Ep. 96, You Can Disagree Without Being a Jerk, Joyosity™ Summer Sips
What if conflict wasn’t a sign of failure… but an invitation to lead?
In this December Summer Sip, Jenn and Shelby revisit their powerful conversation with author and leadership speaker Justin Jones-Fosu. Together, they explore how to handle disagreement without dehumanization, the subtle difference between respect and agreement, and how leaders can thank their teams for dissent — yes, really.
This is the episode for when you’re heading into hard conversations (or a family reunion) and want to keep your soul and your sanity intact.
Key Takeaway
You don’t have to agree with someone to honor their humanity. Respect starts with how you listen.
Guest: Justin Jones-Fosu
Justin Jones-Fosu is a global speaker, author, and CEO of Work. Meaningful. He helps organizations and individuals transform how they work by connecting their values to their everyday actions. His latest book, I Respectfully Disagree, equips leaders with practical tools to navigate conflict with clarity and character.
Connect with Justin: justinjonesfosu.com
Host: Jenn Whitmer
Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosity™, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier.
Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her upcoming book, Joyosity, hits shelves this fall, offering leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
More with Jenn: jennwhitmer.com
Co-Host: Shelby Merryweather
Shelby produces many live streaming shows and podcasts, including Joyosity™ ™. She is also founder and CEO of Sunshine Lane, where she helps creative entrepreneurs lead with clarity and calm. Connect with Shelby at shelbymerryweather.com.
Pour Yourself a Full Glass:
December 2024 Episodes
- Ep. 66: How to Lead When People Disagree
- Ep. 67: The Power of Respectful Disagreement (Part 1 with Justin Jones-Fosu)
- Ep. 68: Finding Common Ground in Complex Situations (Part 2 with Justin Jones-Fosu)
- Ep. 69: ICYMI: Turning Disagreements into Dialogue (with Jenn & Shelby)
Grab Justin’s latest book, *I Respectfully Disagree.*
Joyosity Book Coming this Fall:
Join the Joyosity™ Works Very Important Party and get:
- Early sneak peeks of the book with real tools to help you in your life, your work, and in your leadership.
- An exclusive chance to shape this message, including cover art, and help other leaders create positive culture with complex people.
- Behind-the-scenes updates and bonuses.
Get in here: https://jennwhitmer.com/books
Resources & Links:
Free 99 Steps:
Why Do I Keep Doing This? Enneagram Motivations. You’re not broken. You’re just being run by a well-meaning but slightly unhinged internal script. Meet the five motivations behind your leadership quirks and learn how to flip the script with this quick guide.
Joyosity Explorer Map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.
Ready to Make a Plan: Joyosity™ Jumpstart
Get crystal clear on what you want, what’s in the way, and what’s actually working. In this powerful strategy session, we’ll use the Joyosity™ Compass to name your roadblocks and map a leadership plan you can actually follow. No fluff, just traction. Schedule your session here.
Starting the Journey: Enneagram Navigator
Tired of trying to figure out your Enneagram type from freebie quizzes that leave you more confused than a group text with no context? In this 1:1 session, I’ll help you decode your motivations and blind spots so you can finally lead (and live) with clarity, not guesswork. Book your Navigator session here.
Ready to Dive In: Joyosity™ Intensive
What if you could clear the fog, realign with your values, and build a practical plan for joyful leadership — in just one transformative day? This personalized experience combines deep self-awareness, strategic clarity, and honest-to-goodness joy to help you lead with purpose and still like your life. Start the process here.
A Party for More: Book Jenn to Speak
When your whole team needs the spark — not just the spark notes — I bring the energy, expertise, and real talk that shifts culture. With contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter, I help leaders connect, communicate, and make
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