How I Discovered the Hidden Power of Values

 A Journey to Transform Leadership and Culture

When I first started leading teams, I didn’t realize how deeply our values shape every decision we make—consciously or not. Like many leaders, I focused on strategies, systems, and outcomes, assuming they were enough to drive results. But I soon learned that values are the invisible forces driving everything—our actions, decisions, and ultimately, our success.

Through my journey as a CEO managing over 260 employees and leading multi-million-dollar projects, I began to see patterns. Teams thrived when their values aligned with the organization’s goals. Misalignment, however, created conflict, resistance, and stagnation. That’s when I knew I needed to dive deeper into understanding values—not just mine but those of my team and organization.

The Insight That Changed Everything

Values aren’t fixed. They evolve as we do, reflecting our level of consciousness and personal growth. As leaders, understanding this evolution is key to unlocking not only our potential but also the potential of those we lead.

Dr. Clare W. Graves’ research on levels of consciousness helped me connect the dots. His work shows that values progress through stages, each representing a unique worldview and set of priorities. For example:

• At one stage, we might prioritize security and stability, while at another, we focus on innovation and growth.
• This evolution explains why we sometimes outgrow certain projects, roles, or even team dynamics—it’s not just about skills but about values shifting over time.

This realization transformed how I approached leadership and culture building. Values aren’t just a reflection of who we are—they are the foundation of how we lead, grow, and achieve results.

Becoming Certified in the Science of Values

To deepen my understanding, I became certified in tools like the 9 Levels Value System, Emotional Intelligence (EQ), DISC, and the Hartman Value Profile. These certifications equipped me with insights and frameworks to measure, design, and align values at both the individual and organizational levels.

With the 9 Levels Value System, I’ve helped leaders and teams worldwide:

• Discover their core values and understand what drives their decisions.
• Diagnose cultural misalignments and identify what’s holding them back.
• Design a thriving, values-driven culture that fosters collaboration and growth.

Why Values Are the Key to Leadership Success

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that values drive our results. Whether you’re leading a team, launching a project, or negotiating with stakeholders, your values—and those of your team—shape the outcomes.

Here’s why:

1. Values Drive Decisions: Studies show 95% of decisions are made subconsciously. Without understanding your values, you’re leading on autopilot.
2. Values Influence Culture: Misaligned values create resistance, while shared values build trust, collaboration, and momentum.
3. Values Reflect Growth: As we evolve, our values shift. Embracing this evolution helps us lead with authenticity and adaptability.

What This Means for You as a Leader

Imagine understanding not only your values but also those of your team and organization. Picture a roadmap that shows:

• What drives you as a leader and where you may need to grow.
• The collective values of your team, helping you pinpoint sources of conflict or untapped potential.
• How to align your culture with your vision for the future.

Start Your Journey: Free Leadership Values Exercise

To help you take the first step, I’ve created a free resource:
“The Leadership Values Exercise: How to Uncover and Align Your Core Drivers.”

This guide includes:

• A step-by-step process to identify your evolving values.
• Practical exercises to align your leadership with organizational goals.
• Insights from my two decades of experience leading teams and transforming cultures.

My Message to Fellow Leaders

Values are not just buzzwords—they’re the key to leading authentically and building cultures that thrive. They’re not fixed or static; they evolve as we grow, reflecting our journey and shaping our leadership.

When you uncover your values, you unlock your potential. And when you align your values with those of your team and organization, you create a culture that inspires collaboration, drives results, and evolves with purpose.

Are you ready to take the first step toward values-driven leadership?
👉 Download your free Leadership Values Exercise e today and join me on this transformative journey.