KLAS Research CEO and Co-founder, Adam Gale inspires students at UVU’s Halladay Lecture Series with a reflection on truth, transparency, and finding light through life’s challenges.
Utah Valley University was honored to host Adam Gale, Co-founder and CEO of KLAS Research, as the guest speaker for this week’s Reed and Christine Halladay Lecture Series.
Adam spoke on “Transparency Transforming Healthcare: Being Your Authentic Self,” sharing insights from his professional journey in healthcare technology and his personal experiences that have shaped his perspective on truth, leadership, and authenticity.
Adam began by describing how his father first invited him to help launch what would eventually become KLAS. At the time, he was newly married and finishing a degree in information systems at BYU. Though hesitant to add more to his already full schedule, he decided to help, not realizing it would lead to a lifelong career focused on improving transparency in healthcare.
Today, KLAS is recognized across the healthcare industry for its independent research that highlights high-performing technology solutions and helps providers make more informed decisions. Under Adam’s leadership, the company has earned a reputation for integrity and truthfulness in reporting.
Throughout his lecture, Adam spoke about the importance of truth and trust in leadership, quoting St. Augustine:
“Truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.”
He shared how, early in KLAS’s history, he received a bribe to prevent the publication of an unfavorable report. Turning down the offer cost the company more than a million dollars, but that decision established KLAS as a trusted and principled voice in healthcare. “That moment proved what we stand for,” he said.
He also recalled an experience at just 24 years old when he stood up to a major healthcare executive who accused him of being wrong. Though it was intimidating, the experience reinforced the value of honesty and the confidence that comes from standing for truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
One of the most memorable stories Adam shared came from the day he received a call that his home was on fire. As he drove home and saw his house burning in front of him, he described the surreal experience as deeply reflective. “You are going to have moments that are dark and rough,” he said. “But you notice the light when it’s dark.”
In this case, the light came quickly. Weeks earlier, his wife had felt prompted to purchase a home across the street, even though they didn’t fully understand why. The day after the fire, the previous owners happened to finish moving out, which allowed Adam and his family to move in that very next day.
He shared how this experience reshaped his priorities, reminding him that material things can be replaced, but faith, family, and perspective are what truly endure. He described it as a “tender mercy” that strengthened his gratitude and trust in timing beyond his own understanding.
Adam also spoke about the importance of being authentic in leadership and communication. He noted that many of the business holiday cards he received one year all looked the same—polished but impersonal. Wanting to do something different, he decided to send his own family Christmas card to more than 400 business contacts, complete with his family’s favorite quotes of the year.
Months later, people were still talking about it. The simple act of sharing something personal created real connection. “Find the things that are you and be more of that,” he told students. “Don’t be afraid to stand out or do things differently.”
Adam concluded his lecture by reminding students to stay true to their values and keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain.
“Don’t stop moving out of fear,” he said. “Keep walking.”
His message encouraged students to act with integrity, embrace authenticity, and look for light in both their challenges and successes.
The Woodbury School of Business extends its gratitude to Adam Gale for sharing his time, experiences, and perspective with the UVU community.
Want to catch every insight from this year’s Halladay Lecture Series?
Watch Adam Gale's full lecture below.
