Audacious Optimism

Heartwarming, inspiring story on the power of optimism when you find yourself in a dark place

Audacious Optimism delivers a riveting account of Shanna Adamic's journey from a highly successful career as a corporate philanthropist and former professional cheerleader, to surviving a rare and life-threatening brain tumor, to limited mobility and a 4% chance of regaining facial function on her right side, to her complete recovery and developing an unwavering dedication to optimism. This book teaches readers how to rally from within and push through those terrifying moments in life, when you've got it all on the line, and when the odds are looking slim, to find the hope and courage needed to make it through the darkness and out into a life full of wonder and joy.

Now an executive leader at Oracle, Adamic's story is one that everyone can learn from. In this book, readers will find insight on:

• Embracing the unknown, igniting willpower, and envisioning beyond the impossible
• Finding the strength to mindfully choose optimism, even in the darkest of times
• Leveraging optimism in every arena throughout your entire life to become an unstoppable force

Audacious Optimism is an inspiring, motivational, at times heart-wrenching, and completely relatable journey that will inspire anyone facing adversity, seeking to find their inner optimism, and live their absolute best life.

Introduction xi

A Mindful Choice 1

Chapter 1 The Fall 3

Trust Yourself 31

Chapter 2 My Roots 35

Embrace the Unknown 55

Chapter 3 North Star 57

Mental Toughness 71

Chapter 4 Champion Spirit 75

Chapter 5 Health Journey Begins 91

Chapter 6 Voice Silenced 113

Chapter 7 Without a Spark 133

Let's Recharge 145

Chapter 8 The Diagnosis 147

Chapter 9 Big Surgery, Big Outcome 163

Chapter 10 My Fight Song 175

Chapter 11 I Will 189

Chapter 12 Beautiful Brain 207

Afterword 219

Acknowledgments 223

About the Author 231

Index 233

SHANNA ADAMIC is an executive leader with Oracle and has over two decades of experience in advancing corporate philanthropy. She's a former NFL cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs, a regional Emmy winner, and a seasoned and highly sought-after keynote speaker.

PRAISE FOR Audacious Optimism

"In the game of life, just like on the football field, optimism is a playbook we must choose to follow. Audacious Optimism reminds us that even when the odds seem stacked against us, we hold the power. The power to tap into our mental toughness and bold hope, to emerge victorious."
—TRENT GREEN, retired 15 year NFL Quarterback and current broadcaster for the NFL on CBS

"In my role as one of Shanna's physicians, I have personally witnessed her bold and contagious optimism. Her strength and perseverance undoubtedly played a crucial role in the recovery process. She serves as a reminder that healing goes beyond medication; it involves the indomitable human spirit."
—JOHN P. LEONETTI, MD, Professor & Vice-Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, Otology, Neurotology, Skull Base Surgery; Co-Director of the Loyola Center for Cranial Base Surgery

"As an athlete, survivor, and, simply, a human being, I find myself deeply connected to Shanna's message in Audacious Optimism. She shares her story with honesty and vulnerability, reminding us that optimism is not about ignoring the challenges we face. Instead, it is about making a choice to activate hope even when the odds seem impossible to overcome."
—SIRI LINDLEY, Olympic Coach, World Champion, and Hall of Fame Triathlete

"I wholeheartedly endorse Audacious Optimism. Shanna's remarkable journey—spanning professional cheerleading, a life-threatening diagnosis, and her inspiring recovery—ignites a passionate spark of bold hope. Her story is not just one of resilience; it's a call to action, encouraging us all to embrace optimism in the face of adversity. This book has the power to transform lives and inspire a movement of unwavering hope."
—TAVIA HUNT, Director of Chiefs Women's Organization and proud wife of Kansas City Chiefs Chairman & CEO, Clark Hunt