Business travel: Why CEOs experiment with psychedelics

A small, faceless figure in a white tunic and a pointed hat pulled the curtain in front of Felix van de Sand, revealing a bright, colorful landscape. “Here, you can dance with fear,” the mysterious figure said, pointing to a scene filled with strange geometric patterns. Suddenly, Van de Sand was struck by a realization. The anxiety that has plagued him for most of his life is learned, and therefore he can be unlearned.

Van de Sand had been running the Munich-based software development company COBE for eight years when he first took the plant-based psychedelic ayahuasca. At the time, he was feeling “extremely exhausted” with his workload and was dealing with the aftermath of his divorce. These feelings of burnout led to the “call” that people who have taken psychedelics often describe as their initial urge to try psychedelics.

Having never taken a drug stronger than marijuana before, his fear eventually turned to curiosity after hearing about the positive experiences his friends had. The resulting experience was transformative. “Ayahuasca has made me more aware of my needs, patterns, fears, and which ones I can let go of,” he says. “It changed my insight and helped me understand how to handle things and put less pressure on myself.”

Van de Sand is not the first business leader to have a mind-altering experience. Elon Musk’s use of drugs such as the psychedelic LSD and magic mushrooms has caused concern for some of his company’s investors, and Steve Jobs remains revered by many in Silicon Valley. He said LSD had a “profound” effect on his life. However, it is important to remember that possession of such drugs remains illegal in many countries, including the UK.

In fact, Van de Sand’s experience was so life-changing that he invited three of his company’s managing directors for a second psychedelic adventure. “Once I told them about my experience, it was an easy sell,” he says. Van de Sand believed it would be a great bonding experience for him and his leadership team, but he admits it wasn’t.

“Sharing circles” where people discuss their experiences during altered states of consciousness felt more awkward than when he attended alone. “I wasn’t completely open because my peer group was getting in the way,” he added.

Some people report vomiting or defecating after drinking the first sip of a psychedelic decoction, and drinking with colleagues is sure to make you nervous. Van de Sand is still grateful to have had this shared experience, but next time he would encourage his colleagues to go separately.

Why do business leaders take hallucinogens?

Brandon Evans is the co-founder of 1heart, the company that organized Van de Sand’s trip. He says the company’s programs, which culminate with a trip to Costa Rica to ingest ayahuasca, are becoming increasingly popular among startup founders, entrepreneurs and executives.

“Many of the people signing up are in a period of transition. They may have had great careers in the corporate world and are now looking to work for more conscious companies or find new ways of doing business. Or maybe you’re an entrepreneur who has sold your company and is looking for inspiration for your next business,” he says.

1heart typically has 35 people enrolled in its program. A recent surge in demand prompted Evans to add two more trips to his schedule. “We’re definitely seeing more interest from people wanting to take part in these trips,” he says.

Van de Sands believes that the growing interest in psychedelics among entrepreneurs and business leaders is a result of a “growth mindset” that many share. “Entrepreneurs want to be the best versions of themselves, build great things, learn new things, and take risks,” he says. “This is a way for some people to become better leaders: to be more empathetic, honest, and open about their strengths and weaknesses.”

A new perspective on business

Alexandre Lang-Willar, founder and CEO of pet food delivery company Pawy, is another business leader who took 1heart’s psychedelic course. A former Goldman Sachs financial analyst, he felt unfulfilled and sought a career change in 2015.

He left the finance industry to join his father’s latest venture, a dating app called Invite and Meet, which has ambitions to compete with the likes of Tinder. The two worked together for three years until his father passed away suddenly on January 18, 2019. Sixteen days later, his older brother also died.

Langwiller remained grief-stricken. “My heart was breaking.” To begin the healing process, he joined Evans on a trip to Costa Rica to take ayahuasca. Langwiller says it was an experience that gave him a new perspective on life and changed his approach to business.

“It allowed me to completely let go of my internal obstacles and find true alignment with what I felt was the right way to offer my service to the world. ” he says. “You don’t have to be a Goldman Sachs guy who just plays around with ones and zeros. You too have a very expressive, artistic mind and can create great things. Masu.”

Shortly after the trip, Langwiller founded HIIT Tribe, an eco-friendly fitness studio that plants a tree every time someone attends a class. He remains committed to ensuring that each business he has founded since then brings good to the environment and community. For example, Pawy uses ingredients sourced from local farmers, as well as cuts of meat and oddly shaped vegetables not normally found in supermarkets. He also supports efforts to remove plastic from the ocean and donates a portion of his profits to animal charities.

What effects do psychedelics actually have?

David Elizzo, clinical director of the Center for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, has been researching the medical applications of psychedelic substances for the past 15 years and has identified changes made by Lang Willer and van de Sand. Many believe that this may be the result. A look at their experiments with psychedelics.

“The experiences people have as a result of ingesting these compounds can make them feel more connected to others and the wider world,” he says. “It usually creates a stronger connection to nature and a deeper sense of being part of something bigger.”

He believes these emotions have the power to challenge people’s beliefs, change their behavior, and inspire them to think and lead in new ways. “It often increases people’s tolerance for other ideas and values,” he added. “And it can stimulate creativity and new thinking, which can definitely be beneficial for business leaders.”

Changing attitudes towards psychedelics, along with psychedelic use by influential businessmen such as Mr. Musk and Mr. Jobs, may be convincing more people to experiment with these drugs, but the Possession remains illegal in most countries. However, these should not be seen as easy solutions to every challenge faced by business owners. While Van de Sands and Langwiller found the experience life-affirming and constructive, Elizzo said it could be “overwhelming” for some people and that he subsequently received psychological support. It warns that it may be necessary.

Business leaders should also be mindful of the signals such travel sends to other companies and how it is perceived by employees. “One or two people joked that we were going on a drug trip, and they probably thought it was a little weird,” Van de Sands admits.

While this may not be the case for all business leaders, it’s hard to criticize business leaders who turned to psychedelics during difficult times in their lives. A little experimentation might not be such a bad thing if it helps leaders become more empathetic and build businesses that improve the broader community.