The turn of the year often brings a reflective mood, a moment to consider the year past and set intentions for the twelve months ahead. For Brian Ahearn, Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE, this transition has been particularly joyous, marked by the arrival of his grandson, Emmett. This profound personal milestone has evidently colored his outlook, infusing his professional insights with a renewed sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the enduring principles of ethical influence.
Ahearn’s recent communication to his network reflects a sentiment shared by many: the unparalleled joy of experiencing life through the eyes of a child. "There’s something about seeing the world through the eyes of a child that reminds us of the wonder and excitement of life," he states, a sentiment that resonates deeply as the world navigates the complexities of modern life. This firsthand experience of early parenthood, as he and his wife Jane become involved in caring for Emmett three days a week while his parents, Abigail and Tyler, are at work, brings a tangible reminder of life’s simple, profound pleasures. The daily greeting from Emmett, a smile that "always makes my day," underscores a fundamental human truth: connection and love are the bedrock of happiness.
This personal reflection serves as a powerful prelude to Ahearn’s professional updates, framing his work in the context of nurturing growth, both personal and professional. His wish for his audience is a "great start to the New Year and that 2026 exceeds all of your expectations, personally and professionally." This sentiment is more than a mere pleasantry; it is an invitation to engage with the core mission of Influence PEOPLE: to enhance professional success and personal happiness through the science of ethical influence.
The Pillars of Influence PEOPLE: A Foundation for Growth
Influence PEOPLE operates on a clear and compelling premise, articulated through its guiding principles:
- Why: To help individuals achieve greater professional success and personal happiness.
- How: By imparting the science of ethical influence.
- What: Through a comprehensive suite of services including speaking, writing, training, coaching, and consulting.
- Who: Serving a diverse clientele, from leaders and salespeople to business coaches and insurance professionals, all seeking to harness the power of positive influence.
This framework highlights a commitment to practical, actionable strategies rooted in scientific understanding, aiming to empower individuals to achieve their goals ethically and effectively. The emphasis on "ethical influence" is crucial, distinguishing Ahearn’s approach from manipulative tactics and aligning it with principles of respect, integrity, and mutual benefit.
A Year of Integration: Faith and Influence Converge
The year 2026 is poised to be a significant one for Brian Ahearn, marked by a notable integration of his personal faith with his professional expertise. He anticipates exciting opportunities to collaborate with clients, weaving the "faith-influence connection" into his speaking and training engagements. This confluence of deeply held personal beliefs and professional passion represents a significant career milestone for Ahearn. "At this point in my career, to combine what is most important in my life – faith – with my passion for teaching people about ethical influence is icing on the cake!" he expresses, underscoring the profound personal satisfaction this integration brings.
This alignment suggests a belief that principles of ethical influence are not merely secular tools but can be deeply informed and enhanced by spiritual values. This perspective offers a unique dimension to his work, potentially resonating with a broader audience seeking purpose-driven leadership and a more holistic approach to professional development.
"Influenced from Above": A Literary Triumph
The recent release of Ahearn’s latest book, Influenced from Above: Where Faith and Influence Meet, has been met with significant acclaim. Published in late October, the book has garnered strong positive reception, evidenced by its performance on Amazon. It achieved the distinction of a #1 new release best-seller in the Business Ethics and Christian Business & Professional Growth categories, and reached #2 in the Christian Church Leadership category. These accolades highlight the book’s successful navigation of a complex intersection, appealing to professionals interested in both ethical business practices and faith-based leadership.
The success of Influenced from Above is further amplified by the testimonials from its readers, which offer compelling insights into its impact:
- One reader lauded the book for capturing their imagination and leading to personal transformation, stating, "It took the influence principles to a higher level of application which made them even more powerful, lasting and ethical." This highlights the book’s ability to deepen the understanding and application of influence.
- Another testimonial praised Ahearn’s synthesis of ethical influence with spiritual connection, calling it his "best work to date." The reader noted its comprehensive approach, encompassing "the natural, the rational, and the moral orders for a stead-fast life," and its capacity to inspire self-reflection and open readers to "new possibilities for better living."
