Ethical Persuasion​:

The Ultimate Business Skill​ Keynote

Built on Dr. Robert Cialdini’s world-renowned research, this exclusive keynote reveals the psychological triggers that shape every decision—giving you the same science-backed persuasion strategies used by Fortune 500 executives, global leaders, and high-stakes dealmakers to secure buy-in, eliminate resistance, and drive real business results.
The Science of Persuasion That Powers the World’s Most Successful Organisations

What We'll Cover During The Keynote

 
 

Science-Backed Secrets

95% of decisions are made subconsciously. That means facts, logic, and reasoning alone won’t win deals, secure buy-in, or inspire action.

Learn how to ethically guide choices using Dr. Robert Cialdini’s science-backed persuasion techniques that Fortune 500 leaders swear by.

The 7 Principles of Persuasion

Discover the psychological triggers that make people say yes without resistance, hesitation, or doubt.

These 7 persuasion principles are used globally by top executives, elite sales teams, and high-stakes negotiators—and after this keynote, they’ll be yours too.

Trigger the Right Brain Systems

Most professionals trigger resistance without realising it.

Learn how to engage System 1 (the automatic, intuitive brain) rather than System 2 (the skeptical, overanalysing brain) to make your ideas feel like the obvious choice.

Pre-Suasion: The Secret to Winning Before the First Word Is Spoken

The most persuasive people don’t win in the moment—they win before the conversation even starts.

Learn how top CEOs, elite negotiators, and sales leaders frame decisions, lower resistance, and trigger immediate buy-in before speaking a word.

 

Real-World Case Studies

See persuasion in action—from McDonald’s boosting dessert sales by 55% to real estate firms increasing bookings by 20%.

You’ll leave this keynote knowing exactly how to apply these principles in your own business to change minds and drive action instantly.

Go Beyond What’s in the Books

Millions have read Influence and Pre-Suasion, but few know how to apply these principles in high-stakes business settings.

This keynote goes beyond the books, giving you access to exclusive persuasion tactics used by the world’s most powerful brands, leaders, and dealmakers.

 

Why Leaders in 2025 Are Investing in Persuasion?

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The World Economic Forum’s #1 Leadership Skill for the Future

The World Economic Forum ranks ethical persuasion as one of the top 10 most critical business skills between 2023-2027, yet most professionals have never been trained in it.

Think about the moments that matter most in your career—securing a promotion, closing a major deal, or rallying your team behind a vision. Every one of those moments depends on your ability to influence.

Whether you're leading teams, negotiating contracts, or driving change, your success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how well you persuade.

Those who master influence will rise. Those who don’t will be outpaced, overlooked, and left behind. The world’s top organisations are already training their teams in persuasion. The question is, will you stay ahead or struggle to keep up?

AI is Reshaping the Australian Workforce

AI is reshaping the workforce faster than anyone expected. By 2030, 1.5 million Australian jobs will disappear (Forrester), and AI’s impact will add $15.7 trillion to the global economy (PwC). But while machines can automate tasks, they can’t lead, inspire, or persuade.

The real advantage in this new era isn’t technology—it’s influence.

Persuasive leaders drive 30% higher team performance (Gartner), sales professionals who master influence close deals 50% faster (Harvard Business Review), and companies with strong internal persuasion adapt 3x faster to change (McKinsey). AI can analyze data, but it can’t build trust or spark action. The ability to persuade is now the difference between thriving and being replaced.

The most successful companies aren’t waiting. They’re already investing in persuasion training now because they know technical skills alone won’t keep them competitive.

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The $3 Million Persuasion Gap in Every Business

Every day, your team is persuading—whether in meetings, negotiations, or client interactions. In fact, research shows that non-sales professionals spend 41% of their time influencing others. Yet, most have never been trained to do it effectively.

In a 100-person company, that’s a $3.3 million investment in persuasion—without a strategy, without training, and without optimisation. What’s the cost of lost deals, stalled projects, and missed opportunities due to ineffective influence?

Persuasion isn’t a soft skill—it’s a business multiplier. The question isn’t whether your team is influencing, but how well they are doing it. Can you afford to leave millions on the table?

Who is Dr. Cialdini?

 

The World’s Leading Authority on Influence

Dr. Cialdini’s groundbreaking research has reshaped how businesses, leaders, and individuals think about influence. Cited by Nobel Laureates and top CEOs worldwide, he has guided Fortune 100 giants such as Coca-Cola and Microsoft, and served on President Obama’s campaign leadership team.

