The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics 551. The Power Trap: Understanding How Leadership Shapes Our Minds
Nov 20, 2025
Nick Kinley, a psychologist and leadership expert with a rich background in forensic psychotherapy, dives into how power shapes leaders. He reveals the six common effects of power, like increased impulsivity and reduced empathy, which significantly impact decision-making. Kinley argues that it's the fear of losing power that leads to poor choices, not power itself. He provides practical strategies for leaders to mitigate these effects, emphasizing the necessity of accountability and open communication in organizations.
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From Forensic Therapy To Corporate Leadership
- Nick retrained as a forensic psychotherapist and worked in prisons assessing release risk and behavior change.
- He later moved into corporate roles at BP and Barclays and now consults globally on leadership and culture.
Hiring Assumes Static Leaders—Wrong
- Nick noticed organizations assume 'what you see is what you get' when hiring leaders, ignoring how roles change people.
- That observation spurred his research into how leadership and power transform individuals over time.
Power Activates And Enables Risk
- Power activates people: it increases impulsivity, optimism, decisiveness, and risk-taking.
- These enabling effects help leaders act but also make risky strategies and impulsive choices more likely.
