Backstage Pass: Ep. 16 - David Allison: The Power of Values - Unlocking Connection
david allison bio
David Allison is redefining how organizations solve problems and seize opportunities by proving a fundamental truth: everything we do is driven by our values. Known as “The Values Guy,” David is the world’s leading authority on human values and the founder of the groundbreaking Valuegraphics Project, the first global inventory of core human values.
Through nearly one million surveys conducted in 152 languages, he has transformed human values into actionable insights—unlocking the potential for profound human connection and influence. Over a 25-year career as a marketing strategist and branding expert, David worked with some of the world’s most recognized organizations, including General Motors, Toyota, Westin Hotels, and Sotheby’s International Real Estate.
Frustrated by the limitations of demographics and psychographics, he pioneered the Valuegraphics Project to create measurable, human-centered strategies based on shared values. His methodology ensures that every decision resonates deeply with the values that drive what we all do, think, and feel, delivering results that are eight times more effective than traditional methods.
As a dynamic keynote speaker and 2X best-selling author of The Death of Demographics, David combines the precision of data-driven insights with the inspiration of a world-class storyteller. Critics and audiences alike describe his work as “convincing, insightful, and...revolutionary,” and his groundbreaking methodology has been featured in textbooks and celebrated as the future of human-centered decision-making.
Organizations like Google, PayPal, Lululemon, and the United Nations Foundation have used David’s insights to align with what people care about most—fostering loyalty, building trust, and delivering impact on an unprecedented scale. By putting values at the center of leadership, culture, customer experience, and even the future of work, David empowers organizations to thrive in an era defined by connection and purpose.
David’s message is simple yet transformative: to solve any problem or achieve any goal, we must make business human. By honoring the values that matter most, organizations can build lasting loyalty, inspire trust, and achieve extraordinary results. Values are the answer: David Allison shows us how to put them to work.
show notes
Gail Davis is joined by David Allison who dives into why understanding what people care about leads to better leadership, stronger client relationships, and more impactful strategies.
David Allison, an expert in engagement and human values, discusses the importance of understanding values over demographics in various fields such as sales, leadership, and organizational culture. He emphasizes that aligning strategies with people's values can lead to more effective engagement and influence. The discussion also highlights the limitations of demographic labels and how they fail to capture the complexity of individual motivations. David shares insights on how organizations can leverage values to improve client relationships and enhance leadership effectiveness. In this conversation, David Allison discusses the significance of understanding values through assessment tools, the importance of engaging audiences, and how data-driven insights can transform various industries. He emphasizes the need to unite diverse groups and the role of universal values in fostering connections. The discussion also covers the customization of presentations for specific audiences and the emotional impact of his talks, highlighting the transformative power of values in changing perspectives.
Key topics in this episode include:
Everything in an organization is about getting people to do something.
Understanding values is crucial for effective engagement.
Demographics provide limited insight into individual motivations.
Values are more accurate than demographic labels.
Sales strategies should focus on values alignment.
Understanding client values enhances communication and engagement.
Leaders can resolve conflicts by identifying shared values.
Values-based insights improve workplace culture.
Research on values can transform organizational strategies.
Effective leadership requires understanding team motivations. Values identification tools help individuals understand their motivations.
Segmenting the workforce by values leads to better engagement strategies.
Data-driven insights resonate well with industries focused on numbers.
Generational stereotypes are often inaccurate and unhelpful.
Shared values can unite diverse groups and foster collaboration.
Transforming events by aligning them with attendees' values enhances experiences.
Universal values like belonging and community transcend cultural boundaries.
Customizing presentations based on audience values increases impact.
Emotional connections are key to audience engagement after presentations.
Changing perspectives on values can address social issues effectively.
Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing David Allison to your next event!