Do narcissists make it to the top faster?

The Perks of Narcissism: How Star Behavior Accelerates CEO Ascent

Why do some people rise to the top—fast—while others with more experience or skill are left behind? In this episode of The Hidden Current, we dive deep into a fascinating study from The Leadership Quarterly (Rovelli & Curnis, 2021) that reveals how narcissistic behavior—grandiosity, dominance, charm, and bold risk-taking—can fast-track individuals to the CEO position.

We explore: ✅ What the research actually says
✅ Why narcissists succeed in leadership selection
✅ The difference between emergence and effectiveness
✅ Why family firms behave differently
✅ What this means for boards, HR, and aspiring leaders

Whether you’re leading a team, building your career, or just trying to understand power dynamics in the workplace—this is a breakdown you don’t want to miss.

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