Chris Cowan's work concentrates on the alignment of people, technologies, leadership and management systems through the application of Spiral Dynamics and Gravesian-based models.
Chris received his master's degree in speech communications from the University of North Texas in 1972. He subsequently joined the faculty and taught in the fields of communication, group dynamics and media in business. At the same time, he was involved in the university's off-campus professional development programs in business, social services, law enforcement and environmental quality. Clients included accounting firms, social services agencies, law enforcement agencies, city administrators, school districts and federal government entities.
Chris was working on a doctoral degree in communication when his focus shifted entirely to the extension and application of Dr. Clare W. Graves' emergent cyclical Levels of existence theory. Over 10 years, Chris had the privilege of spending many hours with Dr. Graves in presentations, workshops and with him in his home.
In 1981, Cowan left the faculty of UNT to devote full energy to the application of Graves's point of view. He co-founded the National Values Center Inc., and then co-founded NVC Consulting. He is co-author of Spiral Dynamics: Mastering Values, Leadership and Change and co-editor of Graves: Levels of Human Existence and The Never Ending Quest: Clare W. Graves Explores Human Nature.
Cowan's emphasis is on making Spiral Dynamics practical, applicable and deliverable to a wide range of groups that are seeking results at the bottom line, the top line and the complicated and often overlooked human factors in between.