269: What Are the Most Effective Ways to Navigate Difficult Conversations at Work? A Conversation with Justin Jones-Fosu
Release Date: 12/18/2024
278: Radical Empathy at Work: Stories from 'I See You!
Workday Playdate
Think empathy is just a “soft skill”? Think again. It’s your leadership superpower—one that builds trust, fuels innovation, and keeps teams engaged. But here’s the kicker: real empathy isn’t just about feeling—it’s about leading with it. In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin takes you beyond the pages of her book I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy to unpack the ripple effect it’s had on leaders, teams, and workplaces over the past year. From boardrooms to book clubs, keynote stages to personal breakthroughs, this book has...
info_outline
Snack 1: How to Let Empathy Shape Your Leadership Style
Workday Playdate
Welcome to Workday Playdate—new name, same mission, more fun! If you're a leader looking to energize your team, you're in the right place. You care about your people, but leadership can feel like an uphill battle—burnout, disengagement, awkward silences. Sound familiar? Enter: Radical Empathy. In today’s Workday Playdate “Snack,” Erin gives you a quick win improv activity that you can try in your next meeting: 1. Ask: “What’s been your biggest challenge this week?” 2. Listen. Repeat back what they said in your own words. 3. Say: “If I...
info_outline
277: Why Wendy Gonzalez Fires Herself Every Year, and Why You Should Too!
Workday Playdate
Radical empathy in leadership isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer. But practicing it? That takes intention, self-awareness, and a willingness to evolve. In this episode of the improve it! Podcast, Erin sits down with Wendy Gonzalez to dive deep into what it truly means to lead with radical empathy. Wendy is the CEO at Sama and is passionate about building high-performing, high-functioning teams that develop and scale innovative, impactful technology. Wendy shares her bold philosophy of "firing yourself" annually—a practice that keeps leaders accountable to the ever-changing...
info_outline
276: Lead with Empathy in 2025: The 2-Step Shortcut
Workday Playdate
Empathy at work (and outside of work) is simpler than you think, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In Episode 276 of the improve it! Podcast, Erin discusses why mastering empathy will unlock deeper connections, increase employee engagement, and give you more meaningful results. Erin gives you her 2-step shortcut for leading with empathy that you can bring to work tomorrow. She also gives you the deets on the improv game that you can play 100% of the time in your head to help you be more empathetic. If you’re working on training your empathy muscles this year—this is the episode for...
info_outline
275: From Hot Mess to Goal-Getter: Real Talk on Intentions
Workday Playdate
What if the secret to empowering your team and reclaiming your day wasn’t about setting more goals, but about leading with intention? Imagine turning your 'hot mess' moments into clear, purpose-driven leadership—this framework will show you how. 1. Self-Reflection: Know Your "Hot Mess" Moments Before you can set meaningful intentions, you need to identify where you are today. Effective leadership begins with self-awareness. Take time to reflect on your strengths, blind spots, and the patterns that hold you back. For instance, imagine a manager overwhelmed by endless meetings and...
info_outline
274: Step Into Their Shoes: Intentional Empathy with Virtual Reality with Vivian Acquah
Workday Playdate
Vivian Acquah is paving the way for more inclusive and equitable workplaces. She’s not just a DEI consultant; she’s a force of nature dedicated to helping leaders like you create cultures where everyone belongs. As the founder of Amplify DEI, Vivian combines innovation, empathy, and practical tools to inspire lasting change. You can connect with her on LinkedIn at the link below and get ready to feel inspired. In this episode of the improve it! Podcast, Vivian and Erin get real about how to show up for your team and for yourself. They dive into everything from intention setting to the...
info_outline
273: Hey, Overthinkers! Let’s Simplify Your Intentions
Workday Playdate
Are you stuck in the endless loop of overthinking? Maybe you’ve rewritten the same email five times, hesitated to act on a great idea, or turned your to-do list into a novel. Overthinking doesn’t just waste time—it keeps you from living fully. In today’s episode, Erin tackles how to break free from the analysis paralysis and take intentional, meaningful steps forward. Here’s what you need to know: 1. The Problem with Overthinking Overthinking might feel like preparation, but it often paralyzes us instead. As Erin discusses in the episode, overthinking shows up as rehearsing perfect...
info_outline
272: How Can You Eliminate Imposter Syndrome to Optimize Your Performance with Victoria Jenn Rodriguez
Workday Playdate
Imposter syndrome—two words that can stop even the most ambitious professionals in their tracks. But what if we told you that it’s not a roadblock, but a signal of growth? In today's episode, Erin sits down with the inspiring Victoria Jenn Rodriguez to flip the script on imposter syndrome. Victoria reveals why feeling like an imposter can actually be a good thing, and shares powerful strategies for overcoming self-doubt while leveling up in life and work. Here are five standout lessons from Erin's convo with Victoria: 1. Imposter Syndrome is a Sign of Growth Victoria Jenn reframes...
info_outline
271: Spark Joy, Set Goals: Intentional Leadership Tips that Work
Workday Playdate
What if the key to thriving under pressure was simpler than you thought? In today’s episode, Erin tackles one of the toughest challenges leaders face: staying positive and intentional during high-pressure situations. Whether you're leading a team through tight deadlines or navigating unpredictable circumstances, this episode offers actionable insights to help you lead with clarity and joy. Below are five key takeaways from the episode, giving you the tools to transform stress into an opportunity for intentional leadership: 1. Set the Stage: Define Your Leadership "Why" Intentional...
info_outline
270: Lessons, Laughs & Leadership: improve it! Podcast Year in Review
Workday Playdate
2024 was a year of radical insights, heartfelt stories, and transformative lessons in leadership—and we’re wrapping it all up with a bang! If you’re ready to relive the top moments that took your leadership game from ‘meh’ to magnificent, buckle up because this isn’t just a recap; it’s your ultimate guide to starting 2025 stronger, more inspired, and more intentional than ever before. In this post, we’re summarizing the five most impactful takeaways from our top episodes, as shared by the incredible improve it! team. Whether you’re leading in the boardroom or in your...
info_outlineWhat 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)
- Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight from Justin and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy.
- Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode.
- Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.”
- Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here.
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!