Helen Blocker-Adams, MA, BA
Helen Blocker Adams, MA, BA, is a self-employed entrepreneur, executive leader, and transformational coach dedicated to helping women rebuild after life’s most difficult challenges. She is the Founder of Unusual Determination Coaching and the CEO and President of The Adams Group Agency, LLC, and serves as a licensed insurance specialist, published author, and host of the Reset to Reinvent podcast. A Triple Negative Breast Cancer survivor and advocate, Helen combines professional expertise, lived experience, and faith-driven purpose to design coaching programs that support women navigating grief, career disruption, health crises, and major life transitions. She is the author of Unusual Determination: Helen’s Breast Cancer Journey to Victory, which chronicles her personal journey and anchors her mission to help women rise with resilience and clarity. Helen’s professional focus centers on reinvention, purpose, and faith. She works closely with women grieving the loss of loved ones and those seeking to redefine their personal and professional paths, guiding them to identify a clear personal “WHY” as the foundation for sustainable leadership and fulfillment. Her philosophy integrates mindset transformation, strategic reinvention, and financial protection, reflecting her belief that bold growth requires both inner transformation and practical security. Grounded in the values of family, integrity, loyalty, honesty, kindness, and faith, Helen’s work is deeply relational and purpose-driven, empowering women to rebuild with authenticity, confidence, and spiritual grounding. With more than three decades of entrepreneurial experience, Helen has been self-employed since 1991, with a diverse career spanning journalism and broadcasting, higher education instruction, life insurance leadership, authorship, podcasting, and coaching. She has served as a Partner with Security National Life Insurance Company in a full-time capacity, in addition to building and leading her own agency. Helen ran for public office three times, including two mayoral campaigns in Augusta, experiences that shaped her resilience, courage, and leadership philosophy. Diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2021, she transformed her recovery journey into a powerful framework for writing and coaching, using her story of faith, loss, and reinvention to inspire women nationwide to rebuild, redefine their purpose, and thrive through every season of transition.
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) 2013
• Southern New Hampshire University - MA, English Language and Literature, General
• 2015 Instructor of the Quarter - Virginia College of Augusta
• 2014 "Female Entrepreneur of the Year - CSRA Business League, Inc.
• 2012 CSRA Mental Health Advocate of the Year - Augusta Coalition for Mental Health Advocacy
• 2010 Channel 26 NBC "Women to Watch"
• 2010 'Citizen of the Year' -National Association of Social Workers (Augusta unit)
• 2009 Leadership Award - Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce Leadership Augusta
• International English Honor Society Sigma Tau Delta -Southern New Hampshire University
• The National Society of Leadership and Success - Chapter of Sigma Alpha Pi - Virginia College of Augusta
• Life Member - Georgia State University Alumni Association
• 2023 Achieved Partner Level-3rd woman in company to accomplish that with Senior Life Insurance Company
• 2023 Recognized as the #5 Agency with Senior Life Insurance Company
• NAAIA
• American Red Cross
• Augusta Symphony
• Safe Homes of Augusta
• The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center Statewide Advisory Council
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to rebuilding and growing through every challenge I’ve faced. From growing up as a military brat to spending more than 35 years as a self-employed entrepreneur, my journey has been shaped by perseverance, courage, and a deep sense of purpose. Surviving Triple Negative Breast Cancer, running for public office, and navigating public setbacks taught me the power of determination, humility, and reinvention. These experiences inspired me to found Unusual Determination Coaching, where I share my journey and help women rebuild after life’s toughest transitions. My nieces, nephews and great-nieces/great-nephews motivate me daily to be my best self, continue evolving, and leave a legacy of strength and service. Above all, my faith in God, the support of my family, and a clear sense of “why” drive me to inspire other women, expand my impact, and continue learning, growing, and connecting with those on their own path to transformation.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from my parents and the many people who have inspired and uplifted me throughout my journey. They taught me to stay grounded in my faith, trust God’s guidance, and let my values lead every decision I make. My family has always been my greatest motivation, reminding me to work with purpose, integrity, and compassion while never losing sight of who I am. As I continue to grow in my career, I hope to connect with readers in a meaningful way and inspire other women in our community to pursue their goals with confidence, faith, and authenticity, knowing that their personal values and beliefs can be powerful drivers of success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Follow your heart but, critically, identify and hone a deep why — a purpose beyond money — that will keep you resilient through setbacks.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family comes first in my life, and my relationship with God is the foundation that guides my values and decisions each day. I believe deeply in integrity, loyalty, honesty, and staying true to myself, and I strive to be authentic in both my personal and professional relationships. Continuing to learn and grow, while leading with kindness, helps keep me grounded and aligned with my faith. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling to Santa Monica to visit my brother and relax by the beach, entertaining family and friends at home, reading, attending live jazz shows, and going to the movies. Above all, I find harmony and purpose in nurturing my relationships and allowing my faith to guide me throughout my journey.
Locations
Unusual Determination Coaching
Hephzibah, GA 30815