Brian Ahearn is an international keynote speaker, author, and coach specializing in ethical influence and persuasion. With a background in sales training and deep expertise shaped by his work with Dr. Robert Cialdini, he has dedicated his career to helping people communicate more effectively and build trust—whether in business or at home. Humans of Fuzia is featuring Brian because his story reflects the power of using influence not just to achieve professional success, but also to foster meaningful relationships and personal happiness. His journey will inspire our 5 million–strong global community that believes in He for She and She for She, uplifting one another to grow with integrity and purpose.
Q: Brian, what inspired you to start something on your own after years in corporate?
A: When I came across the work of Dr. Robert Cialdini more than 20 years ago, I was instantly drawn to it. I was involved in sales training at the time and realized that the psychology he was teaching explained why some approaches worked and others didn’t. What struck me was that it was all research-based, not just motivational hype. His emphasis on ethics resonated deeply with me. Over time, I saw the impact of these principles not just in sales, but in leadership, claims, underwriting, and beyond. Eventually, I felt compelled to step out on my own and share this knowledge with others.
Q: What kind of transformation have you seen in your clients after working with you?
A: One of the best examples is a company I worked with six years ago. I coached one of their salespeople, and he told me it transformed not only his professional success but also his personal life. Years later, when he left the company, he told his employer, “Whoever replaces me, you need to bring Brian back.” That kind of feedback is humbling and shows me the work goes beyond business—it helps people at home too. When there’s less resistance in our relationships, whether at work or with family, there’s more peace and happiness.
Q: Many entrepreneurs struggle with imposter syndrome. Did you ever face self-doubt?
A: Very little. I’ve invested so much of myself in what I do that when I step in front of an audience, I feel like an athlete who has trained their whole life for the game. Where I did struggle early on was frustration over not hearing back from prospects—even people I had strong relationships with. Over time, I realized they weren’t ignoring me; they just had so much going on in their corporate lives. That taught me patience and persistence. I learned that if I keep doing the right things, people will eventually come back when the timing is right.
Q: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently when starting your business?
A: I was fortunate to prepare a lot in advance—I had my website, book, and domain name ready. But I underestimated the “business side” of entrepreneurship. Things like contracts, accounting, and client management systems didn’t cross my mind early enough. If I could go back, I’d focus more on building those systems from the start so I could dedicate more energy to creating content and serving clients.
Q: How do you personally define success?
A: Early on, I measured success by clients and revenue—and of course, that’s important. But now, I measure it more in the quality of relationships I build. Some of my closest friendships came from client work, and those bonds outlast projects or contracts. To me, success is when people know I genuinely care about them and their success. The business that follows is just icing on the cake.
Q: What challenges do you face in your work today?
A: The biggest challenge is getting the attention of busy decision-makers, especially in industries like insurance where I do much of my work. They have so much on their plate that vendors aren’t their top priority. My strategy is consistent outreach—I make sure to touch base with every prospect at least quarterly. Over time, that diligence creates opportunities when their timing and needs align.
Q: Is there anything exciting you’re working on right now?
A: Yes, I have a new book coming out soon. It’s different from my previous books on influence. This one was inspired by a question from my daughter: “Dad, where is God in all this?” That conversation stayed with me, and I began exploring the overlap between Cialdini’s principles of influence and timeless spiritual truths. For example, reciprocity aligns with Jesus’ teaching that it is better to give than receive. The book uses stories to illustrate these connections, and I’m excited to share it with the world.
“We spend so much of our lives trying to influence others—at work and at home. If we can learn to do it effectively, efficiently, and ethically, we can create both professional success and personal happiness.” – Brian Ahearn
Connect with Brian Ahearn:
https://influencepeople.biz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfahearn/
https://www.facebook.com/IinfluencePeopleBrianAhearn
https://x.com/BrianAhearn
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