The Evolution

of Influence

New Rules of Trust in a Noisy,

AI Driven World

Why Audiences Need This Keynote

If your organization's influence still relies on persuasion but trust is crumbling — you NEED this keynote.

For more than a century, pioneers of persuasion shaped how influence works. Edward Bernays, often called the father of public relations. For Eric, Bernays isn't just a name from a textbook he had the opportunity to meet Bernays personally and learn directly from the man who helped shape modern communication.

Bernays worked alongside Thomas Edison to promote the 50th anniversary of commercial electricity. Decades later, Eric (who shares Bernays' birthday) promoted the 100th anniversary of commercial electricity for the world's first hydroelectric plant, also designed by Edison.

Ben Barkin, credited as the father of special event marketing for creating Schlitz Circus Parade represents a shift toward a new form of corporate branding. The first corporate title sponsored and another Milwaukee legend, was also one of Eric's mentors.

Working alongside

Barkin gave Eric firsthand insight into how large scale events could create trust, pride, and influence within entire communities.

And like Robert Cialdini . .

The modern authority on persuasion and also a Milwaukee native

Eric understands how principles of influence translate into practical strategies for today’s organizations.

This heritage isn’t academic it’s lived experience. Eric builds on what he learned from Bernays, Barkin, and Cialdini, but adapts it for today’s reality: a world where Edelman’s Trust Barometer shows trust in institutions, media, and leadership collapsing. Influence alone is no longer enough. In an AI driven, noisy environment, only trust and authenticity create lasting authority.

Learning Objectives

Your audience will discover how to:

STEP
01

Understand why trust now trumps influence and how to earn it in every interaction.

STEP
02

Cut through noise and skepticism with authenticity, clarity, and consistency.

STEP
03

Rebuild trust across stakeholders from employees and customers to investors and communities.

Got Questions?

We've Got Answers

1. What makes this keynote essential now?

Modern organizations are under intense pressure to adopt AI swiftly but rushing without governance or transparency erodes stakeholder trust. This keynote equips leaders with a clear roadmap to adopt AI responsibly, ensuring credibility, integrity, and resilience.

2. How does it go beyond typical AI content?

This isn’t about how AI works it’s about how AI adoption should feel. Eric integrates insights from governance frameworks (like the 5Ws model of Who, What, When, Where, Why and the five ethical principles fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy, and security ) to help organizations align AI strategies with brand values and trust.

3. What kind of businesses benefit most?

Any business or organization that relies on AI in customer-facing or internal systems especially those in regulated industries or those that value brand credibility will find value in this keynote.

4. Can this keynote be adapted for virtual or hybrid delivery?

Yes. The program works effectively in person, virtual, or hybrid formats and can include interactive elements like pre keynote risk assessments or real time audience polling to drive engagement.

5. What will my audience walk away with?

Attendees will gain A structured adoption framework rooted in ethics and trust. Clarity around AI risks and mitigation strategies. Communicable governance language for stakeholders. A mindset shift toward transparent, value driven AI work.