Quarterly Newsletter – Summer Updates

I hope your summer is off to a great start and that you’ve got some fun planned with family and friends. For us, the past few months have revolved around two things: a trip to Europe and our grandson, Emmett.

If you saw my post in early June, then you already know about our time in France and Switzerland—it was AMAZING! If you ever get the chance to go, don’t pass it up. In case you missed it, here’s the link.

Jane and I absolutely LOVE being grandparents. Everything people told us about grandparenting is true. The first picture of Emmett was taken on Father’s Day. Every time I see a photo of him, I think, “I love that little guy!”

You’re halfway through the year—time flies! I hope the second half of 2025 exceeds your wildest expectations, both personally and professionally.

Warm regards,

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

This quarter, I had the opportunity to work with Selective Insurance agents in New Jersey. What a fantastic group! They came with a wealth of experience and an openness to new ideas. Much of my remaining time has been dedicated to a cohort from the Cialdini Institute.

Writing

My upcoming book, Influenced from Above: Where Faith and Influence Meet, is on track for a fall release. It explores the connection between Dr. Cialdini’s principles of influence and spiritual truths. To ensure we stay on track, I’ve teamed up with my book coach, Barbara Grassey. If you’re thinking about writing a book and going the self-publishing route, I highly recommend contacting Barbara!

As mentioned in my last newsletter, the writing is complete. I’m currently seeking endorsements and going through the editing process. Dr. Cialdini had this to say:

“With this book, Brian Ahearn provides a marriage of spiritual inspiration and psychological illumination that is matchless in my experience.”

Want a sneak peak? Click here for a short preview.

In Case You Missed It…

Here are two recent podcast episodes you might enjoy:

DDDM.FM Podcast – Mastering Influence in Sales

DDDM stands for Data-Driven Decision Making, a great context for discussing the science of influence. I joined host Lukasz Schab to explore research-backed ways to boost sales and improve the bottom line. Click here to watch and listen on YouTube.

Sales Reinvented – Feel, Felt, Found

Sales performance coach Paul Watts invited me to discuss objection handling. I shared insights on the “feel, felt, found” approach and how lessons from improv comedy can enhance sales training. Paul also asked for three do’s and three don’ts when facing objections. To listen in on the conversation, click here.

Best of…

Below are recommendations for you when it comes to your reading, listening, and watching pleasure. I’m confident you’ll have some new ideas from each listed resource just as I did.

Read

Scarcity: The New Science of Having Less and How it Defines Our Lives was written by Sendhil Mullainathan and Elder Shafir. As a follower of this newsletter, you likely understand the principle of scarcity—we value things more when they’re rare or diminishing. But why is that? The authors explain how scarcity affects our thinking and decisions, especially for those facing poverty or time pressure. This book offers a deeper understanding of the psychology behind scarcity and how to ethically apply it to help others.

Listen

I occasionally tune into The Ben Shapiro Show. While his conservative perspective isn’t for everyone, I find his analysis—especially regarding Middle East events since October 7, 2023—a compelling counterbalance to mainstream coverage. If you’re open to new perspectives, give a few episodes a try.

Watch

The Chosen, Season 5 is now available on Amazon Prime. This series is, in my opinion, the best portrayal of Jesus’ life—both historically accurate and deeply engaging. Director Dallas Jenkins adds creative elements where Scripture is silent, but always in ways that remain true to the message and the people. I especially appreciate how human and relatable each Apostle is portrayed.

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 for Relationship Driven Insurance Agents was an Amazon new release bestseller. 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 750,000 people around the world and his TEDx Talk on pre-suasion has more than a million views!