R.O.G. Return on Generosity

228. Bridging the Gap for Rural Veterans with Michelle Lang

"I want to make it less hard for veterans."
"We are stronger together."
"Just show up, ask questions."
 
Episode summary |
Shannon Cassidy speaks with Michelle Lang, the Executive Director of Operation Honor Rural Salute. Michelle shares her personal journey as an Army wife and the challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, mental health awareness, and the need for resources tailored to rural veterans. Michelle discusses the innovative approaches of Operation Honor Rural Salute in bridging the gap for veterans and shares inspiring success stories that showcase the power of generosity and connection. The episode concludes with insights on personal growth, resilience, and the vital role of community in supporting veterans.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging.
Mental health support is crucial for veterans.
Community support can make a significant difference.
Rural veterans often lack access to essential resources.
Empathy and understanding are key in supporting veterans.
Success stories highlight the impact of community generosity.
It's important to ask the right questions when checking on friends.
Nonprofit leadership requires resilience and adaptability.
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Introduction to Operation Honor Rural Salute
02:20 Michelle's Personal Journey and Military Transition
05:00 Challenges Faced by Veterans in Rural Areas
07:43 Community Support and Mental Health Awareness
10:37 Bridging the Gap for Rural Veterans
13:18 The Importance of Connection and Resources
16:27 Success Stories and Community Impact
24:46 The Power of Personal Connection
27:18 Building Trust with Rural Veterans
30:19 Navigating Resources for Veterans
33:29 Community Support for Veterans
35:06 Personal Growth Through Nonprofit Leadership
37:05 Lessons in Resilience
38:31 Future Plans for Operation Honor Rural Salute
40:26 Rapid Fire Insights and Personal Favorites
 
Guest Bio |
Michelle Lang, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Operation Honor: Rural Salute™, has a profound connection to the challenges faced by rural veterans transitioning back to civilian life. Born and raised in a small town in Pennsylvania, Michelle witnessed firsthand the obstacles that her husband, Chris, a former Army serviceman, encountered upon returning to civilian life. 
Inspired by their personal struggles and the realization of the scarcity of accessible resources for veterans in rural areas, Michelle and Chris founded Operation Honor: Rural Salute™. The nonprofit is dedicated to guiding veterans to essential resources, fostering community support, and ensuring that rural veterans are empowered to lead fulfilling lives. Michelle’s leadership is driven by her deep commitment to service and her passion for making a lasting impact in the lives of those who have served our country.
 
Resources:
https://www.ohruralsalute.org/
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index 
Free Generosity Quiz 
 
Credits: Michelle Lang, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 229, Special Guest, May Lee.

227. You Have a Choice | Take Your Ego Out of It with Charisse Fontes

“A lot of the things I work on are not HARD problems, they’re HEART problems.”
“If you name it, you can tame it.”
“It is in our Unity that we can elevate our Humanity.”
___________________________________________________
This episode contains discussions of rape and sexual assault, which may be disturbing or triggering for some listeners. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being.
If you or someone you know needs support, please consider reaching out to a trusted resource, such as:
National Sexual Assault Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-656-4673 or rainn.org
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Please listen with care and take breaks if needed. 💙___________________________________________________
 
Episode summary |
In this episode of ROG, host Shannon Cassidy engages with Charisse Fontes, an accomplished author and thought leader in the culture industry. They explore themes of generosity, self-compassion, forgiveness, and the importance of understanding one's ego. Charisse shares her personal journey, including her experiences with motherhood and the challenges she faced, emphasizing the significance of heart-centered approaches in both personal and professional realms. The conversation also touches on the concept of high and low vibrations, the power of community, and the essence of humanity.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Generosity is not just financial; it includes time and respect.
Cultural understanding is essential for personal growth.
Self-compassion is crucial in navigating life's challenges.
Forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing.
The ego can be named and tamed for better self-awareness.
High vibrations lead to positive experiences and connections.
Community engagement fosters a sense of belonging.
Motherhood is a complex journey of identity and growth.
Unity is a core aspect of humanity.
Cultural expressions, like the Haka, transcend understanding and connect us. 
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Charisse Fontes: A Journey of Culture and Healing
04:29 From Struggles to Strength: The Birth of Culture Circle
07:48 Understanding Hard Problems vs. Heart Problems
10:26 The Importance of Self-Compassion
16:39 The Journey of Forgiveness
25:34 The Power of Compassion and Choice
27:51 Understanding and Taming the Ego
35:53 Navigating High and Low Frequencies
38:05 Humanity Power: Unity in Action
39:06 The Importance of Storytelling in Humanity
41:08 Curiosity and Community Engagement
46:00 Cultural Awe and the Haka
 
