Book Review: Hacking Humans by Christopher Hadnagy

Christopher Hadnagy’s Human Hacking is one of those books that makes you stop and think—about how you show up, how you connect, and how you leave people feeling after an interaction. It’s not just about influence; it’s about impact.

What Makes It Worth Reading;

Hadnagy’s background in social engineering gives him a unique lens on human behavior. But instead of using those insights for manipulation, he flips the script and shows how you can use them to build trust, connect better, and genuinely help people. The book is full of real stories, practical tips, and little “missions” that push you to try things out in the real world.

Big Takeaways;

- Influence doesn’t have to be shady—it can be kind, honest, and helpful.

- Understanding your own communication style (and others’) makes everything smoother.

- Nonverbal stuff—body language, tone, eye contact—matters way more than we think.

- Building rapport isn’t magic; it’s a skill you can learn.

- You’ll also learn how to spot when someone’s trying to manipulate you, and how to protect yourself.

What It’s Like to Read;

It’s super approachable. Hadnagy writes like he’s talking to you, not lecturing. The missions sprinkled throughout the book are a great way to turn ideas into action—like starting a conversation with a stranger or noticing how your posture affects how people respond to you.

The whole vibe is: you can learn this, and you can use it to make life better for yourself and others. It’s empowering without being preachy.

Who Should Check It Out;

- Leaders and managers who want to build stronger teams

- Sales, support, or service folks who rely on trust and connection

- Coaches, mentors, and educators who want to deepen their impact

- Anyone who wants to communicate better and build stronger relationships

Final Thoughts;

Human Hacking isn’t just a book about influence—it’s a guide to being more intentional, more aware, and more human. If you’re into personal growth, leadership, or just want to be better at connecting with people, this one’s worth your time.

110% ConZo approved read, for anyone in tech and service, whether you're in cyber, helpdesk or a school janitor - this is a must read for all.