Inspiring Conversations with Stefanie Adams of WNY People Development

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefanie Adams.  

Hi Stefanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my career providing resources and opportunities to help high school students get workforce ready in Philadelphia; that led into an educational consultant role with Johns Hopkins University leading whole school reform here in North Carolina.  Working with students, teachers, and administrators taught me the importance of listening over speaking; understanding people’s needs, motivators, and challenges is paramount to driving change, impact, and success.  I discovered a love of facilitating open and authentic dialogue, collaborative problem solving, goal setting, and strategic planning.  Additionally, in my “after work” hours, as a high school and college cheerleading coach, I learned how to help teams work together (if you know anything about the level of drama high school and college ladies can bring, it was not an easy feat).

I moved into the corporate training space in 2016 which gave me an opportunity to view organizations through an employee lens as I created and facilitated content.  I quickly recognized a gap in many corporate leadership programs; first-time and front-line managers, the millenial and Gen Z workforce were often left out of development opportunities.  This realization helped me make the entrepreneurial jump in 2020 with a mission to grow the next generation of leaders through interactive, customizable, and fun training and coaching options; developing individuals into their best selves, to better support growth and success of their teams. Voila…WNY People Development was born!

I’m a lot of things… mom, wife, former elected official, HR professional, university adjunct instructor, aspiring author, domestic abuse survivor, adoptee, non-profit Board Member, Philadelphia Eagles fan, yogi, coffee addict…and the list goes on. I think understanding the impact of each chapter of my story helps me serve others in my role as Chief Empowerment Officer because I know every person I work with has a story that is multi-faceted as well. Everyone is different, and every organization and team has their own culture; there is no “one size fits all” leadership model.  In a nutshell, I love supporting and building others. I am driven to help people identify their strengths, and be a voice that gives others the confidence to USE them.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have faced a few challenges:

1) Launching a business during Covid 19.

2) When I launched my business, I was serving in an elected capacity on our local Board of Education. My business came under attack by people in the community that disagreed with decisions made regarding our schools. It was a very difficult time; I was elected Chair by my peers, so I was front and center for all decisions during school closing and mask debates due to the pandemic, and many people couldn’t separate Stefanie the politician from Stefanie the business owner.  After a very tumultuous and emotional four years (2018-2022), I decided against running for a second term; I have felt much lighter and been able to fully focus on building my business since stepping away from public office.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
WNY People Development provides highly engaging, interactive, and customizable experiences. We are not “trainers”; we are facilitators of information that guide leaders through the development process utilizing adult learning theory, practical application, data, reflection, honest conversations, and fun.  We pride ourselves in connecting and inspiring leaders and work teams through real and authentic dialogue centered around the question, “Why not you?” We partner with clients to develop relevant, impactful, and skill-building training options for employees; we create programs that drive improved culture and morale, build competencies, engage teams, and propel impactful success and growth.

We provide virtual and in-person training for leaders at all levels and organizations of all sizes. We specialize in growing the next generation of leaders, and we love working with first-time/front-line managers, the millennial and Gen Z workforce, and anyone looking to create collaborative, inclusive, and positive work spaces.

One thing that makes us unique is the next chapter of the business…I am working to publish a book (hopefully early 2024) as an introduction to our branded leadership and culture program, “CheerLEADERship.” As a 15-year cheerleader and 5-year high school/college coach, concurrently moving into a professional career, I was amazed how many strategies and concepts I was utilizing as an individual contributor, and later as a leader, in daily interactions with work teams related to my cheer experience. It prompted me to create a leadership model that employs cheerleading strategies to improve organizational culture and business impact; building reflective, empathetic, and effective leaders that create, support, and guide collaborative teams. I’m excited to share my ideas and qualitative data through the book, keynote speaking, and training opportunities in the near future!

Another thing that sets WNY People Development apart from other training and development companies is we offer a “Give Back” program. Having worked in the education and non-profit space for many years, I am aware there tends to be limited funding for leaders to invest in their own growth; for every for-profit piece of business, we withhold 10% and use those funds to provide free leadership training for non-profit organizations in SE North Carolina. One extension of this program is our annual community outreach event, Leader Lock In, when we bring together professionals representing various industries, expertise, and knowledge to “lock in,” learn from each other, create understanding, and network. In 2022, our focus was Emerging Women Leaders; in 2023, we focused on Gen Z.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I spent 5 months crafting a business plan, editing my logo and brand, and creating content …all of which went out the window two weeks after company launch due to Covid. Was it frustrating? Yes? Did I curse a lot? Abso-f*cking-lutely! But it was also a blessing in disguise; I may never have extended my service offerings to virtual training had I not been forced to.

Sometimes the best-laid plans need to be torn up! Covid taught me that finding opportunity and comfort in change is a requirement for business owners. I like control (you should see how I plan family vacations–every second of every day is accounted for…even “relaxation time.”); however, control is a myth when you are trying to build and scale a business.

I have control of my company mission, but I also understand that HOW I fulfill that mission can adapt and flex with market need, industry, and the resources available to me at any given time. If I am willing to be innovative, seek solutions, and bend with situations, I set my company up for success and growth, even if it’s not the exact type of success and growth I envisioned when I started out.

As awful as Covid was, I am grateful my small business story began right before the world shut down…what an amazing ride it’s been, and I am super pumped for the next chapter!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wnypeopledevelopment.com
• Instagram: @wnypeopledevelopment
• Facebook: @wnypeopledevelopment
• Linkedin: @wnypeopledevelopment

Image Credits
Mark Darrough
Allie Weaver