03A Fractional growth
Measured Transformation
I embed with nonprofits, SMBs, and startups as a fractional commercial leader. Together we find what sells, turn sales into scalable system, and hire the team that runs it.
measuredtransformation.comFrom DC, Baltimore, Orlando, Las Vegas & Denver
I turn ideas into working businesses, and I help the people behind them grow.
Right now I'm growing early-stage companies.building a stealth startup focused on AI adoption.meeting founders worth backing at 1752vc.talking with people who change things from the inside.writing, designing, and shooting.training for the next start line.
Now
Most days start the same way. I write first, then I train. Then I put my energy into one of three things I'm building. Done fast beats perfect: I ship something useful, then make it better with feedback.
03 Build Each day, one of three gets my full focus.
03A Fractional growth
I embed with nonprofits, SMBs, and startups as a fractional commercial leader. Together we find what sells, turn sales into scalable system, and hire the team that runs it.
measuredtransformation.com03B Product
Focused on AI adoption.
In stealth03C Venture
Venture Fellow. I meet founders early, make introductions, and back people who have what it takes. Twenty years of operating gives me a useful lens on what successful teams look like.
1752.vcSides
People usually meet one side of me first. Here are all of them, and how they connect.
C-suite roles in both IT and marketing, president of a PropTech startup, and today a revenue leader. I connect strategy to the systems and people that deliver it.
The path 02I learn a tool by building with it first. Today that means a stealth startup focused on AI adoption.
What I'm building 03As a Venture Fellow at 1752vc, I look for founders who are coachable, fair, and fast. I'm glad to be a first call.
Get in touch 04Former co-host of the Intrapreneurs track on The Innovation Agility Podcast, and a guest on podcasts and webinars about revenue, RevOps, and brand-led growth.
Listen 05Writer, designer, photographer, and video editor. I write Candid Manager on Substack, and I've made NASA exhibits, annual reports, brand identities, and six astronomy books.
Writing & work 06Triathlons, charity rides, and one long ride down the C&O Canal with my brother. The morning workout is non-negotiable.
Off the clockPath
I've worked in IT, finance, marketing & sales, hospitality, and federal government contracting. The thread is the same in each: see the problem from the other person's side, connect things that don't look connected, and lead people through the change.
MBA Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
BS Full Sail University
Giving back
Embedded fractional commercial leader for early-stage tech founders.
Sourcing and supporting early-stage founders.
Led revenue for a finance and strategy firm serving startups and their investors.
Co-hosted the Intrapreneurs track with Greg Kihlström and Bonnie Habyan.
Ran the PropTech arm of The Amenity Collective. Grew average contract size 6×, lifted renewals from 20% to 90%, and doubled total sites.
National marketing for five business units across 35+ offices. Rebranded eight acquired companies and rolled out Marketing Cloud to three of them.
Replaced legacy on-premise systems with cloud software, grew IT from 3 to 29 people, kept a remote workforce running through COVID, and led the company through a ransomware attack.
Positioned Global Services apart from staffing, rebuilt the global website in Sitecore with translations, and launched the first podcast sponsorship series.
Rolled out sales enablement for every Private Client portfolio manager, rebuilt the global website, and produced the annual reports, from plan to photography.
Accounts, RFPs, and web builds, including My Little Bird.
Helped rebid and win a ~$25M contract. Exhibits, e-books, video, and web; a NASA Customer Service Group Award and multiple Communicator Awards.
Web development and event photography for Pure Management Group's Las Vegas nightlife and hospitality venues.
Web design, application development, and event photography. Focused on early e-commerce businesses.
Voices
Recommendations from people who've reported to me, worked beside me, and hired me.
Arguably the best boss I ever had.
Read the full recommendation
Adam is a rare digital 'Renaissance man'—a full-stack marcom professional who can tackle any facet of building a marketing machine, from strategy to implementation to technical integration. When I first started working with Adam, he was acting as both CTO and CMO of a large collective of companies, covering the responsibilities and expertise of both roles. That says a lot about his knowledge base, capabilities, and work ethic.
Working with Adam is a pleasure. He's an effective leader and the best type of manager—one who is happy to get in the trenches. And he's a wonderful mentor, arguably the best boss I ever had. His biggest passion is managing a team, and it shows in how much care and time he spends building people up in ways that also benefit the business's needs.
If he has a flaw, it's that he sets the bar so high for himself. I've met few people as driven as he is, but in a positive and infectious manner that inspires those around him. Work with Adam if you have a chance.
Rob RhinehartDigital Design & Marketing ConsultantReported to Adam directly · 2025
If I were building a company, I'd start with Adam.
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I met Adam as my superior; I now think of him as a friend. His ability to motivate and manage his team members is unparalleled. He knows how to push you to do your best work without pushing you over the edge. His feedback is thoughtful, and his collaborative skills are excellent.
If I were building a company, I’d start with Adam.
