WHO
WE ARE

We believe strong communication is the foundation of strong leadership. Founded by Adrienne Carr, a veteran TV news executive producer with 20+ years at CNN, MSNBC, HLN, The Weather Channel, and Scripps News, we bring insider expertise from the newsroom to the boardroom. We help leaders, nonprofits, and public institutions master high-stakes moments with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Our values are the guiding principles behind every strategy, every coaching session, and every partnership we form. They are the promises we make to our clients.

MEET ADRIENNE CARR

For more than two decades, Adrienne Carr thrived in the high-stakes world of national television news. As a producer, senior producer, and executive producer at CNN, MSNBC, HLN, The Weather Channel, and Scripps News, she shaped stories that informed millions, guided coverage of historic events, and led teams through moments where every word mattered.

Her Emmy-nominated career was defined by calm leadership under pressure, a sharp instinct for what resonates, and the ability to elevate talent and messaging at the highest levels of journalism.

Today, Adrienne brings that same expertise to leaders outside the newsroom. She specializes in media and public speaking coaching, executive messaging, storytelling and narrative development, interview preparation, and crisis communication. What sets her apart is the rare ability to think like both a journalist and a strategist—knowing exactly what builds trust, what raises red flags, and what cuts through the noise.

Adrienne’s clients include C-suite executives, nonprofits, government agencies, and school districts. She has prepared leaders to deliver keynotes, navigate media scrutiny, testify at public hearings, and inspire confidence among stakeholders when the pressure is highest.

Beyond her professional work, Adrienne is deeply committed to mentorship and service.

She serves on the advisory board for Students Without Mothers, volunteers as a student advisor, and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A graduate of the University of Missouri with honors, Adrienne has built a career—and now a company—at the intersection of storytelling, leadership, and influence. With her as a partner, leaders gain more than a coach. They gain a trusted advisor who transforms communication into connection.

In today’s complex landscape, your voice is your most powerful asset. Whether you are leading a team, addressing a crisis, or sharing a transformative idea, the clarity and confidence of your message are what set you apart. Far too often, brilliant minds and powerful narratives remain undiscovered due to a lack of polished delivery. At Ascent, we believe that your message is meant to ascend—to rise above the noise and have a lasting impact.

Our commitment is to your success. We are here to empower you with the tools and unwavering confidence needed to command any stage. We are not just refining your words; we are elevating your influence.