Robert Biswas-Diener: Managing Director of Positive Acorn

In this podcast, Alex Pascal the CEO of Coaching.com interviews Robert Biswas-Diener, an authority on positive psychology and coaching. They discuss the difference between good and great coaches, emphasizing the importance of embracing uncertainty and acknowledging biases. 

Robert Biswas-Diener, a researcher, coach, and traveler, shares his unique journey into coaching during this engaging podcast. Robert's passion for understanding happiness led him to study diverse cultures and their perspectives on well-being, from living with the Amish to working with Maasai tribal people in East Africa and Inuit hunters in Greenland. He sought a more tangible connection to create change and became intrigued by coaching.

His day-to-day life is a blend of multiple side hustles, with research being a prominent one. Robert has a deep appreciation for science's unique role in understanding human nature and shares a thirst for asking questions, much like coaches. Currently, he's delving into the psychology of hospitality, exploring the concept of welcoming and how it's valued across cultures.

Robert's interest in uncovering gaps in psychological research led him to his current study on hospitality, a topic surprisingly underrepresented in psychology. His outsider perspective drives him to fill these gaps rather than merely pointing them out.

The conversation also circles back to Robert's book, "Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice." where he provides coaches with valuable questions to consider for their clients and encourages them to challenge their assumptions. The book's catchy title reflects its purpose in helping coaches enrich their practices and engage in thought-provoking conversations with clients.

Robert's journey showcases his commitment to understanding people, asking meaningful questions, and creating a positive impact, making this podcast a fascinating exploration of his multifaceted approach to life and work.