. 

Experience has shown me that if your values are aligned, you can learn the rest. While I love and need diversity of thought and skills, it's critical to have alignment of fundamental values. 

M: In the words of John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.” 

What’s next on your #learning agenda? 

JA: Aside from engaging a new coach to guide and challenge me on some new personal goals, my learning agenda is quite different this year. I’m focused on gaining strength in my body and have recently launched head first into Pilates (my friends know that I don’t do things by halves). This manifested from a health challenge that has impacted our family over the last 12 months; catapulting us on an epic journey of optimising our health and wellbeing. Specifically, I’m very curious to explore the correlation between having a strong body and one’s level of confidence. 

Ready to develop the human skills within your organisation, team or self? Explore our menu of Maxme Products & Programs or simply download the Hodie app to get started today.

Prefer to talk through your options? Simply contact us at any time.

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