PeopleFirst! with Morag Barrett

We’re excited to welcome back David Cohen—globally recognized thought leader, executive coach, and author of Selecting the Best: Fostering a Workforce Driven by Values for Lasting Success. With over 30 years of experience advising leaders and organizations on five continents, David brings a clear message: skills may get you hired, but values determine whether you (and your organization) thrive.

From his early consulting days to his latest book, David explains why authentic values alignment—not just technical expertise—is the key to building resilient, high-performing teams.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

03:00 — Relationships Drive Everything
David shares how a single relationship—built over 30 years ago—opened doors, sustained his career, and underscores why lasting success is built on trust, respect, and connection.
08:00 — Hire for Values, Not Just Skills
Knowledge and skills are teachable, but values-driven behavior determines whether someone will fit, flourish, and stay. Hiring without considering values is one of the fastest paths to disengagement and turnover.
12:00 — The Integrity Trap
Why “integrity” isn’t really a value—it’s the sum total of living your values. When organizations plaster it on walls but don’t live it, cynicism and distrust follow.
17:00 — How to Ask Better Interview Questions
David explains why ambiguous, behavioral questions (“Tell me about a time…”) reveal far more than canned Q&A—and how silence can be a powerful tool in uncovering authentic stories.

💡 This Episode Is for:

Leaders, recruiters, HR professionals, and job seekers who want to understand how values shape hiring, retention, and long-term success.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

  • Selecting the Best — Available now on Amazon
  • SAGltd.com
     — David’s consulting firm
  • Connect with David Cohen (David S. Cohen) on LinkedIn

What is PeopleFirst! with Morag Barrett?

Welcome to SkyeTeam's People First! In this series, we explore the people side of successful business and careers. We all have a story to share, a leadership journey that we are experiencing.

We'll be interviewing authors, business leaders, thought leaders, and people like you to uncover the latest ideas, resources, and tools to help you become more effective at work - and in life. As it turns out, the secret is cultivating winning relationships. Business is personal, and relationships matter!