E327 | Psychopaths in Business with Kevin Dutton

In this conversation, Kevin Dutton explores the fascinating world of cognitive flexibility and how adaptability in decision-making can pave the way to success in business. Known for his groundbreaking work on psychopathy, Dr Kevin Dutton is a British psychologist now working down at the University of Adelaide in Australia. He's the author of a number of books including, Flipnosis: The Art of Split Second Persuasion, Wisdom of Psychopaths, and A Good Psycho's Guide to Success (co-authored with Andy McNabb).

Kevin shares his unique perspective on psychopathic traits, likening them to a mixing desk of personality settings. We'll delve into his thoughts on "precision-engineered psychopathy," the benefits of certain psychopathic traits in professions, and the crucial distinction between "good" and "bad" psychopaths. From humorous anecdotes to profound insights, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions. Whether you're curious about how low empathy scores impact leadership or how Kevin's fearless nature led him to the brink of risk-taking, this conversation promises to enlighten and entertain.

Takeaways

• Cognitive flexibility is crucial and the importance of adapting decision-making strategies.
• Precision-engineered Psychopathy can be advantageous in specific professions, from surgeons to CEOs.
• Decoupling emotion from behaviour in difficult conversations
• Unpack the distinctions between harmful and beneficial psychopathic traits.
• Empathy types and their impact.
• Psychopath Quiz: Test where you fall on the psychopathy spectrum with Kevin’s personality test!

Timestamps

(00:00) Being a Good Psychopath with Kevin Dutton.

(04:17) Public understanding of psychology.

(05:19) Why study psychopaths?

(08:03) Kevin’s upbringing and journey.

(13:08) Defining “psychopath”: traits and stereotypes.

(18:12) Hot empathy and cold empathy.

(20:40) Quiz: Are You A Psychopath?

(26:21) Measuring psychopathic personality.

(28:07) Training traits and emotion regulation.

(33:42) Tips for making difficult conversations in business.

(37:49) Quick Fire Questions.

(45:41) Book Recommendations.

About Kevin Dutton

Professor Kevin Dutton, PhD, FBPsS, is one of the world’s foremost authorities on psychopaths. Having spent the last twenty years at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, he was appointed in 2022 as Australia’s first Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Adelaide. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society.

Kevin is the author of the acclaimed bestsellers Flipnosis: The Art of Split-Second Persuasion, The Wisdom of Psychopaths: Lessons in Life from Saints, Spies and Serial Killers, The Good Psychopath’s Guide to Success (with Andy McNab), and Black and White Thinking: The Burden of a Binary Brain in a Complex World. The Wisdom of Psychopaths saw him awarded a ‘Best American Science and Nature Writing prize, and Black and White Thinking was nominated by the Big Ideas Club as one of the must-read non-fiction titles of 2021.

Kevin’s work has been translated worldwide into over twenty-five languages, and his writing and research have been featured in Scientific American, New Scientist, the Guardian, the Times, Psychology Today, the New York Times, the Wall St Journal, the Washington Post, Newsweek, Slate, USA Today among other publications. He regularly publishes in leading international scientific journals and speaks at conferences around the world.

Alongside his academic commitments, Kevin also consults in the elite sport, business, and military sectors and often appears on radio, TV, and podcasts. He also co-hosts the podcast Psycho Schizo Espresso with Iron Maiden front man, Bruce Dickinson.

Find out more about Kevin and his work on drkevindutton.com.

🔍 Are You a Psychopath? Find Out Now! 🔍

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Follow Kevin Dutton

Website: www.drkevindutton.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profkevindutton 

X: https://x.com/therealdrkev?mx=2 

Psycho Schizo Espresso Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh2-FHcUx_3kaOgUNXeNSaw/featured 

Books by Kevin Dutton

The Wisdom of the Psychopaths: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0099551063/ 

Flipnosis: The Art of Split-Second Persuasion: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flipnosis-Split-Second-Persuasion-Kevin-Dutton/dp/0099505622/ 

The Good Psychopath's Guide to Success: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Psychopaths-Guide-Success-Psychopath/dp/0552171069/ 

Black and White Thinking: The Burden of a Binary Brain in a Complex World: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-White-Thinking-matters-collide-ebook/dp/B07YYXN42R 

Sorted!: The Good Psychopath’s Guide to Bossing Your Life: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sorted-Psychopaths-Guide-Bossing-Psychopath/dp/0593075579/ 

Book Recommendations

Switchcraft by Elaine Fox

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business