Podcast
Influence Anyone
Hosted by Howie Chan, Influence Strategist @ The Behavioring Company · EN
The #1 podcast on applied influence psychology. Each episode, I sit down with the world's leading experts and practitioners to uncover the hidden psychology that helps you influence yourself (mastering your mindset, habits, and decisions) and get buy-in from others (branding, storytelling, negotiating etc.). Together, we turn science into playbooks you can apply to lead, persuade, and create extraordinary success.
Hosted by Howie Chan, this show features top human behavior experts, best-selling authors, influential marketers, and elite performers sharing proven strategies for branding, storytelling, sales, and ultimately, influence.
Whether you're building your value proposition, refining your speaking skills, or learning communication skills for leaders, each episode delivers actionable insights to elevate your brand and career. From storytelling in marketing to career reinvention, discover influencer strategies that help you stand out, connect, and lead with impact.
Perfect for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone ready to grow their influence and authority.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Most B2B Branding Fails: The 86% Correlation Most Brand Ignore
3d ago00:58:32Tap to summarizeBrand strategist and author of Brand Desire, Kevin Perlmutter, joins Howie Chan to reveal why the strongest brands don’t just communicate value. They create emotional connection.Drawing from behavioral science, customer psychology, and years of brand strategy experience, Kevin explains how brands can move beyond corporate jargon and surface-level messaging to uncover the emotional motivations that truly drive human behavior. From “limbic sparks” and subconscious associations to brand messaging and customer experience design, this conversation breaks down how great brands become unforgettable.You’ll learn why emotional insight matters more than demographics, how subconscious associations influence decision-making, and why most B2B brands fail to connect with the people they’re trying to reach. Kevin also shares practical frameworks any business can use to create stronger customer relationships, more resonant messaging, and brand experiences people actually want to return to.Episode Breakdown:00:00:00 The 3 Pillars of Brand Desire00:09:21 “Limbic Sparks” in Brand Strategy00:14:33 The Behavioral Science Discovery That Changed Kevin’s Career00:16:44 The 86% Correlation Most Brands Ignore00:24:36 AI & the Missing Emotional Connection00:28:26 The Biggest Mistake B2B Brands Make00:34:35 Fear-Based Marketing vs. Positive Emotional Connection00:40:49 Brand Expression (Sonic Branding, Visual Identity & Brand Messaging)00:44:27 Identifying Shared Emotional Motivation Between Stakeholders00:46:13 Aligning Customer Experience With Brand Promise00:51:54 The 3 Question Framework Every Business Should AskWant to make influencing human behavior your company's superpower? Connect with me at howiechan.com/speaking and let's talk!What’s Your Influence Style? What do you do when you need someone to do something?This quiz will help you discover what is your most natural influence style, so you can use that strength more effectively (and know your blind spots).→ https://www.influencestylequiz.com/Join 700+ leaders who've already uncovered what their style is.Episode Resources:Check out my episode with David Aaker here — or just go to episode 79.From Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInYouTubeInstagramBrand Desire by Kevin Perlmutter—Produced by Ideablossoms
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“Brand Your Secret Sauce!” The Father of Branding Reveals The #1 Mistake Businesses Make Again and Again
1w ago00:58:00Tap to summarizeHowie Chan interviews marketing icon David Aaker, widely regarded as the father of modern branding, to unpack the true drivers of brand equity — what a brand’s worth.In this episode, brand storytelling takes center stage as Aaker breaks down the myths around branding and reveals what actually influences customer decisions in modern days.From brand relevance to the power of loyalty, Aaker explains why branding goes far beyond awareness and image. He introduces his “Five B’s” framework and shows how brands shape both buying decisions and user experiences.You’ll learn why storytelling in marketing is one of the most effective tools in today’s cluttered and skeptical landscape, how to craft signature stories that captivate audiences, and why most companies are underutilizing their greatest competitive advantage: their “secret sauce.”Chapters:00:00:00 Brand vs Brand Equity00:04:01 The Five B’s of Modern Branding00:09:01 Managing Negative Brand Perception00:16:40 How to Create Powerful Signature Stories00:25:47 Branding Beyond Ads (Events, Sponsorship & Communities)00:30:30 The #1 Mistake Businesses Make with Branding00:33:04 Uniqlo’s Example of Branding Differentiation and Innovation00:52:26 High-Profile Branding Failures00:57:09 Final Advice: “Brand Your Secret Sauce”From David Aaker:WebsiteLinkedInTake a look at David’s books mentioned in this episode:Aaker on Branding: Second EditionCreating Signature StoriesOwning Game-Changing SubcategoriesBrand Portfolio Strategy Check out my conversation with Matt Sucha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evkin9z6Z4wWhat’s Your Influence Style? What do you do when you need someone to do something?This quiz will help you discover what is your most natural influence style, so you can use that strength more effectively (and know your blind spots.)→ https://www.influencestylequiz.com/Join 700+ leaders who've already uncovered what their style is.—Produced by Ideablossoms
