The Winner Effect: The Neuroscience Of Success ... May 2026

: Conversely, the story of Fred Goodwin (former CEO of the Royal Bank of Scotland) serves as a cautionary tale of "hubris syndrome," where excessive success leads to overconfidence, a loss of empathy, and catastrophic decision-making.

Robertson argues that humans experience a similar "success flywheel". Whether it is a small victory at work or a major career achievement, winning triggers a surge of dopamine that reinforces confidence and risk-taking. The Winner Effect: The Neuroscience of Success ...

Following this win, an extraordinary biological shift occurs: : Conversely, the story of Fred Goodwin (former