Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 546, an interview with the authors of Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection, Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener.
Most conversations barely scratch the surface, because true connection isn’t just about hearing words, it’s about listening with purpose and presence.
In this episode, Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener introduce the concept of Radical Listening: an intentional, culturally aware approach to making others feel seen, heard, and valued. Drawing from their research and coaching experiences, they explain why our intentions behind listening matter just as much as the act itself and how distractions, politeness, and even the need to be right can undermine true connection. They share practical strategies leaders can use to build stronger teams, navigate conflict, and create space for deeper conversations, even across cultural differences.
Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh (PhD) is a leading academic and executive coach with an international reputation. He is Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Ireland) and Principal Fellow at the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne (Australia). Christian delivers consultancy, training, and executive coaching globally, regularly presenting in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. He is passionate about motorcycling, writing, and coaching.
Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener is a researcher, author, and consultant with 75 peer-reviewed academic articles and over 27,000 citations. His previous books include The Upside of Your Dark Side (New York Times bestseller, 2014) and the 2007 PROSE Award winner, Happiness. He has presented keynotes to Lululemon, Deloitte, Humana, AARP, the World Bank, and others. In 2024, Thinkers50 named Robert one of the “50 most influential executive coaches in the world.” He lives in Portland, Oregon, and enjoys drawing and rock climbing.
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