I hope your holidays with loved ones were wonderful. Ours were extra special because they were our first with our grandson, Emmett.

There’s something about seeing the world through the eyes of a child that reminds us of the wonder and excitement of life.

Jane and I are blessed because we see Emmett three days a week while Abigail and Tyler are at work.

Seeing his smile when he comes into the house always makes my day!!

   

My wish for you is a great start to the New Year and that 2026 exceeds your all of your expectations, personally and professionally.

Sincerely,

Brian

What’s Influence PEOPLE all about?

Why – Help you enjoy more professional success and personal happiness.

How – By teaching the science of ethical influence.

What – Speaking, writing, training, coaching, and consulting.

Who – Leaders, salespeople, business coaches, insurance professionals, and more.

Here’s What’s New…

Speaking

2026 will be an exciting  year as I have opportunities to work with clients where I integrate the faith-influence connection into my influence speaking and training.

At this point in my career, to combine what most important in my life – faith – with my passion for teaching people about ethical influence is icing on the cake!

Writing

Influenced from Above: Where Faith and Influence Meet, came out in late October and has been really well received! The paperback was a #1 new release best seller in the Business Ethics and Christian Business & Professional Growth categories. It reached #2 in the Christian Church Leadership category.

Here are a few things readers had to say after reading the book:

“Loved reading this book. It’s story captured my imagination and its content changed me for the better. It took the influence principles to a higher level of application which made them even more powerful, lasting and ethical.”

“In this book Brian pulls together the principles of ethically-influencing others with spiritual connection. In my opinion his best work to date, it encompasses the natural, the rational, and the moral orders for a stead-fast life. He takes the reader on a journey that will result in self-reflection along the way. A compelling story with true-to-life passages, it should connect with everyone who reads it. It is an enjoyable read that will open your mind and heart to new possibilities for better living.”

“What I love about this book is that rather than treating faith as something separate from influence, the author shows how the two can work together to shape character, guide decisions, and elevate the way we lead others. What makes this book especially compelling is that the author encourages readers to lead with humility, courage, and spiritual awareness, reminding us that true impact begins not with status, but with alignment to a higher purpose. Whether you’re a leader in ministry, business, or everyday life, Influenced from Above offers a thoughtful and uplifting perspective on how faith can shape the way we show up in the world. It’s a meaningful read for anyone seeking to lead with authenticity, purpose, and a deeper sense of calling.”

If you’ve not done so already, click here to order your copy.

If you have a copy, I would appreciate it if you would take a moment to leave an Amazon review.

In Case You Missed It…

I recorded dozens podcast episodes around the time Influenced from Above came out. You can find all of them on my website, but to save you time, here are three I think you’ll really enjoy:

Insurance Town Podcast – Influence is NOT Manipulation

Third time is a charm but that’s not why Heath Shearon invited me back to Insurance Town. He had me on again to discuss ideas from my new book, Influenced from Above. Some key takeaways from our discussion include:

• Why social media influence is not the same as true leadership
• How faith and family shape the way leaders influence others
• Lessons from Influenced From Above on humility and service
• Why empathy and trust are the foundation of lasting leadership

We think you’ll really enjoy this one!

The Power Producers Podcast – Ethical Influence and Faith

Another great conversation with David Carothers and Kyle Houck. This time we spoke about faith and influence, my new book (Influenced from Above), the writing process, international travel, and more. If you’re interested to find out how you can go beyond merely being ethical when you influence people and possibly have an eternal impact, click here.

Blessed Be Podcast – Influenced from Above

Robert Polanco and Dawn Miller Sander, MA, invited me back to the Blessed Be Podcast to discuss my new book, Influenced from Above: Where Faith and Influence Meet. During our conversation I shared how each principle of influence aligns with our spiritual design to serve others. Additionally, we covered:

Brian Ahearn

Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE and a faculty member at the Cialdini Institute. An author, TEDx presenter, international speaker, coach, and consultant, Brian helps clients apply influence in everyday situations to boost results.

As one of only a dozen Cialdini Method Certified Trainers in the world, Brian was personally trained and endorsed by Robert Cialdini, Ph.D., the most cited living social psychologist on the science of ethical influence.

Brian’s first book, Influence PEOPLE, was named one of the 100 Best Influence Books of All Time by Book Authority. Persuasive Selling and Influenced from Above were Amazon new release bestsellers. The Influencer, is a business parable designed to teach you how to use influence in everyday situations.

