INSIDER, December 2025

An exclusive Q&A with 2025 Stand Out leader Adam Gloss, who is the COO of Impel.

Question 1: What trend or challenge is top of mind for you at the moment & why?

The emergence of Agentic AI is topping my list this year. I see the ability to replace and/or augment much of what's available from traditional FMS platforms (and other technology systems) through AI agents. The ability to “build your own” or to have professionals build them quickly and (relatively) inexpensively is starting to emerge, and it brings into question what the future of Field Service management tools will look like. We're at the cusp of this wave, and I think it's a bit too soon to tell what'll happen in the next 3-5 years, but I think any leader who isn’t thinking about this is going to miss the mark.

Question 2: Describe what being named a Stand Out 50 leader meant to you.

This was one of the most meaningful recognitions I’ve ever had. It wasn’t something my company or a customer or vendor nominated me for; it was peer recognition. To know I am having that kind of impact on others is deeply touching and validates a lot of what I am trying to do professionally and in the way I try to walk the world and live my life. I was deeply touched and honored by this.

Question 3: Please share one tangible action you feel creates a positive culture for your team.

I focus on trust and model the leadership behaviors that I want them to emulate. I also let people know they are appreciated and valued. I find those two things are foundational in creating a positive culture. I also focus on other key items like accessibility, innovation/creativity, accountability, development and growth, etc.

Question 4: How do you stay motivated when you've hit a rough patch?

To stay motivated when I hit a rough patch, I lean into spending time in reflection, processing what is going on, and trying to be objective. Typically, I come to understand that I missed something, or misunderstood something or someone. The first place your brain can go is to think about what others are doing “to you”, and I find it helpful instead to focus on the “why” instead of the “what”. This clears a lot of the BS, and then I can focus on what I can do about it; control the controllables. That gives me power and helps me to see a path through the worst of times.

Question 5: Name one thing you can’t live without. (could be a gadget, book, quote, daily practice, skill, event, mentor, etc. – anything that comes to mind!)

Getting outside. This is my meditation, my release, and my way to center. I don’t know if I will always be able to do it at the level I do now, but I can’t imagine not spending time in nature at some level.

Question 6: Please share a quote or person that inspires you.

Quote: “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dream.” Arthur O'Shaughnessy (and Willy Wonka which is my favorite movie to this day). This spoke to me as a child and still does; we can create anything we set our minds to.

Person: My mother. Ask me about her sometime.

Question 7: What’s a regular source of information/insight you find valuable? (website, magazine, podcast, event, etc.)

I subscribe to Seth Godin’s daily blog. It isn’t always gold, but I can count on something he says challenging me, and making me think differently, on a regular basis.