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S.U.P.E.R: The INFLUENCE FORMULA That Will Get You More Deals (and what to do when you hear NO)
2w ago00:08:52Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode, Howie Chan breaks down the true meaning of influence and why most people misunderstand it. Rather than focusing on persuasion, communication, or attention, Howie reveals that real influence comes down to one thing: changing human behavior.Through a simple but powerful framework, Howie explains why people don’t take action — and how leaders, founders, and professionals can finally unlock consistent results. You’ll learn the critical difference between motivation and friction, and why adding more effort often backfires when trying to influence outcomes.This episode dives into practical applications for both personal development and influencing others, from building better habits to closing clients more effectively.Chapters:00:01:12 What Influence Really Is (and Why Most Get It Wrong) 00:03:36 The Core Formula: Less Friction + More Motivation 00:05:20 The “SUPER” Friction Framework 00:08:12 Applying the Formula to Any SituationCheck out my conversation with Dr. Robert Cialdini: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8joK8ViLneY&t=48sCheck out my conversation with Matt Sucha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evkin9z6Z4wThe Behavioring Blueprint:A FREE, 7-day email course breaking down all the levers to influence human behavior to get people from a current behavior to a desired behavior.→ http://howiechan.com/behavioringWhat’s Your Influence Style? What do you do when you need someone to do something?This quiz will help you discover what is your most natural influence style, so you can use that strength more effectively (and know your blind spots.)→ https://www.influencestylequiz.com/Join 700+ leaders who've already uncovered what their style is.
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Tech Humanist: AI Skills That Make You 28% More Valuable in The Marketplace (and the TRUTH about AI Job Loss)
3w ago01:24:18Tap to summarizeTech Humanist Kate O’Neill joins host Howie Chan to unpack the real truth behind AI strategy and why most organizations get it wrong from the start. Kate has spent her career helping leaders navigate AI ethics, responsible tech, and human-centric digital transformation.In this episode, Kate breaks down why starting with tools instead of purpose leads to failure, and how “prompt skills” are becoming the most important capability in today’s workforce. She reframes AI not as a replacement for thinking, but as a mirror that exposes how clearly you think, communicate, and lead.You’ll learn how to use AI to sharpen your thinking, improve emotional intelligence, and enhance human connection rather than dilute it.Episode Resources:Download the four master storytelling prompts here.Episode Breakdown:00:00:00 The Intersection of Technology and Humanity00:08:30 The Real Fear Employees Have About AI (and What’s True)00:11:02 Prompt Skilling vs. Prompt Engineering00:16:27 How Technology Shapes Culture and Behavior00:19:58 Human + AI Collaboration Done Right00:24:27 Why Most AI Strategies Fail00:33:34 AI Replacing Jobs: The Real Story00:43:45 Using AI to Improve Emotional Intelligence00:47:17 The Danger of Over-Relying on AI Outputs00:55:28 AI and Creativity00:59:20 Incorporating AI Into Your Small BusinessWant to make influencing human behavior your company's superpower? Connect with me at howiechan.com/speaking and let's talk!From Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInYoutubeFacebookInstagramTEDx TalkCheck out my episode with Michael Margolis here.See Kate’s audition form here.Learn more about Office Space here.—Produced by Ideablossoms
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Linkedin Five: The 5-Step System to Build Influence, Generate Opportunity & Win on LinkedIn in 2026
Apr 2100:20:15Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode, Howie Chan shares his proven LinkedIn framework — the "LinkedIn 5" — five essential moves to grow your brand or business on the platform, whether you're starting from zero or finally ready to get serious.Most people fail on LinkedIn not because they lack ideas or experience, but because they don't know what game they're playing.Howie breaks down the three LinkedIn games — creator, business owner, and executive — and explains why mixing them up is the #1 reason people feel stuck, burned out, and invisible.You'll learn how to optimize your profile as a high-converting landing page, how to get in front of the right audience without a single follower, and the counterintuitive content strategy that lets you win fast by using what already works.Chapters:00:01:24 The 3 LinkedIn Games (and How to Pick Yours) 00:03:33 Your Profile as a Landing Page 00:09:56 How to Find Your Audience Before You Have Followers 00:12:27 The Pro Move Most People Ignore 00:13:31 Match Your Content to Your Game 00:17:46 Full RecapWhat’s Your Influence Style? What do you do when you need someone to do something?This quiz will help you discover what is your most natural influence style, so you can use that strength more effectively (and know your blind spots.)→ https://www.influencestylequiz.com/Join 700+ leaders who've already uncovered what their style is.
