David has almost twenty-five years of compensation and rewards experience. He specializes in emerging and growing businesses but has led and performed projects for organizations with up to 75,000 employees, across more than 50 countries and a variety of industries.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. He is a Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and a Global Remuneration Professional (GRP). He has also been certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and led process improvement activities within Human Resources and Operations. Lastly, he has served as an adjunct professor teaching both Global Business and Human Resources courses and been a guest speaker on rewards trends for emerging and growing businesses at several conferences.
He has been very fortunate to have found his calling and absolutely loves what he does for a living.
What is Prism Compensation Consulting?
A builder. We are a consulting firm that takes pride in our experiences both as an internal practitioner working within organizations and as an external consultant advising clients. With that lens, we first focus on understanding the business, culture and objectives to then provide services that specialize in the building of compensation and total rewards programs.
What motivates you as a leader?
Learning. I have always joked that I will retire when I stop learning, therefore I will probably be working for a while. You can learn from everyone! Peers, family, clients, children, leaders and just daily observations present opportunities. I can only hope contacts learn just as much from me as I learn from them.
What was your professional journey that led you to Prism Compensation Consulting?
It was a journey. Been very fortunate along the way and blessed with advisors and mentors, still to this day.
Started out in consulting, then worked within organizations on major projects and then changed jobs after the projects were implemented; I was basically a traveling consultant. Having worked with several consulting firms as a client on these major projects, was able to identify shortcomings of those firms, and leveraged that to build Prism. Focusing on service, being a partner and building products specific to their needs with a humble yet confident approach.
Can you share some things your organization has done that you are most proud of?
Client feedback. Validating we are doing the right thing and experts in our craft. Specifically:
Service clients. We hear that we listen, are patient and take time to walk along side the client.
Partnership. We are partners with the client and respect each client may have different needs.
Humble. While these services are critical, it is also not “rocket science” and don’t treat it as such; we use stories, share experiences and sincere with our interactions.
Have fun. The best compliment I received from an executive was “you are the first compensation person I know with a personality.” I love what we do and can’t help but show it; I am told this creates trust and confidence that is hard to replicate.
What advice would you give to aspiring (healthcare) leaders who are looking to make an impact in this industry?
Values. Understand what is important to you. Those values often are reflected in our products and services we are building to deliver value. This provides the beacon of light when there is adversity, guidance when you might be lost and faith to know you are doing the right thing. They are also contagious to those around us and provide energy.
How does your company prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in terms of your workforce and the services you offer?
Direct support. Our services help ensure a fair, objective and reliable approach and outcomes. We are also asked to perform equity reviews to determine if there are any bias or undesirable trends within the prior programs; if there are, we then identify what were likely the root causes, how to fix and then avoid in the future.
What do you see as the biggest opportunity and challenge facing the healthcare industry?
Efficiency and quality. My father was a doctor and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. When trying to select a college, I can never forget the time he sat me down and advised me not to become a doctor. He was disappointed by what the system had become, and he knew I would not be happy. Glad I listened to him. Found my calling and now fortunate to support organizations who are focused on improving the efficiency and quality within healthcare.
What are your hobbies or things you enjoy doing when not at work?
Family. Watching kids overcome obstacles, finding their path and (hopefully) adopting core values. Sharing experiences, travel and even failures; together never stop learning.
What is your favorite thing about the Medical Alley community?
Partnerships and learning. Those are key values of mine and a foundation to Prism. We are organizations focused on improving and advancing care in so many ways. Together, using our expertise, working to make a difference.
