Jason Harris is the co-founder and CEO/President of creative agency Mekanism—his new book The Soulful Art of Persuasionlaunched in September on The Wall Street Journal’s bestseller list for business books.

In The Soulful Art of Persuasion, Jason believes that persuasion usually isn't about facts and argument. It's about personal character—for that reason, it’s vital to become the kind of person that others want to agree with and be around. He offers a guide with 11 key character-building habits that are essential to becoming original, generous, empathetic, and soulful (sharing an attached overview as well).

Jason has more than 20 years of expertise building provocative campaigns and engaging audiences for iconic brands like Peloton, Ben & Jerry’s, HBO, MedMen, and the United Nations—he also worked with the Obama White House and Joe Biden on the “It’s On Us” campaign. Through instructive and entertaining stories, Harris pulls from his personal and professional experiences to demonstrate how people can become master influencers in their own lives, build better relationships with others, and achieve sustained personal growth and professional success.

Show Highlights:

I look at pitches and work not as transactional, but thinking of them over time. Every time I hear a no, I hear a no for right now. I try to maintain those relationships —Jason HarrisCollecting stories about yourself and your business is a way to be vulnerable. —Jason HarrisWhen you give things away without expecting something back, sometimes it does come back in strange and interesting ways. —Jason HarrisIt's important to take time and be grateful for what you have and the journey you're on. That comes through when you're working with others in a calming way. —Jason HarrisIf you're in a moment of crisis, you may need to ask for help. —Jason HarrisWrite down on a piece of paper three skills that you have and three things you care about in the world. Soon, they'll morph into an idea of how you can use your skills to do good. When you have that to fall back on, career setbacks aren't as demoralizing because you are helping others. That, to me, can sustain the roller coaster and turmoil that businesses can have. —Jason HarrisWe need to become better persuaders because life is a series of persuasion activities every day. —Jason HarrisPersuasion is about positivity, your character, and your belief systems that we put out there. —Jason Harris

Jason's final thoughts: In your job or career, it's really important to share the stage and bring others along with you. Realize people who have helped you along the way. Those are ways to be more empathetic and look out for other people. That's a learned characteristic that can be practiced and learned over time.

The Action Catalyst is a weekly podcast hosted by Dan Moore, President of Southwestern Advantage, the oldest direct-sales company in America, and Partner with Southwestern Consulting. With more than 45 years in sales leadership and marketing management, Dan has a wealth of knowledge to share on how to make better use of time to achieve life, sales, and other business goals. Each week, he interviews some of the nation’s top thought leaders and experts, sharing meaningful tips and advice. Subscribe on iTunes and please leave a rating and review!