On the latest Defocus Media episode, Dr. Darryl Glover hosts the remarkable Bart Foster, a visionary in healthcare innovation and author of BusinessOutside. They dive deep into the essence of true empowerment, not just within the confines of healthcare but in the broader spectrum of life and leadership. This discussion isn’t just about professional growth; it’s an exploratory journey into how genuine engagement, breaking free from the archaic work-life balance, and embracing a more integrated life approach can transform both individuals and practices. With his unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and deep-seated passion for authentic connections, Foster shares invaluable insights that promise to resonate with anyone looking to redefine their leadership and personal fulfillment approach.

• Empowering Personal and Professional Growth: Bart Foster’s Visionary Journey
• The Power of Engagement: Transforming Personal & Team Development
• Revolutionizing Patient Interactions: A New Approach to Healthcare
• Cultivating Empowerment: A Holistic Approach to Leadership and Life

Dr. Darryl Glover:

Today, we’re all about inspiring and empowering people, taking it to the next level. I’m thrilled to welcome the one and only Bart Foster to our show. Today’s podcast is focused on personal and team development. Bart has been a game-changer in healthcare, and I’m eager to dive into his journey and learn how he creates magic in the industry with BusinessOutside.

Bart Foster:

I had a nomadic childhood, starting in Illinois, moving to California, and settling in Florida after my parents divorced. I met my future wife in ninth grade and attended the University of Florida. My entrepreneurial spirit was kindled early; I juggled various jobs, including being a lifeguard and organizing student trips to Cancun. After graduating, I joined Kellogg’s, where I progressed rapidly, relocating from Florida to Texas and then to Michigan.

However, an article in Fast Company magazine in 1999, titled “Brand You,” shifted my perspective. It urged talented individuals in big companies to join the dot-com revolution. Inspired, I joined an internet grocery company, similar to an early version of Instacart. When that venture faltered, I found myself at Novartis’ eye care division by chance. Initially planning a short stint in marketing, I discovered new opportunities within this global company, leading me to relocate to the UK.

In England, working with Walmart, I proposed a visionary idea: a kiosk to screen vision and educate customers about eye health risks like glaucoma. This concept benefited Walmart and sparked the creation of my company, Solo Health, which I later spun off from Novartis. This journey encapsulates my entrepreneurial path and passion for innovation.

Dr. Darryl Glover:

I’m keen to explore why engaging, inspiring, and empowering people is crucial, especially in today’s healthcare landscape. These elements can elevate individuals and transform practices. I’d love to delve into each aspect. Bart, could you share the origins and the ‘why’ behind your BusinessOutside approach?

Bart Foster:

The journey to my current approach began with a vision screening kiosk project that evolved into a health and wellness station. Although it initially faced challenges, it eventually gained traction, leading to significant capital investment. However, being ousted from the company I founded was a pivotal moment for me. It spurred a period of introspection, helping me identify my ‘zone of genius’ – areas where I excel and enjoy working.

This realization coincided with my move to Boulder, Colorado. Here, I started conducting ‘hiking meetings,’ which fostered authenticity and vulnerability. This practice was transformative, leading me to initiate BusinessOutside. The idea took shape during COVID-19 when I suggested walking meetings to avoid the monotony of Zoom calls. This concept wasn’t just about being outdoors and stepping out of comfort zones and corporate norms. Learn more in Bart’s book.

In BusinessOutside: Discover Your Path Forward, Bart Foster reveals a science-inspired philosophy that reimagines corporate culture by bringing business outside comfort zones, antiquated corporate norms, and into nature, allowing for increased creativity, meaningful connections, and psychological restoration. Order today!

Dr. Darryl Glover:

Let’s delve into engagement. How does BusinessOutside facilitate this, especially in the context of healthcare practices?

Bart Foster:

BusinessOutside isn’t just about physical location; it’s about rethinking traditional approaches. For example, this might mean reimagining patient interactions or team dynamics in healthcare. It’s about creating environments where people can operate in their ‘zone of genius,’ leading to increased happiness, health, and productivity. This approach can transform healthcare practices by fostering a culture that values innovation and personal strengths.

Dr. Darryl Glover:

Let’s start with you engaging how this works with BusinessOutside? Give me the beginning, and let’s kind of work our way through. 

Bart Foster:

Engagement is about creating a genuine connection. The term ‘networking’ often comes across as transactional, but what people truly seek are meaningful connections and relationships. It’s not about exchanging business cards; it’s about the depth of the conversation. Let me illustrate with the concept of a bell curve. Most conversations fall in the middle 70% – they’re superficial. The real connection happens in the 10% on each side where emotions come into play, and in the 5% at the extremes, where deep vulnerability and authenticity are shared.

For example, the middle 70% is where I talk about my company, my hobbies, and my education. It’s basic information. But when I move to the 10% and 5%, I share personal feelings and experiences, like the emotional impact of becoming an empty nester or the challenges I faced after being forced out of my company. This vulnerability is key to forming deeper connections.

Dr. Darryl Glover:

Thinking of BusinessOutside, how does this concept of engagement apply to the healthcare setting, especially in eye care?

Bart Foster:

In healthcare, and specifically in eye care, this approach is transformative. When professionals connect on a deeper level with patients, they’re able to provide more personalized care. It’s about breaking down barriers and being authentic, moving beyond transactional interactions to relational ones. This depth of connection enables better understanding of patient needs and enhances the quality of care.

For BusinessOutside, my executive forums focus on building trust by sharing personal and professional challenges. It’s crucial for leaders, especially at higher levels, to have a space for open and supportive dialogue. This builds a foundation of trust, crucial for engagement.

Now, regarding inspiration, it starts from within. Aligning with our personal values and operating in our zone of genius leads to a happier, healthier, and more productive life. BusinessOutside encourages living intentionally, making life happen by us, not to us. It’s about proactively shaping our lives in alignment with our values and unique abilities.

Dr. Darryl Glover:

Work-life balance is a prominent topic nowadays. What’s your perspective on this, especially considering your conversations? I am curious to know from the BusinessOutside perspective.

Bart Foster:

I challenge the notion of ‘work-life balance’ and prefer the concept of ‘integration’. The old mindset of separating personal and professional lives no longer holds true. We’re not different people in different settings but one whole individual. Being authentic and bringing our entire selves to our professional and personal lives is crucial for happiness and effectiveness. It’s about living an integrated and intentional life, not segmenting ourselves into different roles.

To achieve this, I prioritize scheduling personal activities and commitments first, ensuring work doesn’t overshadow them. It’s a shift from being mere ‘human resources’ to being seen and valued as complete humans with diverse roles and needs. This approach fosters a more holistic understanding of each other as humans, not just colleagues.

Dr. Darryl Glover:

How about empowerment? We can all practice this in various roles, be it as eyecare professionals, family members, or in any interaction. I’d love to hear your take on empowerment.

Bart Foster:

Empowerment starts from within, stemming from self-confidence and self-love. It’s about being in control of our own destiny, emotions, and responses. When we’re empowered, we can handle triggers and challenges effectively. BusinessOutside embodies empowerment by encouraging stepping out of comfort zones, challenging corporate norms, and embracing nature as a partner in this journey. This approach opens up possibilities and fosters exploration.

In practice, we also incorporate these principles into virtual settings, creating engaging and meaningful interactions that go beyond superficial levels. We foster human connections that transcend transactional interactions by asking more profound questions and facilitating real conversations, even in a digital environment. This methodology is about creating a movement that resonates with people personally, leading to profound and lasting empowerment.