Jean Michel Steber
Expert in Ethical Influence & Sales Performance

This common thread runs through all his interventions and gives his words a rare depth. "To give and share my knowledge so that everyone can achieve their dreams, beyond any difference" A BNI franchisee for 19 years, speaker, certified Cialdini trainer, and WHY Coach (Simon Sinek), he supports organizations that wish to strengthen their commercial impact, positive influence, and culture of trust. Biography: Trained at the École Militaire de Haute Montagne (EMHM) in Chamonix, Jean-Michel serves the nation in the 13th Battalion of Alpine Hunters, where he develops leadership based on trust, cohesion, and clarity in complex situations. A national ski instructor, he then teaches in France, Canada, and the United States, perfecting a pedagogy focused on progression, adaptation, and engagement. A passionate mountaineer, he climbs numerous alpine summits, enhancing his understanding of self-overcoming, decision-making, and collective dynamics. Today, as a speaker, certified Cialdini trainer, and WHY Coach (Simon Sinek), he supports organizations that wish to strengthen their commercial impact, positive influence, and culture of trust. Topics addressed: • Ethical influence & sales performance • Social psychology applied to sales • Leadership and positive persuasion • Customer trust & engagement • Meaning, motivation, and alignment (WHY)
Prices
- Conference : 4500 €
Localization
Languages
My conferences
Ethical Persuasion, the Ultimate Business Skill
In a context where clients are overwhelmed, Jean-Michel demonstrates how ethical influence becomes a decisive competitive advantage. Drawing on the work of Dr. Robert Cialdini, as a Certified Trainer, his conference reveals how to: • strengthen trust and client relationships • increase conversion without pressure • ensure lasting loyalty • transform the sales culture towards greater alignment and efficiency • make ethics a performance driver, not a constraint A powerful, concrete, and immediately actionable intervention.
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Who am I?
What I did before becoming a speaker
I am still a franchisee within BNI, the world's largest referral organization. We make numerous interventions with members and regional and national teams. Speaking in public within BNI is an integral part of our support mission.
What made me become a speaker
See above for my why.
What excites me about working as a speaker
It is my WHY that governs my passion and my decisions.
"To give, share, and pass on my knowledge so that everyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background or differences."
The mission I'm carrying today
As a certified trainer by Dr. Cialdini, we carry his legacy to pass it on to the greatest number.
The belief or message I want to leave for the long term
Only continuous learning allows us to grow and have a greater impact.
A personal story I often tell
How I discovered my why, and the influence of Martin Luther King Jr's speech, I have a dream, which my father, an English teacher, had us work on in our first-year class, was a revelation for me, this text of humanity.
Where I'm from and what shaped my childhood
I was born in Avignon, into a family of English teachers. The greatest gift from my parents is that they gave me the opportunity to be bilingual since birth. This gift has accompanied me throughout my life and continues to be an undeniable asset. They also taught me kindness, tolerance, and as Robin Williams said: "Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always!"
The childhood dream that still follows me
Since always, when a helicopter passes, I look up to watch it. This job of helicopter pilot has always been a dream of mine. While I was a non-commissioned officer in the 13th Alpine Hunters Battalion, I could have requested a transfer to the ALAT (Light Aviation of the Army), but I didn't, and it's a big regret. I tell myself, maybe I wouldn't have passed the tests, I'll never know. And why is it still ingrained? In the mountains, the helicopter saves lives; it was a way to be useful to others and to answer Martin Luther King Jr's question, what are you doing for others? I do it differently with my conferences; I give, transmit, share knowledge for the benefit of others.
My memory of speaking in public for the first time
The fear of not delivering my message correctly.
The people who most shaped who I am
Ivan Misner, the founder of BNI, Marc-William Attié, the entrepreneur who created BNI in France, my father, a passionate English teacher who gave me the opportunity to become bilingual.
The choice that most changed my trajectory
Applying in 2007 to a BNI group is undoubtedly what changed my life, both personally and professionally.
The values that guide my life off stage
Five core values: Responsibility, Integrity, Loyalty, Commitment, Trust.
The advice that most impacted my life
Never stop learning
What I'd tell myself ten years ago
Keep going, don't give up, you made the right choice.
Positioning & expertise
What concrete problem I can help your audience solve
I help leaders transform relational and decision-making complexity into ethical, clear, and effective influence, using scientifically validated persuasion principles.
Why book me rather than another speaker?
Because I don't just talk about influence: I make it visible, understandable, and immediately actionable — without ever crossing the line of ethics, and I am the only certified French trainer from the Cialdini Institute.
My specialty in one sentence
I specialize in ethical persuasion applied to decision-making, relationships, and mobilization, relying on the scientifically validated principles of Dr. Robert Cialdini.