Brian’s LinkedIn courses on persuasive selling and coaching have been viewed by over 800,000 people around the world and his TEDx Talk on pre-suasion has more than a million views!

Why do I believe Santa is the ultimate salesman? To start, he has a couple of success stories most of us can’t compete with. First, he’s successfully run the same family business for hundreds of years. There’s something to be said for stability, especially over the long haul.

Second, Santa has a client base that expands every year — no matter the state of the global economy.

Can your business make those claims?

But those aren’t the reasons I believe Santa is the greatest salesman who ever lived. Contrary to what you might think, his success doesn’t come from his business savvy. After all, consider the obstacles he has to deal with.

• Business attire: Santa obviously doesn’t buy into the “dress for success” philosophy. Power suits are fine but a red suit and hat, both lined with fur, is a little over the top in today’s casual business environment.
• Delivery system: Santa’s remains way behind the times here. His “One Day Delivery” is literally that – you get your packages one day a year. He doesn’t seem to notice in today’s economy people want what they want, when they want it, and that usually means now. But the real problem behind “One Day Delivery” might just be his delivery method. I think you’d agree the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, or UPS would be much more efficient than eight tiny reindeer pulling a small sleigh.
• Manufacturing: Some say Santa’s operation is too labor-intensive to survive much longer. After all, he’s competing with Wal-Mart, Amazon, Apple, and other giant organizations. In today’s marketplace, how can any business can get by without automating? Perhaps if he automated a process or two he’d have enough inventory to open this store more than one day a year.
• Efficiency: I realize Santa gives his product away for free but that doesn’t mean it costs him nothing. He has all those elves and reindeer to take care of. Food and lodging are bad enough but health care costs have to be crushing his profit margin! And, what about worker’s compensation costs? If he automated at least he’d save a little money and might be able to take Mrs. Claus on a nice vacation – somewhere warm for a change!
• Branding: All companies change their branding to fit the times and Santa might want to consider doing the same. After all, “Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!” has gotten a bit old and stale over the centuries.
• Orders: I think Santa could fill orders much faster if only he’d set up a website. And how about replacing all those last minute letters with email, text, instant messaging, or a Twitter account? It has to be painfully slow for him to read all those handwritten letters.

So, all this begs the question, “Why is Santa so successful…in spite of himself?” In business if you continually land new customers and retain the old ones then you’re doing something right. Here are six reasons Santa continually attracts new customers and retains all his current ones:

1. He loves his job! Perhaps, “Ho, Ho, Ho,” is his corporate culture and not just some slick branding slogan.
   – Could you do the same job day after day, year after year, for most of your life, and remain so upbeat and jolly?
2. He genuinely cares for his customers. His goal is to meet everyone’s needs and all he hopes for in return is to see joy on their faces. He personifies what it means to be customer focused.
   – Do you get joy from serving your customers?
3. He gets to the personal side of selling. Granted he’s not always accessible but he doesn’t expect clients to come to him. When he’s at his absolute busiest, with his deadline approaching and delivery date nearing, he can be seen everywhere talking with his customers. How he can be in so many places at one time I’ll never know.
   – How often do you initiate contact with your customers, even when it’s inconvenient for you?
4. He creates an experience. A toy is just a toy, except when it’s from Santa. Because it only comes once a year and will be found under the tree on Christmas morning it creates anticipation and builds excitement! That’s so much better than getting something online or from some mail order catalog.
   – Do you create an experience for your customers?
5. He adds value. When people hear the word “free” they often think “cheap” or wonder, “What’s the catch?” Even though Santa gives his products away we love what he gives us mostly because it comes from him. Don’t you have a few things you value above all others because of the person who gave it to you?
   – Do your customers see you adding value?
6. He delivers on his promise. Santa does what he says and always delivers; no excuses, no extra charge, always on time!
   – Can your customer count on you to be that consistent?

So there you have it, six reasons behind the success of jolly old St. Nick. Did you notice that everything Santa does is within your power to do with your customers? That’s right, there’s no reason you can’t do the same things Santa does. And here’s some welcome news for most of you – you don’t have to wear a silly red uniform while you do those things!

I hope you enjoyed this post and that you and your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Brian Ahearn

Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE and a faculty member at the Cialdini Institute. An author, TEDx presenter, international speaker, coach, and consultant, Brian helps clients apply influence in everyday situations to boost results.

As one of only a dozen Cialdini Method Certified Trainers in the world, Brian was personally trained and endorsed by Robert Cialdini, Ph.D., the most cited living social psychologist on the science of ethical influence.

Brian’s first book, Influence PEOPLE, was named one of the 100 Best Influence Books of All Time by Book Authority. Persuasive Selling and Influenced from Above were Amazon new release bestsellers. The Influencer, is a business parable designed to teach you how to use influence in everyday situations.

Brian’s LinkedIn courses on persuasive selling and coaching have been viewed by over 800,000 people around the world and his TEDx Talk on pre-suasion has more than a million views!

We all know habits matter. But some habits do more than shape a single part of your life, they can shape all of it.

These are what Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habits, calls keystone habits: foundational routines that spill over into other areas, creating a ripple effect for positive change.

For me, a huge keystone habit started at an old YMCA with rusty barbells and my high school football teammates.

Finding My Edge

At 5’9” and 155 pounds, I wasn’t exactly built for football glory. To make matter worse, I wasn’t fast, either. But I was determined to find an edge so I could play to the best of my ability.

Prior to my senior year, a few teammates and I started training at the downtown YMCA in Columbus, Ohio, where competitive powerlifters took us under their wing. The previous year, I had gained a measly five pounds under my coaches’ supervision, despite a lot of hard work. But three months with those powerlifters changed everything. In that short timeframe I packed on 22 pounds of muscle and strength!

By the time football season rolled around, I was 30 pounds heavier, significantly stronger, and much faster. I’d found my edge, and more importantly, I’d found a passion for lifting weights.

Even after the season ended, I kept lifting. In college, I ran Miami University’s weightlifting club for three years and began competing in powerlifting. After graduation, I even tried my hand at bodybuilding for several years. Decades later, I still lift five to seven days a week. My goal now isn’t to compete; it’s to stay strong, healthy, and able to keep up with my grandson, Emmett.

That lifelong habit became the foundation for much more than physical fitness. It became a success accelerant.

Self-Discipline: The Foundation of Freedom

One of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face is self-discipline, learning how to structure freedom. It’s easy to say, “I’ll do it later,” but it’s harder to actually do it.

When I was younger, getting to the gym was non-negotiable. I went there straight from work because I knew if I went home, distractions might win. Having workout partners waiting for me added accountability, an application of Cialdini’s consistency and social proof principles.

These days, my morning routine starts well before sunrise: a walk, workout, stretch, eat. By 6:30 a.m., I’ve already done more for my mind, body, and spirit than most people do all day. That rhythm sets the tone for everything that follows.

Goal Setting and Planning: Thinking in Reps

When preparing for a powerlifting meet, I always set clear, measurable goals for each lift: squat, bench press, and deadlift. Then I reverse-engineered my training plan, mapping out every workout, weights and reps, leading up to the day of competition.

That habit of structured goal-setting became a transferable skill. In business, I use the same process: define the goal, design the plan, track the progress. It’s blueprint built under the stress of heavy weights.

Mental Discipline: Strength Beyond the Gym

The gym also built something less visible: mental toughness.

When I began my corporate career, I decided I wanted to earn my Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. That’s insurance industry’s equivalent of a CPA for accountants.

It was demanding, but my weightlifting mindset kicked in. Early mornings with coffee and study materials replaced barbells and dumbbells. Whenever studying, or any other task, felt hard, I’d remind myself, “This isn’t nearly as tough as my leg workouts.”

That mental resilience, formed rep by rep, made complex professional challenges feel manageable. That was Cialdini’s compare and contrast phenomenon at work on my mind.

The Ripple Effect of Keystone Habits

My old football coach used to say, “You’ll learn a lot about life playing this game.” He was right and I’d say the same about the gym.

Working out taught me discipline, goal-setting, and perseverance; habits that extended far beyond fitness. They shaped how I lead, how I work, and even how I show up for my family.

That’s the beauty of keystone habits. Whether it’s exercise, journaling, prayer, or making your bed, these practices reinforce who you’re becoming. They align your actions with your identity, what Cialdini calls the commitment and consistency principle at work.

What About You?

