I’m an entrepreneur, author, and coach, who sees psychedelic use as a skill, cultivated through clear intention, supportive mentorship, and courageous exploration. Mastering this skill is crucial in the story of humanity’s present-future evolution.
Professional Bio
Paul F. Austin, a prominent figure in psychedelics, has guided millions to safe and meaningful psychedelic experiences through his work as the founder of Third Wave. Featured in Bloomberg, Rolling Stone, Inc., and the BBC's Worklife, to name a few, he’s curious about the convergence of psychedelics, personal transformation, and professional success and how they weave together to help form a meaningful existence.
Paul empowers leaders, creatives, and pioneers to leverage psychedelics for profound personal and professional growth. He views utilizing psychedelics as a refined skill cultivated through mentorship, exploration, and purposeful use—critical for humanity's ongoing evolution.
As the longest-standing and youngest entrepreneur in this emergent sector, Paul's focus on integrating psychedelics with professional development is evident in the Psychedelic Coaching Institute. PCI is training the next generation of impactful coaches to work with psychedelics in a transformative capacity. The core training program caters to individuals who wish to weave psychedelics into their business practices, under the guidance of one of the industry’s most trusted leaders.
On A Personal Note…
At a recent event, several of us had just taken mushroom chocolates, and we’re hanging out down by the cold mountain river. It was nearing dusk. We had taken heart medicine, and were on the tail end of a magical weekend in the mountains outside Aspen.
“So, when Paul isn’t doing business and talks, who are you really?” asked one of my mushroom compatriots.
I paused there standing on a big rock in the middle of the Frying Pan River. And thought. What a vulnerable share. I almost never reveal the personal and intimate details of who I actually am.
Three themes showed up:
1. Introvert. I like to spend time alone. Reading, hiking, playing with my dog. I’m a Leo. Intense social and professional output followed by many days, if not weeks, of not much at all.
2. Adventurous. In 2017, I publicly admitted to being on LSD. That video now has nearly 500K views on YouTube. Throughout my 20s, I traveled to 75+ countries, including dropping acid in the wilds of Tanzania, hiking hundreds of miles through the high Himalayas of Nepal, and drinking ayahuasca in the jungles of Brazil.
3. Refined but sensible. I play a Luis & Clark violin. My girlfriend jokes that traveling with me is a never-ending exploration of restaurants and cafés, none of which break the bank. I’ve flown first class on the longest flight in the world, and only paid $65 for it. I know how to find incredible value and beauty and not overpay for it. My values are grounded and humble but my taste is sophisticated.
In stewarding psychedelic transformation,
I intend to help society transition from a competitive, zero-sum mindset
to a collaborative, pro-social way of being.
In facilitating discussion around the intersection of psychedelic use, well-being, and emerging models of leadership, it’s my intention to open up conversation about the importance of legitimizing psychedelics for exploration of consciousness, personal development, and cultivating agency in the creative orientation.If you're interested in weaving my work into your event or conference, please reach out below.
