Dr. Phelps on Solving Problems, Building Trust, and Creating Value in Business.”
The Science of Influence – How Dr. Christopher Phelps is Redefining Leadership and Growth
Dr. Christopher Phelps shares his journey from dentistry to entrepreneurship, revealing how ethical influence, strategic thinking, and leadership helped him build successful businesses and inspire others to achieve growth.
In the competitive world of entrepreneurship, success often hinges on the ability to influence, inspire, and innovate. Few understand this better than Dr. Christopher Phelps, a dentist-turned-entrepreneur who has built multiple thriving businesses while championing the power of ethical influence.
In an exclusive interview with Entrepreneur Prime Magazine, Dr. Phelps shared his journey from running a dental practice to becoming a global authority on influence and business growth. “I never set out to be an entrepreneur,” he admits. “But as I started solving problems in my own practice, I realized I had a knack for creating systems and strategies that could help others too.”
Dr. Phelps’ entrepreneurial journey began with his dental practice, which he grew exponentially by focusing on patient retention and innovative marketing strategies. However, his true breakthrough came when he discovered the science of influence. As a Cialdini Method Certified Trainer, he mastered the principles of persuasion and applied them to his businesses. “Influence isn’t about selling—it’s about understanding what motivates people and creating value for them,” he explains.
“Leadership is about empowering others to see their potential and achieve more than they thought possible.” – Dr. Phelps
This mindset has been the cornerstone of his success. From launching a dental membership program to authoring best-selling books like Grow Your Dental Membership Plan and The COMPLETE Book On Dental Marketing, Dr. Phelps has consistently focused on solving real-world problems for his audience.
When asked about the challenges of entrepreneurship, Dr. Phelps is refreshingly candid. “Time management was my biggest hurdle,” he says. “I was trying to do too much at once. It wasn’t until I started focusing on one business at a time that I saw real growth.” This lesson has shaped his approach to leadership, where he emphasizes clarity, accountability, and leveraging team members’ strengths.
One of the tools he swears by is the Kolbe Index, which helps identify individuals’ natural problem-solving instincts. By aligning his team’s roles with their strengths, Dr. Phelps has created a culture of productivity and innovation. “When people are in the right roles, they’re not just more effective—they’re happier too,” he notes.
“The science of influence is a tool every entrepreneur should master to drive growth and build meaningful relationships.” – Dr. Phelps
As the CEO of the Cialdini Institute, Dr. Phelps is now on a mission to bring the science of influence to entrepreneurs worldwide. His work includes training business leaders, funding behavioural science research, and exploring emerging concepts like “post-suasion.” “The future of influence is about creating environments where people feel empowered to make decisions that benefit everyone involved,” he says.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Dr. Phelps offers this advice: “Focus on creating value. Whether it’s for your customers, your team, or your community, success comes from solving problems and building trust.”
Dr. Phelps’ story is a testament to the power of ethical influence and strategic thinking. From his early days as a dentist to his current role as a global thought leader, he has consistently demonstrated that entrepreneurship is about more than just profits—it’s about making a positive impact.
As the interview concludes, Dr. Phelps leaves us with a powerful thought: “True success isn’t about what you achieve—it’s about how you help others achieve their goals.”
