Leading Expert on Influence and Persuasion: Data Isn’t Always The Answer – The 3-Part Influence Equation

Leading Expert on Influence and Persuasion: Data Isn’t Always The Answer – The 3-Part Influence Equation

Author: Howie Chan, Influence Strategist @ The Behavioring Company October 14, 2025 Duration: 1:11:22
How Can I help you? Don't want to miss the unveiling of the new chapter with the show? Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and be the first to listen to episode 50, with none other than the Godfather of Influence himself. In preparation for our very special guest in episode 50, today, host Howie is hitting replay on his interview with Steve Martin, an expert on influence and persuasion and the CEO of Influence At Work. They delve into how the answer isn’t always more data, what it actually takes to ethically persuade someone, and the power of story to bring someone to your side. The discussion emphasizes that having a compelling case is not enough to influence and persuade people. Steve dropped one of the most underrated gems of the show in this episode, so it's worth listening to again. He breaks down what it takes to truly influence and persuade someone with the three-part influence equation + the biggest mistakes people make when trying to persuade others–and how to avoid them. Episode Breakdown: 04:12 How Steve ended up in the world of persuasion and influence 07:09 What most don’t know about Cialdini’s revolutionary book, Influence 10:54 Having a compelling case is actually not enough 18:34 How to be an influential individual or brand–not just now but in the long run 21:54 The influence equation: how it came to be and what it’s all about 27:20 Applying the influence equation with real-life examples 31:34 How context affects influence and persuasion 34:47 The essential role of story in successful influence 36:58 The 2 biggest mistakes that keep you from the outcome you want 45:41 The messenger traits that make people listen 51:41 The one skill that’s always in high demand–even in the age of AI 59:43 How to guarantee the best results 1:07:09 A letter to Steve Martin’s younger self From Our Guest: Website LinkedIn Find all his books here. Check out Steve Martin’s course for The Economist, Influence and persuasion in business. Catch up with my interview with Will Storr in episode 17 of the podcast. It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽 Join Legend Letters: The free newsletter helping thousands of business owners influence human behavior (and look like a legend) using brand psychology. Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Howie Chan hosts Influence Anyone, a conversation that digs into the practical mechanics of persuasion and personal change. Rather than abstract theory, this podcast focuses on applied influence psychology, translating research and real-world experience into actionable strategies. Episodes feature dialogues with leading experts and practitioners, dissecting the subtle psychological forces that shape both internal motivation and external agreement. You’ll hear discussions on mastering your own mindset and habits alongside concrete methods for branding, storytelling, and negotiation. The aim is to move from insight to implementation, turning behavioral science into reliable playbooks for leadership and persuasion. Covering intersections of science, business, marketing, and social dynamics, the podcast provides a nuanced look at how influence operates in various arenas of life. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the principles that drive decision-making, equipping them to navigate professional challenges and personal goals with greater clarity. The tone is exploratory and detailed, prioritizing depth over quick fixes. By examining the hidden architecture of influence, Howie Chan creates a resource for anyone looking to understand the why behind effective action and communication. This is a place where academic findings meet street-level practice, all dedicated to creating more meaningful and effective outcomes.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 77

Influence Anyone
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