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Top Negotiation Expert: The Mistake Most Businesses Make About Pricing
Apr 1400:56:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Influence Anyone Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Fotini Iconomopoulos, expert negotiator, bestselling author of Say Less, Get More, and trusted advisor to global leaders. They explore the truth about negotiation skills and why most people get them completely wrong.Fotini reframes negotiation as a daily human interaction, not just a boardroom tactic and introduces her powerful “Three C’s” framework to build instant trust and connection. You’ll learn why leading with price weakens your position, how power is built through information, not dominance, and why the popular “win-win” mindset can actually sabotage long-term success.Want to make influencing human behavior your company's superpower? Connect with me at howiechan.com/speaking and let's talk!Episode Breakdown:00:00:00 The Power of Negotiation00:04:51 Why “Win-Win” is Flawed Thinking00:11:02 Understanding Bias 00:18:49 Never Lead With Price00:30:01 Negotiation Shapes Society and Relationships00:38:46 Common Traps for Business Owners00:42:40 Negotiating Attention as a Speaker00:49:37 Negotiating with OurselvesFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInYoutubeInstagramRead Say Less, Get More by Fotini Iconomopoulos.Want prospects to become customers and passers-by to become fans? Sign up for the Behavioring Blueprint, my FREE 7-day email course.Get people to buy into your ideas and offers!Join the FREE Influence Anyone newsletter. Each week, I uncover a proven strategy from world experts and scientific research to influence human behavior – including your own.📩 Go to: www.howiechan.com/sub Produced by Ideablossoms
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Behavioral Sales Expert: The Big Reason Why People Aren’t Buying What You’re Selling
Apr 700:54:22Tap to summarizeHowie Chan interviews Matt Sucha, CEO of Mindworx, author of the bestselling book The Hidden Yes, and a leading expert in sales psychology and behavioral science.They discuss why conversion optimization isn’t about making better offers. It’s about removing the hidden psychological barriers that stop people from saying yes.Matt introduces the powerful concept of the “zone of acceptance” and explains how small, strategic actions can move prospects closer to a decision. You’ll discover how to uncover what’s really holding customers back, design smarter customer journeys, and ethically influence decisions using proven behavioral science principles.Find the Zone of Acceptance Expansion Prompt here: https://www.howiechan.com/zone-prompt-podChapters:00:00:00 Selling Courses vs. Removing Barriers00:07:52 The “Zone of Acceptance” Explained00:15:55 Psychological Barriers in Sales00:24:04 The #1 Conversion Killer: Uncertainty00:34:28 The SURF Method Breakdown00:51:49 Every Interaction Has a Hidden YesFrom Matt Sucha:Website: https://mindworx.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-sucha/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MINDWORX_Consulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindworx_behavioral_consulting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindworx2014Find Matt’s bestselling book, The Hidden YES, here: https://thehiddenyes.com/influenceListen to “The Godfather of Influence”, Dr. Robert Cialdini’s episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5dVmBJXmLEqUfArB53hwR8?si=Gk9HfuDCT4SDEufL3WzHZghttps://podcasts.apple.com/ar/podcast/influence-anyone/id1773148427?i=1000732793093Get people to buy into your ideas and offers!Join the FREE Influence Anyone newsletter. Each week, I uncover a proven strategy from world experts and scientific research to influence human behavior – including your own.📩 Go to: www.howiechan.com/sub_This episode of Influence Anyone was produced by Ideablossoms.
