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Barbara Suigo

Senior Level Executive Contributor

Author, HR Consultant & Independent Researcher in Power Dynamics and Organisational Behaviour

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Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

Barbara Suigo

Author, HR Consultant & Independent Researcher in Power Dynamics and Organisational Behaviour

Barbara Suigo is an Italian-French author, HR consultant, and independent researcher specialising in power dynamics and organisational behaviour. She is the author of five books. Her most recent research has culminated in a new book exploring the dark side of charisma and power dynamics within organisations.

For over a decade, she has studied charisma as a relational, communicative, and behavioural phenomenon. Her research gradually expanded to examine its darker dimension, exploring how charisma can be used to manipulate, dominate, and legitimise abusive forms of power within organisations.

Today, her work focuses on the mechanisms that allow highly persuasive yet destructive individuals to gain trust, influence, and positions of power, even when their impact on people and workplace cultures is profoundly harmful.

Through books, articles, interviews, and podcasts, Barbara makes complex topics related to organisational psychology, power dynamics, and behavioural science more accessible, translating international research into practical insights for professionals, managers, and organisations.

Her aim is to encourage a clearer understanding of workplace behaviour, helping people and organisations distinguish genuine authority from domination, authentic charisma from manipulative fascination, and constructive influence from the abuse of power.

All articles

Masks of Sanity in Suits and Ties – The Rise of Charismatic Deviance

When charisma becomes a tool for domination rather than trust, leadership can appear sane while quietly turning destructive.

Impression Management – When Image Replaces Competence

Picture a meeting where a promotion is on the table. Two people present the same project. The first speaks with confidence, rhythm, a polished smile, and seems to have an answer for everything. The second is...

The Dark Mirror of Charisma – When Vision Turns Into Deception

There’s a moment in every leader’s journey when the light of charisma stops illuminating and starts blinding. In 2003, Elizabeth Holmes founded Theranos with a bold promise, hundreds of blood tests...

The Reward of Fear – How Silence and Incentives Keep Toxic Managers in Power

Many organizations claim to value employee well-being and a healthy workplace, yet aggressive or abusive managers often continue to be promoted or protected. This article explores why toxic leaders...

Corporate Psychopaths – How to Recognize Them and Protect Yourself

Psychopaths are not only found in crime reports or TV series. Many of them work right beside us: in offices, companies, and organizations of every kind. They don’t always commit crimes, but through manipulative...

The Sun King Syndrome – Carlos Ghosn and the CEO’s Dark Side

There is a kind of charisma, typical of many men in power, that serves not to unite but to dominate. A charisma bent on the utmost personal advantage, exercised at the expense of those around them...

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CREA Global Awards presented to

Barbara Suigo

Author, HR Consultant & Independent Researcher in Power Dynamics and Organisational Behaviour

The CREA Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition for their creative and innovative ideas, adaptability in business, or for their contributions to sustainability and mental health projects.

Caroline Winkvist

Editor-In-Chief

Daniel Ålund

Selection Committee

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Brainz 500 Global Awards presented to

Barbara Suigo

Author, HR Consultant & Independent Researcher in Power Dynamics and Organisational Behaviour

Brainz 500 Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition of their entrepreneurial success, achievements, and dedication to helping others.

Caroline Winkvist

Editor-In-Chief

Fredrik Elfqvist

Selection Committee

Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

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