The Thermostat with Jason Barger

Jason Barger is joined by strength and conditioning guru, and culture-champion for The Ohio State Buckeyes football program, Mickey Marotti, to talk leadership, culture and a development mindset. For full show notes visit https://www.jasonvbarger.com/podcast/strengthening-team-cultures-with-mickey-marotti/ Jason is joined by famed strength and conditioning coach Mickey Marotti, the Assistant Athletic Director for Football Sports Performance at The Ohio State University, for a masterclass on building elite team cultures. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! Summary: In the high-stakes world of elite college athletics, how do you build a culture that survives the pressure of the spotlight and the volatility of the transfer portal? In this episode of The Thermostat, Jason V Barger sits down with Mickey Marotti—the man widely celebrated as the heartbeat of the Ohio State football program. Beyond the weight room and the gridiron, Coach Mick's insights offer a blueprint for corporate culture and leadership in teams across any industry. This conversation deconstructs the mechanics of "The Thermostat" leader. Mickey explains why consistency is a leader's most powerful tool and how a "Performance Team" approach—aligning psychologists, nutritionists, and trainers—mirrors the cross-functional alignment needed in modern business. They explore the shift from top-down management to a participatory model, discussing how to lead the "Why Generation" by fostering ownership and reciprocal accountability. Essential listening for C-Suite executives, managers, and team leaders, this episode offers a rare look at how to define cultural language (like the OSU "Fight"), develop emerging leaders from the ground up, and master the "no-talent" non-negotiables that drive sustainable success. Episode Notes & Timestamps: [00:00] Intro: Jason sets the stage for a conversation on proactive leadership development and setting the cultural temperature with one of the best in the business. [00:03] Meet Mickey Marotti: Introduction to Coach Mick's legendary career at Notre Dame, Florida, and Ohio State, and his role in shaping championship-level performance. [00:05] The Consistency Principle: Mickey shares why he must be the most consistent person in the building and how he sets the temperature for both his team and his family. [00:08] The Development Mindset: A look at the "Perpetual Development" process—meeting athletes as teenagers and helping them stretch beyond what they believe is possible. [00:11] The Performance Team: Why culture requires alignment across every department, from physical therapists to academic counselors. [00:14] Leadership Alignment: Mickey discusses the necessity of being "on the same page" as the head coach to ensure the mission isn't lost in translation. [00:16] Language as a Tool: Defining the OSU culture of "Fight" and "Tough Love." Why clarity in language is the only way to ensure desired behaviors exist in action. [00:19] The Transfer Portal & Changing Landscapes: How to bring new people into an existing culture quickly and the "pixie dust" effect of veterans moving to the front row. [00:23] Transformational vs. Transactional: Why the human connection remains more important than ever in a world that is becoming increasingly transactional. [00:26] Leading the "Why" Generation: How to engage digital natives by involving them in the strategy and giving them ownership of the locker room. [00:33] The "No-Talent" Issues: Coach Mick's advice for everyone: focus on attitude, effort, and intensity—the non-negotiables that require zero God-given talent. [00:36] Closing Questions: Jason and Mickey discuss the common denominator of thriving organizations: the recognition of human value. Key Takeaways for Leaders: Radical Consistency: Leaders cannot reflect the environment; they must set it. Your team needs to rely on your "flat-lined" consistency during high-stress periods. Participatory Buy-In: Shift from presenting a plan to co-creating it with your leaders. When people feel the vision is theirs, they will anchor it when you aren't in the room. Behavioral Definitions: Move beyond posters. Define what your values (like "Accountability" or "Excellence") actually look like in daily interactions and decision-making. Listen to the full episode and access show notes at: https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/strengthening-team-cultures-mickey-marotti/ Bio: 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 varie ty of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Connect: Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2026 Effective! Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason 👍 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

