by Shanna Adamic (Author)
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.
Front Jacket
In 2017, Shanna Adamic was diagnosed with a golf ball-sized brain tumor compressing her brain stem. Confronted with hearing loss and partial facial paralysis, she tapped into her (professional) cheerleader optimism to defy the grim prognosis. Today she is an executive leader at Oracle and an executive director of a foundation that removes barriers to life-changing and sometimes life-saving healthcare for children all around the world.
Through the pages of Audacious Optimism: The Mindful Choice to Live Boldly and Create Endless Possibilities, Adamic teaches readers, just as she has done for audiences, teams, and individuals for the past five years, to embrace the unknown, ignite their willpower, and envision beyond the impossible--because she is living proof that every person can make a difference for themselves and for others with the power of audacious optimism.
The story really begins with small unassuming symptoms that just wouldn't go away, even after years of doctors visits. Fortunately, watching a daytime talk show segment compelled her to push for answers. A push that led to life-saving brain surgery. After it was successful, her larger-than-life ambitions as a leader were downgraded to simply wanting to smile with all of her teeth, close her eye completely, chew on both sides of her mouth, and regain her balance to be able to walk without falling over.
You already know the rest. Shanna's tale is one of hope and courage when it was nearly impossible to see anything but darkness--and coming through to the other side not only healed but thriving more than ever.
Audacious Optimism is a powerful, inspiring, and at times heart-wrenching account of Adamic's journey from the deepest valleys to the highest peaks. It is essential reading for all individuals going through hardships of any kind who want to reinvigorate their drive and emerge into the light stronger, happier, and more successful than ever.
Back Jacket
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