Topics I don't cover
I refuse any topic or any organization wishing to use persuasion to manipulate, divide, or deceive, as well as any theme that falls outside the scientific and ethical framework that underpins my work.
My unique angle
Showing how persuasion, when ethical and scientifically based, becomes a clear, mobilizing, and deeply human lever of leadership.
The field experience behind my message
My speech is based on a solid background in negotiation, leadership, and professional network development, reinforced by internationally recognized certifications in ethical persuasion.
My speaking style in one or two sentences
I think my intervention style is quite clear, structured, with the aim of making behavioral science accessible while providing immediately actionable levers for decision-making, mobilizing, and persuading.
Which audiences get the most from my sessions
My interventions primarily benefit leaders, managers, sales forces, and franchise networks who wish to strengthen their ability to convince and mobilize ethically. The main benefits are: Gaining buy-in Driving change Reducing uncertainty Motivating action Developing better relationships
Which types of organizations I'm the best fit for
Without prejudice, I believe that companies undergoing transformation or rapid growth, companies where relationships are at the heart of the development strategy, and those that truly value responsible and human leadership.
Concrete outcomes your audience can expect after I speak
A few examples: Facilitating the customer journey Presenting the pricing offer differently Better management of teams Preparing sales meetings more effectively. Raising awareness of the quality of relationships Unifying teams Approaching influence situations differently…..
Results & credibility
Clients and sectors that have trusted me
Mainly the BNI environment, my regional director colleagues, BNI Morocco, BNI France, BNI international during conventions.
What I spotlight beyond my profile (book, certifications, proof, etc.)
Co-author of the French versions of Ivan Misner's books (founder of BNI), the most well-known marketing secret in the world, and which is in your room. Certified trainer from the Cialdini Institute Certified WHY Coach by the WHY School of Simon Sinek
Speaking style
My energy on stage
It's difficult to answer this question without seeming egocentric; I apply the 4th Toltec agreement, to do my best...
How audiences experience my sessions (participation, humor, pace)
It's a rhythmic presentation, with a bit of participation.
Visuals and personal stories: what to expect from me
I use documented scientific studies that have been conducted by the Cialdini community. Stories and case studies are integrated into the conference.
Inspirational keynote vs hands-on workshop; improvisation vs tight structure — how I work
I am more of a hands-on workshop, and I have a precise intervention structure.
How I customize content and how much I tailor to you
Depending on the influence situations that the company cannot resolve, I can customize the intervention.
Concrete content
The main takeaways participants leave with
How we make our decisions and the importance of the seven principles of persuasion in everyone's daily life.
What your audience can apply the very next day
For each principle, I share examples and concrete actions to implement immediately.
Tools, methods, and exercises I provide
The seven principles of persuasion by Dr. Robert Cialdini, author of the book, Influence, the science of persuasion.
Myths and common mistakes I debunk
That we are rational beings and that we decide all the time….
Real-world examples that best illustrate my message
Every day we find ourselves in a situation of influence, and in each one lies a principle waiting to be used.
Beliefs or ideas in the audience I aim to shift
That we can gain the support of others without coercion or manipulation, and that only sincere long-term human relationships can bring us change. Persuasion is a long-term strategy, and what needs to be understood is that it is not about winning today; it is about creating lasting, long-term relationships with the people we influence. The only way to achieve this is to use authentic, serious, truthful, and honest information.
Format
On-site, remote, or hybrid: what I accept and prefer
I greatly prefer in-person.
Limits & transparency
How I handle a difficult or low-energy audience
I ask him questions, or I increase my interactions with him.
If tech fails: how I respond
If possible, I continue my performance.
What can derail a session, in my view — and how I prevent it
I think a conference rarely fails because of the content. It fails when the conditions do not allow the message to reach the people. The causes can be multiple: 1) A lack of clarity on expectations and stakes. For this, it is imperative to have a structured exchange with the company. 2) An unprepared or poorly positioned audience. Communication before the intervention is crucial, with a presentation message and a clearly defined framework. 3) A logistical environment that could hinder the audience's attention. The various tests (sound/light/technical) are crucial.
Logistics & organization
What technical setup I need on site
A video projector and a microphone if necessary (depending on the size of the room).
My tech rider or logistics document
No
How early I usually arrive before the event
It all depends on the travel, the schedule, it can be the same day, or the day before. In any case, one must immerse oneself in the space, feel the place.
Whether I travel internationally and if I need an interpreter
Yes, of course, English is my second native language.
My slides, filming, and reusing recordings
No, I cannot provide the material, the content is protected. You will not be able to film the entire conference, however, you will be able to make some recordings.
My availability before/after, networking, meet & greet
Absolutely, it is always a privilege and a joy to interact with participants and answer their questions.
Working together
Why organizers like working with me
I believe, without exaggeration, that I am reliable, adaptable, and responsive. Human relationships are at the heart of my professional activity.