Guest Bio |
Charisse Fontes is the creator of CultureCircle, where she partners with startups on all things people and culture. She leads training for leaders and creates interactive workshops to assist leaders with leveling up and growing from within. If you’re passionate about building the best culture possible, Charisse’s consultancy skills make her a standout thought leader capable of helping all types of businesses. 
Charisse is a culture expert that uses creative ways to empower people at work. Her methods result in improved employee retention, productivity, and a strong sense of belonging at work. She emphasizes personal and professional growth while renewing your workforce’s commitment and engagement to your business and cause. She frequently contributes to HR blogs and shares her thought leadership with the HR market.
Charisse has helped her clients with providing one-on-one or ongoing services for startups, developing dynamic workshops that focus on compliance in the workplace, and building programs and processes that anchor a company’s people and culture. Charisse is the author of How To Keep Your Culture From Going to :poop emoji:, a guide to creating a healthy startup culture.
Resources:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/charissefontes
Culture Circle site: https://www.culturecircle.co/
Personal Website: https://www.charissefontes.com/
https://www.humanitypower.org/
Humanity Power Action Kit
Humanity the Manatee
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index 
Free Generosity Quiz 
Credits: Charisse Fontes, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 228, Special Guest, Michelle Lang.

226. Empowering Women | The Tao of Self-Confidence with Sheena Yap Chan

“The biggest thing that holds women back is low self-esteem”
“We’re imperfect and it’s totally okay.”
"Women can do so many amazing things."
 
Episode summary |
Sheena Yap Chan, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and renowned podcaster, shares her journey of overcoming cultural barriers and personal trauma to empower women, particularly Asian women, in their pursuit of self-confidence and leadership. She discusses the importance of community support, the impact of trauma on self-worth, and the necessity of taking action to bridge the confidence gap. Through her experiences and insights, Sheena inspires listeners to embrace their authenticity, take proactive steps in their careers, and foster resilience in the face of challenges.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Embracing authenticity can lead to greater self-confidence.
Trauma can significantly impact self-worth and confidence levels.
Taking action is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Women often face unique challenges in the workplace due to cultural expectations.
Community support is vital for overcoming obstacles and building confidence.
Making the first move in career opportunities can lead to success.
Resilience is key to navigating life's challenges and setbacks.
Self-care and personal development are essential for women.
Women need to support each other to break down barriers and empower one another.
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Introduction to Sheena Yap Chan
01:41 Sheena's Journey and Cultural Background
05:07 Embracing Authenticity and Aha Moments
10:10 The Role of AI in Empowering Women
11:59 Identifying and Addressing Women's Issues
18:28 Accelerating Action for Gender Parity
21:48 The Importance of Community and Support
22:23 Navigating Workplace Dynamics as an Asian Woman
28:41 Overcoming Workplace Challenges
31:04 The Importance of Self-Confidence
35:10 Generosity in the Workplace
36:08 The Tao of Self-Confidence
38:25 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
41:07 Empowering Women Through Community
43:58 Building Confidence One Step at a Time
47:28 Resilience and Persistence in Life
 