His seminal book, Influence, has sold over 10 million copies and was hailed as the #1 business book by a panel including Warren Buffett and Jeff Bezos. As the gold standard on persuasion, Dr. Cialdini’s work continues to set the pace for anyone seeking to lead, persuade, and win in competitive markets.

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Who should attend?

 

Business Executives

Leaders who master ethical persuasion drive 33% higher revenue growth (McKinsey). Influence isn’t a soft skill—it’s the competitive edge your organisation needs to scale sustainably.

Sales Professionals:

82% of buyers say they accept meetings from sellers who build trust first (LinkedIn State of Sales). Learn the science-backed persuasion techniques that turn hesitant prospects into loyal customers.

Marketing Professionals:

Consumers make buying decisions in 2.6 seconds—yet 90% of marketing messages fail to persuade (Harvard Business Review). Ethical persuasion is the missing link between attention and action.

HR & Talent Leaders:

Companies with high-trust cultures see 50% lower turnover (PwC). Ethical influence helps you attract, retain, and motivate top talent in a competitive job market.

Team Leaders:

Only 15% of employees are engaged at work (Gallup). Mastering ethical persuasion empowers you to inspire, align, and drive performance without force or friction.

General Workforce:

The ability to ethically persuade is a career superpower—those who master it are 47% more likely to be promoted (Harvard Business Review). Don’t just work—become indispensable.

Exclusive Post-Keynote Bonus:

 
 
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Bonus 1: Official Cialdini Institute Certificate of Attendance

By attending “Ethical Persuasion: The Ultimate Business Skill Keynote,” you’ll earn an official Cialdini Institute Certificate of Attendance—recognised worldwide as a hallmark of ethical influence expertise. This prestigious credential not only validates your mastery of persuasive science, but also elevates your professional standing, setting you apart as a trusted and results-driven leader.

Bonus 2: Access To Our Invite-Only Cialdini Community

Gain exclusive entry into our invite-only Cialdini Community, where you’ll network with high-caliber professionals and thought leaders committed to advancing ethical persuasion strategies. This vibrant forum offers invaluable insights, real-world success stories, and collaborative opportunities—ensuring you stay on the cutting edge of ethical influence.

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Bonus 3: Free Persuasion Power Course

As a special attendee perk, you’ll gain immediate, complimentary access to Dr. Robert Cialdini’s 7-part Persuasion Power Course right after the keynote. Each concise video delivers quick, actionable insights based on his renowned Principles of Persuasion, giving you an unfair advantage to boost success both online and offline. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity—it’s only available to those who attend the keynote!

Bonus 4: Free Trial Certified Practitioner Program

As a special bonus for attending the keynote, you’ll gain complimentary, on-demand access to select modules of Dr. Robert Cialdini’s flagship Ethical Influence Practitioner e-course. This limited trial—taught directly by Dr. Cialdini—reveals powerful insights you can immediately apply to elevate your persuasion game. 

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Bonuses Valued at $2,500 Per Person

 
 

Your Keynote Speaker

 
 

Pjay Shrestha

Pjay Shrestha is a Founding Member of the Cialdini Institute, a Cialdini Certified Coach, and an Official Cialdini Institute Licensed Trainer, giving him exclusive access to Dr. Robert Cialdini’s groundbreaking persuasion research—insights not available anywhere else.

With over a decade of experience in sales, marketing, and business strategy, Pjay has worked with high-growth tech companies and service-based businesses, applying influence techniques that drive measurable success. As a business owner himself, he knows firsthand how persuasion shapes leadership, negotiations, and competitive advantage.

Beyond his professional achievements, Pjay holds a Bachelor’s in Marketing and multiple certifications in NLP, neuroscience, and negotiation—allowing him to bridge scientific insights with real-world business application.

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YOUR AUTHORISED CIALDINI INSTITUTE TRAINING PARTNER FOR AUSTRALIA

Digital Consulting Ventures is the authorised Cialdini Institute Training Partner for Australia and a proud founding member of the Cialdini Institute, granting you privileged access to Dr. Robert Cialdini’s world-renowned principles.
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The Hidden Advantage of the World’s Most Successful Leaders

Persuasion Separates Leaders from Followers—Which One Are You?

