Episode 62: The Heart of Connection: How Small Roles Shape Big Lives with Daiki Kato
We talk a lot about the roles we hold—parent, partner, leader, creator—but how often do we ask if those roles actually feel fulfilling?
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Katie chats with Professor Daiki Kato, who coined the term rolefulness: a practical, human way to experience meaning and harmony in everyday life by nurturing both our “big” roles and the small, easily overlooked ones.
Katie and Professor Kato explore why modern life pulls us toward checklists and away from connection—and how simple, intentional practices can restore joy, identity, and purpose.
What You'll Learn:
Two sides of rolefulness: (1) Social rolefulness (feeling useful, needed, connected with familiar people—even two people make a “society”); and (2) Internal rolefulness (how those experiences internalize into confidence, identity, and self-trust).
Why we feel role distress: over-investing in a few “big” roles while ignoring smaller, nourishing ones; living by facts and to-dos while neglecting feelings and connection.
Balance beats perfection: shifting from “I have to be a perfect ___” to “I can be myself in this role.”
Micro-practices that work: express gratitude often, enjoy short real conversations, exchange simple greetings, and intentionally notice the small roles that light you up.
Identity connection: how social rolefulness becomes internal rolefulness—turning moments of contribution into confidence and a more grounded sense of self.
About Professor Kato:
Daiki Kato is a clinical psychologist and professor at Kinjo Gakuin University in Japan. His research and practice bridge art therapy and everyday well-being. He coined the concept of rolefulness and studies how cultivating small, interpersonal roles can strengthen mental health, confidence, and purpose.
Links & Resources:
Connect with Professor Kato on LinkedIn
Explore more about Rolefulness