Guest Bio |
Sheena Yap Chan is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster renowned for her expertise in elevating leadership and self-confidence through media. She is the founder and host of the acclaimed podcast, The Tao of Self-Confidence, where she interviews women about their journeys to self-confidence. With over one million downloads, her podcast ranks among the top 0.5% most popular shows globally and features over 800 interviews, including conversations with celebrities and eight-figure CEOs. 
Sheena's influence extends beyond podcasting. Her debut book, The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within, published by Wiley, is a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller. It is also recognized as one of the top 20 best self-confidence books of all time by Book Authority, the world's leading site for book recommendations. 
Her work has been featured on prominent platforms such as MindValley, FOX, NBC News, and the Manila Times. Sheena is dedicated to closing the gender confidence gap through her training and programs, aiming to elevate women into leadership roles across all industries. She has delivered impactful speeches for organizations like Live Nation, NASA, and UKG, sharing her insights on self-confidence and leadership.
 
Resources |
Website: sheenayapchan.com
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sheenayapchan08
Podcast: thetaoofselfconfidence.com
Books:
The Tao of Self-Confidence
Bridging the Confidence Gap | How Empowered Women Change the World
Asian Women Who BossUp
128 Ways to Promote Your Book: A Comprehensive Guide for Authors
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index 
Free Generosity Quiz 
 
Credits: Sheena Yap Chan, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 227, Special Guest, Charisse Fontes.

225. From Struggle to Strength | A Green Beret's Recovery with Scott Mann

"Storytelling heals the brain."
"No struggle, no story."
"Life happens in moments."
 
Episode summary |
In this episode of Return on Generosity, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Scott Mann, a former Green Beret and founder of Rooftop Leadership. They discuss the importance of generosity in leadership, the power of storytelling, and how to build trust in low-trust environments. Scott shares his journey from military service to becoming a playwright and advocate for veterans, emphasizing the healing power of personal stories. The conversation also touches on the creation of his play 'Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret' and the work of his nonprofit, Task Force Pineapple, which focuses on supporting veterans and their families.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Generosity is key to personal and professional growth.
Building trust requires understanding both yourself and others.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for healing and connection.
Leaders must manage emotional temperatures in conversations.
Personal stories can resonate universally and foster connection.
Advocacy for veterans is crucial in the current political climate.
Preparing for future threats requires awareness and action.
Engaging in storytelling can help individuals process their experiences.
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Introduction to Scott Mann and His Journey
03:31 The Role of Green Berets in Building Trust
06:23 Navigating Low Trust Environments
09:26 Practical Steps for Building Trust
12:31 The Power of Storytelling in Healing
15:29 The Journey of Creating 'Last Out'
18:32 Impact of Storytelling on Audiences
21:25 The Generosity of Scars and Vulnerability
29:47 The Power of Personal Storytelling
33:37 The Hero's Journey and Its Impact
40:02 Task Force Pineapple: A New Mission
42:27 Engaging with the Community
47:19 Living a Life of Long Breaths
50:00 Introduction to Generosity and Growth
50:10 The Impact of Giving on Personal Development
 