As workplace trends continue to evolve, Jason identifies 4 foundational habits that every culture needs to be intentional about to create their future. Gemini said Jason builds on the emerging workplace trends of 2026 to identify the four foundational habits every organization needs to cultivate a high-performing culture. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! Summary: In a workplace landscape defined by a 10-year low in employee engagement and the rapid integration of AI, how do leaders ensure their teams remain connected and high-performing? In this episode of The Thermostat, Jason V. Barger outlines a roadmap for 2026, shifting the focus from reactive trends to proactive, human-centered habits. He explores how the "soft skills" of the past—empathy, adaptability, and trust—have become the essential hard skills for modern executives. This conversation challenges the traditional "work-life balance" myth, proposing instead a "work-life rhythm" that treats employee well-being as a core business strategy rather than a perk. Jason breaks down the mechanics of "setting the temperature" through strategic culture audits, intentional 365-day onboarding, and the participatory alignment of values. By moving values from "posters on the wall to people in the room," leaders can build an environment where culture is co-created and sustained at every level. Essential listening for C-Suite executives, HR directors, and emerging leaders, this episode offers a tactical guide to navigating the technological shifts of AI while doubling down on the human elements that drive long-term organizational health. Episode Notes & Timestamps: [00:00] Intro: Jason sets the stage for 2026, identifying four habits your culture needs to navigate current workplace shifts. [00:03] 2026 Workplace Trends: A recap of the five key trends impacting the workforce, including values alignment and the engagement crisis. [00:05] The New Core Competencies: Why empathy, communication, and trust-building are now the most critical "hard skills" for leaders. [00:06] From Balance to Rhythm: A strategic look at well-being as a performance driver and the reality of the hybrid work standard. [00:10] Habit 1 – The Culture Audit: Moving beyond survey fatigue to a strategic, honest assessment of your organization's "temperature". [00:12] Habit 2 – 365-Day Onboarding: Why the best organizations view onboarding as a year-long cultural roadmap rather than a first-week event. [00:14] Habit 3 – Participatory Values: Strategies to move values from static slogans to actionable behaviors that drive decision-making. [00:15] Habit 4 – Continuous Leadership Development: Why senior leaders must avoid becoming "finished products" and remain committed to their own growth. [00:17] Closing Questions: Jason leaves leaders with reflective prompts to strengthen their personal and organizational habits. Key Takeaways for Leaders: Audit for Action: Conduct a culture audit every 2–3 years, but only if you are committed to communicating themes and acting on the feedback to avoid survey fatigue. The 365-Day Rule: Treat onboarding as a long-term strategic immersion into your culture, not just a logistical checklist. Human-AI Balance: Lean on AI for efficiency, but double down on human judgment and emotional intelligence to lead effectively. Listen to the full episode and access show notes at: https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/4-habits-your-culture-needs/ Bio: 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. Connect: Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2026 Effective! Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason 👍 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

There is a great opportunity to lead more effective and engaging team meetings. Jason is joined by author and organizational behavior specialist, Rebecca Hinds, for a profound conversation about elevating meeting culture. Jason is joined by leading expert on organizational behavior, Rebecca Hinds, PhD, for a tactical conversation on how to transform meetings from a reactive default into your most valuable organizational product. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! Summary: In an era of chronic calendar bloat, how do high-performing teams regain their focus and drive results? In this episode of The Thermostat, Jason V. Barger sits down with Rebecca Hinds, PhD—founder of the Work Innovation Lab at Asana and the Work AI Institute at Glean—to discuss the "epidemic" of unproductive meetings. Rebecca challenges leaders to stop "spending" time and start "investing" it by treating every meeting as a carefully designed product intended to build culture and drive decision-making. Moving beyond typical time-management advice, Jason and Rebecca explore the psychology of the "meeting suck reflex" and the social pressures that keep dysfunctional meetings on the calendar. They introduce actionable frameworks like the "4D CEO Test" to determine if a meeting deserves to exist and the "Meeting Doomsday" strategy for resetting organizational habits. From the science of equal airtime to the strategic use of AI and analytics, this episode provides a blueprint for executives to optimize collaboration. Essential listening for C-suite leaders, managers, and anyone navigating the future of work, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on intentionality, corporate culture, and the art of the "Best Meeting Ever". Episode Notes & Timestamps: Intro: Jason introduces the core concept: meetings are the most important, yet least optimized, product in any organization. Meet Rebecca Hinds: An introduction to Rebecca's background at Stanford, Asana, and Glean, and how her career as a competitive swimmer shaped her view of high-performing teams. Meetings as a Product: Rebecca explains why we must apply product development principles—like user-centric design—to our internal communication. The "Meeting Doomsday" Reset: A deep look at the radical strategy of deleting all recurring meetings to rebuild a more intentional and productive calendar. The Jolt of Intentionality: Why changing a meeting from 30 minutes to 27 minutes can shift a team's mindset from the status quo to active engagement. Minimalist Design: Rebecca outlines four dimensions for leaner meetings: length, attendee list (the "stakeholders vs. spectators" rule), agenda items, and frequency. Measuring Effectiveness: How to use return on time investment (ROTI) and AI analytics to track speaking balance and multitasking. The 4D CEO Test: A two-part filter to determine if a meeting is necessary: Does it Decide, Debate, Discuss, or Develop? Is it Complex, Emotional, or a "One-Way Door"? The Future of Work: Jason and Rebecca discuss the importance of intentionality and "fresh starts" when designing corporate culture for 2026. Key Takeaways for Leaders: User-Centric Meetings: Design meetings for the attendees' needs, not just for the organizer's convenience or for those who talk the most. The Power of the Reset: Periodically "cleanse" your communication stack to eliminate outdated social contracts and unproductive habits. Strategic Communication: Use synchronous meetings for complex, high-stakes, or emotionally intense topics; use digital tools for everything else. Listen to the full episode and access show notes at: https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/best-meeting-ever-rebecca-hinds/ Bio: 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 2026 Effective! Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason 👍 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