Matt SutherlandProduct, UX & Content DesignReported to Adam directly · 2023
An exceptional leader who consistently goes above and beyond to set his team up for success.
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Adam is an exceptional leader who consistently goes above and beyond to set his team up for success. His innovative approach and fearless attitude allow him to tackle even the most complex projects head-on, inspiring his colleagues to do their best work. As a mentor, Adam’s expertise in all areas of the business has proven invaluable, providing me with the tools I need to evolve in my career. What truly sets Adam apart is his unwavering commitment to the well-being of his colleagues. He invests in his team, empowering each individual to reach their full potential, while always making himself available to offer guidance and support through any personal or professional challenge.
Megan PriceMarketing & Communications StrategistReported to Adam directly · 2023
Never afraid to roll up his sleeves and work side by side when challenges arise.
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Adam has a great ability to translate business goals and strategy to both marketing and technology requirements that few clients I've worked with have been able to do so successfully. He was able to guide my team through a series of complex technical and regulatory requirements to successful outcomes for both the business and the individual projects themselves. Adam is never afraid to roll up his sleeves and work side by side when challenges arise and from what I've witnessed has been a great mentor to the teams he has managed. All in all, all of the things you hope for in a client.
Greg KihlströmAuthor, CX consultant, and founderClient
Adam knows how to move the needle.
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After working with Adam, shoulder to shoulder, I can say without hesitation that his focus on creating an atmosphere for productive team collaboration is exceptional. Adam is one of those unique individuals that has a wealth of tangible knowledge across traditional marketing, digital technologies and platforms, as well as cloud based systems. Lots of folks have this knowledge base. Sure. But very few can translate that knowledge into collaborative practices that result in real innovative solutions. Adam knows how to move the needle. He also understands that "innovation" can mean coming up with a solution that simply fixes an issue that couldn't be previously resolved. For Adam, it's all about creating the space needed to allow others to shine. That includes getting groups to dynamically work together and solve issues all on their own. I truly admire these skills.
Steven PromisloffBranding, Integrated Marketing & Change ManagementWorked with Adam on the same team · 2023
I always felt like he had my back and was invested in my success.
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Adam is a natural leader who knows how to motivate and inspire those around him. He is always willing to go above and beyond to help others, and he has a talent for bringing out the best in people. I always felt like he had my back and was invested in my success, both personally and professionally.
Adam has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and he was always willing to share his insights with me. He took the time to understand my goals and aspirations and provided me with guidance and support to help me achieve them. Adam challenged me to push my boundaries and encouraged me to take on new challenges, which helped me grow and develop as a professional.
In addition to his managerial skills, Adam is an outstanding communicator and collaborator. He knows how to bring people together and foster a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Adam.
Julia HortonContent Strategist & Customer SuccessReported to Adam directly · 2023
Adam comes with my highest recommendation.
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I had the pleasure to work with Adam on a global website/webapp redesign program. Adam is an experienced digital manager with a very deep understanding of digital strategy, CX and Content Management Solutions. Not only does he have the technical knowledge and experience to manage and oversee complex technical enterprise solutions, he also has the capabilities to understand and manage the organizational change management aspects that are inherent in global change initiatives. Adam comes with my highest recommendation.
JG StaalData & analytics executiveColleague
Encouraging, strategic and influential.
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Three words to describe Adam as a leader: Encouraging, strategic and influential. I had the opportunity to work directly under Adam at TEKsystems. Adam joined an established team that was looking for strategic direction and the opportunity for growth. He took the time to get to know every team member, understand our current skills and encourage us to keep learning and chasing our next role. He is truly a self-less leader who wants the best for his team. In addition to his leadership skills, I witnessed an incredible sense of influence and partnership with senior executives as the brand embarked on a significant business model shift. When met with resistance, he brought his knowledge and understanding of the marketplace, including marketing technology, data and analytics and new business growth, to the table to drive change. I'd recommend Adam for any organization that is looking for an innovative and resilient leader who will make a long-term impact.
Katherine ReitenbachMarketing Operations, TenableReported to Adam directly at TEKsystems · 2022
An amazing mentor, sounding board, and friend.
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I fully and confidently would recommend Adam Chen. He has been an amazing mentor, sounding board, and friend. His skill set, attention to details, and ability to really breakdown a problem set to find solutions is top notch.
Crystal ShawMarketing & Communications LeaderWorked with Adam at a different company · 2023
I have grown as a person and as a manager because of him.
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I have had the pleasure of working for Adam for a little over a year. I can say I have grown as a person and as a manager because of him. Having in-depth technical knowledge, strong communication skills, industry knowledge as well as a strategy background and so much more, really sets him apart from the rest. As a manager, Adam really takes the time to understand his teams professional and personal goals and keeps that top of mind. He has made a tremendous impact on our team and myself and I know his future teams will feel the same way.