Guest Bio |
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret with combat tours all over the world including Colombia, Iraq, and multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is a warrior storyteller and the President and founder of Rooftop Leadership, a leadership consulting and training company in Tampa, Florida where he shares the rapport-building skills he learned in Special Forces to help today’s leaders make better human connections when stakes are high and trust is low. Scott helps organizations gain a better understanding of their internal culture while exposing the potential for conflict that exists when trust has deteriorated. In the same way he empowered local tribes in Iraq and Afghanistan to make transformative decisions using very few resources, Scott teaches corporate leaders and their teams the relationship-building techniques that drove so many of his successful combat operations.
Scott is the NYT Best-selling Author of Operation Pineapple Express and #1 International Best-Selling Author of Game Changers, Going Local to Defeat Violent Extremists. He has spoken on three TEDx stages and is also a playwright and actor in his recent play brought to film about the Afghan War and the unforeseen cost of war on our Veterans called “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” which is available on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, AppleTV, and VUDU.
Scott is the founder of Task Force Pineapple and the 501c3 Operation Pineapple Express Relief where he actively advocates in Congress and on national media outlets for the safe passage and resettlement of our abandoned Afghan Allies.
He is also the founder of the 501c3, The Heroes Journey, where he is dedicated to helping veterans and military families find their voice and tell their story as they transition out of military service in order to bridge the civilian-military divide.
Scott has appeared on numerous TV, Radio, and Podcast media platforms to include CNN, Fox, all the major networks and syndicated radio and has been published by the Epoch Times and Daily Wire.
Scott’s greatest accomplishments are his 26-year marriage and his three grown sons .
Resources:
The Generosity of Scars | Scott Mann | TEDxSantaBarbara
Task Force Pineapple 
Last Out Play Schedule
Amazon Prime: Last Out | Elegy of a Green Beret
Romy Camargo’s Story on Scott Mann’s Podcast 
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index 
Free Generosity Quiz 
Credits: Scott Mann, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 226, Special Guest, Sheena Yap Chan. 

224. Silencing Your Inner Critic | A Pathway to Self-Acceptance with Dr. Laura Gallaher

"Choose to be okay with who you are."
"Self-acceptance is not the opposite of self-improvement; it is the opposite of self-judgment."
"It's about being more at peace with the imperfection that exists in all of us."
"You are never responding to the world around you, ever - you are only ever responding to the meaning that you're putting on what is happening."
 
Episode summary |
Dr. Laura Gallaher, an organizational psychologist and author, shares her journey from working with NASA to promoting radical self-acceptance. She discusses the importance of psychological safety in organizations, the relationship between self-acceptance and self-improvement, and how stress is often a choice influenced by our self-judgment. Dr. Gallaher emphasizes that self-acceptance is crucial for personal growth and effective leadership, and she provides practical insights on how to cultivate a more accepting relationship with oneself.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Radical self-acceptance involves embracing all aspects of oneself, including flaws and strengths.
Self-acceptance is not the opposite of self-improvement; they can coexist.
Stress is often a choice based on the meaning we assign to situations.
Defensiveness often indicates a lack of self-acceptance.
The stories we tell ourselves can significantly impact our emotional responses.
Creating psychological safety in teams requires self-awareness and vulnerability.
High achievers often fear that self-acceptance will lead to complacency.
Compassion for others often reflects our level of self-acceptance.
Experiential learning and reflection are key to personal growth. 
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Laura Gallaher
06:53 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
18:00 The Missing Links: Company Culture
29:08 The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Self-Perception
34:59 Understanding and Reframing Personal Narratives
40:38 Defensiveness and Self-Acceptance in Relationships
46:06 Rapid Fire Insights and Personal Reflections
 
Guest Bio |
Dr. Laura is a professional speaker and organizational psychologist who inspires driven self-starters to transform their relationship with themselves to accomplish more than ever while making everything easier! While sharing revelations on radical self-acceptance she uniquely leverages humor to resonate with audiences. She is an approachable, funny, warm, alluring, optimistic, curious and delightful speaker and guest! Even as a USA Today and Wall Street Journal Best-selling author, Dr. Laura doesn't fit the typical "academic" personality of her PhD peers.
Some of her noteworthy achievements include being hired by NASA to transform culture following the Columbia accident, working with Disney to lead radical shifts in performance management for their leaders, and inspiring Yahoo’s global teams to seek transformation from the inside-out.
Fun is always abounding in Dr. Laura’s life; so when she’s not serving a mass self-acceptance movement you can find her water skiing, floating in a sunny pool (likely on a large peacock floatie), playing with her dogs, Grace (a papillon) and Jackson (a morkie), singing while playing her beautiful grand piano, or diving deeper into her own consciousness to live life most fully.
 
