Louisa Jewell, CPPA Founder and President, interviews Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener about their new book, “Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection.”
Watch this inspiring interview here:
About “Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection”: In our distracted, divisive world, the transformative power of true listening has never been more essential. Radical Listening is a revolutionary guide to mastering this vital skill from renowned experts Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener. Moving beyond simply hearing words, their groundbreaking framework teaches you to actively co-create meaning and connection. Though we spend nearly three hours a day on the receiving end of communication, listening is frequently neglected. We’re bombarded by data, digital distractions, and a culture that celebrates talkers over listeners. Radical Listening provides the antidote, equipping you with six core competencies:
- Noticing
- Quieting
- Accepting
- Acknowledging
- Questioning
- Interjecting
Whether you’re seeking to improve your leadership, foster more collaborative teamwork, or simply connect more meaningfully with others, Radical Listening offers a powerful remedy. Allow this book to reshape how you experience the world and those around you through the revelatory act of listening fully.
About Christian van Nieuwerburgh: Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh is an executive coach with emphasis on intercultural coaching and “coaching in education”. He is the best-selling author of “An Introduction to Coaching Skills: A Practical Guide”, and the editor of “Coaching in Education: Getting Better Results for Students, Educators and Parents”, which is now one of the key textbooks in the field. His latest book, co-authored with Robert Biswas-Diener, “Radical Listening” came out on 25 March 2025. He is Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology at the Centre for Positive Health Sciences at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Consulting Professor at Growth Coaching International, a leading provider of coaching and coach training in the field of education. For practical tips and strategies, follow him on @coachonamotorcycle on Instagram or visit his website, coachonamotorcycle.com
About Robert Biswas-Diener: Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener is a well-being researcher and is highly sought-after as a keynote speaker and trainer. He has published over 70 academic articles and chapters on happiness and other positive topics. His research interests include wellbeing, hospitality, leadership, social support, culture, and education.
He is also the author of 9 books including the New York Times Bestseller, The Upside of Your Dark Side (2014), and, most recently, Radical Listening (2025) and Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice (2023).
Dr. Biswas-Diener is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s foremost authorities on positive psychology coaching. He is an ICF-certified coach and has trained professionals in his techniques in 25 countries. In 2024, Robert was named among the Coaches 50, a list of the most influential executive coaches in the world. Learn more about Robert here: robertdiener.com
