Unlock the Influence Advantage:
Practical and Proven Examples to Ethically Persuade in Business and Life.
Join the bestselling authors behind The Influence Advantage and discover proven strategies to grow your impact and authority — fast.
- #1 Best Seller on Amazon Kindle
The Influence Advantage has reached the top in five competitive Kindle categories:
- Etiquette
- Knowledge Capital
- Business Quality Control
- Communication in Management
- Total Quality Control
Join thousands of readers who are transforming their influence—with ethics, clarity, and impact.
Maria Maier — The Voice Behind The Influence Advantage
Maria Maier is a leadership coach and organizational development expert who founded Step Up & Thrive LLC, a WBE-certified business providing executive coaching, leadership training, HR services, and youth development programs. With experience from her role as Chief of Staff in Russia to a decade in higher education after immigrating to the U.S., Maria combines her MBA, Maxwell Leadership certification, and status as a Cialdini Certified Professional to help leaders become skilled influencers. A dynamic speaker and consultant, she partners with executives to unlock their teams’ potential through impactful workshops and coaching. Maria lives in Central New York with her husband and four children.
- A Certified Maxwell Leadership DISC Consultant & Speaker
- A Global Influence Certified Coach
- A Communication & Reputation Management Expert
- A NYC WBE-Certified Business Leader
- A Multi-Time #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author
Why Choose The Influence Advantage?
The Influence Advantage isn’t just a book — it’s a catalyst for leadership transformation.
Whether you’re a coach, executive, educator, or team leader, this Amazon #1 Best Seller is your guide to mastering the power of ethical influence in today’s world.
What You’ll Gain from This Book:
Position yourself as a thought leader in any industry
Backed by real results, this book has helped leaders increase engagement, reduce turnover, and lead with greater clarity and confidence.
Leverage credibility to scale your business and personal brand
Every chapter includes ready-to-use frameworks, ethical influence strategies, and examples you can apply right away — in boardrooms, classrooms, and beyond.
Apply real-world influence strategies that work in 2025 and beyond
From corporate executives to small business owners, The Influence Advantage is written for those who want to lead with purpose, not just power.
Built on Integrity
Rooted in ethical influence and personal growth, this isn’t about manipulation — it’s about alignment, trust, and lasting transformation.
A Sneak Peek Inside The Influence Advantage
Learn the science behind ethical persuasion and why integrity-based influence always outperforms manipulation.
Outcome: Build trust and credibility from day one.
Discover how to lead with calm, clarity, and impact in the moments that matter most — whether you’re on stage or in a crisis.
Outcome: Sharpened presence, increased confidence.
Use storytelling, structure, and strategic messaging to inspire action and alignment.
Outcome: Increased team buy-in and clearer direction.
Learn how to gain support from executives, peers, and cross-functional teams using influence, not authority.
Outcome: Greater visibility, trust, and support at all levels.
Go beyond the one-off wins and build habits that sustain long-term leadership growth.
Outcome: Influence that compounds over time.
Outcomes: Increased employee motivation, career growth, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Trusted By
The Reviews that speak for themselves
If you're looking for a guide to lead with integrity, build stronger relationships, and create meaningful influence in your work and life, this book is for you. I’m confident it will not only inspire you but also equip you with the tools you need to achieve your fullest potential while serving those around you.
Paul Martinelli
Internationally Acclaimed Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, and Coach, Founder of the Empowered Living Community, World’s #1 Business Coach – Global Gurus
A powerful guide to building authentic connections, fostering collaboration, and transforming adversity into growth. With 30 years of experience as a leader and coach for a Fortune 100 company, I can confidently say this book is essential reading for anyone seeking meaningful personal and professional transformation.
Brad Dufrane
ChFC CLU CLF FSCP LUTCF, Managing Partner, New York Life Insurance Company, Author
The Influence Advantage masterfully transforms complex influence principles into clear, immediately applicable strategies. By combining behavioral science with compelling real-world applications, each chapter provides a unique roadmap for creating authentic impact across any industry. This refreshing approach makes sophisticated influence techniques accessible and actionable for everyone, from emerging leaders to seasoned executives.
Dr. Justin James Kennedy
Professor, Behavioural Neuroscience, Master Neuroplastician®
Frequently asked questions
It’s a practical guide to mastering ethical influence — packed with real-world tools, strategies, and examples that help leaders communicate, connect, and inspire with authenticity and clarity.
This book is for leaders at every level — from emerging professionals to seasoned executives. Whether you're a coach, entrepreneur, educator, or corporate team leader, The Influence Advantage gives you tools you can use right away.
Unlike theory-heavy leadership books, The Influence Advantage is built on actionable frameworks, science-backed strategies, and real-world application. Plus, it's rooted in ethical influence — not manipulation or empty motivation.
Absolutely. Many readers use it as a toolkit for workshops, team development, or leadership coaching. Bulk and licensing options are also available for teams and companies.
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