Are there times when people say things that you completely disagree with, but you don’t know how to express your thoughts or feelings without ending up in an argument? 

In a world that feels so divided, especially during an election year, it’s more important than ever to learn how to navigate difficult conversations. 

When handled respectfully, disagreements can become building blocks toward more compassion and a greater understanding of our shared humanity.

Today on The Bridge to FulfillmentⓇ, Blake welcomes Justin Jones-Fosu. He’s the CEO of Work. Meaningful. as well as an international speaker, a social entrepreneur, and the critically acclaimed author of I Respectfully Disagree. His book challenges you to focus on building bridges to people rather than barriers from them.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to experience disagreements in a way that fosters personal growth and empathy by humanizing the process. You’ll hear actionable ways to engage with people you may not agree with, and learn how to gracefully navigate opposing perspectives in a divided world. 

What You’ll Learn:

• How his mom inspired his life’s mission (4:02)

• An actionable way to engage more openly and challenge your perspective (12:50) 

• What makes it so hard for people to learn from each other (17:02)

• Pillars for having respectful disagreement (23:38)

• How to cultivate your curiosity (35:52)

Favorite Quotes:

1. “We can vehemently disagree with someone's ideology and yet still passionately pursue their humanity.” –Justin Jones-Fosu

2. “Recognize your own personal discomfort because that's usually why we aren't open at first. We think, ‘Oh, I don't know anyone. I'm uncomfortable. I don't know what to say, I don't know what to do’. And if we stay stuck in that, we miss the gift of all of the beauty of the things that we can learn.” –Blake

3. “We encourage people in those moments of discomfort to remind themselves of areas where they used to be uncomfortable and that they've grown more comfortable with the discomfort. That's the power of moving forward.” –Justin Jones-Fosu

4. “Even when we are closed-minded, we should always be open-hearted.” –Justin Jones-Fosu

5. “When I gave myself compassion, I could show up more clearly and give others compassion.” –Blake

Connect with Justin Jones-Fosu: 

Book excerpt: https://howtorespectfullydisagree.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iworkmeaningful/ 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Respectfully-Disagree-Difficult-Conversations-Divided/dp/152300651X

Additional Resources: 

Get clarity on where you are on your journey to career fulfillment, where you’re headed, optional paths to get there, and the right next step to take.

Start your complimentary, Personalized Career Fulfillment Plan by going to www.thebridgetofulfillment.com/pcfp

For programs and opportunities to work with Blake, go to www.BlakeSchofield.com