The CEO’s That Swear By Psychedelics

Microdosing has gained popularity in recent years as a biohack to optimise professional performance, improve cognitive function and aid mental wellbeing.

In recent years, a growing number of CEOs and Silicon Valley leaders have spoken openly about microdosing doses of psychedelics, particularly LSD and psilocybin mushrooms, to boost their creativity, focus, and mental wellbeing.

Today we are going to highlight 3 prominent CEOs who attribute their success in part to microdosing.

1. Steve Jobs (Apple): 

The late visionary behind Apple credited LSD as an important influence on his creative process and problem-solving abilities.

In a 1988 interview with Playboy magazine, Jobs said, "Taking LSD was a profound experience, one of the most important things in my life. LSD shows you that there's another side to the coin, and you can't remember it when it wears off, but you know it. It reinforced my sense of what was important, creating great things instead of making money, putting things back into the stream of history and of human consciousness as much as I could."

Jobs' experimentation with LSD and other psychedelics took place in the 1970s, during his time as a student at Reed College and in the years that followed. He believed that these experiences helped him to think differently, challenge conventional wisdom, and see the world from new perspectives.

Many have speculated that Jobs' use of psychedelics played a role in the innovative thinking that led to the creation of revolutionary products like the Apple II, Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

Whilst it is impossible to draw a direct link between his success with Apple and psychedelic experiences, there is growing scientific evidence that suggests psychedelics like LSD can enhance creative thinking and problem solving. Recent studies have shown that Psychedelics can promote neuroplasticity, increase openness to new ideas and facilitate “outside of the box” thinking.

2. Tim Ferriss (Author & Investor): 

Tim Ferriss, the bestselling author, podcaster, and investor, is another prominent figure who has spoken openly about his use of psychedelics, particularly in the context of microdosing. Ferriss, who is known for his self-experimentation and optimisation of personal performance, has been a vocal advocate for the responsible use of psychedelics for therapeutic and cognitive benefits.

In various interviews and blog posts, Ferriss has discussed his experiences with microdosing psilocybin mushrooms and LSD. He has reported benefits such as improved mood, increased creativity, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and greater resilience to stress and anxiety. Ferriss has also credited microdosing with helping him to overcome writer's block and be more productive in his work.

In a 2015 interview with CNN, he stated, "I am certainly not encouraging people to use psychedelics recreationally, but it's absolutely clear that these compounds have incredible medicinal and therapeutic potential." He has emphasised the importance of using psychedelics responsibly, in a safe and controlled setting, and under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Ferriss has used his platform to raise awareness about the potential benefits of psychedelics and to advocate for more research and legal access to these substances. In 2016, he hosted a live televised fundraiser called "Psychedelic Science" in partnership with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).

In his books and podcast, Ferriss has interviewed numerous experts in the field of psychedelics, including scientists, therapists, and advocates. He has used these conversations to educate his audience about the history, science, and potential applications of psychedelics, as well as to dispel myths and misconceptions about these substances.

Ferriss' openness about his own psychedelic use and his advocacy for responsible research and regulation have helped to destigmatize psychedelics and bring attention to their potential therapeutic and cognitive benefits. His influence as a thought leader and public figure has contributed to the growing mainstream interest in psychedelics and the push for more scientific research in this area.

3. Paul Austin (The Third Wave):

Paul Austin is the founder and CEO of The Third Wave, a media company and online platform dedicated to providing education, resources, and community support around the responsible use of psychedelics. Austin's journey into the world of psychedelics began with a transformative experience with psilocybin mushrooms in 2015, which led him to explore the potential benefits of microdosing.

Austin started experimenting with microdosing LSD and psilocybin as a way to enhance his cognitive performance, creativity, and emotional well-being. He reported experiencing increased focus, improved mood, and greater resilience to stress and anxiety. These positive effects inspired him to create The Third Wave as a way to share his knowledge and connect with others interested in the responsible use of psychedelics.

Through The Third Wave, Austin has become a leading voice in the psychedelic community, providing educational content, online courses, and coaching services related to microdosing and psychedelic integration. He has also hosted numerous events, workshops, and retreats aimed at fostering personal growth and transformation through the mindful use of psychedelics.

Austin has been particularly vocal about the potential benefits of microdosing for entrepreneurs and leaders. He has spoken about how microdosing has helped him to think more creatively, communicate more effectively, and manage the challenges and stresses of running a company. In a 2020 interview with Forbes, Austin stated, "Microdosing has been a tool that has allowed me to show up as a better leader, a better CEO, a better partner, and ultimately a better human being."

In addition to his work with The Third Wave, Austin has also been involved in advocacy efforts to promote responsible psychedelic use and reform drug policies. He has spoken at conferences, appeared on podcasts, and collaborated with other organisations in the psychedelic space to raise awareness and support research.

However, Austin has also been cautious to emphasise that microdosing is not a panacea and that it should be approached with intention, preparation, and respect for the power of these substances. He has stressed the importance of starting with a low dose, tracking one's experiences, and being mindful of potential risks and interactions with other medications or health conditions.

As the conversation around psychedelics continues to evolve, Paul Austin and The Third Wave remain at the forefront of efforts to educate the public, destigmatize these substances, and promote their responsible use for personal and collective healing and transformation.

Final Thoughts: 

Clearly, psychedelics have had a significant impact on these CEOs and their professional lives. From Steve Jobs' early experimentation with LSD to the growing trend of microdosing among Silicon Valley leaders, it's evident that psychedelics have played a role in shaping the mindsets and approaches of some of the most influential figures in business and technology.

The experiences of these CEOs suggest that psychedelics, when used responsibly and with intention, have the potential to enhance creativity, problem-solving, emotional well-being, and leadership abilities. By promoting neuroplasticity, increasing openness to new ideas, and facilitating insights and perspective shifts, psychedelics may offer a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.

As scientific research into psychedelics continues to expand and the conversation around these substances evolves, we may see more leaders and public figures coming forward to share their experiences.

The future of psychedelics and microdosing looks bright, if you’ve had any personal experiences with microdosing tell us about it below!