The Thermostat with Jason Barger

A thermostat is proactive. It sets the temperature in a room. Controls the temperature. Regulates the temperature. But in today's distracted, fast-paced and digital world, it's easy for individuals and organizations to act more like thermometers, slipping into reactionary thinking, becoming scattered and inconsistent. The most compelling leaders, teams, organizations, families or collection of humans of any kind operate in thermostat mode. They calibrate their mind and heart to set the temperature for the vision and culture they want to create. Jason Barger, globally celebrated author, keynote speaker and founder of Step Back Leadership Consulting, guides this journey to discover authentic leadership, create compelling cultures and find clarity of mission, vision and values. Learn more at JasonVBarger.com or on social media @jasonvbarger

Season 9 Episode 42: I Am The Culture, We Are The Culture

The best thermostat cultures are led and co-created by all. People within the culture have mindsets of ownership, reciprocal accountability and a commitment to development that sets a different temperature for others. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit ย https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/we-are-the-culture/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

10-28
18:15

The Biggest Problem With Communication

86% of employees and executives cite Ineffective communication as the biggest problem with workplace failures. Jason Barger shares obstacles that get in the way and what the best leaders and cultures do differently.ย  Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/biggest-problem-with-communication/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

10-21
20:05

Articulating Culture with Andrew Whitworth

NFL superstar and Amazon's Thursday Night Football analyst, Andrew "Big Whit" Whitworth, joins Jason Barger in an inspiring conversation about leadership in the world today and articulating culture for the temperature you aim to set in life and work. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/andrew-whitworth/ Follow @andrewwhitworth77 Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

10-14
01:05:46

Season 9 Episode 39: Engaging Your Employees Is A Cultural Opportunity

Employee engagement is at a 10-year low, and burnout is costing the global economy a staggering $322 billion. But what if this isn't a crisis, but one of the greatest opportunities for leadership today? For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/engaging-employees/ In this episode, Jason V Barger explains why the current state of the workplace is a pivotal moment to intentionally shape a compelling corporate culture. Discover why caring for your people isn't just a "nice" ideaโ€”it's a strategic imperative that leads to 22% higher productivity, better retention, and a thriving organization. Listen now to learn five actionable trends and opportunities you can implement immediately to engage the minds and hearts of your team, build trust, and create a culture people are proud to be a part of. It's time to stop reacting and start intentionally setting the temperature. What You'll Learn In This Episode: [03:30] The powerful data connecting employee engagement directly to a 22% increase in performance metrics. [05:45] Understanding the massive $322 billion annual cost of employee burnout and lost productivity. [09:14] The foundational building block of all great cultures: "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." [10:30] How culture is actively shaped every moment through the way we think, act, and interact. [13:31] Five powerful opportunities to build a more engaging culture: [13:54] 1. Language Drives Behavior [14:34] 2. Intentional and Strategic Development [15:51] 3. Clarity on Mission and Contribution [17:00] 4. Honoring the Whole Person [18:36] 5. Cultural Fitness Breeds Trust [21:26] Key questions to ponder with your team to begin strengthening your culture today. Register for Thermostat Cultures Live! Join Jason and other global thought leaders for a powerful day of development on Friday, November 7, 2025. This hybrid event is your chance to step back and calibrate your thermostat for the road ahead. Limited in-person VIP seats are available! Reserve your spot today at: https://www.thermostatcultureslive.com Connect with Jason: To learn more about developing leaders and culture, visit: https://jasonvbarger.com/ Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

10-07
23:48

Thermostat Cultures LIVE Event Preview

Jason Barger previews his 9th ThermostatCulturesLIVE.com hybrid event he will host on 11/7/25. He is joined by other powerful voices focused on authentic leadership and compelling cultures in the world today. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/tcl-preview-2025/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jasonย  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

09-30
17:24

Season 9 Episode 38: E.A.T. Leadership for Today's World

In a fast-changing, often divided and disengaged world, leaders and cultures that practice empathy, reciprocal accountability, and build trust, are experiencing higher satisfaction and performance. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/eat-leadership-for-today/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

09-23
22:27

Season 9 Episode 37: The Business Case for Well-Being

Turnover and lost productivity due to employee burnout is a global challenge that costs organizations massively. The best leaders and cultures know that caring for people is just good business. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/business-case-well-being/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

09-16
21:34

Season 9 Episode 36: Transforming Failure with Anne Harbison

Failure is just a part of life and work. Not everything goes as planned. However, every successful leader, team, project, mission and culture transforms failure into hope. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/transforming-failure-anne-harbison/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

09-09
51:55

Season 9 Episode 35: Thermometer vs. Thermostat Cultures

Is your culture and the leaders within your teams stuck operating in thermometer thinking? Or, have they made the mindset shifts to thermostat thinking to proactively shape the future you want? Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/thermometer-vs-thermostat/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

09-02
26:28

Season 9 Episode 34: The Dumbest Cultural Mantra in Sports

Language helps drive behavior. The best teams and organizations have cultural language, values and mantras that lead the future they are hoping to create. Is your language leading your team where you want? Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/dumbest-cultural-mantra-sports/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

08-26
26:33

Season 9 Episode 33: Resilience: Weaponizing Calm

Challenges, obstacles and struggles are an inevitable part of life and work, so what does it mean to weaponize calm in order to strengthen our grit and resilience for the road ahead? Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/weaponizing-calm/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

08-19
28:28

Season 9 Episode 32: Culture Cost Calculator with Nicki Straza

What is the ROI on developing people and culture? Jason Barger and Nicki Straza chat about the Culture Cost Calculator and the massive return culture has on performance.

08-12
39:37

Season 9 Episode 30: Work/Life Rhythm, Not Balance

Work/Life balance feels unattainable to most humans. Work/Life rhythm and this intentional reframing makes all the difference in your work and your life. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/work-life-rhythm-not-balance/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

07-29
17:05

Season 9 Episode 29: Superpower: A Posture of Listening

A posture of listening can be a superpower in everyday moments, relationships and within team cultures. What needs your ears next? Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/superpower-listening/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

07-22
14:21

Season 9 Episode 28: An Invitation to Rest

Sometimes we need an invitation to rest. Jason highlights the common misconception between rest and high-performance. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/invitation-to-rest/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

07-15
18:11

Season 9 Episode 27: Leadership Reflections with John Ross

Jason is joined by his first professional mentor, the Rev. Dr. John F. Ross, in an engaging conversation about the power of mentors, goals, focus, clarity, character and virtue. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/john-ross-leadership-reflections/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

07-08
50:37

Season 9 Episode 26: Celebrating Independence + Interdependence

Jason takes a few moments to celebrate the true spirit of Independence in our lives and work AND the important role that Interdependence also plays. Our lives and team cultures rely on both. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/celebrateinterdependence/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

07-01
17:19

Season 9 Episode 25: Global Flourishing & Workplace Culture

In part 2 of this series, Jason explores the impact the recent findings from the Global Flourishing Study can have on workplace cultures. The future of work and the cultures we create should pay attention. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visitย https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/global-flourishing-culture/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

06-24
22:27

Season 9 Episode 24: Global Flourishing Study Findings

The recent release of the Global Flourishing Study findings is an opportunity for every leader, team and organization to think about how they support their people. In this 2-part series, Jason provides his insights and reflections on the findings. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/global-flourishing/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

06-17
21:14

Season 9 Episode 23: Planning + Execution

Not every team is great at both planning and execution. The best cultures put best practices into place to focus on both their vision for the future and the execution it will require. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/planningexecution/ย  Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!ย  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason ๐Ÿ‘ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

06-10
18:56

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