Resources:
Laura's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gallaher-phd
Self Acceptance Quiz URL: https://selfacceptancequiz.com/
Website URL: drlauragallaher.com
Instagram: @drlauragallaher
Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:
R.O.G on YouTube
R.O.G on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G on Spotify
5 Year Gratitude Journal:
Grounded in Gratitude on Etsy
How diverse is your network? N.D.I. Network Diversity Index
What is your Generosity Style?  Generosity Quiz
Credits: Dr. Laura Gallaher, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 225, Special Guest, Scott Mann.
 

223. Dr. Kristopher Brown - Empowered Leadership

"I want to be what I needed."
"Culture drives everything."
"Generosity and empathy go a long way."
"Never abandon who you are."
“Everybody comes to the table dealing with something.”
 
Episode summary |
Dr. Kristopher Brown shares his journey in education, highlighting his commitment to creating a positive school environment. He discusses the importance of using student feedback to inform decisions, fostering a culture of inclusion, and the impact of leadership attitude on school dynamics. Dr. Brown reflects on his experiences, emphasizing the need for empathy and generosity in leadership, and shares valuable lessons learned from his career. In this conversation, Kris shares personal anecdotes and insights about leadership, kindness, and the importance of creating safe spaces in educational environments. He reflects on a moment of disappointment when a cherished degree frame shattered, and how an unexpected act of kindness from a colleague helped him see the value of generosity in leadership. Kris emphasizes the need for emotional support in schools, the importance of staying connected to the experiences of students and staff, and the power of authenticity in leadership. He also discusses the significance of maintaining one's identity and optimism in the face of challenges, and shares rapid-fire reflections on personal values and goals for the future.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Listening to students is crucial for effective leadership.
Creating a positive school culture requires intentionality and student involvement.
Empathy is essential in addressing student needs and behaviors.
Generosity in leadership can significantly impact school communities.
Maintaining connections with all stakeholders enhances the educational experience.
Reflecting on past experiences helps leaders grow and improve.
A positive attitude from leaders influences the entire school environment.
Building relationships is key to preventing student issues.
Authenticity in leadership fosters a supportive and engaging atmosphere.
Chapters | 
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kristopher Brown
01:24 Dr. Brown's Background and Early Life
03:48 Inspiration for a Career in Education
06:54 Using Student Feedback to Drive Change
09:42 Creating a Positive School Culture
11:53 The Importance of Leadership Attitude
14:49 Stories of Generosity and Learning
23:16 Reflections on Leadership and Growth
24:07 The Heartbreak of a Shattered Dream
27:16 Acts of Kindness and Leadership
28:10 Putting Things Back Together
29:55 Creating Safe Spaces in Education
32:24 Staying Connected to the Experience
34:43 Embracing Authenticity in Leadership
35:44 Rapid Fire Reflections
38:56 Keys to Living a Great Life
39:50 Setting Goals for the Future
 
Guest Bio |
Dr. Kristopher Brown is the Assistant Superintendent of Administration for Pennsbury School District, where he has served since 2023. Prior to this, he was the Director of Student Services & Equity for the Abington School District. Dr. Brown has previously served as Principal of Strath Haven High School in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District after spending four years there as assistant principal. In 2017, he was named Assistant Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association. . He is an alumnus of Abington Senior High School, where he began his educational career as a social studies teacher after earning his bachelor’s degree at Villanova University. Dr. Brown earned a master’s degree from Delaware Valley University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Joseph’s University, a university at which he also serves as an adjunct professor.
 
Resources:
Sam Cooke, A Change Gonna Come 
Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:
R.O.G on YouTube
R.O.G on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G on Spotify
5 Year Gratitude Journal:
Grounded in Gratitude on Etsy
How diverse is your network? N.D.I. Network Diversity Index
What is your Generosity Style?  Generosity Quiz
Credits: Dr. Kristopher Brown,  Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 224, Special Guest, Dr. Laura Gallaher.

222. Lyn Wineman - Be The Leader You Would Follow

"Clarity is key."
"Be the leader you would want to follow."
 
