28: Neuropsychoanalysis with Mark Solms

Mark is a pioneer in the field of neuroscience founding the term Neuropsychoanalysis.  In this very rich discussion Mark shares his insights into ‘where the brain meets the mind’.   Previously the neuroscience focus was to study the brain in terms of cognition and behaviour, yet Mark saw that this missed out on what is really astonishing about the brain, that it is an organ of feeling, emotion and subjectivity.  Marks research is extensive, and the application to organisations and leadership is discussed in this podcast.  For example, through his research he shares his findings of how our brains are conditioned towards play in groups, as well as competition.  Play and hierarchy are both part of the same behavioural pattern, where an essential part of play is to act out group dominance.  However Mark describes the 60-40 rule, if an individual dominates play for more than 60% of the time, the play ends- it’s not fun anymore! If we look at leadership through this lens, we see how leaders who are too dominant and too controlling soon lose their followership. Mark’s latest book with excellent reviews is  Hidden Spring A journey to the source of consciousness

 

BIO Mark Solms is a South African psychoanalyst and neuropsychologist.  He pioneers psychoanalytic methods in contemporary neuroscience founding the International Neuropsychoanalysis Society in 2000.  He holds many roles including the Chair of Neuropsychology at the University of Cape Town , Founding President of the South African Psychoanalytical Association. and Director of the Neuropsychoanalysis Foundation in New York.  In his free time Mark is a passionate wine maker, co-owning a vineyard cooperative.