Jennifer Todd-Wilson’s Post

In an era characterized by polarization, Justin Jones-Fosu's new book, "I Respectfully Disagree" emerges as a crucial guide for navigating the treacherous waters of social, ideological, and work conflicts. The book is predicated on a startling reality. Approximately 25% of the global population is affected by serious conflicts, a testament to the profound divisions that cut across our social fabric. Justin argues compellingly that many have lost touch with the humanity of those who hold opposing views, often resorting to labels and generalizations that only serve to deepen divides. The book's central thesis is a call to dismantle the walls of division and instead, construct bridges of understanding. Jones-Fosu positions the book as a compass in these turbulent times, guiding readers towards a more inclusive approach where respect does not necessitate agreement. True inclusion, he suggests, is about maintaining respect for one another amidst disagreement. One of the book's most powerful messages is encapsulated in a quote from the late Anthony Bourdain: "I don't have to agree with you to like or respect you." "I Respectfully Disagree" introduces the concept of "Golden Respect," which Jones-Fosu describes as a blend of courage and conviction. The book shares the story of Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl. Frankl emphasizes our ability to choose our responses in any situation—a powerful reminder of human agency. The goal of respectful disagreement is not changing opinions but rather understanding different perspectives and planting seeds for future dialogue. To facilitate this, the book introduces five pillars to navigate difficult conversations: 1. Challenge Your Perspective - Encourages readers to adopt a new lens and embrace the humanity of those they disagree with. 2. Be the Student - Advocates for a learning stance, where feedback is sought to deepen understanding. 3. Cultivate Your Curiosity - Urges readers not to shut people out but to engage them with questions and an open mind. 4. Seek the Gray - Calls for recognition of nuance and the embracing of ambiguity, stepping away from black-and-white thinking. 5. Agree to Respect - Stresses the need for full acknowledgment of others' viewpoints and working collaboratively towards mutual understanding. "I Respectfully Disagree - How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World" is more than a manual; it is a reflective journey that challenges each of us to reconsider how we interact with the world. It is about cultivating a mindset where every individual is valued, not despite, but through their differences. I highly recommend it. This book is particularly valuable for anyone looking to foster a culture of dialogue and understanding, whether in personal relationships, professional environments, or broader social interactions. #RespectfullyDisagree

Fear of judgment is a barrier to authentic success. Many women struggle with this in the business world. My client, ‘Catherine’, did until I helped her to overcome it. This fear often stems from past experiences, like a challenging relationship with a parent. For Catherine, it was her father. He was intimidating and inconsistent, and growing up, he was overly critical of her. He would make fun of her if she didn’t catch on quickly, especially if something was too advanced for her age. It’s a common story: a parent’s judgment can deeply impact how we show up in the world. Even when Catherine knew no one would judge her as harshly as her father did, that old fear lingered. It was with her all the time, impacting how she showed up and the experiences she attracted. Projecting this fear can make us hesitant to express our true selves. But it’s possible to overcome this fear by addressing and healing the energy of these past wounds, which helps us find peace and confidence. I worked with Catherine on her energy, and very quickly she saw results in how she felt about the fear of judgment. She soon became more empowered to show up as her authentic self. And began attracting experiences that match. She might still be judged by others, but now that’s their problem. She no longer cares. Freedom. Fear of judgment is not insurmountable. You have the power to shift these old beliefs and step into your true potential. You can create a vision for authenticity and start making real progress towards it immediately. DM me the word ‘AUTHENTICITY’ and I’ll show you how I helped Catherine do it.

Good Morning Get Up 'N Go! 😶🌫️ “I’ve never been interested in being invisible and erased.” — Laverne Cox How many times have you been invisible and erased? It happened to me a lot. I didn't fit in the clique. I worked without question. I thought I wasn't good enough. It's more common than you think. Sometimes, you can’t get a word in edgewise because of the noise in the meeting. That one person who must command everyone’s attention and be the center of it. Sometimes, you can't get support when you need it most. You're overlooked and out of sight. Sometimes, you can feel defeated and lost. Like being alone on an island at sea. The professional world, all too often sidelines those: Who don’t fit the mold. Who don't dress the part. Who don't fit within the clique. The path of leadership and innovation are not just for the chosen few. What if you: Refused to fade into the background. Challenged conventional wisdom. Disrupted the status quo. Standing up for your beliefs is your path forward. If you are surrounded by those who refuse to allow you to be YOU, then you need to make other plans. Don't get stuck in a parking lot taking directions and not being able to move onto the road. Make your own directions and get moving! Need some help creating your road map? Have a collab tea with me and see how far you can travel without having to look back. Love & Light, Michele 🥰 ********************** I empower Women Entrepreneurs and Attorneys to get out of their own way, crush negativity and stand strong in their light with a purpose.

