ABOUT ALISON

Alison is a research psychologist, award-winning professor, international keynote speaker, and trainer. She is on a mission to help others work, lead, and live better by understanding and applying the science of people.

Alison excels at translating her deep academic expertise in negotiation, power, and influence into practical advice.

Speaker.
Trainer.
Professor.

Early Riser.
Wine Lover.
Slow Runner.
Compulsive Organizer.
Power Shopper.
Vegas Gambler.
Apres Skier.

ACADEMIC & CORPORATE EXPERIENCE

Alison brings psychology to leaders and organizations who are looking to enhance well-being, efficiency, and effectiveness. She is a tenured professor and the Mary Farley Ames Lee Fellow at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School, where she joined the Organizational Behavior faculty in 2004. Her academic research focuses on negotiation, and the determinants and consequences of power, status, and hierarchy. Prior to her academic career, Alison worked as a consultant for McKinsey and Company, Inc., where she advised numerous automotive and financial services organizations on corporate strategy, post-merger integration, and change management.

ON THE STAGE

Alison is passionate about sharing her knowledge of how humans think, feel, and act to help professionals tackle their biggest challenge — understanding and managing the people around them. Dubbed the “approachable academic,” Alison’s unique style is equal parts educator and entertainer. With more than 15 years of experience as a researcher, educator, and big stage speaker, she excels at conveying actionable, evidence-based advice to her audiences in a relaxed, relatable way. Alison is a trusted advisor and partner to numerous high-performing private sector organizations, as well as military leaders; her instruction on the psychology of power is part of the required general officer curriculum in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. She also has unique expertise and interest in women’s leadership, and regularly speaks on negotiation, advocacy, and advancement for women in organizations.

OFF THE STAGE

Alison currently resides in Chicago with her husband and their three children, who are all named after professional athletes. She also loves, in no particular order: cheap coffee, not-so-cheap wine, fabulous shoes, home organizing, sushi, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Peloton workouts, Hallmark movies, and The Golden Girls.