Brian Ahearn, CMCT, is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE. He is also the Director of Learning with State Auto Insurance. Brian’s areas of expertise include sales, customer service, leadership, and business coaching with an emphasis on applying the science of influence in everyday situations. He is one of only 20 individuals in the world who currently hold the CMCT designation. This specialization in the psychology of persuasion was earned directly from Dr. Robert B. Cialdini – the recognized authority on the science of ethical persuasion.
Brian’s blog, Influence PEOPLE, is followed by readers in more than 200 countries and made the Online Psychology Degree Guide Top 30 Psychology Blogs of 2012. He was named one of The Top 100 Influencers of 2016 by Science of Digital Marketing.
Brian authored the LinkedIn course Persuasive Selling and has been cited in The small BIG, Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive, and Introducing Persuasion: A Practical Guide.
A cum laude graduate of Miami University, Brian has been in the insurance industry for more than 30 years, having held positions in personal lines underwriting, commercial lines underwriting, sales and corporate training. He’s been training, coaching, and consulting with associates for more than 20 years. In addition to his CMCT certification, Brian is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and a Competent Toastmaster (CTM).
When Brian’s not influencing and selling he enjoys physical activity. In his younger days he was a competitive bodybuilder. When he decided to leave competitive weightlifting he took up running where he qualified for and ran the historic Boston Marathon twice. An avid martial artist, Brian is a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Organizations Brian has worked with include –
American Axle & Manufacturing, The Columbus Bar Association, The Ohio State University, Northwestern Mutual, Assurex Global, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, Integrated Leadership Systems, Redbrick Health, Human Resources of Central Ohio, Arizona School Administrators, Ohio Recruiters Association, Bare Escentuals, Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado, Sinclair Risk and Financial Management, Central Ohio Coaches, CPCU Society, Franklin University, Trusted House Relief, and Sun Life Financial
What Dr. Cialdini says about Brian Ahearn:
“When Brian Ahearn speaks, people listen. That is so because he knows his material thoroughly, and he knows how to present it superbly. The upshot is that the genuine insights he provides are not just immediately understandable, they are also immediately actionable and profitable.”
—Dr. Robert Cialdini,
New York Times Business Best Seller Author, CEO, and President of INFLUENCE AT WORK
What others are saying about Brian Ahearn:
“You hit it out of the park! The last time I have seen such high marks was when we had Colin Powell as our keynote a few years ago.”
– Jim Hackbarth
President & CEO at Assurex Global
“This was worth every second! I strongly suggest new agents, like myself, take this class to learn about how to influence people. Brian is an excellent teacher.”
– Drew VanDyle
Oliver VanDyle Insurance
“The Principles of Persuasion Workshop that I attended was the best sales training I have received to date. What I liked best about this training was the emphasis on how to ethically persuade and negotiate better terms for both the client and yourself. Brian Ahearn was a solid teacher who related the material back to real world situations. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in bettering themselves to learn from Brian Ahearn.”
– Daniel Wasson
BancFirst Insurance Services
“What an amazing two days. The knowledge and application of this program is top notch. This is a must-attend event.”
– Jeff Howell, President/CEO,
FSB Insurance
“I enjoyed your presentation very much. I used your suggestions today and got great results. I love when I get sound advice that I can put into practice right away and get great results!”
– Laura Palko, SPHR, Human Resources Director
Office of the Chief Information Officer,
The Ohio State University
“I have attended many sales workshops offered by insurance carriers and this from start to finish, was the most enjoyable and useful course I have ever attended. The course WAS designed to provide useful tools that can be used to grow your business.”
– Kenneth Lawrence, Producer,
Frost Insurance Agency
“The class was so powerful for me personally, that it has extended past any particular work situation or sales situation. It has influenced almost every aspect of my life.”
– Christian Fanetti, Sr., Vice President
Consumers First Insurance
“Brian’s presentation was awesome! He used real life examples, scientific studies, and his easy speaking style to engage participants. The best thing is you leave his presentations with concrete actionable items and transferrable ideas to improve your interactions with people on both personal and business levels. If you have the opportunity to hear Brian speak, do not hesitate!”
– Paul Saccomando, Operations Manager,
Russell Bond & Co., Inc.
“Not only was POP one of the best workshops I have attended over my career, which is measured in decades, it is the only workshop that I have gone out of my way to promote to my associates and employees.”
– Brad Greer, Executive Vice President,
Missouri General Insurance Agency
“Brian spoke to my Consumer Behavior class. He skillfully translated the concepts of influence and persuasion. Through his examples and questions, Brian brought the concepts to life and made them relevant to his audience.”
– Melissa Fisher, Growth Strategist and Adjunct
Professor of Marketing, The Ohio State University
“This was one of the best seminars that I have ever attended. Brian Ahearn’s communication and teaching of Dr. Cialdini’s principles of persuasion into business applications specifically for our industry were extremely relevant and applicable in both of my work and personal life.”
– Greg Wilkerson, Sr. Vice President,
Frost Insurance
“This program did a great job providing actionable concepts in a way that encouraged instant application. I know how I will implement the concepts because I already did it in the class!”
– Allen Lloyd, Sr. Manager Board & Executive Operations,
Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants
“Brian is a well spoken consummate professional that has mastered his craft. He helps you organize your thoughts, questions, and strategy on the front end to help you maximize your sales. His teaching allows for a complex approach that can be replicated to produce positive results within your sales meetings.”
– Ware Hart, Commercial Producer,
J. Smith Lanier & Co.
