The Secret Weapon CEOs Are Using to Unlock Peak Leadership Performance

What question is this article answering? 

Can psychedelic use actually lead to long-term leadership skill development and workplace productivity?

Synopsis

Current studies and accounts suggest an unexpected connection between psychedelic use and enhanced leadership potential. In a 2024 survey, 52% of working professionals attributed long-term company leadership enhancement to their psychedelic use, with 76% noting increased creativity [1]. In this piece, we'll explore the evidence for these assertions, seeing how psychedelics can impact creativity, productivity, and general leadership ability. We'll delve into the science of how these drugs affect the brain and consider the potential benefits and risks of using psychedelics for leadership training.

Can Psychedelics Unlock Your Inner Leader?

In today's ruthless business world, leaders are constantly searching for an edge. From executive coaching to mindfulness retreats, the quest for better leadership skills is a multi-billion dollar business. What if, though, one of the most promising leadership development tools wasn't in a boardroom, but rather in a tab of LSD or a psilocybin mushroom? Growing numbers of professionals, from Silicon Valley executives to Wall Street traders, are turning to psychedelics not for a wild trip but for a mental and creative boost that they claim carries over into more productive leadership.

It might sound like a radical notion, but taking drugs to get ahead is an ancient one. We utilize coffee to stay focused and attentive, and some even use prescription medication to modulate attention and mood. The idea of using psychedelics for career development is simply a modern, and perhaps more potent, extension of this very old human practice. The most significant difference is the profound and often life-changing experiences psychedelics are known to induce, which can lead to lasting changes in perspective, creativity, and emotional intelligence – qualities that are vital to exceptional leadership.

In a recent survey of 1,500 professionals, over half of them credited their psychedelic experiences with long-term improvement in their leadership abilities [1]. A staggering 76% reported a major improvement in creativity, a trait that is quickly becoming valuable in a rapidly changing world [1]. These are not anecdotal accounts from some peripheral group of bio-hackers. This is a growing trend within mainstream professionals attempting to tap into their entire selves, and they believe psychedelics can take them there.

Yet how can a psychedelic experience possibly result in better leadership? The answer may lie in the way these drugs affect the brain. In a study published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2023, psychedelic use was discovered to be associated with higher workplace presence and better self-awareness in executives [2]. Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD have been discovered to increase brain connectivity, allowing different parts of the brain to communicate with each other more easily. This can lead to new insights, creative breakthroughs, and a more holistic way of thinking. For a leader, this can mean new solutions to complex problems, a more creative and collaborative team culture, and the development of a more visionary and inspirational leadership style. 

It is not, obviously, all about one life-changing trip. Professionals are now using microdosing, or taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics, to enhance everyday performance. A 2019 study in Psychopharmacology found personality trait, mental health, and creativity differences among microdosers that were considerable compared to non-users [5]. The therapeutic advantages of microdosing, as reported by users, are enhanced focus, greater creativity, and reduced anxiety, all without the intense psychoactive experience of a full dose. Although the scientific studies of microdosing are in their early phases, many individuals attest to its promise of enhancing their productivity and overall well-being, which can have a direct influence on their efficacy as leaders.

The business world is also taking note. There was a study in 2024 that reported on the growing use of LSD among business professionals, with significant growth following the recent renaissance of scientific research into psychedelics [3]. There has even been some research on psychedelics and entrepreneurship, where they have been suggested to play a possible role in fostering creativity and thinking outside the box in business [4]. One must be cautious not to get too excited about this, though.

Psychedelics are powerful medicine, and they aren't without risks. The legalities of psychedelics are complex and vary greatly from location to location. Further, the long-term consequences of psychedelic use, particularly in the context of professional work, are not yet fully known. One should be aware of the potential for adverse psychological responses and prioritize safety and harm reduction.

Finally, whether psychedelics can make you a better leader is a complicated question with no simple answer. The anecdotal evidence is persuasive, and the nascent scientific studies are encouraging. But it is a journey that must be embarked upon with caution, due diligence, and a profound respect for the potential of these substances. As the conversation around psychedelics continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see a growing recognition of their potential to not only heal, but to enhance our capacities as leaders and human beings.

References

1. IT Brief. (2024). Psychedelics seen to boost creativity, leadership at work. https://itbrief.com.au/story/psychedelics-seen-to-boost-creativity-leadership-at-work

2. Simonsson, O., Stenfors, C. U. D., Goldberg, S. B., & Grosse, J. (2023). Altered states of leadership: mindfulness meditation, psychedelic use, and leadership development. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1151626. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1151626/full

3. Korman, B. A. (2024). The rising use of LSD among business managers. Substance Use & Misuse, 59(1), 1-7. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2023.2267105

4. Silver, L. S. (2020). Turn on, tune in, drop in: Psychedelics, creativity and entrepreneurship. American Journal of Management, 20(3), 24-34. http://www.na-businesspress.com/AJM/AJM20-3/2_SilverFinal.pdf

5. Anderson, T., Petranker, R., Rosenbaum, D., Weissman, C. R., Dinh-Williams, L. A., Hui, K., & Farb, N. A. (2019). Microdosing psychedelics: personality, mental health, and creativity differences in microdosers. Psychopharmacology, 236(2), 731-740. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-018-5106-2

Disclaimer: Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy has not been approved by any regulatory agencies in the United States, and the safety and efficacy are still not formally established at the time of this writing.