hello : )
I'm Chris Adams—Creative Strategist, Brand Builder & Executive Coach. I live at the intersection of human connection + business, where I help organizations craft authentic narratives and build strong, engaging brands with thriving impactful leaders.
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 and meaningful impact.
I’m a purposeful storyteller
Imagine a seasoned storyteller paired with a sharp creative strategist who also happens to be a marketing expert—that’s essentially what I do. With 20 years of experience, I help organizations craft compelling brand narratives. 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 world perception. I ignite passion with action – through dialogue, solutions, honesty, courage, a fire in the belly, and joie de vivre.
experience
Over the past 25 years, I have built a diverse career in visual storytelling, brand strategy, and integrated marketing. I began as a graphic designer, telling compelling stories visually long before the rise of websites and digital media. My early work laid the foundation for a deep understanding of design and its power to connect with audiences.
For the past 10 years, I have held senior management roles in integrated marketing and creative leadership, focusing on external brand strategy, digital integration, and internal communications. With a blend of in-house and agency experience, I have worked across brand development, B2B and B2C marketing, employee retention and recruitment, leadership development, and purpose-driven strategy—helping organizations and their leadership teams strengthen their brand presence inside and out.
ignite passion
with action!
I spent the last 8 years as the Founder, Brand Strategist, and Creative Director of Red Thread Brands –– an integrated marketing agency specializing in connection. My portfolio is a snapshot of that teamwork––igniting passion with action!
Executive Coaching & Leadership Development
I started telling clients, "You don't need a website—you need leadership development."
I began speaking publicly about the transformative power of leadership development along with brand strategy because time and again, I saw that organizations didn't need a new logo or website—they needed stronger leadership to truly back up their promises.
20 years of organizational analysis and brand strategy taught me that the secret ingredient to building a thriving organization is leadership development, mixed with organizational alignment, then the brand can be optimized. Your marketing isn't failing you—sorry, not sorry, it's your leadership. Investing in a strong, aligned leadership team can cut marketing costs and double your return on brand strategy.
Being a leader is an entirely different job from what got you to that position. Many people assume that excelling in their technical role automatically makes them effective leaders—but leadership is a distinct skill set. Whether you're a CEO, COO, CFO, VP, Director, or Manager, it's essential to focus on leadership development as its own discipline.
A coaching mindset (and proper credentials) has been such a game-changer. It feels like I unlocked a door. For three years, I hosted a monthly national fireside chat through the Business Journal's Leadership Trust, engaging over 200 CEOs and founders. We shared insights, had honest conversations, and sparked real change at the highest levels.
I also added executive coaching to my roster—helping leaders grow both personally and professionally, ensuring entire organizations thrive.
I take a holistic approach to my work: while I drive external marketing, I also consider the employee experience, leadership development, and communications.
Every aspect is interconnected, and together they define who you truly are. Ultimately, the goal of this work is to build, sustain, and grow an organization so it can connect with the individuals and communities that will benefit from what it offers, making the world a better place to live, work, and thrive.
My story
Over the past 25 years, I have built a diverse career in visual storytelling, brand strategy, and integrated marketing. I began as a graphic designer, telling compelling stories visually long before the rise of websites and digital media. My early work laid the foundation for a deep understanding of design and its power to connect with audiences.
I then evolved into a creative director and brand strategist, leading the complete rebrand of the University of Houston—transforming both its internal culture and external perception—while managing a team of 10 creatives and working cross-functionally with senior leaders and department heads. My next role was as a strategic account manager for the president of a 40‑year‑old 50-person brand strategy firm, where I led cross-functional teams across creative, digital, event planning, and marketing. I collaborated closely with clients in human resources, internal communications, quality and safety assurance, and executive leadership to deliver on global initiatives for executive and internal communications, employee recruitment and retention, and training and development over four years.
Building on that experience, I served as creative director and brand strategist at a growing marketing firm for the next year. In that role, I merged three creative teams into one cohesive unit. This project emphasized aligning culture and purpose, leading to an award‑winning rebrand and enhanced project management processes, HR policies, and leadership development. I also worked directly with external clients, including a large healthcare system, refreshing their visual identity and strategic positioning to boost their employer brand and prepare them for a successful sale to private equity.
Next, I founded my integrated marketing firm, Red Thread Brands. For seven years, I led a team of 10 specialists, offering end‑to‑end services in brand strategy, design, digital marketing, content strategy, and more for a wide range of clients—from healthcare organizations and global non‑profits to small businesses and solopreneurs. One of my proudest achievements was guiding a healthcare organization from bankruptcy to profitability over five years. I worked directly with senior executives and private equity partners to prove increased patient volume and profitability, while also positioning the organization as a trusted resource for healthcare information during a pandemic—with a special focus on rural areas.
My journey is defined by a passion for creative leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to transforming brands from the inside out.
I am excited to be looking for my next opportunity to make an impact within an organization. I thrive in roles where I can develop and support brand strategy, working closely with executives and key stakeholders to craft brand messaging that resonates with diverse audiences. I look forward to contributing as a team player, using my expertise to shape brand narratives, refine messaging, and support creative execution—while also mentoring and developing talent within a team. I find fulfillment in helping colleagues grow and excel, knowing that strong teams build strong brands.