Cambridge Skeptics

In this eye-opening talk, Dr. Darren Stevens takes a skeptical look at Emotional Intelligence (EI), arguing that it doesn’t actually measure anything meaningful. Far from being a true form of intelligence, EI is a vague collection of behaviours dressed up as science. Using Constructed Development Theory, Dr. Stevens shows how genuine awareness and decision-making can be understood far more accurately through tools like the Awareness Quotient (AQ) and Dynamic Intelligence (DI). Expect myths to be busted, assumptions questioned, and a few sacred cows gently skewered.

Dr Darren Stevens is a developmental psychologist and university lecturer. He also runs the Institute for Adult Development which offers new ways of growing our thinking. His new theory in psychology permeates many arenas, from coaching to pedagogy.

Please note, due to venue regulations, events are open to over 18s only.

As business leaders solemnly profess dedication to principles of environmental and social justice, their actions often betray an enduring commitment to the neoliberal idea of maximizing profit. Hiding behind the mirage of ESG, sustainability and corporate social responsibility, traditional corporations continue to exploit the very resources and communities essential to their success. In his recent book, The Profiteers, Cambridge professor Christopher Marquis shows it’s not enough to blame and shame—or even to reform the worst corporate actors. We must rethink and transform the entire system, leaving behind the current model of shareholder primacy to create a new, regenerative paradigm. He will also discuss a new generation of leaders doing just that - by taking actions to minimize their negative impacts and create new ways to properly absorb their hidden costs, they are providing blueprints to move the needle on vexing social and environmental issues.

Christopher Marquis is the Sinyi Professor of Management at the University of Cambridge and author of The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profits and Socializes Costs. His research examines business sustainability and social entrepreneurship, and he has written two prior award-winning books, including Better Business: How the B Corp Movement Is Remaking Capitalism and Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise, the latter was a Financial Times Best Book of 2022. Marquis is passionate about how academic research can help people around the world address some of the biggest crises of our day — including climate change, inequality, and discrimination. Before Cambridge Marquis worked at Cornell for 6 years, and Harvard for 11 years. He has a PhD in sociology from the University of Michigan and previously worked for six years in the financial services industry, most recently as a Vice President at JP Morgan Chase.

Please note, due to venue regulations, events are open to over 18s only.