Hannibal Lecter, CEO: New research likens entrepreneurs to psychopaths

Entrepreneurs have been found to share many characteristics with psychopaths, in a new study conducted by one of Australia’s top business schools.

Fearlessness, insensitivity to punishment and boldness are some of the characteristics shared by psychopaths and entrepreneurs.

The study, conducted by PhD student Benjamin Walker and professor of business psychology Chris Jackson from the University of New South Wales Australian School of Business, shows while psychopaths are perceived as menaces to society, the same characteristics in entrepreneurs allow them to be risk-taking and more likely to succeed in business.