Nikki Epsilantis-TerryWeb ManagerReported to Adam directly · 2020
His enthusiasm for his work made me want to be my best self.
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Adam was my manager while I interned at TEKsystems, and his management style made my internship an extremely positive experience. He welcomed me with open arms and treated me as a working member of the team. Adams trust in my abilities instilled a lot of confidence in myself, and his willingness to help me understand certain subject matter made me unafraid to ask any questions. Adam leads his team by example, his exceptional leadership, communication and digital skills provide a positive environment for everyone he works around, and his enthusiasm for his work made me want to be my best self. Adams knowledge in SEO, digital strategy, UX/CX and more contributed greatly to the success of the marketing department. Adam is a manager who’s not only interested in the company’s goals, but also in his employee’s professional growth. It was a pleasure to have Adam as my manager for the summer, and he would be a great asset to any team.
Olivia BurchfieldMarketing Manager, Long HomeReported to Adam directly at TEKsystems · 2019
Work
Before I led teams that made things, I made them myself. A lot of it was for NASA. I still design, shoot, and build when a project needs it.
A 280-page coffee-table book with a full spread for every mission, plus an iPad app.
Hallway exhibit marking the end of the shuttle program. Designed by me.
West Lobby exhibit at NASA Headquarters.
Website for Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, helping families across Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, and Howard Counties find affordable homeownership, and connecting volunteers, donors, and ReStore shoppers.
habitatchesapeake.orgProject management, photography, design, and production.
Project management, GDPR compliance, photography, and Drupal site build for the redesign.
Website delivered as project manager at Planit.
Project management for an International Space Station web feature.
Project management for a NASA web feature.
Research, script, filming, editing, and Flash web design, all by me.
Designed and developed end to end.
Identity and labels for a new wine company.
Identity for a small cake business.
Identity for a chef-pairing concept: two toques, a meal, coffee, and the journey between.
A clean, framed mark for a photography brand.
Identity for a Las Vegas DJ collective and artist management company.
Promotional photograph.
Promotional photograph for the e-book.
Video I edited for the partnership.
Books
I wrote the Space Shuttle book for NASA. I made the graphics for my late father James L. Chen's five books in Springer's Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series. I'm proud of every one.
Author · 2012
Celebrating 30 Years of the Space Shuttle Program
NASA
Graphics · 2014
How to Find the Apollo Landing Sites
Springer
Graphics · 2015
A Guide to Hubble Space Telescope Objects
Springer
Graphics · 2016
The NexStar Evolution and SkyPortal User's Guide
Springer
Graphics · 2016
The Vixen Star Book User Guide
Springer
Graphics · 2017
Astronomy for Older Eyes
Springer
Writing
My writing lives here: honest answers to real workplace questions, and short essays on work, leadership, language, and the creative mind. Published on Substack most mornings.
It has been a mission throughout my career to drive information symmetry in a world where information asymmetry seems to be the norm. When one side in a negotiation knows more or maintains higher quality information than the other party, it creates an imbalance where more often than not a seller has a clear advantage over the buyer. This active act of knowledge hoarding is seen as a positive trait in many business circles, especially in the C-Suite and in sales. It facilitates growth, closed deals and negotiations…
Keep readingListen
Webinars, interviews, and podcasts with founders, investors, and the people who change companies from the inside.
Talks, webinars & interviews
The Financial Impact of Brand-Led Growth
A fireside chat with Brian Tillman on why the highest-valued companies lead with brand, and how founders fund and measure it.
Watch on punchteam.com
Predictable B2B Revenue: Patterns from $480M+ in Capital Raised
YouTube
Should RevOps Report to the CFO?
YouTube
Inside the Stack: AI, Automation & Revenue Growth
YouTube
Your Co-Founder Needs a Prenup Too
Spotify
How AmenityLinc is changing property management
LinkedIn
The Amenity Collective × Workforce.com
YouTube
The Company You Keep
Vimeo
Podcasts
01 · Former co-host · Intrapreneurs track
With Greg Kihlström and Bonnie Habyan. Leaders and intrapreneurs on driving change from within, and building cultures where innovation can grow.
02 · FinStrat Management
Founders, investors, and operators across the early-stage ecosystem.
03 · Interviews
On change agents, large-scale organizational change, and personalization in hiring.
Lens
Fifteen years of carrying a camera: Vegas stages and launches, Baltimore and D.C. streets, and places nobody goes anymore. Open any album to flip through it.
252 photos in 30 albums
Off the clock
Endurance sports taught me what business keeps confirming: show up, pace yourself, and finish what you start.
What I believe
Make something that wasn't there yesterday.
Deals where both sides win. Credit where it's due.
For the people around me first. The numbers follow.
“Your word is your bond. Serve others authentically and others will serve you in return.”
Contact
Founder looking for a commercial partner? Team ready to adopt AI? Need a host, speaker, or facilitator? Send a note. I read every one.