Episode summary |
In this engaging conversation, Shannon Cassidy interviews Lyn Wineman, founder of KidGlov, an advertising agency dedicated to helping changemakers amplify their impact. Lyn shares her journey from a small town in Nebraska to becoming a leader in purpose-driven marketing. The discussion covers the founding of KidGlov, the significance of B Corp certification, and the agency's commitment to a culture of generosity and collaboration. Lyn also highlights the importance of core values in shaping the team's culture and introduces her upcoming book, 'Untangling Spaghetti,' which aims to guide organizations in branding and mission amplification. In this conversation, Lyn Wineman discusses her upcoming book launch, the strategic process behind branding, and the importance of creating a culture of psychological safety within teams. She emphasizes the need for transparency in leadership and shares personal insights on growth and the impact of kindness in the workplace.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Branding should be a strategic process involving data collection and vision clarification.
Creating psychological safety fosters open communication and collaboration.
Transparency in leadership builds trust and unity within teams.
It's essential to model the behavior you want to see in others.
Emotional responses from clients can indicate a deep connection to their brand.
The branding process involves understanding the client's vision and values.
Kindness and generosity can ripple out to positively impact the community.
Personal growth requires introspection and a shift in perspective.
Family support plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and calm. 
 
Chapters | 
00:00  Introduction to Lyn Wineman and KidGlov
03:04  Lyn's Background and Journey to Advertising
05:56  The Birth of KidGlov and Its Mission
09:07  Celebrating 15 Years of KidGlov
12:01  Understanding B Corp Certification
14:57  Creating a Culture of Generosity at KidGlov
18:00  Core Values and Team Collaboration
21:00  Generosity in the Business Community
24:00  Upcoming Book: Untangling Spaghetti
26:48  Launching the Book: A Strategic Approach
29:02  The Process of Brand Development
34:43  Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety
39:03  Transparency in Leadership
41:57  Rapid Fire Insights and Personal Reflections
 
Guest Bio |
Few can match Lyn Wineman’s passion for marketing—or for helping change-makers do more good in the world. For the past 30 years, Lyn has partnered with a variety of large national organizations, regional powerhouse brands, and many of our favorite nonprofit organizations and community health initiatives. As founder, president, and chief strategist of the full-service advertising agency KidGlov, Lyn has hand-picked a talented team known for putting the megaphone in front of change leaders. KidGlov earned its Certified B-Corp status in 2021, proof of their commitment to social and environmental excellence.
Lyn has been inducted into the American Marketing Association Hall of Fame and was named Marketer of the Year by the Lincoln Chapter. She has been recognized with the American Advertising Federation of Nebraska’s Silver Medal and was awarded the Inspire Women’s Leadership Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship. A University of Nebraska Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications alumni, she serves on a number of community boards and is a Community Fellow for the University of Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship. She also serves as a co-host of KidGlov’s Agency for Change podcast, which amplifies the voices of those who are making a positive impact on the world.
Lyn and her husband, Neil, live on a historic farm where they raise a small flock of peacocks. They enjoy spending time with their three kids and grandbaby Ronin.
 
Resources:
KidGlov.com
https://kidglov.com/podcasts
Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:
R.O.G on YouTube
R.O.G on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G on Spotify
5 Year Gratitude Journal:
Grounded in Gratitude on Etsy
How diverse is your network? N.D.I. Network Diversity Index
What is your Generosity Style?  Generosity Quiz
 
Credits: Lyn Wineman,  Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 223, Special Guest, Dr. Kristopher Brown.

221. Justin Jones-Fosu - Respectfully Disagree

"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.
Resources:
Justin's Website: Work Meaningful
Book: Your Why Matters Now 
Book: The Inclusive Mindset 
Free Chapter Here
Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:
R.O.G on YouTube
R.O.G on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G on Spotify
5 Year Gratitude Journal:
Grounded in Gratitude on Etsy
How diverse is your network? N.D.I. Network Diversity Index
What is your Generosity Style?  Generosity Quiz
Credits:
Justin Jones-Fosu, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 222, Special Guest, Lyn Wineman.