People's opinions don't always validate your vision. A few days back, I was having a chit chat with my flatmates, and we got into discussing our life plans. They were all about leaving the country- the "japa" style, but I had a different take. I told them, "I'm determined to leave my country like a king, not a slave. I want to become a sought-after consultant, not just for individuals or companies, but even for nations. I aim to depart Nigeria, if need be, as a woman of value and excellence. Now, that doesn't mean leaving the country is wrong. If you've got a solid reason and conviction, go for it. This is just my own resolute." After I shares my aspirations, they all burst into laughter, saying, "Blessing, it's just a dream, wake up to reality." I was stunned. I believe every vision starts with a dream—a fiery desire for a conceived possible future. Even Martin Luther King Jr. kicked off with those iconic words: "I have a dream." Every idea or vision brews in your heart and mind, not everyone knows about it. Just because others don't see what you see doesn't make it any less real. Vision, as I see it, is a ticket to the future, propelling us to our human potential. As I like to define it- it is what eyes haven't seen, ears haven't heard, and the human heart hasn't imagined but was caught by a discerning heart. God doesn't give everyone access to the ideas He's planted in you. Not everyone will be on board with your vision. As one who.has been stucked and limited by seeking validation and approval from men, I can assert to this undoubtedly. A friend once told me, "Every vision needs a first believer, and that's YOU." If you believe in your idea, your relentless pursuit will attract like-minded souls, similar in callings and assignments to help you make it happen. People's opinions, beliefs, or vibes don't authenticate what you carry within. Here's what you need to do: 📌 See it for yourself. 📌 Internalize it. 📌 Believe in it and reinforce it. 📌 Understand it's doable. Starting now, watch out for the voices you let into your ears and vision. Beware of the influences you allow into your life. Like Steve Harvey said, "If you want to kill a big vision, tell it to a small-minded person." It's that simple. I leave you with this, The people you share your vision with also determines it's life span. Never, never, I repeat never let anyone's opinions or suggestions or negative disposition question or limit what you already know is possible. Don't be afraid to dream big! Oh yeah, it's Monday 😊 Be a bold visionary this week and be confident. Someone needs to see this? ♻️ Repost #boldvisionary #beconfident #dreambig #thevisionstrategist

Here’s how to spot a non-fungible human. Buckle up because I’m taking you for a ride! This week’s guest speaker was Jean Montano, a senior manager at Republic Services, and she brought the heat to our Tucson Thrive call. Everyone should strive to be non-fungible. It simply means that you’re truly unique. However, it also means that you’re hard to replace and hard to forget. It can also mean that some people love you, and some people hate you. Jean is definitely a non-fungible human. And I don’t think you could ever hate her! What I love about Jean’s story is that she places a high value on intellectual curiosity and the ability to connect with others by finding common ground. She believes that curiosity drives empathy. It’s been a guiding principle her entire life. Jean lived in Central America from fourth grade to her senior year. This played a big role in her being able to develop a strong sense of empathy. It’s not hard to believe when she was exposed to: Natural disasters. Civil unrest. Economic disparities. Remember how I said that some people love non-fungibles and some hate them? Well at the end of the day, they’re also humans that nobody forgets. And this is exactly the case with Jean. I was glued to every word she spoke. She’s a great storyteller and has the experiences to back it up. I haven’t even had a chance to mention that she leads a sales team of 170 people! You can ask her about that over coffee. Oh, and one last thing about non-fungibles. They’re nearly impossible to replace. When they leave a room, event, meeting, or even an organization, it’s nearly impossible to replace them. True uniqueness can't be replaced! Let’s all strive to be non-fungible! P.S. One-of-a-kind, just like you!

