Kirk Adams PhD

Sharpshooter
DISC Type : CD

Executive Director at Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion

Seattle, Washington, United States

Overview

Dr. Kirk Adams is the Executive Director at the Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion, leveraging over three decades of experience in disability employment and inclusion. As the former CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind and The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. , he is a recognized leader in creating accessible, equitable career pathways.

Driven by his personal experience of losing his sight at age five, Dr. Adams is a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities. He moved back to his home city of Seattle to be closer to his family, including his first grandchild, illustrating a deep commitment to both his professional mission and personal life.

Unique fact: His PhD dissertation was an ethnographic study of blind adults who are successfully employed in major American corporations.

Personality Overview

Fast But Analytical

Precise But Practical

ROI Driven

They like to act fast and expect others to do the same.  They are not focused on building rapport and relationships. They like to be in a position where they can control the conversation and terms.

Topics They Care About

Disability Inclusion
A lifelong advocate, he focuses on helping companies implement disability inclusion strategies, viewing it as a strategic advantage rather than a compliance exercise.
Accessible Technology
He frequently speaks on how technology, from assistive devices to haptic feedback for sports, can create more inclusive experiences for blind and low-vision individuals.
Inclusive Leadership
His career is dedicated to guiding C-suite executives and organizations in fostering inclusive environments and transforming workplace culture through equitable practices.

Media Appearances

Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion (ISDI) Welcomes Dr. Kirk Adams to Board of Directors. Featured in AT Newswire

See Now

Work History

12-2025
Executive Director at Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion
7-2022
Disability, Equity, and Inclusion Advisor at Innovative Impact LLC
11-2022
Strategic Advisor/Business Development at CurbCutOS, Inc.
5-2016 - 6-2022
President and CEO at American Foundation for the Blind
6-2000 - 5-2016
President and CEO at Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD from Antioch University
2010 - 2016
Master's Degree from Antioch University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 25 Location : Seattle, Washington, United States Job Level : Senior Designation : Executive Director at Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion
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Insights For Selling To Kirk

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Help them weigh the risks by sharing objective proof points without becoming too analytical
  • Hold your ground without indulging in one-upmanship
  • Speak about competitive differentiation that your product offers

DONT's

  • Avoid being too verbose
  • Do not hesitate from asking counter questions, just avoid challenging their authority
  • Don’t be in a rush to invite them for a social meet and greet

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Kirk is

  • Conviction around the impact matters the most to them, followed by a sense of achievement and ROI.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Kirk

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no without any hesitation.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Kirk move?

  • They can take decisions very fast if you manage to convince them.
  • Can Kirk take some risk or not?

  • The risks don’t matter much to them.

You And Kirk

Personality Compatibility


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