Why Most People Fail at Influence. And How to Ethically Win the Power Game | René Rodriguez

What if your reality isn’t as objective as you think?

What if the way you see the world is being shaped by invisible gaps your brain is constantly filling in?

In this episode, Trevor Houston speaks with René Rodriguez, a renowned expert in behavioral neuroscience. He is a bestselling author and keynote speaker, recognized for his insights into how belief and identity drive human behavior and influence. Rene has helped leaders and organizations understand the subconscious operations of influence and the role of identity in shaping outcomes. His work delves into the ethical considerations of persuasion, especially in the context of AI and social media, making him a leading voice in the field of influence and communication.

In this powerful conversation, we dive into the psychology of influence, identity, and the “narrative gap” the space where assumptions are formed and beliefs are created. From AI to media to personal relationships, you’ll discover how influence operates beneath the surface and how to take back control.

Resources:

• René Rodriguez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learnwithrene/
• Trevor Houston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorhouston/
• Career Comeback Mastermind: https://calendly.com/tmhouston/mastermind
• Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/who-ya-know-show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Trevor Houston is a Financial Advisor offering insurance/financial products through various carriers. For more info visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://cpwstrategies.com

Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction to influence, neuroscience, and identity

(1:51) Influence as social manipulation, AI’s role, and psychological manipulation era

(3:51) Success is linked to identity, not just strategy

(4:33) Identity shapes perception and how the brain interprets reality

(6:00) Challenging societal constructs like age and opportunity

(8:16) The role of perception, self-talk, and reframing narratives

(9:37) Data vs. bias: how perception gets distorted

(12:39) Overcoming the belief that you're not enough or too late

(13:17) Embracing failure as a path to growth

(16:36) The myth of influence and what it really takes to lead

(17:37) Ethical influence vs. manipulation

(20:04) The moral responsibility behind influence

(24:21) Emotional triggers and psychology behind influence

(25:44) Questioning sources and credibility

(27:07) Self-awareness in how we are influenced

(30:34) AI’s role in shaping human behavior and decision-making

(32:43) Free will, accountability, and personal responsibility

(33:52) Ownership as the foundation of success

(39:45) Asking “What am I meant to learn here?”

(43:51) Narrative shapes reality and fills perception gaps

(46:15) Controlling the stories you tell yourself

(47:13) The ongoing battle for influence in media and society

(50:10) Social media’s impact on perception and emotions

(53:13) The shift from objective truth to narrative-driven truth

(54:50) Critical thinking as a survival skill

(56:45) The power of words in shaping reality

(59:21) Influence as legacy and living with purpose

(1:00:52) Teaching intentional living to the next generation