Our Story
The Waypoint Group was launched by Adam Sholley, a certified executive coach (CEC) and career coach (CCC) with more than 30 years of experience helping corporations and mission-based organizations clarify direction, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and communicate their story with purpose.
Adam began his career in the advertising and marketing business at Ogilvy & Mather in New York, later working as a senior leader for mid-sized agencies in Boston, Cambridge and Portland, Maine. Overseeing major campaigns for iconic consumer brands such as McDonald’s, Unliever, Keurig Dr. Pepper, and Verizon, he developed a profound appreciation for the power of brand equity and the role brands play in driving customer trust and loyalty.
Over time, Adam’s professional focus shifted toward more purpose-driven institutions, particularly in higher education and healthcare. His strategic branding and fundraising campaign work included initiatives for colleges, universities, and academic medical centers. Adam guided his teams and partnered closely with institutional leaders, faculty, researchers, and advancement teams at Brown University, Bentley University, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and The Wyss Institute at Harvard University, among others. These experiences deepened his appreciation for how leadership, organizational narrative, and philanthropy must align to optimize mission impact.
Throughout his career, and inspired by his parents’ commitment to volunteerism, Adam has shared his expertise with non-profit boards across education, community development, public resources, and faith-based organizations. These experiences ground him in the challenging realities facing mission-driven institutions, and this has inspired The Waypoint Group’s pragmatic and focused approach to working with clients.
Never before has the pressure on mission-driven organizations been greater to achieve more with less. The Waypoint Group helps these organizations develop confident leaders, a clearer sense of purpose, and engaged supporters who enthusiastically embrace the journey.