What have you changed your mind about lately? Take a minute to come up with an actual answer. If you can't, does that concern you? Should it? I think so. The most important thing I have taken away from two decades overseas and a decade working with the #IB is that multiple perspectives can all be right. Even knowing this; it has taken me far too long to get to the point where I actively seek out opinions that differ from my own. Why? Because echo chambers and familiarity are safe and safety is intoxicating; especially for women in business, where the stakes are higher and the margin for missteps is razor-thin. But at some point, for me that was about ten years ago, we realize that if we stay in eco chambers, we don't move the needle and we don't learn how to. We don't innovate. We don't change the status quo, which is what the generation that follows us needs us to do. So I quietly and actively seek out opinions contrary to my own and focus on what I can learn from them. To be fair, it's not too hard to do these days, we are more divided than ever. And that's okay. The division is normal, it's the vitriol that isn't. The point is not to unify, but to purge us of the desire to vilify. You don't have to embrace contrary ideas. You don't have to comment on them either. But if you do, be curious. The goal is not conversion, but conversation—an openness to understanding. So if you couldn't come up with an opinion you've changed lately, start by embracing opinions or behaviours you view as contrary or nonsensical in small ways that are low stakes. For instance, I've never understood why anyone would watch Sci-Fi, but my father-in-law loves it and I love him. So I keep going back to that genre looking for what engages him. If you told me I was ever going to quote Star Wars on LinkedIn I would have told you that you were out of your mind—and yet here we are. In fact, I have learned enough to know that some of you (including Papa Joe) will argue Star Wars isn't sci-fi at all, but rather, as George Lucas stated in 2015: "Star Wars isn't a science-fiction film, it's a fantasy film and a space opera". I've also learned from Papa Joe's that taking a break from reality after a hard day at work is good for his soul, just like going for a walk is good for mine; same goal, same outcome, different vice. "Remember, your focus determines your reality." — Qui-Gon Jinn

I've written for myself. I’ve written for an audience. And, I’ve written an algorithm. The first gave me purpose. The second gave me business. The third gave me a f*cking headache. And so, with the theme of this season in my life, we go back to basics. Over the next few ... however long I want, I’m going to share some stories of failure. I have such a nuanced relationship with the word, and if my unpacking of my own experiences here can be helpful to any other women, creative, entrepreneur or person battling their own demons, then lfg. My big ah-ha that brought me to my knees a few weeks ago: I’m so scared of failing that I don’t even try. Yes, I left my job to start my own business. Yes, I have created things that live and breathe in the world. Yes, I have been on big stages, and done things I’m really proud of. But the farther I got into my big dreams, the farther I pushed them away. What did this look like? 🛑 Over-perfecting what they had to be 🛑 Delaying starting 🛑 Saying, “When XYZ is in place.” 🛑 Giving my power over to people who I thought were smarter or more worthy. 🛑 Hiding behind my other life commitments (not talking about childbirth, because that was a very real thing to hit pause for) I guess, what I’m saying is, change happens when it becomes too painful to stay the same. And a few weeks ago, when I faced my own shadows, saying what TF do you really want; and, what are you willing to do to get it? 1️⃣ The first part of that answer was everything I’ve known I’ve wanted since I was 5 years old. 2️⃣ And the second part was - swing so big you’re proud of your failures. *full disclosure, I may completely argue against this with time* but today, I am certain, there is no room for being measured. 

*NEW PROGRAMME * On 15th May, I am opening the doors to “ 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐘 “ 🦅 - 1:1 Intensive - 4 Weeks Living your purpose sounds so cliché..until it happens! So, I’m a Sacral Generator by Human Design. My purpose, in part, is to use the gift of intuition & instinct to raise the life force in those around me. Sounds pretty accurate given what I do, right?! (Full disclosure : ‼️ I love what I do, but getting here has not been easy. More on that later..) 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐘 was borne out of my own personal journey of healing and self-discovery. I’m showing up and sharing this new level of expression and I want to create a safe space for you to do the same. It’s about feeling secure, finding your purpose in this world and that place of belonging within yourself as a Visionary Woman today. I AM HERE FOR THIS LEVEL OF ALIVENESS & FOR .. 🦅 The woman who is ready to go deep into her own self-belief story, knowing that it’s going to stretch her to the edges to meet her own strength. 🦅 The woman who is ready to transform her inner “good girl” into an assertive, embodied leader, knowing that the road will be gritty, but life-changing and worth it. 🦅 The woman who is ready to smash through every damn glass ceiling to grow a purpose-led soul business advocating for freedom, expression, wealth, community, knowing she’ll face resistance while breaking the mould. 🦅 The woman who is ready to say goodbye to conventional ways and disrupt the status quo because she believes every woman gets to do HER business HER way. 🦅 I AM FOR HER because I AM HER & LIVING IT. ..And the Visionary Women who work with me at this level of awareness, begin to : ✔️ Build trust & safety within themselves ✔️ Experience trust & safety in the space I hold ✔️ Become more comfortable with being seen ✔️ Feel more confident showing up in their most authentic expression ✔️ Move through behavioural patterning and cycles + so much more! So, if you’re hearing the call and want to expand your zone of genius, I will show you how. I will guide you through your next level of expression and we will collapse time together. Who are you choosing to be? Let’s chat 💬 Fiona #visionary #mentorship #coaching #purpose #leadership #zoneofgenius #selfdiscovery —————————————————————————— In Celtic Mythology, the Eagle symbolises wisdom, strength, resilience, vision & freedom. Being such majestic soarers, it's not surprising they represent a higher perspective on life. It's time for freedom! 💚 "Be fearless, do not fear the storms of life, instead, brace yourself better and fly higher where you can see things well".

