Local author aiming to help improve our relationships with dad

Father's Day is all about dad.

Whether biological, adoptive or legal guardian - dad can mean something different for everyone.

But one author made it his goal to make sure whatever relationship you do have with dad - it’s a positive, inclusive one.

Justin Jones-Fosu is a dad, son and author, and he's hoping to spread the power of empathy.

"Let me learn from the things that failed so I can hopefully change the narrative and change the direction going forward," he said.

And now Jones-Fosu makes a living encouraging exactly that. So, what prompted it? Growing up, Justin didn’t have the greatest relationship with his own father, and the older he got, the more he realized he wanted to change that.

His biggest inspiration? His own kids, Peter and Lydia.

"That was really an inspiration for me to challenge that, to change that directive, to change the narrative and be present with my kids," he said.

Jones-Fosu is a social entrepreneur and the CEO of Work Meaningful. He started the business in 2007. and in May of 2020, after George Floyd was killed, he decided to publish his book, "Inclusive Mindset."

"It’s not focused on shame, it’s not focused on, 'hey, you should be here,' it’s more focused on what you can be here," he said.

So when things get Rocky with dad, Jones-Fosu says fixing it is as simple as listening.

"Empathy is simply hearing people’s stories and hearing other people's perspectives," he said. "I tell people all the time, 'if you have not had the chance to hear your parents' stories, and even more specifically your father's story, take a moment to ask those powerful questions."

Jones-Fosu says he does about 50 to 60 presentations a year to companies like Mercedes and John Deere.

”It’s a personal choice, but listen deeply and hear the stories of those who lead us, and specifically our fathers."

His book, "Inclusive Mindset," is available on Amazon.