SPEAK LIKE A CEO 299: The Science of Influence Every Leader Must Master – Steve Martin
Sep 18, 2025
Steve Martin, a behavioral scientist and author, specializes in applying psychology to enhance influence and trust. In this engaging conversation, he reveals that changing minds isn't the key to influence. Instead, he emphasizes building trust through effective messaging. He discusses the importance of being a reliable messenger, particularly in an era rife with misinformation. Steve also delves into decision psychology, the significance of relatability over status, and how human connection plays a crucial role in a tech-dominated landscape.
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Influence Is A Core Workplace Skill
- Influence is a top workplace skill and remains in the top three across years of surveys.
- Steve Martin says 2024 data lists influence as the number one skill, even above agentic AI.
Learn Influence Ethically
- Learn the hidden rules of influence to become more persuasive without feeling manipulative.
- Steve Martin insists influence can be learned ethically and applied by anyone.
Behavior Can Change Without Belief Shifts
- Influence and persuasion are different: influence is external impact, persuasion is internal change.
- You can change behavior without changing beliefs, so aiming to change minds is often unnecessary.
