Nicholas Adams -  Volunteer Faculty at the Leadership Institute

Nick Adams
Founder & Executive Director

Born and raised in Australia, Nick Adams immigrated to America in 2016, with the United States government recognizing his ‘extraordinary ability.’ Nick’s first challenge came at sixteen months. He was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma (a rare form of childhood cancer) and given just a five percent chance of survival. He defied the odds, with a tenacity that would become a hallmark of his life. This early adversity indelibly shaped his life.

As Nick wrote: “It taught me to hope. It taught me to dream. That anything is possible. That no hurdle is too high, no burden too great, and no obstacle insurmountable. That every day I breathe is a day that I am in credit, and I won’t let a second go to waste.” Since these early trials, Nick has been blessed with great success in life. He attended the University of Sydney, earning both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. While studying, he was publicly elected the youngest Deputy Mayor in Australian history in Sydney, at the age of twenty-one. Nick is a best-selling author, columnist, and commentator, all achieved before he turned 30.

Nick has appeared on virtually every major television and radio program, and his work has appeared in newspapers around the world. His latest book, Green Card Warrior, detailing his journey to America, received special distinction in March 2017, with President Donald Trump declaring it “a must-read.” It was the first time in the history of the United States that a sitting President has ever endorsed a book.

Drawn from a young age to the United States, Nick visited America for the first time in the summer of 2009. Since that time, he has spoken at conventions, corporate meetings, military bases, universities, high schools, and churches, in 30 states. Abroad, he has given major addresses in several countries, including England, Germany, and South Korea. He speaks fluent German and Greek. Nick has received several state awards including being commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by the State of Kentucky (Gov. Bevin, 2017), and declared an Honorary Texan (Gov. Perry, 2013) and Honorary Oklahoman (Gov. Fallin, 2017).

Nicholas Adams