269: What Are the Most Effective Ways to Navigate Difficult Conversations at Work? A Conversation with Justin Jones-Fosu

improve it! Podcast – Professional Development Through Play, Improv & Experiential Learning

What if the seeds you plant today could transform the world tomorrow?

In today's episode, Justin Jones-Fosu challenges leaders to leave their "home base," embrace curiosity, and cultivate inclusion to create real impact—at work and beyond.

Justin Jones-Fosu, founder of Work. Meaningful., joins Erin to share powerful lessons about leadership, communication, and humanity.

Drawing from his personal story and years of experience, Justin teaches leaders how to navigate challenging conversations while fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or someone looking to improve team dynamics, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies to create more meaningful, inclusive workplaces.

Here are the 5 main takeaways from Erin’s conversation with Justin:

1. Leave Your Home Base

Justin's mother taught him the importance of experiencing diverse perspectives. Leaders must step outside their comfort zones to understand and connect with others.

2. Plant Seeds That Last

Leadership is a long-term investment. The actions you take and values you demonstrate today will impact people’s lives, even years down the road.

3. Embrace the Power of Three

Instead of surface-level conversations, ask three probing questions to deepen understanding and help others feel truly heard and valued.

4. Challenge Your Perspective

Justin introduced the "Circles of Grace Challenge," encouraging leaders to intentionally engage with ideas and people they might not align with to build empathy and broaden their worldview.

5. Lead with Curiosity, Not Conclusions

Avoid assumptions during difficult conversations. Approach with curiosity by asking questions and truly listening to uncover different perspectives.

Conclusion

Justin's insights remind us that meaningful leadership goes beyond results—it’s about cultivating relationships, broadening perspectives, and creating a lasting impact. By stepping outside our comfort zones and practicing deep listening, leaders can foster teams where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to contribute their best.

If this episode spoke to you, we’d love for you to share it with someone who may benefit from its insights. Send the link to this episode in a text/email while you’re thinking about it. :)

No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)

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Show Links

• Purchase I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy here and the Resource Guidebook that was built in conjunction with it here.

Connect with Justin Jones-Fosu

• Justin’s LinkedIn
• Justin’s company website: Work. Meaningful.
• Justin’s personal website

Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!

• Erin’s website
• Erin’s Instagram
• Erin’s TikTok
• Erin’s LinkedIn
• improve it!’s website
• improve it!’s Instagram