Don't Take the Exit on People: A Diversity & Inclusion Approach | Justin Jones-Fosu | TEDxAsheville

What if our automatic assumptions are causing a more divided society? In this talk, Justin Jones-Fosu shares practical ways to challenge our assumptions and encourage meaningful connections with others. Learn how to communicate better, learn from others, and make diversity/inclusion an everyday reality. A reality where we will not be defined by our divisiveness but rather by the deliberate depth of our relationships! It's time to stop taking the exit on people and drive toward a better humanity. Justin Jones-Fosu challenges people to see diversity and inclusion as someone they choose to be rather than something they are supposed to do. He is a full-time dad-e of two high-energy kids and a highly sought-after business consultant, social entrepreneur, and diversity/inclusion researcher. He is the founder and CEO of Work. Meaningful., where they partner with companies, organizations, and associations in the US and internationally to embrace meaningful work and diversity/inclusion.
His latest book, "The Inclusive Mindset: How to cultivate diversity in your everyday life," encourages people to see diversity/inclusion not as a mandate but rather as an everyday mindset. Justin embraces his heritage as a dual-citizen of both Ghana and the US, and you can usually catch Justin wearing something from his Ghanaian heritage. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@katrinabretsch7671]

Always so refreshing to hear you speak 🎉 absolutely relevant and positive mindfulness!

[@MsTonyaMoore]

Excellent message! I’m inspired to make at least 1 meaningful connection every week. I always love your high energy and creativity when you present. The double dutch addition was pretty cool.

[@iworkmeaningful]

I am grateful you took the time to watch!

[@beattitude12]

What a wonderful TEDTalk! Excellent speaker and message- with doable takeaways. Bravo, Justin!

[@iworkmeaningful]

Thank you for the wonderful encouragement! Is there one takeaway that stood out the most?

[@tiengangale2585]

We don't take things as they are, we take things as we see them. Brilliantly captivating, powerful and inspiring talk. ❤

[@JustinJones-Fosu]

Thank you for hte encouragement!

[@chidiadiele]

Beautiful in every way. Thank you.

[@LinnitaHosten]

Awesome!! Love the equation and the challenge to have more meaningful connections. And the double Dutch analogy 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@iworkmeaningful]

Yes to Double Dutch and not jumping in!

[@Puggy56]

Amazing!!

[@itsShuhMyRah]

If only we could “disagree with someone’s theology, and yet [and still] passionately pursue their humanity.” If we could seek to “be more INTERESTED than INTERESTING.” Excellent! Informative! Edifying! And I appreciate the practical and actionable takeaways. (1) The Circles of Grace Challenge [Love this! Challenge accepted.] (2) 1 mc/W or M [YES to meaningful connections.]

[@iworkmeaningful]

What a great and I look forward to hearing more about your Circles of Grace Challenges.

[@JustinJones-Fosu]

Thank you and my new book I Respectfully Disagree shows us how to better do this!

[@user-zt9vl7zd5j]

I don't usually comment, but I had to say that this was wonderful. Thank you, thank you!

[@iworkmeaningful]

Thank you so much for sharing. What made you enjoy it?

[@veganchaatparty]

Awesome Dopeeeeee.....thanks for sharing!!

[@iworkmeaningful]

Thank you for watching!! Really appreciate it.

[@avalanche9970]

Incredible 😄

[@iworkmeaningful]

Thank you! What made it incredible to you?

[@BridgingTheGapCT]

This is an outstanding talk! Making meaningful connections are important and I love that you encourage your audience to seek them.

[@iworkmeaningful]

Thank you for sharing this comment! What made the talk outstanding for you if you don't mind us asking.

[@glorialafleur6921]

Funny, honest examples, realistic challenges. I mean idk about not being annoyed by annoying coworkers but.. jk. Really enjoyed it!

[@iworkmeaningful]

We are so grateful for your response and how you have taken it to heart!

[@Nguyen12121]

This is not DEI.

[@JustinJones-Fosu]

Please share more. I think it is and it isn't. Not taking the exit on people is a part of inclusion and belonging in my book but I would love to see you perceive it.

[@UyeGaming]

Agree with the content, not presentation style.

[@JustinJones-Fosu]

Thank you for sharing your perspective. I think you might value my new book: I Respectfully Disagree. What type of presentation style do you usually prefer?

[@UyeGaming]

@JustinJones-Fosu Congrats on your book! I found your presentation very entertaining, but the frequent tempo changes made it hard for me to follow the key points. As part of my HR training, I had to watch this video and focus on the content, but the mix of fast and slow speaking made it challenging to process the information. While your style is great for a Def Poetry Jam (I bet Saul Williams would enjoy this!), I had to re-watch the video multiple times to catch the main takeaways, especially on Double Dutch communication. Just my personal experience(and how my brain works), but I’m sure others really enjoy your dynamic approach.