Canena Adams

Canena Adams is a transformational leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and communications expert with a career spanning more than two decades across nonprofit, for-profit, higher education, consulting, marketing, and public speaking sectors. Adams, a first-generation college graduate and small business owner, has built a diverse career working in various industries. Her professional background includes roles as a social worker, internal communications coordinator for the University of Tennessee, adjunct communications professor, college advisor for first-generation students, and advocate for women in leadership. She has taught courses such as Public Speaking and Communication in the Workplace at Lansing Community College and Jackson College.

Adams founded BeYou Branding and Consulting Services, LLC, providing communication and leadership consulting for individuals, groups, and corporations, as well as branding consulting and professional development training. Her experience highlights the principle that organizations are shaped by the willingness and effectiveness of their leaders. Adams is recognized for her ability to build confidence and foster relationships among individuals, teams, and stakeholders, with expertise in crafting communications that influence perceptions and drive organizational change.

As director of marketing and communications at Johnson University, Adams leads strategic marketing and communication initiatives within the higher education sector. She manages a team, oversees the communications and marketing budget, and collaborates with the creative director to manage the university's website, publications, and video projects. This combination of institutional leadership and entrepreneurial consulting provides Adams with a comprehensive perspective on organizational culture and effective communication strategies.

Adams has experience engaging audiences in both small group settings and large-scale events, serving as a keynote speaker for audiences exceeding 700. She delivered a keynote for the US Department of Health and Human Services' Family and Youth Services Bureau, an event attended by representatives from more than 150 organizations. Adams has also shared her narrative on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and was selected as a TEDx speaker.

Adams addresses topics such as "Take Your Team to New Heights: Revolutionize Your Workplace Culture," "Conquering Imposter Syndrome: The Impact of Self-Perception on Performance," "Personal Development: Train Your Brain to Win – Giving Up is Not an Option," and "Elevate Your Leadership Potential." Her speaking topics include business leadership, communication, empowerment, female leadership, motivational development, nonprofit work, personal growth, and women's empowerment. Adams emphasizes that effective communication and transformational leadership are essential tools for professionals seeking organizational and personal growth.