Spotlight on Long Island Women: Meet Adrian Miller
The Power of Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance
There are people who reinvent themselves once in a lifetime—and then there’s Adrian Miller, who seems to do it effortlessly, again and again. A true New Yorker at heart, Adrian has called Port Washington home for over 40 years. She’s a wife, mother of two sons, proud grandmother of four (who lovingly call her “Gamma”), and a woman whose zest for life is as vibrant as the city she adores. From her passion for the five boroughs, Broadway shows, and museums, to her love for ethnic food and even the occasional dive bar, Adrian embraces life with open arms and endless curiosity.
For more than three decades, Adrian built a thriving career in business training, teaching thousands of sales professionals how to sell with authenticity, connection, and confidence. As the founder of WordsWork Copywriting, a site where she customizes content for newsletters, blogs, and websites, and the author of The Blatant Truth: 50 Ways to Sales Success, Adrian became known for her wit, wisdom, and refreshingly honest advice. Her bestselling book is still a go-to guide for sales professionals who want to succeed the right way—with integrity and heart.
Then came the pandemic, and like so many small business owners, Adrian’s world was shaken. But giving up was never an option. Instead, she used her creativity and grit to pivot once more, combining her lifelong love of people and communication into something extraordinary: Adrian’s Network.
Through her platform, www.adriansnetwork.com, Adrian created a supportive and engaging virtual community where entrepreneurs and professionals can connect, collaborate, and grow. With virtual calls, educational presentations, member spotlights, and a thriving online forum, Adrian’s Network has become a model for what modern networking should be—personal, purposeful, and full of heart. “We’re all unique,” Adrian says. “That’s why we offer so many ways to get involved. I want everyone to find their rhythm.”
These days, Adrian’s rhythm includes writing, mentoring, traveling, and spending precious time with her grandchildren—some local and others just a flight away. “Writing gives me freedom,” she says. “The freedom to be with my family, to travel, to feed my soul.” When asked if she plans to retire, she doesn’t hesitate. “Never,” she says with a smile. “I’ve always done things I’m passionate about. That’s what gives me endless energy.”
Each year, Adrian and her husband escape for six weeks to a serene waterfront cottage, their cherished tradition of “me time” where they reflect and plan for the year ahead. “It’s fabulous and motivating,” she says. “I’m always planning for the future. I have a wonderful life. I love my family—and they love me.” Adrian also believes that clarity and creativity don’t happen when you’re standing still. “You need to go somewhere, not at home, to get inspired. Go away for one or more days. Take a road trip. You will find what you want to do.”
Adrian Miller is not just a successful entrepreneur and writer—she’s an inspiration. She reminds us that passion doesn’t fade with age; it evolves. That clarity comes when we step away and listen to our inner voice. And that fulfillment isn’t found in slowing down, but in continually doing what we love.
When I told Adrian she was a very special woman, she simply smiled and said, “I’m just me.”
And that, perhaps, is her greatest success of all.
Andrea Peponakis
Andrea Peponakis is a retired foreign language teacher who then became a local newspaper journalist and local radio show host. Born and raised in Astoria, Queens and on Long Island, Andrea is now focusing on writing children’s books. The motivation to become an author was inspired by her three grandchildren. Her book, Grandma, Grandma, Tell Me More: My Family Loves Me, was featured at this year’s London Book Festival and at The LA Times Book Fair. Andrea currently resides on Long Island near her children and grandchildren. Her days are spent creating everlasting memories with her grandchildren and writing.
