My story
I’m 18 years old. My grandfather gifts me a copy of Dale Carnegie’s ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’. I read a couple of chapters, thing nothing of it, and throw it in a box with some junk. Fast forward 20 years. I’m now using the principles of influence to lead criminal investigations and intelligence operations with the New Zealand Police.
In 2012 I joined New Zealand Police after a career in teaching. I quickly specialised in investigative interviewing and the recruitment and handling of covert human intelligence sources, commonly referred to as “informants”.
I spent more than a decade persuading people from all walks of life, often in situations where failure simply wasn’t an option. It didn’t matter whether the context was national security, homicide, sexual assault, drug dealing, fraud, or corruption, the foundational principles of interpersonal influence required for success were always the same. It’s got nothing to do with coercion or manipulation. It’s got everything to do with respect, empathy, and dignity.
Learning the art of ethical influence changed my life. I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned to change yours.
Tim Sterne
+64 22 099 0791