Are you ready to craft truly unforgettable experiences? It typically starts with understanding the “why” behind human behavior and building authentic connections. From leveraging consumer psychology to embracing leadership through service, empathy, storytelling, and data-driven strategies can create meaningful engagement and drive success.
We spoke with Adam Ortman, one of our talented speakers and the president/founder of Kinetic319, about the lessons he’s learned from working with major brands, how relationships form the backbone of any strategy, and why staying curious is the secret to innovation.
How has your background in consumer psychology shaped your approach to marketing and business strategy?
Consumer psychology is at the heart of everything I do in marketing. It’s more of an obsession of mine. Understanding why people make decisions—their motivations, fears, and desires—has allowed me and my teams to create campaigns that resonate deeply and authentically. It’s not just about data; it’s about connecting on a human level. By blending consumer psychology with data-driven insights, I can craft strategies that drive meaningful engagement and, ultimately, loyalty. At Kinetic319, we often start with empathy, asking not just “What will make this campaign effective?” but “What will make the consumer feel understood?” as well as walking in our target audiences’ shoes.
You’ve worked with major brands like Nike, American Express, and UnitedHealth Group. What have you learned from these collaborations, and how do you apply those lessons when working with new clients?
Working with powerhouse brands taught me the importance of adaptability and scalability. Each of these brands operates at a high level, but they face challenges just like smaller organizations. From each, I learned the value of storytelling, the importance of trust and reliability, and the power of a data-driven approach to improving outcomes. These lessons translate seamlessly to new clients, whether they’re entrepreneurs or Fortune 500 companies. We focus on building trust, finding each brand’s unique story, and leveraging data to execute strategies that scale, that’s the true playbook to success in my opinion.
You’ve worked with a variety of audiences, from entrepreneurs to corporate teams. What’s one piece of advice you’d share that resonates with the different groups you work with?
Focus on relationships. Whether you’re pitching to investors, managing a team, or engaging customers, success comes down to authentic connections. Empathy and understanding the other person’s perspective are critical. In marketing, this means knowing your audience and meeting them where they are. For teams, it’s about fostering open communication and (quickly) identifying individual strengths. And for entrepreneurs, it’s building trust and credibility at every touchpoint in a short period of time. Entrepreneurs often have smaller budgets and even bigger dreams, but far less sensitivity for performance lag. When you prioritize relationships, the results—be they sales, loyalty, or engagement—naturally follow.
Leadership is a recurring theme in your talks. What’s one leadership lesson you often share with audiences?
Leadership is about service. The best leaders listen more than they speak (something I still consciously work on daily), foster collaboration, and empower others to succeed. One lesson I often share is the value of “optimistic resilience.” Challenges will come—setbacks are inevitable—but maintaining optimism while finding opportunities within those obstacles is what sets great leaders apart. In my career, I’ve found that this approach not only keeps teams motivated but also sparks innovation during tough times. On a lesser, but still important, note: keep work light when you can. If the timing is appropriate, throw in a joke with your team, encourage laughter. Enjoying your daily work is the best feeling in the world, it’s important to have a good time doing what you love.
How does Kinetic319 differentiate itself in the crowded marketing agency landscape? How can individuals or brands set themselves apart in today’s market?
Kinetic319 stands out because we’re not just an agency; we’re a partner. Our M.O.V.E. methodology—Magnify, Orient, Venture, Evaluate—ensures that we don’t just deliver campaigns; we deliver results. With over 500+ brand experiences and over 20 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for combining cutting-edge strategies with authentic client relationships. For individuals or brands to stand out today, it’s about creating value beyond the transactional brief-based engagements the majority of agencies operate within today. Understand your audience, offer something truly unique, and build trust through consistency and empathy.
How do your outdoor adventures—like skiing, scuba diving, and camping—influence your creativity and work?
Nature teaches you to adapt, be curious, and embrace uncertainty—qualities that are vital in marketing and business. Skiing sharpens focus, scuba diving fosters calm under pressure, and camping reminds me to embrace and respect simplicity and connection (and disconnection). These experiences inspire creativity by giving me the mental space to think differently and approach challenges with a fresh perspective. They also remind me that, much like in business, the journey is as important as the destination. Get me on a dive to see some amazing wildlife and I’ll come out the other side ready to tackle anything.
What motivates you to keep exploring, learning, and innovating in your field?
The marketing landscape is ever-evolving, and I thrive on that challenge. What motivates me is the opportunity to stay ahead of the curve—to uncover new tools, strategies, and insights that help our clients succeed. To be successful in this field, you MUST have a natural sense of curiosity. Beyond that, it’s the relationships I build along the way. Whether it’s helping a startup find its footing or driving growth for a global brand, seeing the impact of our work keeps me energized and inspired.
What inspires you to step on stage and share your message with others?
I’m inspired by the opportunity to connect and share. Speaking allows me to take years of experience and turn it into actionable insights for others. It’s also a chance to give back—sharing lessons, mistakes, and successes to help others on their journeys. Ultimately, it’s about sparking a conversation that leads to growth, not just for the audience but for me as well. Every time I step off stage, I’m reminded of the power of collective learning and shared inspiration. As an industry, we all benefit from this.
—
Adam Ortman’s blend of expertise, curiosity, and passion for connection makes him stand out in both marketing and leadership. Whether he’s creating innovative strategies at Kinetic319 or inspiring audiences from the stage, Adam’s message is clear: empathy, resilience, and understanding are the cornerstones of meaningful growth and success. For event planners looking to deliver thought-provoking insights and actionable takeaways, Adam Ortman offers a dynamic presence and unparalleled expertise. Ready to elevate your next event? Book Adam through I Need A Speaker to bring his transformative message to your audience.