221. Justin Jones-Fosu – Respectfully Disagree

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Justin Jones-Fosu, a dynamic speaker and social entrepreneur, about his life experiences and insights on meaningful work, inclusion, and effective communication.

“We need to challenge our perspective.”

“We need to agree to respect.“

“Turn confrontation into a conversation.”

“There’s humanity on different sides of conversations.”

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Justin Jones-Fosu
01:18 Justin’s Upbringing and Early Influences
03:25 Lessons from a Challenging Childhood
05:32 Confronting Absence: A Journey to Understanding
09:12 The Power of Listening and Empathy
11:49 The Power of Three in Communication
16:12 Double Dutch Communication: A New Approach
19:32 Challenging Perspectives in Disagreements
22:24 The State of DEI: A Personal Perspective
29:57 Inclusive Conversations: Best Practices
36:58 Cultivating Curiosity and Understanding
42:14 The Importance of Respect and Perspective
44:05 Rapid Fire Insights and Personal Reflections

Episode Summary:

In this engaging conversation, Shannon Cassidy interviews Justin Jones-Fosu, a dynamic speaker and social entrepreneur, about his life experiences and insights on meaningful work, inclusion, and effective communication. Justin shares his challenging upbringing, the lessons learned from his mother, and the importance of empathy and understanding in conversations. He discusses the power of listening, the significance of asking deeper questions, and the concept of ‘double dutch’ communication. In this engaging conversation, Shannon Cassidy and Justin Jones-Fosu explore the themes of inclusion, vulnerability, and curiosity in interpersonal conversations. They discuss best practices for fostering inclusive dialogues, the importance of being vulnerable, and how curiosity can lead to deeper understanding. Justin shares personal anecdotes and insights on how to cultivate an inclusive mindset and the significance of respect in discussions. The conversation wraps up with rapid-fire questions that reveal Justin’s personal reflections and values.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

Listening is more than hearing; it’s about comprehension and empathy.
Challenging perspectives is essential for personal and professional growth.
Diversity encompasses all differences, not just race and gender.
Shame-based approaches to DEI hinder progress and understanding.
Honest conversations are crucial for effective DEI initiatives.
Empathy is key in navigating disagreements and understanding others.
Inclusion starts with including everyone in the conversation.
Vulnerability encourages others to share their experiences.
Curiosity leads to deeper understanding and connection.
Respect is more important than simply agreeing to disagree.
Personal stories can help bridge gaps in understanding.
Self-care practices can enhance personal growth and achievement.
Acknowledging others fosters a culture of appreciation.

Guest Bio:

Justin Jones-Fosu is the embodiment of energy, both at home as a dedicated father to two spirited children and atop the world’s highest peaks, having recently conquered one of the famed 7 Summits. But Justin’s passion for elevation doesn’t end with trekking, it’s mirrored in his professional ascent as a captivating business speaker, innovative social entrepreneur, and insightful workplace researcher.

At the helm of Work. Meaningful., Justin is the driving force and CEO behind a movement that empowers organizations across the globe, delivering over 50 keynote addresses a year on the pivotal topics of meaningful work and inclusion. His mission is to ignite a transformation in corporate culture, guiding organizations and individuals to ascend to their peak potential through mastery of mindset, purpose, and performance.

Justin is not only a pathfinder in the wilderness but also in the literary world, authoring essential reads such as “Your WHY Matters NOW,” “The Inclusive Mindset,” and his latest thought-provoker, “I Respectfully Disagree: How to have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.” His work is a compass for those seeking direction on creating connections in an often-fragmented society.

With a flair for infusing humor into his well-researched content, Justin doesn’t just give a speech; he crafts an experience, leaving his audience not just informed but transformed. His approach is not merely to inform but to inspire, not just to direct but to make a difference.