About Adam

Portrait of a smiling middle-aged man in a navy suit and white shirt, facing forward.

Adam Tarnow is a leadership development specialist, keynote speaker, and author of The Fog of Work. With a unique blend of humor, humility, and hard-won insight, Adam helps professionals get out of their own way, navigate complexity, and lead with confidence.

A recovering CPA and former public accountant, Adam now heads up the Leadership Development Practice at PeopleWorks International, where he equips leaders to thrive in today’s fast-paced, people-driven workplaces. He’s spoken to audiences across industries—from manufacturing to professional services to education—and has a gift for making complex leadership ideas simple, practical, and unforgettable.

He earned his accounting degree from Clemson University and holds a “Ducktorate” from Disney University (yes, it’s real… no, it’s not accredited). He’s been married since 2003, is the proud dad of two teenage boys, and believes any day is better when it starts with coffee and a New York Times crossword puzzle.

Whether he’s speaking about leadership, communication, optimism, or culture, Adam’s goal is always the same: cut through the noise and help good people become great leaders.

Person in a blue suit holding a microphone and a phone on stage in front of an audience.

Adam Tarnow

Smiling man in blue blazer and beige pants sitting on a cream-colored sofa next to a potted snake plant, with a white brick wall and sheer curtains behind him.
Book cover titled 'How to Lead' by Clay Scroggins and Adam Tarnow, featuring photos of two smiling men against a blue background.

How to Lead

A podcast designed to help you develop yourself and those around you.

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