Beyond Differences: A Walk with Shan Foster in Nashville
Shan Foster, Co-Founder and CEO of Fostering Healthy Solutions, and I recently covered 3.5 miles at McCabe Park in Nashville, combining a walk with meaningful dialogue, a core part of Dialogue Miles™.
Our conversation moved seamlessly from our personal journeys to broader topics that reflect our shared commitment to change.
A Few Things That Stayed with Me
The Path to Today
We discussed our journeys from places like Mississippi and Louisiana or Maine and Massachusetts, always learning from others as contributors to our own paths in life.DEI
Shan shared his approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion by being a person-centered, community-focused, evidence-based company with excellence in service driving our mission. He emphasized the importance of giving people room to learn new ways of thinking while also recognizing that not everyone has good intentions.Safe Environments Matter
We both agreed on the importance of creating spaces where difficult conversations can take place to move groups of people forward. Let people express themselves freely without criticism so we can make progress together.The Power of a Walk
A walk in the park proved once again that stepping away from the screen can offer more freedom of expression. We passed many people who greeted us, and we returned the favor. I genuinely felt that everyone was smiling, perhaps because we were both enjoying our time together, fully engaged in each other’s words. Despite our differences in age, race, and height (5’8" vs. 6’6"), we were connected by our shared joy and genuine connection.Hope for What Is Ahead
I was so encouraged by being with an accomplished person like Shan, who articulates his passion and desire for change. He also provided room for a new person in his life to express their viewpoint.Differences and Similarities
The picture of us shows some obvious differences, but the smile was genuine. In that smile lies our similarities – parents and grandparents who influenced us, good decisions during our formative years, and a recognition that we are just a small part of this vast world. We have a role in creating change.Shared Responsibility
Taking advantage of what we are provided in a way that is not selfish but assists in promoting others was something that we both have in common. The source: Parents – Choices – Our Gifts (Physical, Intellectual, and Faith) – Educational Focus – Worldly experience.The “Uncontrollables”
We need to be aware that there are uncontrollable situations in life, but we still own the outcome.
In the end, I left feeling inspired by Shan’s passion and clarity of purpose. We’re both dedicated to creating positive change, and I look forward to continuing our dialogue—whether on the golf course or in future collaborations.
