The Zack Arnold Podcast

Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?→ Click here for your customized podcast playlistMy guest today is Justin Jones-Fosu, who is the CEO of Work. Meaningful., an organization dedicated to transforming corporate culture by fostering mindset, purpose, and performance. Justin is also the author of I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World — a timely guide for navigating the conflicts that seem unavoidable in today’s polarized world.In our conversation, we explore the growing divisions in workplaces and beyond, unpacking why disagreements so often escalate into toxicity. Justin sheds light on why initiatives like DEI, despite their good intentions, sometimes fall short and how rethinking our approach to conflict could make a difference.We discuss the core of his philosophy: seeing disagreements not as battles to be won but as opportunities to understand and respect others, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Justin shares actionable strategies and mindset shifts from his book, offering a way to approach disagreements that prioritize respect, collaboration, and mutual understanding.This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to engage in conflict with clarity and compassion, whether at work or in everyday life.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Why the DEI initiative isn't workingKEY TAKEAWAY: People are less likely to engage in solutions if they feel they aren't part of it at allHow to engage with someone who has a different perspective from youKEY TAKEAWAY: Conflict management starts before any disagreement occursThe Five Pillars of Bridging the DivideThe type of questions to ask to transform conversations to meaningful onesWhat is disrespectful agreement and how it may be sneaking into your conversationsHow to respectfully disagree when it's difficult to do soHow our brains work against us in conflictsHow to listen effectively in conflictsHow to approach and resolve a disagreement when either party are leaning towards avoiding itHow NOT to start the conversation with someone who has a different perspectiveWhat to do if the other person's perspective challenges your core fundamental valuesKEY TAKEAWAY: Even if we're closed-minded we have to be open-hearted Why respect should not be earned but given freelyHow to ask questions to people you have a disagreement withWhy you should look for common ground instead of middle groundUseful Resources Mentioned:I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World - Justin Jones-FosuMindset: The New Psychology of Success - Carol DweckThe Performance Paradox – How Only Focusing On Performance Leads to Performing Worse | with Eduardo BriceñoMan’s Search for Meaning - Viktor FranklDialogue: The Art Of Thinking Together - William IsaacsHow to Build Collaborative Cultures & Fix Toxic Creative Environments | with Chris DeaverManaging Limiting Beliefs, Imposter Syndrome, and all the “Chatter” In Our Heads | with Ethan KrossContinue to Listen & LearnA Psychologist’s Guide to Building Relationships and Managing Conflict (Both Personally and Professionally) | With Dr. Jessica HigginsHow to Work with Challenging Colleagues Without Losing Your Mind (or your job) | with Amy GalloOvercoming Communication Fears for Introverted Creatives | with Bridget SampsonMeetings Don’t Have to Suck: Learn a Better Way to Create and Collaborate | with Dr. Steven RogelbergOn the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianFostering Better Relationships and Improving Team Culture | with Jason BargerOn Hiring Editors & AE’s, Fostering Creative Collaboration, and Managing Happy Post Teams | with Paul LeonardUsing Humility to Cultivate Relationships and Land Your Dream Gig In Network TV | with Scott Powell, ACEHow to Build Meaningful Relationships in the ‘Real World’ | with Camille VirginiaHow to Live a Better Life Simply by Asking Better Questions | with Marc ChampagneGuest Bio: Justin Jones-Fosu Justin Jones-Fosu is the embodiment of energy, both at home as a dedicated father to two spirited children and atop the world's highest peaks, having recently conquered one of the famed 7 Summits. But Justin's passion for elevation doesn't end with trekking, it's mirrored in his professional ascent as a captivating business speaker, innovative social entrepreneur, and insightful workplace researcher.At the helm of Work. Meaningful., Justin is the driving force and CEO behind a movement that empowers organizations across the globe, delivering over 50 keynote addresses a year on the pivotal topics of meaningful work and inclusion. His mission is to ignite a transformation in corporate culture, guiding organizations and individuals to ascend to their peak potential through mastery of mindset, purpose, and performance.Justin is not only a pathfinder in the wilderness but also in the literary world, authoring essential reads such as "Your WHY Matters NOW," "The Inclusive Mindset," and his latest thought-provoker, “I Respectfully Disagree: How to have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.” His work is a compass for those seeking direction on creating connections in an often-fragmented society.With a flair for infusing humor into his well-researched content, Justin doesn't just give a speech; he crafts an experience, leaving his audience not just informed but transformed. His approach is not merely to inform but to inspire, not just to direct but to make a difference.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

In this engaging discussion, Laura Nguyen, an experienced marketing executive, entrepreneur, and burnout coach, shares her insights on navigating career breaks, whether chosen or forced. She reveals how job loss can lead to feelings of panic and shame, often just as debilitating as burnout. Laura provides actionable steps to regain balance and cultivates a mindset shift essential for moving forward. Listeners learn about the importance of intentional living, self-awareness, and the role of creativity in overcoming emotional struggles during career transitions.

Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?→ Click here for your customized podcast playlistFor this special kickoff episode of the new year, we’re flipping the script: I, Zack Arnold, the usual host of Optimize Yourself, step into the guest seat to give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what 2024 was like for me and my team. My podcast producer, Debby Germino interviews me to give you an inside look at how we dealt with the uncertainty and endless changes that 2024 bestowed upon us. From the challenges of navigating a difficult year in the entertainment industry (as well as my personal life) to the launch of our brand-new Mastermind program, I share the personal and professional journey that brought us here.We also give you the origin story of the GO FAR framework, my proven method for setting and achieving meaningful goals, and provide a cheat sheet for how you can use it to achieve your goals this year. Whether you’re a creative professional looking for structure in your career or a self-starter ready to take action, this episode is packed with insights and tools to help you move forward in 2025.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Zack’s 2024 predictions he wrote in last January's newsletterThe biggest challenges Zack faced in 2024, including industry shifts, personal losses, and professional setbacksWhy Optimize Yourself is rebranding and changing the nameWhat the Mastermind program is and how it’s different from anything we’ve offered beforeThe GO FAR framework: how it works and why it’s the foundation of the Mastermind programPractical steps to apply the GO FAR framework to your own career and goals.How to turn adversity into an opportunity for growth.Useful Resources Mentioned:How to Accomplish Your ‘One Thing’ Every Day | with Jay PapasanThe Performance Paradox – How Only Focusing On Performance Leads to Performing Worse | with Eduardo BriceñoContinue to Listen & LearnWhat I’ve Learned About Life From 200 Interviews with Amazing Human Beings | with Zack ArnoldMastering the “Chess Mindset” to Achieve Any Difficult Goal (and Get Really Good at Failing Along the Way) | with Misha TenenbaumThe Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric BarkerHow I burned out as a burnout coach (and then bounced back)How to Overcome Doubting Yourself When You Know You’re Meant For More | with Sandy Zimmerman, ANWHow to Stay Productive (and Stop Procrastinating) During Your Next Hiatus | with Debby GerminoThe Art of the Pivot: Going From Freelancer to Entrepreneur | with Nick MiloThe original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Today’s mini-episode is the latest edition of my Case of the Mondays newsletter, a free newsletter I send out exclusively to my subscribers every Monday morning with my latest thoughts, strategies, and tips for better managing the crazy balancing act between work & life. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather design a career where I’m excited about Mondays instead of dreading them. To be the first to receive next week’s newsletter, to read today’s episode in addition to listening, and for access to all of the past newsletters in the Case of the Mondays archives, simply visit optimizeyourself.me/newsletter.

Today’s mini-episode is the latest edition of my Case of the Mondays newsletter, a free newsletter I send out exclusively to my subscribers every Monday morning with my latest thoughts, strategies, and tips for better managing the crazy balancing act between work & life. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather design a career where I’m excited about Mondays instead of dreading them. To be the first to receive next week’s newsletter, to read today’s episode in addition to listening, and for access to all of the past newsletters in the Case of the Mondays archives, simply visit optimizeyourself.me/newsletter.

Since May of 2014 I’ve done my best to release a brand new long form conversation on a weekly basis, and between my original show Fitness In Post and now Optimize Yourself, I’ve now released just short of 400 episodes. But eventually this thing called life gets in the way. And I had to make the difficult choice to pause recording new interviews for the time being, hence the lack of new long form conversations. But rest assured we’ll be returning in early 2025 better than ever with new guests, new conversations, an updated format, and who knows….maybe even a brand new show altogether (wink, wink, nudge nudge). I won’t say anymore at this point, but needless to say we’re only hitting the pause button for now, certainly not the stop button.Having said that we’ll continue to release a Hot Seat Friday episode every week for the remainder of the year to give you an insider’s glimpse into how we do things in the Optimizer community so we can continue to help you design the more rewarding, the more fulfilling, and the more sustainable creative career (and life) that you ultimately deserve.In the meantime you’re welcome to enjoy the over 250 episodes in our archives. And we look forward to being back in your earbuds in early 2025. Thanks so much for being a devoted listener and longtime member of this global community of creative misfits. Take care, and be well.

In this Hot Seat session, long-time community member Sam Lavin opens up about an unexpected and deeply challenging moment in her career: being fired for the first time. The experience shook her confidence and left her scrambling to address the immediate financial strain. Feeling scattered and unsure of her next steps, Sam and I worked together to untangle her priorities.We explored practical strategies to help her focus on what’s most urgent while still carving out time for her long-term goals. Along the way, we discussed how to channel the anger and frustration of this setback into productive actions that move her forward.I highly encourage you to listen to our conversation about resilience, clarity, and finding balance during times of uncertainty.Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!→ Click here to let us know what you think of this formatWant to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

In this Hot Seat session, I sit down with community member Saarang Vinodh, who’s navigating a delicate challenge: reconnecting with a producer he had previously reached out to. Their last conversation seemed to close the door on potential mentorship, but now Saarang’s goals have shifted, and he’s confident this producer could help. The question is, how can he reach out again without the message feeling purely transactional? Together, we workshop thoughtful strategies to craft an outreach that goes beyond the surface, aiming to spark a meaningful conversation and lay the foundation for a deeper, more genuine connection.Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!→ Click here to let us know what you think of this formatWant to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

In this Hot Seat session, I sit down with community member Brett Williams to help him refine his resume and align it with his career goals. Brett is targeting broadcast promos and marketing agencies but finds himself grappling with a resume that's overflowing with information. While he has a good sense of which experiences to emphasize, he's unsure how to organize them in a way that tells a clear, compelling story. Together, we workshop his resume—trimming away the irrelevant details, reordering sections, and focusing on strategies to ensure it resonates with his target audience at a glance.Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!→ Click here to let us know what you think of this formatWant to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

In this Hot Seat session, community member Stephen Lehman opens up about his goal to edit narrative projects consistently while working as a film teacher. Stephen is trying to navigate the challenges in building the right connections to make this vision a reality. Together, we explore the types of relationships he should focus on and develop strategies to ensure he's on the radar for future opportunities that align with his goals.Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!→ Click here to let us know what you think of this formatWant to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program