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Hall of Fame Speaker Reveals the #1 Mistake Every Speaker Makes in Their First 10 Seconds
Mar 3101:08:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Influence Anyone Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Patricia Fripp, a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, three-time Cicero Award-winning speechwriter, and the first woman president of the National Speakers Association.They delve into the art and science of public speaking skills that captivate, persuade, and inspire action.Patricia provides the timeless principles behind powerful communication, why most speakers lose attention instantly, and how to structure presentations that keep audiences engaged from the first sentence.Want to make influencing human behavior your company's superpower? Connect with me at howiechan.com/speaking and let's talk!Episode Breakdown:00:00:00 Instantly Stand Out in Presentations00:04:29 The Power of Asking Better Questions 00:10:51 The Consistency Principle Behind Success00:25:03 Speech Structure, Premise, and Mastery00:32:10 You-Focused Language for Persuasion00:39:58 How to Create Powerful Openings00:55:40 Brand Strategy00:58:05 Vivid Language and Specificity for CredibilityFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInYoutubeFacebookInstagram Discover your influence style profile here.Want prospects to become customers and passers-by to become fans? Sign up for the Behavioring Blueprint, my FREE 7-day email course.Get people to buy into your ideas and offers!Join the FREE Influence Anyone newsletter. Each week, I uncover a proven strategy from world experts and scientific research to influence human behavior – including your own.📩 Go to: www.howiechan.com/sub
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Award-Winning Executive Coach Reveals 5 Strategies to Build Influence at Work & Grow in Your Career
Mar 2400:56:09Tap to summarizeAward-winning executive coach and bestselling author of Managing Up, Melody Wilding, joins Howie Chan to unpack influence in the workplace - especially when you don’t hold the power. Known for her work with “sensitive strivers,” Melody reveals how high performers can stop overthinking, set boundaries, and communicate strategically to gain respect, visibility, and career momentum. She introduces her STRIVE framework, helping listeners identify their own behavioral patterns and unlock their ability to lead, persuade, and navigate complex workplace dynamics.You’ll learn how to adapt your communication style to different personalities, why “managing up” is actually about taking control of your own career, and how to build influence without sacrificing authenticity. What’s Your Influence Style?What do you do when you need someone to do something? This quiz will help you discover what is your most natural influence style, so you can use that strength more effectively (and know your blind spots.)→ https://www.influencestylequiz.com/Join 500+ leaders who've already uncovered what their style is.Chapters:00:00:00 The Psychology of Emotional Spirals00:10:08 The STRIVE Framework00:15:50 Communication Styles & Influence00:25:25 Managing Up vs. “Sucking Up”00:33:34 Why Boundaries Build Leadership00:46:40 Power Mapping StakeholdersFrom Melody Wilding:Website: https://melodywilding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodywilding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodywilding/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodywildinglmsw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melodywildinglmsw Find all of Melody's career-accelerating books here: https://melodywilding.com/books/ Take a look at the clip that played at the beginning of this episode: https://youtu.be/VuZ3TeEeCYQ?si=VOk1DCUxrtWwNnza Get people to buy into your ideas and offers!Join the FREE Influence Anyone newsletter. Each week, I uncover a proven strategy from world experts and scientific research to influence human behavior – including your own.📩 Go to: www.howiechan.com/sub_This episode of Influence Anyone was produced by Ideablossoms.
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2M Views TEDx Speaker: Your Brain’s “Factory Settings” Decide If Your Story Influences or Gets Ignored
Mar 1701:06:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Influence Anyone Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Karen Eber, an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and storytelling expert who has educated and inspired more than three million people globally. They delve into why great storytelling isn’t about your origin story, why specific details beat big dramatic moments, and how subtle emotional tension can make your message far more persuasive.Karen reveals the five “factory settings” of the brain that determine whether your message sticks or gets ignored and how to structure a compelling narrative using context, conflict, outcome, and takeaway.Want to make influencing human behavior your company's superpower? Connect with me at howiechan.com/speaking and let's talk!Episode Breakdown:00:00:00 The Neuroscience Behind Storytelling00:10:39 The Stories We Tell Ourselves00:16:22 Identifying the Right Audience00:19:47 The Brain’s Default Settings00:29:44 Building a Powerful Story Step-by-Step00:49:29 Storytelling Myths01:00:55 Utilizing Visual ArtifactsFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInYouTubeInstagramTEDx TalkThe Perfect Story by Karen Eber Download the four master storytelling prompts here.Want prospects to become customers and passers-by to become fans? Sign up for the Behavioring Blueprint, my FREE 7-day email course.Get people to buy into your ideas and offers!Join the FREE Influence Anyone newsletter. Each week, I uncover a proven strategy from world experts and scientific research to influence human behavior – including your own.📩 Go to: www.howiechan.com/sub
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