Enterprise minded. Research informed. Impact oriented.
Dr. Adam
Hickman
Building human capital that drives customer and enterprise performance
About Me
Globally Curious & Locally Grounded
Dr. Hickman works at the intersection of human capital, leadership, management, and enterprise performance, helping organizations translate people strategy into measurable outcomes that matter to both customers and the business. His work is grounded in academic research and informed by real world executive experience, with a focus on aligning leadership and management practices, culture, and systems to drive sustained performance.
His professional experience includes leadership roles at AT&T, Gallup, and currently Partners Federal Credit Union, which is part of The Walt Disney Company. Across these organizations, he has partnered with senior leaders to build leadership systems, strengthen manager capability, and scale human capital strategies within complex, customer driven environments. He is also an international speaker, delivering keynotes and executive sessions across the United States, the Middle East, and Asia on leadership, management effectiveness, and organizational performance
His academic foundation includes a BA, MA, MBA, and PhD, reflecting a lifelong commitment to scholarship and applied practice. His doctoral research focused on remote and hybrid work and has reached a global audience since 2019 as organizations navigated new models of work. He has published three books and more than 100 articles on leadership, management, and organizational performance, with his research and writing continuing to inform executives, scholars, and practitioners worldwide.
Career
Uncommon Amongst the Uncommon
Partners - The Walt Disney Company
Vice President, Organizational Development
Directly led the enterprise function responsible for organizational and employee development. Served as the principal stakeholder accountable for culture development employee engagement leadership development manager development succession planning career pathing internal communications and exit interview analysis. Facilitated business and talent reviews for the board of directors and executive leadership team. Coached and developed Assistant Vice Presidents and Directors in performance development team effectiveness and navigating complex employee concerns. Led enterprise wide qualitative and quantitative research efforts to advance organizational mission vision and values. Acted as a trusted advisor to the CEO and board on workforce development strategy talent metrics and organizational health.
Orlando, FL
2022 - Current
The Gallup Organization
Senior Workplace Strategist
Led enterprise research and publication strategy by overseeing quantitative and qualitative studies that advanced the management and workplace discipline. Managed multidisciplinary teams of editors writers and researchers while guiding future focused panel studies and executive content translated from applied science. Served as a trusted consultant to Fortune 500 organizations on learning and development strategies focused on performance engagement and remote and hybrid work. Drove significant growth in demand and revenue through research driven publications executive workshops and scalable curricula while building trusted partnerships with global outlets and senior HR leaders. Recognized as a management and leadership thought leader and instrumental in translating research into applied programs and organizational impact at Gallup.
Omaha, NE
2015-2022
Capella University
DBA, PHD Adjunct Faculty
Serves as a mentor and advisor to DBA and PhD students, supporting research design, applied scholarship, and professional development. Act as a qualitative research expert reviewing and refining questions used across interviews, focus groups, case studies, and other qualitative research designs.
Remote
2020 - Current
Corporate Learning Network
Advisory Board Member
Serve as an advisory board member for CLN providing strategic guidance on leadership development research priorities and practitioner focused learning. Contribute executive perspective informed by applied research and consulting experience while helping shape programming insights and thought leadership that advance the leadership and management discipline.
Remote
2024 - Current
HR Grapevine
Editorial Advisory Board
Serve as an Editorial Advisory Board Member for HR Grapevine contributing strategic insight on leadership talent and workplace trends shaping the HR profession. Provide guidance on editorial direction thought leadership themes and practitioner relevance while ensuring content reflects both academic rigor and real world application for senior HR and business leaders.
Remote
2025 - Current
Keynote Speaker
Speaking Topics
Drawing from decades of research and executive leadership experience, Adam delivers keynotes that challenge conventional thinking and move leaders to act. These are not motivational talks or surface level trend overviews. Each session is grounded in evidence shaped by real organizational pressure and designed to change how leaders think decide and lead.
Remote & Hybrid Work
Navigate the complexities of distributed teams with research-backed strategies for maintaining engagement, productivity, and culture across any work arrangement.
Organizational Development
Transform your organization's potential through strategic development initiatives that align people, processes, and purpose for sustainable growth.
AI That Works for HR
High impact keynotes on AI in HR that help leaders move from curiosity to confident action. Presentations focus on practical use cases responsible adoption and how AI can elevate talent decisions performance and the employee experience.
Employee Engagement & Resilience
Unlock the science of engagement and resilience. Discover what truly motivates teams and how to build organizations that weather any challenge.
Publications
Research & Writings
Work Stronger: Resilient Bodies Focused Minds Stronger Careers
Your greatest career edge isn't hidden in a strategy deck—it's built in your muscles, your mind, and your movement. In Work Stronger, Dr. Adam Hickman and Dr. Michael Finamore reveal how resistance band training can sharpen focus, regulate stress, and build resilience in ways that directly elevate professional performance. Endorsed by: Jim Tressel, Lieutenant Governor of Ohio and former Head Coach of The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University
Learn More →100+ Research Articles
Adam has written more than one hundred articles focused on leadership performance culture and the evolving nature of work. His writing bridges rigorous research with real world application translating complex topics like engagement performance management remote and hybrid work and organizational health into clear actionable insight for executives and HR leaders. Across publications, his work consistently challenges conventional thinking while offering practical guidance leaders can apply immediately.
Connect to Discuss →Media
In The Press
Adam's expertise on workplace culture, remote work, and organizational development has been sought by leading media outlets and event organizers globally.
Podcasts
Featured guest on leading business and leadership podcasts discussing remote work strategy, organizational culture, and the future of the workplace.
Keynotes & Webinars
International keynote speaker delivering insights at Fortune 500 conferences, HR summits, and organizational development events worldwide.
Press & Publications
Research and insights featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Gallup.com, and other leading business publications.