Ethical Influence and Faith with Brian Ahearn
Update: 2025-11-26
Description
In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, host David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck welcome back Brian Ahearn, Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE. They discuss his fifth book, Influence from Above, a business parable that merges Robert Cialdini’s principles of persuasion with Biblical tenets. The conversation explores modern authorship using AI, the strict definition of ethical influence, and how to maintain relationships in a polarized world.
Brian Ahearn shares how a conversation with his daughter inspired him to map influence principles to Biblical concepts. The book serves as a sequel to The Influencer, following the main character as he applies these strategies within a church setting.
David and Brian discuss leveraging technology in authorship. Brian details how he used ChatGPT as a real-time developmental editor—not to write the content, but to ensure character consistency and speed up editing, allowing him to finish the manuscript in just two months.
Brian outlines his three-part framework to ensure influence never crosses into manipulation: 1) Be truthful, 2) Use natural principles (don't manufacture scarcity), and 3) Build relationships to leave people better off.
The group tackles the "cutoff culture" on social media. Brian explains how applying the principle of Liking and remaining genuinely curious about differing viewpoints allows him to maintain friendships despite opposing worldviews.
David announces a giveaway for the first 12 listeners to email him. Brian adds a bonus: buy the new book, email him the title of Chapter 2, and receive a digital copy of the prequel, The Influencer, for free.
Key Highlights:
The Genesis of "Influence from Above"
Brian Ahearn shares how a conversation with his daughter inspired him to map influence principles to Biblical concepts. The book serves as a sequel to The Influencer, following the main character as he applies these strategies within a church setting.
Accelerating the Writing Process with AI
David and Brian discuss leveraging technology in authorship. Brian details how he used ChatGPT as a real-time developmental editor—not to write the content, but to ensure character consistency and speed up editing, allowing him to finish the manuscript in just two months.
Defining Ethical Influence
Brian outlines his three-part framework to ensure influence never crosses into manipulation: 1) Be truthful, 2) Use natural principles (don't manufacture scarcity), and 3) Build relationships to leave people better off.
Navigating Polarization and Relationships
The group tackles the "cutoff culture" on social media. Brian explains how applying the principle of Liking and remaining genuinely curious about differing viewpoints allows him to maintain friendships despite opposing worldviews.
Book Giveaway and Bonus Offer
David announces a giveaway for the first 12 listeners to email him. Brian adds a bonus: buy the new book, email him the title of Chapter 2, and receive a digital copy of the prequel, The Influencer, for free.
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