Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold Ep. 530 - MAPS COO Steven Huang on Why Leaders Everywhere Are Turning to Psychedelics Now
In this episode, Cameron sits down with Steven Huang, the Director of Finance, People, IT, and Community at MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Steven helps lead global efforts to bring psychedelic research, policy reform, and public understanding into the mainstream, building on MAPS’ 40-year history at the forefront of mental health innovation.
Steven shares his unlikely path from life insurance actuary to Silicon Valley analyst to psychedelic industry operator, including how psychedelics shaped his career decisions, his leadership growth, and his move into the second-in-command role during a major organizational crisis. He and Cameron explore what the government is getting right, where the psychedelic movement is headed, and how MAPS balances scientific rigor with visionary cultural work.
If you’ve been watching psychedelics move from taboo to the TED stage to boardrooms and leadership circles, this conversation gives a rare inside look at the movement from someone steering the ship.
Timestamped Highlights
00:00 Steven opens with a core leadership lesson around self-belief.
01:28 Cameron introduces Steven and MAPS’ mission.
03:00 Cameron’s first encounter with Rick Doblin and the psychedelic space.
04:09 What MAPS is and how it’s shaped the psychedelic movement.
05:18 How cannabis legalization opened the door for psychedelic conversations.
07:23 Steven on public stigma shifting and psychedelics entering mainstream business culture.
09:00 Understanding MDMA therapy, ketamine, and where research is now.
11:41 Cameron’s personal experiences with psychedelic therapy.
12:44 How government perception and bipartisan interest are evolving.
14:45 How MAPS is funded and why conferences aren’t profit centers.
15:39 The path from MAPS to Lycos and Resilient Pharmaceuticals.
18:00 Real-world use: psilocybin dispensaries and psychedelic churches.
20:19 Where psychedelics help… and where clinical caution still matters.
22:20 The role of intention in therapeutic and recreational use.
24:32 Steven’s psychedelic-inspired career pivot from actuary to Facebook.
27:21 Cameron’s first MDMA experience and how it changed his worldview.
29:05 When company culture goes too far.
30:30 The challenge of leading a nonprofit in a regulated landscape.
33:16 The FDA setback and massive internal shift at MAPS.
37:04 Steven’s first encounter with Rick Doblin and the reality of working with a visionary founder.
39:00 Steven’s advice to his younger self.
Resources & Mentions
- MDMA-assisted therapy
- Ketamine therapy
- Psilocybin
- Ayahuasca
- Psychedelic Science Conference
- Resilient Pharmaceuticals (formerly Lykos Therapeutics)
- Rick Doblin
About the Guest
Steven Huang is the Director of Finance, People, IT, and Community at MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. With a background spanning actuarial science, Facebook’s people analytics team, and diversity leadership roles across Silicon Valley, Steven brings a rare mix of analytical rigor and human-centered leadership to one of the most complex and culturally significant organizations in mental health and policy reform. His work today sits at the intersection of science, policy, and healing, helping MAPS navigate growth, government regulation, organizational change, and the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
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The Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.