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MEET THE TEAM
Dr. Robert Cialdini
Founder, Cialdini Institute
Bestselling Author of Influence and Pre-Suasion
Dr. Robert Cialdini is the Founder of the Cialdini Institute and one of the world’s leading authorities on the science of ethical influence. A Regents’ Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Marketing, he is best known for his groundbreaking books Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion and Pre-Suasion, which have shaped how leaders, organizations, and professionals understand persuasion.
His research introduced the globally recognized Principles of Persuasion and continues to guide people and organizations in applying influence with trust, clarity, and integrity. Through the Cialdini Institute, Dr. Cialdini’s work helps professionals use evidence-based persuasion to communicate better, build stronger relationships, and create meaningful results.
Samir Patel
Chairman
Samir Patel is a problem-solver and deal-maker at heart, thriving at the intersection of finance, education, and service. Whether guiding entrepreneurs, leading soldiers, or structuring complex deals, he is driven by a vision of building enduring enterprises that create value far beyond the balance sheet.
As the founder of Trophy Point Investment Group, a $100 million private debt fund specializing in real estate lending, Samir has built a reputation for structuring creative capital solutions that fuel growth while managing risk. His leadership in finance is defined not only by returns but by the trust and stability he creates for his investors and borrower clients.
Beyond the boardroom, Samir is an educator, teaching real estate entrepreneurship at Georgia State University at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. His courses emphasize practical tools, ethical frameworks, and the mindset to seize opportunities. He has also written a textbook on real estate entrepreneurship that combines case studies, financial models, and lessons from prominent industry figures, reinforcing his dedication to knowledge-sharing.
Samir's sense of duty is rooted in his service as a U.S. Army Reserve officer, where he has served for more than 15 years. He bought his first hotel while a cadet at West Point, and later served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Cavalry officer during five years on active duty. His dual commitment as both a private entrepreneur and military officer underscores his belief that discipline, adaptability, and service to others are the cornerstones of lasting impact.
Samir graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and holds master's degrees in Business Administration from Emory University and Commercial Real Estate from Georgia State University. He has been honored with multiple academic scholarships, including recognition as a Tillman Scholar, Buck Chandler Scholar, and Camp Veteran Scholar.
Eily-Jane (EJ) Cartwright
Operations Manager
Eily Cartwright splits her time between INFLUENCE AT WORK and the Cialdini Institute, two organizations dedicated to advancing the work of Dr. Robert Cialdini, the global leader in the science and practice of ethical influence. Having worked with Dr. Cialdini for more than 20 years, Eily brings deep experience in ethical influence, operations, customer relations, social psychology, and marketing.
As Chief Operating Officer at INFLUENCE AT WORK, Eily oversees operations and strategy, including Dr. Cialdini's social media, branding, public relations, event logistics, and coordination with trainers around the world. At the Cialdini Institute, she serves as Head of Customer Relations, developing strategies that maximize customer satisfaction, foster brand loyalty, and support long-term growth. She also works closely with customer-facing teams and helps bridge the connection between clients and the organization's products and services.
Outside of work, Eily enjoys cooking, exploring flea markets, and spending time by the pool with friends and family. She lives happily in Mesa, Arizona, with her partner, Andrew, and their three senior rescue Chihuahuas, Bella, Chico, and Percy. Eily also volunteers part time at the Arizona Museum of Natural History, where she draws on her background in archaeology as a stone-tool exhibit guide.
Vasu Singh
Business Manager
Vasu Singh is a Georgia State University graduate with a background in Economics and Computer Science. At CI, he supports operations, strategy, and business development by helping organize projects, build internal systems, streamline processes, and support key initiatives across the team. His work includes assisting with documentation, reporting, communications, and special projects that help CI operate more efficiently and grow with structure.
Outside of work, Vasu enjoys reading books and novels, diving into manga, and binge-watching shows and movies. He is also passionate about exploring new restaurants, trying different foods, and discovering new places. Curious by nature, Vasu brings that same love for learning, exploration, and creativity into both his personal life and his work at CI.
Samir Patel is a problem-solver and deal-maker at heart, thriving at the intersection of finance, education, and service. Whether guiding entrepreneurs, leading soldiers, or structuring complex deals, he is driven by a vision of building enduring enterprises that create value far beyond the balance sheet.
As the founder of Trophy Point Investment Group, a $100 million private debt fund specializing in real estate lending, Samir has built a reputation for structuring creative capital solutions that fuel growth while managing risk. His leadership in finance is defined not only by returns but by the trust and stability he creates for his investors and borrower clients.
Beyond the boardroom, Samir is an educator, teaching real estate entrepreneurship at Georgia State University at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. His courses emphasize practical tools, ethical frameworks, and the mindset to seize opportunities. He has also written a textbook on real estate entrepreneurship that combines case studies, financial models, and lessons from prominent industry figures, reinforcing his dedication to knowledge-sharing.
Samir's sense of duty is rooted in his service as a U.S. Army Reserve officer, where he has served for more than 15 years. He bought his first hotel while a cadet at West Point, and later served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Cavalry officer during five years on active duty. His dual commitment as both a private entrepreneur and military officer underscores his belief that discipline, adaptability, and service to others are the cornerstones of lasting impact.
Samir graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and holds master's degrees in Business Administration from Emory University and Commercial Real Estate from Georgia State University. He has been honored with multiple academic scholarships, including recognition as a Tillman Scholar, Buck Chandler Scholar, and Camp Veteran Scholar.
Eily Cartwright splits her time between INFLUENCE AT WORK and the Cialdini Institute, two organizations dedicated to advancing the work of Dr. Robert Cialdini, the global leader in the science and practice of ethical influence. Having worked with Dr. Cialdini for more than 20 years, Eily brings deep experience in ethical influence, operations, customer relations, social psychology, and marketing.
As Chief Operating Officer at INFLUENCE AT WORK, Eily oversees operations and strategy, including Dr. Cialdini's social media, branding, public relations, event logistics, and coordination with trainers around the world. At the Cialdini Institute, she serves as Head of Customer Relations, developing strategies that maximize customer satisfaction, foster brand loyalty, and support long-term growth. She also works closely with customer-facing teams and helps bridge the connection between clients and the organization's products and services.
Outside of work, Eily enjoys cooking, exploring flea markets, and spending time by the pool with friends and family. She lives happily in Mesa, Arizona, with her partner, Andrew, and their three senior rescue Chihuahuas, Bella, Chico, and Percy. Eily also volunteers part time at the Arizona Museum of Natural History, where she draws on her background in archaeology as a stone-tool exhibit guide.
Vasu Singh is a Georgia State University graduate with a background in Economics and Computer Science. At CI, he supports operations, strategy, and business development by helping organize projects, build internal systems, streamline processes, and support key initiatives across the team. His work includes assisting with documentation, reporting, communications, and special projects that help CI operate more efficiently and grow with structure.
Outside of work, Vasu enjoys reading books and novels, diving into manga, and binge-watching shows and movies. He is also passionate about exploring new restaurants, trying different foods, and discovering new places. Curious by nature, Vasu brings that same love for learning, exploration, and creativity into both his personal life and his work at CI.
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