This quote, “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid,” by Audre Lorde, a renowned writer, feminist, womanist, librarian, and civil rights activist, encapsulates a powerful message about personal empowerment, fear, and the pursuit of one's vision. Let's break it down for a more detailed understanding: 1) When I dare to be powerful To "dare to be powerful" suggests a conscious decision to embrace one's own strength and capabilities. It's about overcoming the initial fear or hesitation that comes with stepping into one's power. This involves recognizing that you possess the ability to influence, to create change, and to make a difference, whether in your own life or in the wider world. It's a call to move beyond self-doubt and to step into a place of confidence and assertiveness. 2) to use my strength in the service of my vision Lorde is emphasizing the importance of directing one's strength and power towards a purpose or goal—specifically, one's vision. This vision could be personal aspirations, professional goals, or activism aimed at societal change. It implies that true power comes not from possessing strength alone but from using it purposefully and with intention. It's about aligning one's abilities and actions with one's deepest values and ambitions. 3) then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid Here, Lorde acknowledges the presence of fear but suggests that its significance diminishes as one becomes more engaged in the pursuit of their vision. This part of the quote speaks to the transformative process of action. When you begin to see the impact of your strength and efforts, fear becomes a secondary concern. It's not that fear disappears entirely, but rather that the focus shifts from being paralyzed by fear to being motivated by the vision and the work towards it. Audre Lorde's quote is a powerful affirmation of the transformative potential of embracing one's strength and channeling it towards one's goals and visions. It speaks to the journey of overcoming fear through action, dedication, and purpose. Lorde's words encourage us to recognize our power, to dare to use it, and to not let fear hold us back from pursuing our deepest convictions and dreams. It's a call to action that resonates across various contexts, reminding us that our power, when harnessed for a vision greater than ourselves, can lead to meaningful change and personal growth.

Debunking Myths: Unpopular Beliefs Held by Creative Individuals 1. Dependency on Substances: "I can't think creatively if I don't smoke or consume alcohol." Not true and a bad idea as well. In the long-term consumption of substance just makes you weak, dependent and uncreative. 2. Coffee Rituals: "I need my black coffee to fuel my creative process." Don't get me wrong, I love coffee, my day starts with coffee, but connecting your creativity or process with anything just makes you dependent and weak. Enjoy your coffee but know that it has nothing to do with your creativity. 3. Embrace of Misunderstanding: "Being misunderstood is a natural part of being a creative person." Maybe sometimes or most of the times being misunderstood is common, but there could be times that your work has a scope for improvement. It's up to you whether you want to put your work out or not, but do take suggestions. 4. Misery Myth: "Creative people are often portrayed as miserable, but is this really the case?" There is a huge misconception going on out there, apparently creative people make people happy, but they can never be happy, art comes from pain and all that nonsense. There are people out there who get themselves into darkness to get creative, that's the most distorted form of creativity. 5. Harnessing Self-Doubt: "Self-doubt can serve as a powerful catalyst for growth and improvement." It seems, self-doubt can act as a catalyst for creative individuals to seek improvement and growth. It is important to embrace yourself and acknowledge that each endeavor regardless of outcome contributes to personal and artistic growth. Connecting your process to any substances is a bad idea, trust yourself and do your work instead of depending on a piece of chocolate or even coffee.