This is worth considering as we get ready to enter another new year. Remember, keystone habits aren’t limited to the gym. Maybe yours is morning prayer, reading before bed, or daily gratitude.

What habits have shaped who you are? How have they spilled over into other parts of your life?

I’d love to hear from you. Your story might be just what someone else needs to recognize their own keystone habit—and their key to success.

Edited with ChatGPT

Brian Ahearn

Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE and a faculty member at the Cialdini Institute. An author, TEDx presenter, international speaker, coach, and consultant, Brian helps clients apply influence in everyday situations to boost results.

As one of only a dozen Cialdini Method Certified Trainers in the world, Brian was personally trained and endorsed by Robert Cialdini, Ph.D., the most cited living social psychologist on the science of ethical influence.

Brian’s first book, Influence PEOPLE, was named one of the 100 Best Influence Books of All Time by Book Authority. Persuasive Selling and Influenced from Above were Amazon new release bestsellers. The Influencer, is a business parable designed to teach you how to use influence in everyday situations.

Brian’s LinkedIn courses on persuasive selling and coaching have been viewed by over 800,000 people around the world and his TEDx Talk on pre-suasion has more than a million views!

If you’re a go-getter, you may already preparing to celebrate a holiday – Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Festivus 😊 – so it’s a good bet you’ll be exchanging gifts with friends and family.

I’m sure you want those important people in your life to enjoy more success and happiness, so I hope you’ll consider giving one or more of my books as a gift this holiday season.

Influenced from Above

Influenced from Above: Where Faith and Influence Meet is a follow up to The Influencer. It continues story of John Andrews, as he looks for purpose post-career. When he gets involved in a community center building project at his church, he begins to see the reality that the principles of influence have their roots in biblical truth.

The book was a new release best seller in Amazon’s Business Ethics, Christian Professional Growth, and Christian Church Leadership categories.

Available in Paperback or Kindle

 

 

The Influencer

The Influencer: Secrets to Success and Happiness tells the story of John Andrews, an ordinary person who becomes an extraordinary influencer as he learns from coaches, mentors, friends, and others on his life journey.

Nearly every character you’ll read about is based on someone I learned valuable lessons from during my career, so it was an honor to include their lessons in the book.

Available in Paperback or Kindle

 

 

Influence PEOPLE

Influence PEOPLE: Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Lasting and Ethical is a business psychology book that dives deep into the practical application of influence in everyday situations using business examples, case studies, social media, and more.

Influence PEOPLE was named One of the Top 100 Influence  Books of All Time by Book Authority!

Available in Paperback, Kindle, or Audible

 

 

 

Persuasive Selling

If you’re in sales, even if you’re not in insurance, then Persuasive Selling for Relationship Driven Insurance Agents is the book for you because you’ll learn how to ethically influence clients at every step in the sales cycle.

You’ll also find out how to influence people based on their personality, ways to incorporate pre-suasion into sales, and you’ll learn a five-step process to become listening stars.

Available in Paperback or Kindle

 

 

His Story, My Story, Our Story

His Story, My Story, Our Story looks at the life of my late father, Brian Ahearn, Sr., a Captain in the United States Marines Corps, his time in Vietnam, and the impact on me and our family.

This book details the impact of fatherhood, service, sacrifice, and PTSD. It’s for anyone who has served and the families of those who have served.

Available in Paperback or Kindle

 

Buy any Three and Save 15%

Any three books together would be more than $50 on Amazon. However, if you’d like autographed copies of each, along with a personal letter and tip card, you can buy a bundle of your choosing for only $43 – a savings of 15%! (U.S. residents only due to shipping)

Email me the three books you want (Brian.Ahearn@influencepeople.biz) then click the button below to go to PayPal to complete your order.

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!

 

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Brian Ahearn

Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE and a faculty member at the Cialdini Institute. An author, TEDx presenter, international speaker, coach, and consultant, Brian helps clients apply influence in everyday situations to boost results.

As one of only a dozen Cialdini Method Certified Trainers in the world, Brian was personally trained and endorsed by Robert Cialdini, Ph.D., the most cited living social psychologist on the science of ethical influence.

Brian’s first book, Influence PEOPLE, was named one of the 100 Best Influence Books of All Time by Book Authority. Persuasive Selling and Influenced from Above were Amazon new release bestsellers. The Influencer, is a business parable designed to teach you how to use influence in everyday situations.

