Valuegraphics Goes to University

Recently, I was asked to lecture at the University of British Columbia to a marketing class at the Sauder School of Business. I always try and say yes when I get invited to speak at universities or colleges: it’s the best way to make sure the next generation of business leaders are not stuck using outdated demographic stereotypes as they take the reins from the generations that came before.

I wanted to try and help these students understand that no matter what new tools and channels come along (they’ve been coming and going since the dawn of technology…telex machines anyone?) if you understand the values of the people you are trying to communicate with you will be able to motivate them to do the things you’d like them to do. Why? Because what we value determines what we do.

On a personal note, this is probably one of my favourite presentations.

On a personal note, this is probably one of my favourite presentations. It’s not the fanciest or flashiest venue I’ve ever talked in: the class was small and the setting was quite intimate. I guess that’s why I didn’t feel it was necessary to come across as larger-than-life, which you sometimes do when you are on stage talking to 1000 people in a ballroom the size of a football field. When I first saw this video it felt good: in a comfy, casual, friendly, honest kind of way. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Have a look. This particular edit is just the best bits from the lecture, the “greatest-hits reel” if you want to think of it that way.

And as always, please share. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much good this research could do in the world, and while I’m working on ways to make it more readily and freely accessible using the latest in technology, your help in spreading the word is so very much appreciated. Thank you.