Earlier this month, we gathered with family and friends to celebrate the life of our dear colleague and friend, Adam Hayden. Adam passed away in December after living nine years with a terminal glioblastoma diagnosis. 

As we reflected on who Adam was and the impact he had on our team, one truth became clear: we wanted to ensure he would remain part of Briljent for years to come. 

Today, we are honored to share how we will carry his legacy forward. 

The Example Adam Set 

For the past several years, Adam was the storyteller behind Briljent’s social media presence. He wrote passionately about the work we are proud to do for our clients, state agencies, and underserved communities. He told the stories of our team. He reminded us why our Non-Negotiable Items (NNIs) and our Communication Creed matter. 

Adam understood that values mean little unless lived — and he lived ours fully. 

• Never, Never Give Up: Even in the face of an aggressive illness, Adam chose to keep showing up — for his family, his friends, the brain tumor community, and his Briljent team. 

• Learning Leaders: A philosopher at heart, Adam was endlessly curious. He asked better questions, invited deeper thinking, and generously taught others how to live and learn with intention. 

• Deal With It: Adam leaned into honest conversation. He handled hard truths with care, listened deeply, and created space for others to be seen, heard, and understood. 

• Impeccable Integrity: Adam understood that words matter. He chose them carefully, honored them fully, and did what he said he would do — and did it well. 

• To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required: Adam gave generously of his time, voice, and platform. He mentored. He encouraged. He advocated. He believed deeply that our gifts are not for us alone. 

• Purposely Positive: And through it all, he remained Purposely Positive. Even near the end of his life, his message was simple and clear: “I just want everyone to be kind to each other.” 

Recognizing the Very Best of Briljent 

Each year, through Briljent BRAVO, our employee recognition program, we rally around a theme that reflects who we aspire to be. Every quarter, we recognize five team members who are living out our values. From those nominations — and from the spirit of peer recognition — one individual is selected to receive our annual Culture Award. 

This award represents the very best of Briljent. It honors the person whose actions, impact, and example reflect what it truly means to live our values — to persevere, to learn, to lead with integrity, and to lift others up. 

It is only fitting that this award now carries the name of someone who so fully embodied what it stands for. 

The Adam Hayden Culture Award 

Moving forward, our annual Culture Award will be known as the Adam Hayden Culture Award. 

This award will recognize a Briljent team member whose actions and peer recognition reflect what it truly means to be Briljent — someone who lives our values, encourages others, and helps create Brilliant Possibilities wherever they go. 

By renaming this award in Adam’s honor, we are making a commitment: 

• To carry his spirit forward in every nomination submitted. 

• In every colleague celebrated. 

• In every moment where we choose empathy, integrity, and kindness. 

We are proud to honor Adam in this way and to continue building a culture worthy of his legacy. 

We will share more soon as we announce the 2025 recipient of the first Adam Hayden Culture Award. 

For now, we invite everyone — our team, our partners, and our broader community — to honor Adam the way he asked: 

Be kind to each other. 

Learn More and Support Adam’s Legacy

If you would like to learn more about Adam’s work, his voice, and ways to support his family, we invite you to explore the resources below:

🧠 Read Adam’s blog and memoir, Glioblastology: https://glioblastology.substack.com/
🌱 Learn about Adam’s legacy: https://braintumor.org/news/remembering-adam-hayden/
❤️ Support Adam’s family: https://everloved.com/life-of/adam-hayden/