- A third reviewer emphasized the book’s unique contribution in demonstrating how faith and influence can work synergistically, rather than being treated as separate entities. The reviewer highlighted the book’s encouragement for leaders to "lead with humility, courage, and spiritual awareness," asserting that "true impact begins not with status, but with alignment to a higher purpose." This perspective is particularly relevant for leaders across various sectors, offering a thoughtful and uplifting model for authentic and purposeful leadership.
The book’s availability on Amazon, with a direct link provided, encourages immediate engagement. Ahearn also appeals to readers who have already purchased the book to leave an Amazon review, a crucial element in sustaining sales momentum and providing valuable social proof for potential new readers. This active engagement with his readership underscores a commitment to building a community around his work.
In Case You Missed It: A Wealth of Podcast Insights
In conjunction with the book’s launch, Ahearn participated in numerous podcast interviews, creating a rich repository of content for his audience. He directs readers to his website for a comprehensive list of these episodes, but specifically highlights three that offer particularly valuable takeaways:
Insurance Town Podcast: Influence is NOT Manipulation
A return appearance on the Insurance Town Podcast, hosted by Heath Shearon, saw Ahearn discussing key themes from Influenced from Above. The podcast episode, available for viewing on YouTube, focused on differentiating ethical influence from manipulative tactics. While specific takeaways were not detailed in the original text, the title itself, "Influence is NOT Manipulation," signals a core focus on ethical application. This distinction is critical in building trust and fostering long-term relationships, particularly within the sales-driven insurance industry. The fact that Ahearn was invited back for a third time suggests the value and positive reception of his previous appearances, indicating a consistent demand for his expertise.
The Power Producers Podcast: Ethical Influence and Faith
A conversation with David Carothers and Kyle Houck on The Power Producers Podcast delved into the synergy between faith and influence. This episode explored Ahearn’s new book, his writing process, and his experiences with international travel. The podcast’s description highlights an exploration of how individuals can achieve "eternal impact" beyond merely being ethical in their influence. This suggests a discussion that transcends transactional influence, venturing into the realm of legacy and lasting positive change, aligning with the book’s title and overarching theme. The availability of this discussion on YouTube allows for easy access to these deeper insights.
Blessed Be Podcast: Influenced from Above
Robert Polanco and Dawn Miller Sander welcomed Ahearn back to the Blessed Be Podcast to further discuss Influenced from Above: Where Faith and Influence Meet. In this interview, Ahearn elaborated on how each principle of influence aligns with our spiritual design to serve others. The original text indicates further discussion points, though they are not explicitly detailed. This podcast likely offers a more in-depth exploration of the spiritual underpinnings of influence, connecting practical application with divine principles.
These podcast appearances collectively demonstrate Ahearn’s commitment to disseminating his message through various platforms, catering to diverse audience preferences and offering multiple entry points for engagement with his work.
The Architect of Influence: Brian Ahearn’s Expertise
Brian Ahearn’s professional profile is built on a strong foundation of expertise in the science of ethical influence. As the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE and a faculty member at the Cialdini Institute, his credentials are well-established. His personal training and endorsement by Robert Cialdini, Ph.D., a leading figure in social psychology, underscore his deep understanding and mastery of Cialdini’s principles. Being one of a dozen Cialdini Method Certified Trainers globally signifies a rare level of qualification and recognition.
His literary contributions further solidify his position as a thought leader. His first book, Influence PEOPLE, has been recognized by Book Authority as one of the 100 Best Influence Books of All Time. His subsequent works, Persuasive Selling and Influenced from Above, have achieved Amazon new release best-seller status, demonstrating consistent market appeal and reader engagement. The Influencer, a business parable, offers a narrative approach to understanding influence in everyday scenarios.
Beyond his written works, Ahearn’s influence extends to digital learning platforms. His LinkedIn courses on persuasive selling and coaching have garnered significant viewership, exceeding 800,000 individuals worldwide. His TEDx Talk on pre-suasion has achieved over a million views, indicating a broad reach and a capacity to engage a global audience with compelling ideas. This extensive body of work, combined with his personal reflections on the joys of family and faith, paints a comprehensive picture of a professional dedicated to enhancing lives through the principled application of influence.