And they were calling all the time and when I would see their number come up on the screen and feel panicked. I had no idea what I wanted to write a book about. My agent and my publisher were pressuring me to write a book. What gave you the idea to write a book about the Enneagram? I dipped in and out and read books in starts and stutters, and then went to some workshops. But about six or seven years ago when we became empty nesters, I had more time, and so I threw myself into it. I was having kids and so much was going on. I wasn’t put off, but, you know, I was younger. He’s looking at the cover and he’s shaking his head.

When I asked my professor about it he sort of looked at me like I had lost my mind. And I just happened on Richard Rohr’s book on the Enneagram, and I can remember thinking to myself, “here I am in graduate school doing a Masters in counseling psychology, and where has this been?” I had just done a year of abnormal psych and statistics, and I’m thinking, “this would have saved some time, you know what I mean?” Then I remember asking a professor about it because I was just riveted. I was in grad school, and I went to a Catholic retreat center.

I am grateful to him for allowing me to interview him about his book and his work and our shared love of helping people use the Enneagram for self-development.Ĭan you tell us how you came to know the Enneagram? How did you learn the Enneagram and what did you think about it when you encountered it? What I appreciate about his book is it is both fun to read and approachable, but also substantive and inspiring in the way it presents the Enneagram and the personality types. Ian has done a great thing for the Enneagram by bringing the system to many new people through his popular book, The Road Back to You, which invites people to get to know the Enneagram and how it can help them grow through a beautiful combination of wit, warmth, and gentle wisdom. I have had the pleasure of getting to know Ian Morgan Cron and discussing various aspects of the Enneagram with him, in private conversations, on his podcast, Typology, and in one of his courses on the personality system.

He and his wife, Anne, have three children and live in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a sought-after speaker, thinker, and advisor to a growing roster of clients such as the Discovery Channel, Ramsey Solutions, and the Michael Hyatt Company, among others.

Known for his transparency, humor, and depth of insight into the inner workings of the human heart and mind, Ian uses the Enneagram personality system as a tool to help leaders cultivate self-awareness and emotional wisdom. His books include the novel Chasing Francis, the spiritual memoir, Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me, and The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery. IAN MORGAN CRON is a bestselling author, psychotherapist, Enneagram teacher, Episcopal priest, and the host of the popular podcast, Typology.

The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron