The Power of Ethical Influence: Insights from Brian Ahearn
Influence is happening whether we like it or not.
Every conversation, decision, and moment of leadership carries weight. The real question is not if we influence others, but how we do it.
In a world where persuasion is often confused with manipulation, ethical influence stands apart. It is grounded in truth, guided by integrity, and strengthened by courage. That is exactly what this episode of The Audacious Living Podcast explores through a meaningful conversation with Brian Ahearn.
Brian was one of the very first guests on my podcast back in 2008. At the time, we were talking about leadership development and the early foundations of influence. Reconnecting with him years later felt like coming full circle.
What stood out most was not just how much his work has grown, but how deeply it has evolved.
Brian is one of a small group of professionals worldwide personally trained by Dr. Robert Cialdini, the most cited living social psychologist on influence. Yet what makes his work resonate today is his unwavering commitment to ethical influence. He teaches influence rooted in three core principles: truthfulness, natural alignment, and mutually beneficial outcomes.
In our conversation, Brian went even deeper, sharing how faith has shaped his understanding of influence. Rather than viewing influence as a technique, he sees it as an expression of love, integrity, and purpose. When influence flows from those places, ethics are no longer something we manage. They become something we live.
My Personal Reflection
This conversation hit home for me. What I appreciated most was Brian’s honesty about courage. Hearing him speak about leaving a long corporate career, lying awake at night questioning the decision, and still choosing to step forward in faith reminded me that audacity is rarely comfortable.
Ethical influence is not always the easiest path, but it is the most meaningful one. It asks us to slow down, to act with intention, and to care deeply about how our actions affect others. This episode reinforced something I believe strongly: influence grounded in love and courage does not just create success. It creates trust, connection, and lasting impact.
That is the kind of influence worth pursuing.
Call to Action
If you want to explore how ethical influence, faith, and courage intersect in real life and leadership, I encourage you to listen to the full conversation with Brian Ahearn on The Audacious Living Podcast.
🎧 Listen now and discover how to influence with integrity and purpose.
