Improved decision-making, stronger leadership skills, and a heightened capacity for innovation are some of the key business benefits reported by users of psychedelics in Australia and the US.

The findings come from a landmark research report launched by Dr Catriona Wallace and conducted by research company Fifth Quadrant in Sydney.

Based on a survey of 1500 people (750 respondents in Australia, 750 in the US), the findings highlight that many users of psychedelics such as MDMA, LSD, and Psilocybin report a positive impact on their professional lives.

Of those surveyed, 34% said they had already used a psychedelic or hallucinogenic substance while a further 7% indicated they would consider such usage.

Of the 59% who said they would not consider taking psychedelics, 30% nominated personal beliefs and their lifestyle as the primary reason. Others included a lack of interest (22%) and safety concerns (18%).

“The report, Cultural Insights into Contemporary Psychedelics, shows usage of and interest in psychedelics is already more widespread that many in the business community might realise,” said psychedelics advocate and author Dr Catriona Wallace.

“The significant benefits reported by many users makes this trend worthy of closer examination.” said Wallace.

Popular Psychedelic Choices Among Participants

When it comes to the type of psychedelic used, 48% of users nominated MDMA as their preferred choice. A further 19% said that, while they had not yet used a psychedelic, they would consider trying it.

LSD was the second favoured choice, nominated by 46% of users with an additional 22% considering it. Psilocybin and Ketamine rounded out the top four positions, used by 43% and 22% of respondents respectively.

Despite the apparent popularity of psychedelics, reported regular usage remains relatively low. Just 13% of current users partake of MDMA regularly or occasionally and 12% of Psilocybin. LSD is taken regularly or occasionally by 10% of users while Ketamine is used by 7% of survey respondents.

Motivational Factors Driving Psychedelic Use

Asked to nominate the primary factors that motivate their use – or potential use – of psychedelics, 60% of non-recreational users cited improved work performance and 55% stronger leadership skills.

The potential for enhanced creativity was nominated by 67% and for support for personal development by 73% of the group.

The data also shows significant positive changes in empathy (63% net positive) and decision-making abilities (51% net positive) which also suggests potential pathways for enhancing key leadership capabilities. 

52% of non-recreational users also report lasting positive effects in self-awareness suggesting opportunities to better understand how these qualities contribute to individual effectiveness and growth. 

Furthermore, 52% of non-recreational users reported lasting improvements in leadership skills for more than a month, compared to just 35% of recreational users.

With 76% also experiencing a stronger ability to generate new ideas, the findings point to powerful implications for how organisations might cultivate innovative thinking.

There are also benefits for personal relationships with 46% citing that psychedelics are a positive force for good indicating implications for improved collaboration and communication in the workplace.  Indeed, 46% cite better ability to generate new ideas and better decision making.

Respondents also see significant potential for psychedelics to enhance creativity and innovation, particularly in the technology and arts sectors with 74% of non-recreational users citing that psychedelic drugs enhance creativity and innovation transformation. 

The Political Arena

In the political arena, 41% of all participants agreed that Donald Trump would be a more inclusive leader if he participated in a guided psychedelic experience.

Other motivational factors highlighted by surveyed non-recreational users included potential physical health benefits (78%), potential mental health benefits (81%), and better connection with other people (64%).

“It’s clear that psychedelics can play a positive role in the business world,” said Dr Wallace.

“Rather than simply being a recreational activity, taking them appears to enhance key skills such as communication, leadership, and innovation.”

Integration into healthcare frameworks

Among the survey sample, there was strong support for the integration of psychedelic substances into the mainstream healthcare system.

Of those who responded, 64% agreed that their usage should be part of mainstream healthcare under professional supervision. In addition, 58% agreed that the pharmaceutical industry should play a leading role in developing and distributing psychedelic therapies.

“Well considered and professionally supported provision of these psychedelic substances appears to have widespread support,” said Dr Wallace. “This would also help to overcome the barriers that restrict access.”

Asked to nominate the main factors that made accessing the psychedelics difficult, 53% of survey respondents pointed to legal restrictions. The high cost of psychedelics was flagged by 40% while 33% nominated the difficulty in finding a qualified guide or practitioner.

“Further exploration needs to be undertaken of the potential benefits that psychedelics can have both on personal performance and workplace relations,”

“I urge Australia’s medical sector and law makers to thoroughly assess the role these substances can potentially play in the future.” Dr Wallace said

The research findings align with themes explored in Dr Wallace’s forthcoming book, “Rapid Transformation: Shape the Future Now with Ancient Ritual, Awakened Thinking and Emerging Technology”, published by John Wiley & Sons, 

It presents a groundbreaking framework for modern leadership that combines ancient wisdom with emerging technologies 

The book introduces three essential pillars for guiding individuals, organisations and society through uncertain times, including how altered states of consciousness, using techniques such as plant medicine and psychedelic, can unlock clarity, connection and purpose to open new pathways for leadership.

It also explores how ancient and indigenous rituals can help ground leadership and navigate uncertainty, while leveraging AI to accelerate visionary transformation.