Power In Excellence

Why do intelligent people follow the crowd? Why do we trust some people instinctively and distrust others? How can a teenager with a smartphone influence millions of purchasing decisions? And how did ordinary people become involved in one of the most disturbing tragedies of the twentieth century? In this episode of The Unseen Advantage , Dr John McMahon explores the psychology of influence—the inv...

The Interview: Haleh Fardi, Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, ProCFO Partners What does a CFO actually do—and why do so many organisations wait too long to bring one into the business? In this episode of the Power in Excellence Podcast, Dr John sits down with Haleh Fardi, Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of  ProCFO Partners, for a candid discussion about the evolving role of the CFO...

We like to think we know who we are. But what if that “identity” is less of a truth… and more of a story that our brain has rehearsed so often, it stopped asking whether it’s accurate? In this episode of The Unseen Advantage , Dr John explores one of the most powerful—and limiting—psychological forces shaping our behaviour: identity. Why do we stay stuck in patterns that no longer serve us? Why do...

What does it really take to lead when the pressure isn’t just professional… but personal? In this episode of the Power in Excellence Podcast , Dr John sits down with Shivana Laughlin, CEO of International Shipping Limited in Trinidad and Tobago, for a candid conversation about leadership in one of the most demanding environments imaginable. This isn’t just a story about business. It’s a story abou...

Why do smart, capable people keep pushing harder… and still not get the result? In this episode of The Unseen Advantage , Dr John explores one of the most subtle and costly traps in leadership, performance, and decision-making: the illusion of control. Drawing on the groundbreaking research of Ellen Langer , alongside behavioural science from gambling psychology and organisational performance, thi...

Conflict isn’t the problem. Avoided conflict is. In this episode of The Unseen Advantage , Dr John explores why the most effective teams don’t avoid disagreement — they use it to think better, decide faster, and perform at a higher level. Because behind every tense meeting, awkward silence, or “let’s take this offline” moment… there’s usually something more important going unsaid. You’ll discover:...

In this episode of The Unseen Advantage , we explore why trust is not a soft leadership virtue but the invisible infrastructure of every organisation . When trust is strong, teams speak openly, surface problems early, and collaborate freely. When it weakens, conversations become cautious, ideas arrive pre-packaged, and silence quietly replaces candour. Dr John explores the three levels of organisa...

Power is shifting. Quietly. Rapidly. Subtly. In this episode of Power in Excellence , I’m joined by Stefan Farrugia , CEO of Eunoia, for a conversation that moves far beyond the predictable “AI is coming” narrative. Yes, we explore artificial intelligence — but not through fear or hype. What should we really be concerned about? Is it job displacement — or something more subtle? Is the true risk te...

What does power look like when it isn’t loud? In this episode of Power in Excellence , I sit down with the Hon. David Agius, MP and Deputy Speaker of Parliament in Malta , to explore the psychology of authority at the very centre of democratic life. From maintaining strict neutrality in a politically charged chamber to presiding over heated debate with composure and control, we unpack what it trul...

In this episode of The Unseen Advantage , we explore the invisible force beneath every professional relationship: asymmetry. The moment someone’s opportunity, evaluation, or reputation is shaped by your judgement, power enters the room — and it quietly changes behaviour. You’ll discover: The different bases of power (French & Raven, 1959) and how they operate in teams Why authority subtly chan...

Leadership isn’t what you do. It’s what people believe you’re doing. In Episode 2 of The Unseen Advantage , leadership psychologist Dr. John McMahon exposes the perception game behind influence. Discover how people judge leaders in seconds, why intent doesn’t equal impact, how reputation quietly forms, and why presence speaks louder than strategy. If you’ve ever wondered why some leaders command i...

Before you lead others, you are always leading yourself. In Episode 1 of The Unseen Advantage , Dr. John McMahon explores the inner psychology driving leadership behaviour. Discover how personal identity, emotional inheritance, nervous system patterns, and hidden self-stories shape how you lead under pressure. Learn why self-awareness alone isn’t enough, how unconscious protection drives control o...

Stuck in a cycle of self-doubt? In this episode of Power In Excellence, we explore the concept of learned helplessness—why repeated setbacks make us feel powerless and how this mindset impacts our lives. Join us as Dr John breaks down the science behind learned helplessness and offers practical, proven strategies to reclaim control and build resilience. If you're ready to stop feeling defeate...

Tired of watching the clock tick away while your to-do list grows longer? In "Procrastination Unmasked," Dr John takes a dive deep into the fascinating psychology behind why we put things off and how to break free from the cycle of delay. Featuring expert insights, real-life stories, and actionable strategies that will empower you to conquer procrastination once and for all. Whether you&...

Colour doesn’t just decorate reality. It manipulates it. In this episode, Dr John examines the science behind how colours alter mood, trigger emotion, and influence behaviour. He explores the evolutionary roots of our responses to red, blue, green, and beyond — and how these associations are leveraged in leadership, marketing, politics, and performance environments. You’ll discover why certain col...

Why do we smile — even when we don’t feel like it? And why does someone else’s smile instantly change how we feel? In this episode, Dr John dives into the science of smiling. He explores its evolutionary purpose, its neurological effects, and the subtle social messages embedded in that simple upward curve of the mouth. You’ll learn how smiling influences trust, attraction, leadership presence, and...

Being right feels good. Really good. In fact, your brain rewards it. Your ego defends it. Your tribe reinforces it. And your identity may depend on it. In this episode, Dr John dissects our addiction to being right — the evolutionary wiring, social reinforcement, and psychological ego-protection that make certainty intoxicating. He explores why debates escalate, why leaders double down, and why ad...

s it ever acceptable to “polish the truth” on a job application? Or is that just lying with better lighting? In this episode, Dr John responds to a listener who asks what many people quietly wonder: when does self-promotion become deception? From embellished CVs to inflated achievements, he explores why smart, ambitious people convince themselves that bending the truth is harmless — and why it rar...

Everyone lies. The question is: why… and how good are we at spotting it? In this episode, Dr John dives into the uncomfortable psychology of deception. What happens in your brain the first time you lie? Why does it get easier the second time? And why are intelligent, successful leaders often the most convincing liars in the room? You’ll discover what neuroscience reveals about dishonesty, why most...