Welcome back to the Speak to Freedom podcast. Today, we have the insightful Justin Jones-Fosu as our guest. Justin’s journey is all about transforming the way we view work and the meaning we derive from it. He believes in giving meaning to your work rather than simply finding it. His approach is both profound and practical, as he emphasizes moving from a transactional mindset to a transformational one in our personal and professional lives.

In this episode, Justin shares his journey as a speaker and how he developed his message. He dives into the "three P's" that helped him clarify his purpose and become a great speaker. His concept of a "PhD speaker" brings a fresh perspective on how to communicate with authenticity and expertise. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just someone trying to live a more meaningful life, Justin's insights will resonate deeply with you. Join us as Justin explains how to pursue a life and career that truly matter, not just for yourself but for everyone around you.

[1:00] Justin, if someone asked you what you do, how would you respond?

"I would say I’m a husband and a father first. Beyond that, I’m the founder of Work Meaningful, where we help professionals and organizations move from transactional to transformational experiences. Through consulting, workshops, and speaking, we guide them to make work more meaningful. But my journey as a speaker started accidentally 17 years ago. Over time, I've learned how to transform speaking into a powerful tool for change."

[5:30] Could you tell us more about how you developed your speaking career and found your message?

"It started with a workshop I led in Norwalk, Connecticut. That moment led me to understand the power of meaningful work. It wasn’t just about being a speaker; it was about being a business owner who speaks. I realized that to be effective, I needed to operate beyond the stage. By focusing on helping people find meaning in their work, I transitioned from speaking to building a business that delivers lasting impact."

[8:43] What does it mean to be a "PhD Speaker"?

"A 'PhD Speaker' is someone who speaks with expertise, creating new knowledge rather than just repeating existing information. It’s about being a content expert who motivates. For me, this involved asking myself three fundamental questions: What am I passionate about? Where do I have proficiency? Is there a possibility to speak in this area? It’s not just about speaking; it's about adding value and creating a meaningful impact."

[12:28] How did your personal journey, like your trip to Ghana, shape your perspective on meaningful work?

"My trip to Ghana was transformative. It was a journey to confront my father and understand my heritage. Choosing to forgive him opened up a whole new dimension of my identity. I embraced my Ghanaian roots and started initiatives to give back, like building schools in Ghana. This experience enriched my message and allowed me to step on stage with authenticity, representing my heritage proudly."

[17:40] How can someone find and clarify their own message as a speaker?

"It’s a process that takes time and introspection. For me, it was about listening to what people said I spoke about, mind mapping my thoughts, and consulting with friends and coaches. Over nine months, I clarified my message: it’s not about finding meaning in your work; it's about bringing meaning to it. I encourage others to be open to feedback and explore what truly resonates with them."

[25:30] What are your future aspirations for Work Meaningful and your impact?

"I see myself stepping back from running Work Meaningful and focusing on my role as a visionary founder. I want to continue creating content, impacting change management, and furthering the work we do through our foundation. Our aim is to make a lasting impact, not just in Africa, but globally, by building schools and promoting meaningful education."

[39:17] What is the core promise that drives you?

"It’s about valuing the humanity of every individual, regardless of their background or status. We strive to leave people better in every interaction. My work is about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and respected, and that's the legacy I aim to leave behind."

Key Quotes:

• [3:40] "You've got to fight for your future self."
• [17:00] "It's not about finding meaning in your work; it's about bringing meaning to your work."

How to Connect with Justin Jones-Fosu:

• Website: workmeaningful.com
• New Book: How to Respectfully Disagree
• LinkedIn: Justin Jones-Fosu

That's a wrap for today's episode of the Speak to Freedom Podcast. We hope you found our discussion with Justin Jones-Fosu inspiring and informative. If you enjoyed today's episode and want to stay updated on all future releases, be sure to hit the subscribe button on your favorite podcast platform. Until next time, remember to speak with confidence and clarity so you can one day soon speak to freedom.

See you in the next episode!