The Neuroscience of Psychopathy: Trust and Deception

We like to think of psychopathy as something rare and monstrous, the stuff of true crime documentaries. The research says otherwise. It shows up as a stable slice of every population ever studied, across cultures, eras and continents. Most of those people never commit a crime. They become your charismatic new hire, your investor, your co-founder, your partner. The initial charm is real. So is what comes after it. Prof Adolf Tobeña has spent his career mapping the brain circuits and hormonal machinery behind predatory behaviour, and the flipside question that matters just as much: how the rest of us decide who to trust, and why we are so easy to fool. Trust is a fast, ancient, largely unconscious calculation. Manipulators are extremely good at hijacking it. In this Growth Lab LIVE session, Adolf takes you inside the neurobiology of deception and the "dark triad" of psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism. You will look at what separates violent offenders from the polished white collar operators who cause far more damage, why women's manipulation patterns look different from men's, and what the evidence really says about whether any of it can be changed. Expect a serious, unsentimental take on a topic that usually gets sensationalised. Adolf Tobeña is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, where he led the Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine for two decades. He is the author of Neurología de la maldad and Manipuladores, has published 15 books and over 160 papers, and won the European Science Communication award in 2004. What you'll learn How to spot the behavioural signatures of manipulation early, before the cost lands on you or your business Why charm is the first tactic, not a personality trait, and what usually follows it What brain imaging and hormonal research actually reveal about predatory behaviour, and where the science stops Why highly manipulative people cluster in leadership, finance and politics, and what that means for how you hire and partner How your own trust instincts work, and the specific conditions that make them easiest to exploit Agenda: 1845h - Doors open 1900h - Talk starts 1945h - Q&A 2015h - Drinks & Networking​Growth Lab: Unlock Your Potential Join us at Growth Lab, where ambitious minds gather to explore ideas that fuel personal and professional growth. Each session dives into powerful strategies and insights across psychology, philosophy, longevity, economics, and cutting-edge tech — designed to help you unlock your best self. Expect thought-provoking talks, interactive discussions, and a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to bettering themselves. Whether you're seeking inspiration, new skills, or meaningful connections, Growth Lab is your space to grow. Follow us on Instagram: @GrowthlabliveApply to Speak HEREApply to Sponsor HERE