A People-First Performance Culture is more than a workplace philosophy, it's a leadership mindset.

It's a commitment to create environments where people feel seen, valued and supported, not just as employees but as whole human beings.

~ Cecilia Stanton Adams

How It All Began

Since Stanton Adams Consulting was established over 15 years ago, our work is centered on one belief: when people thrive, performance follows.

We’ve spent years helping leaders strengthen their culture, deepen trust, and prepare for the future of work. Our People-First Performance Framework™ was designed from that vision, a practical, research-based approach that helps leaders align culture, leadership, and strategy to create lasting impact.

Meet Our Founders

Cecilia Stanton Adams

CEO & Co-Founder

Cecilia Stanton Adams is a sociologist and organizational strategist with degrees in psychology, sociology, and organizational development. A respected thought leader on leadership, culture, and the future of work, she combines academic depth with real-world experience gained from years in executive roles within global corporations and higher education before founding her consulting practice.

For more than two decades, Cecilia has partnered with organizations, government agencies, and mission-driven institutions to strengthen performance by putting people first. Her work draws from behavioral and social science to explore how culture, power, and identity shape the way people lead, collaborate, and thrive.

Known for her ability to translate complex ideas into practical strategies, Cecilia helps leaders bridge insight with action—building trust, engagement, and innovation along the way. Her approach has guided organizations through growth, transformation, and disruption, reminding leaders that when people thrive, performance follows.

During a time of unprecedented change in the workplace, Cecilia developed the People-First Performance Framework™, an evidence-based model that helps organizations align culture, leadership, and strategy. Grounded in values and focused on mission, the framework equips leaders to manage today’s diverse, hybrid, and remote teams while building a strong foundation for long-term success. It offers a roadmap for organizations that aspire to lead boldly, act with integrity, and create cultures where people and performance can flourish together.

Malissa Adams

Co-founder & Board Chair

Malissa Stanton Adams is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in organizational culture, inclusion, human resources, and operations management. She brings over 20 years of experience guiding teams, developing leaders, and strengthening organizational systems that support belonging, accountability, and performance.

Currently serving with the State of Minnesota in Leadership Development, Malissa designs and facilitates programs that help leaders build trust, lead with authenticity, and foster cultures where people can do their best. Her expertise spans strategic planning and team development with a focus on aligning people, processes, and purpose.

As Co-Founder and Board Chair of Stanton Adams Consulting, Malissa plays a key role in advancing the firm’s mission of helping organizations design people-first cultures. She is known for her direct yet empathetic approach, creating spaces where leaders can engage in meaningful dialogue, strengthen self-awareness, and move from intention to impact.

Malissa holds an MBA and a Master’s in Nonprofit and Public Administration from Metropolitan State University and a certification in Full Stack Web Development. She has worked across sectors, including government, education, and community organizations, bringing a systems-thinking approach to leadership, equity, and organizational growth.

Driven by her belief in the power of community, Malissa continues to inspire leaders to build workplaces that are ready for the future of work.

Why this work matter now

The world of work is changing fast. Hybrid teams, talent shortages, generational shifts, and political polarization are testing even the strongest organizations. Workplace Culture isn't optional, it’s business critical.

Leaders everywhere are asking: How do we keep people engaged, motivated, and aligned when everything feels uncertain?

The answer lies in a People-First Performance Culture™, one designed with clarity, empathy, and accountability. Our framework helps organizations do just that, connecting human well-being to business performance through measurable, practical steps.

Learn More About People-First Culture™

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