Brian’s LinkedIn courses on persuasive selling and coaching have been viewed by over 800,000 people around the world and his TEDx Talk on pre-suasion has more than a million views!

Today, November 10, 2025, marks the 150th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

For every Marine—past, present, and future—this day is more than a milestone. It’s a reminder of what it means to serve, to sacrifice, and to live by a code that doesn’t fade when the uniform comes off.

My late father, Captain Brian Ahearn Sr., served in the Corps from 1962 to 1969. He spent 13 months in Vietnam, where he saw and experienced things that shaped the rest of his life—and mine.

When he passed away in September 2020, I felt compelled to write about him and the impact his service had on our family. The result was His Story, My Story, Our Story: Eternal Lessons of Fatherhood, Sacrifice, and Service. The book explores his time in the Marines, the scars left by war, and the way those scars ripple through generations.

Toward the end of his life, my father began writing extensively about his experiences in Vietnam. Putting words to the past helped him process what he had carried for decades. I’ve done the same through years of journaling. Together, our writings give a rare, side-by-side look at a father and son—one who went to war, and one who grew up in its shadow.

Here is an excerpt from my father’s writing:

From Captain Brian Ahearn Sr.:

After about three months, contacts increased, and we were able to take some wounded VC captives. We needed information. One prisoner in particular was brought to the ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) HQ for interrogation. The ARVN did not like any VC. The VC prisoner was gut shot and didn’t have long to live. The ARVN decided to push him hard for information. Since I was the battalion S-2 (Intelligence Officer), I was present. They had dragged the VC out into the hot sun for interrogation. After a while, I couldn’t take any more of the ARVN brutality and through an interpreter told the ARVN officer to stop. He ignored me and went on. I pulled my .45 and put it to his head [Addition: my father told me his words were, “Kick him again and I’ll blow your f**ing head off!”]. He stopped and shortly after, the VC died [Addition: my father told me the man died in his arms under a tree]. I was verbally reprimanded by my CO who restated that we were guests of the Vietnamese. I always wondered if I would have shot him. I think I would have.*

The following is from my journal, written when I was 15 and trying to make sense of my parents’ separation—something that, like so many military families, had its roots in the aftershocks of war.

From my journal (age 15):

Well, dad moved out of the house. I didn’t see him, but I heard him talking to my mom. I haven’t seen him for nine days. Mom says if he asks me to go over for Thanksgiving, I should feel free to go. I shouldn’t spend it with either. I don’t really know what to think or do. On the outside I try not to show anything, but I don’t know what to think on the inside. My mom was asking me what I think about them getting a divorce. I told her to do what she wanted to do and I won’t let it affect me, or I’ll try not to let it. I also said he’s still my dad and the only difference would be that he’s not with us. But I’ve been thinking about how it might affect me. I think my grades might go down without him pushing me or I could act like nothing happened and do normal. There are two sides to everything. I know that I’d start staying out late and stuff like that because he wouldn’t be there expecting me home. My discipline will go down the drain, I know that. I guess I sometimes do things because I’m afraid of my dad but not my mom. Neither of them alone would have much control over me, they’re too busy. But together, when one isn’t looking after me the other is, so I don’t get away with anything. Or, I would have to self-discipline myself, so I don’t get f**ked over because of them. I guess I do need them pushing me. I realize you need all that stuff to be successful and I think I want to be successful. In that respect I admire my dad. He’s come a long way but he’s not successful in everything. This whole ordeal is proof. That’s what I want to be most successful at, love or marriage. That’s what I’m waiting for, the day I’m so in love that I get married.

These two perspectives—one from a Marine who saw war up close, and one from his teenage son trying to understand the fallout—represent just a glimpse of what so many families endure.

Honoring Those Who Served

If you’ve served in any branch of the military, or love someone who has, you know that service doesn’t end with discharge papers. It continues in the quiet moments, in the relationships that bend under invisible weight, and in the generations that follow.

So today, on the 150th birthday of the Marine Corps, I want to honor every Marine—and every family who’s walked alongside one.

If you’ve served, or know someone who has, I hope you’ll consider reading or gifting His Story, My Story, Our Story. Because while our stories are deeply personal, they remind us of something universal: we share more than we realize—and healing begins when those stories are told.

Click here to order your copy.

Semper Fi!

Edited with ChatGPT

Brian Ahearn