"'Influence' is one of the best business books of all time."
Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett Chairperson of Berkshire Hathaway
"'Influence' is one of the two books that made me a billionaire."
Tobias Lütke
Tobias Lütke CEO & Founder of Shopify
"Robert Cialdini has had a greater impact on my thinking on this topic than any other scientist…"
Charlie Munger
Charlie Munger Vice-Chairperson of Berkshire Hathaway
“Cialdini is the ‘Godfather of Influence.’ His book is the guiding light for how I conduct business—and in many ways how I live my life.”
Guy Kawasaki
Richard Branson Chief evangelist of Canva
"Robert Cialdini is the go-to expert in the field of influence, and his book should be on every entrepreneur's shelf."
Richard Branson
Richard Branson Entrepreneur & Founder of Virgin Group
“Dr. Cialdini's work in the psychology of influence should be required reading for all business majors.”
Tony Robbins
Tony Robbins Author & motivational speaker

Choose the Best Keynote Experience for Your Team

Empower executives, sales teams, HR leaders, and business professionals with ethical persuasion strategies proven to spark immediate, tangible results. Whether you’re seeking a high-impact overview or a deep-dive workshop, these options will transform how your team drives performance.

90 min Keynote

Demystify the subconscious science fuelling 95% of decisions and dive into Dr. Robert Cialdini’s 7 Principles of Influence.

Packed with real-world case studies and actionable power tips, this session empowers you to boost ROI and turn persuasion science into daily wins.

 

Investment: $5,000 + $250 per person

Half day Workshop

Start with a 90-minute keynote, then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on application session addressing your real-world challenges.

Learn to systematically apply ethical influence, harness Small BIGs for quick wins, and walk away with actionable tactics that can be deployed instantly for lasting impact.

Investment: $10,000 + $250 per person

Keynote Outline

The Science of Persuasion: Why Ethical Persuasion is a Superpower

The World Economic Forum ranks social influence as a critical skill, while Daniel Pink’s research shows non-sales employees already spend 41% of their time persuading and influencing. Recognising this hidden investment paves the way for meaningful, sustainable growth that outlasts quick, forceful tactics.

Understanding the Science of Decision-Making

Nobel Prize-winning economist Daniel Kahneman found that 95% of our decisions stem from fast, intuitive thinking rather than pure logic. By understanding how to engage this instinctive “System 1,” you’ll transform how to tap into this fast-thinking brain system to make your ideas, proposals, and offers irresistible.

The Seven Principles of Persuasion

Delve into Reciprocity, Liking, Unity, Social Proof, Authority, Consistency, and Scarcity, validated by over a century of scientific evidence. Warren Buffett, Mark Cuban, and Jeff Bezos consistently vote Cialdini’s Influence as one of the best business books of all time, and now you’ll learn precisely why.

Reciprocity: Turning a “No” into a “Yes” Without Resistance

Discover the power of concessions, illustrated by an 80% boost in survey participation when the request was framed differently. You’ll learn how giving first triggers the innate urge in others to reciprocate.

Liking & Unity: Building Instant Connection and Loyalty

See how KPMG’s data showed a 100% increase in “yes” rates when relationships were strong. Experience co-creation tactics that blur the boundaries between “self” and “others,” forging immediate loyalty.

Social Proof & Authority: How to Ethically Borrow Influence

Uncover McDonald’s 55% dessert upsell success after highlighting the most popular choice. Then harness credibility the same way top financial planners prompt people to “stop thinking and start following,” simply by showcasing expertise.

Consistency: How Small Commitments Lead to Big Results

Observe how a Chicago restaurant slashed no-shows from 30% to 10% by adding just two words to its reservation script. Transform polite interest into solid follow-through by guiding customers toward active “yeses.”

Scarcity: The Fear of Missing Out and How to Ethically Use It

Discover how Bose boosted sound system sales by 45% by changing one word to emphasize what customers were missing. Shift your offers so people grasp the urgency of acting now, rather than risking regret later.

Bringing It All Together: Applying the Science Daily

Gain exclusive access to a certification signed by Dr. Robert Cialdini, a free Persuasion Power Course, and a global network of influence practitioners. Continue your mastery of persuasion with ongoing expert insights and real-world case studies.

Let's Connect to explore how we can drive results for your organisation

 
 

Join The Growing Number of Organisations Mastering Dr. Cialdini’s persuasion strategies: 

 
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this keynote suitable for non-sales roles?

Absolutely. Research shows 41% of our time is spent persuading, regardless of job title—this keynote helps everyone.