Jason is joined by his friend, Chris Singleton, for a powerful and inspiring conversation about love being stronger than hate. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! Summary: In a polarized world, how do the most effective leaders foster unity and performance? In this live episode from Thermostat Cultures Live, Jason V Barger sits down with former professional baseball player and inspirational speaker Chris Singleton. Born from the tragedy of the Charleston church shooting, Chris's message of resilience challenges leaders to rethink how they navigate adversity and influence their teams. This conversation moves beyond standard leadership platitudes to address the core mechanics of human connection in the workplace. Jason and Chris explore the concept of "catalysts"—individuals who alter the trajectory of our lives—and discuss how executives can become those catalysts for their own organizations. They also deconstruct the traditional view of accountability, shifting it from a punitive measure to a reciprocal tool that builds trust and reinforces positive behavior. Essential listening for C-Suite executives, HR directors, and team leaders committed to shaping compelling cultures, this episode offers actionable insights on emotional intelligence, the cost of grace, and the power of shared ownership. Episode Notes & Timestamps: [00:00] Intro: Jason welcomes listeners into the room at Thermostat Cultures Live, setting the stage for a conversation on authentic leadership. [00:02] Meet Chris Singleton: Introduction to Chris's background as a former Chicago Cubs draftee and his pivot to inspirational speaking following the tragedy in Charleston, SC. [00:04] Identifying Your "Catalysts": Chris identifies the three pivotal figures who shaped his worldview on love and leadership: his high school coach, his wife, and a mentor who taught him financial literacy. [00:07] Owning the Mistake: A look at Starbucks' response to crisis as a case study in corporate accountability and the importance of leaders owning their shortcomings to build empathy. [00:09] Redefining Accountability: Jason and Chris discuss why accountability is often viewed negatively and how to reframe it as a reciprocal, "two-way street" that acknowledges positive actions as much as negative ones. [00:14] The Wellness-Performance Connection: Insights from the room on how the well-being of employees directly correlates to high performance and trust within an organization. [00:15] Who Carries the Culture?: A critical question for every executive: Does the culture survive and thrive when leadership is not in the room? [00:18] The Cost of Grace: A profound discussion on forgiveness in leadership and life—why grace often costs more for the giver than the receiver, and how to maintain boundaries while moving forward. Key Takeaways for Leaders: Reciprocal Accountability: Shift your team's mindset to view accountability as mutual support rather than top-down policing. Culture Ownership: Strategies to ensure your organizational values are upheld by every employee, not just senior management. Resilience: How to use personal adversity as a foundation for empathetic and strong leadership. Listen to the full episode and access show notes at: https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/love-is-stronger-than-hate-chris-singleton/ Bio: 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. Connect: Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2026 Effective! Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason 👍 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

As a new year begins, Jason reminds us all that our canvas is blank. Who do we want to BE in the year ahead and what cultures do we want to create? Set the Temperature of Your Leadership and Corporate Culture. In a world of constant disruption, high-performing teams don't just happen by accident—they are led by design. Welcome to The Thermostat with Jason V. Barger, the podcast dedicated to helping you step back, breathe in "good oxygen," and calibrate the temperature of your life, your leadership, and your organization. Hosted by Jason V. Barger—globally celebrated author, consultant, and keynote speaker for Fortune 500 companies—this show is an essential resource for elite executives, entrepreneurs, and team leaders who recognize that corporate culture is the ultimate competitive advantage. Rather than just reacting to the "weather" around them, true leaders act as thermostats—intentionally setting the climate for innovation, accountability, and engagement. Through solo insights and interviews with world-class thought leaders, Jason unpacks the mindsets required to thrive in today's complex business landscape. Why Listen to The Thermostat? Each episode is a strategic "micro-break" designed to help you move beyond the "doing" of your daily task list and into the "being" of an impactful leader. Key themes include: Corporate Culture Strategy: How to move vision from a daydream to a created reality. Leadership in Teams: Master the E.A.T. framework (Empathy, Reciprocal Accountability, and Trust). Emotional Intelligence: Developing the self-awareness and regulation needed to lead through change. Servant Leadership: Flipping the pyramid to empower your people and drive sustainable results. Mindset Calibration: Practical tools to stay grounded and inspired, no matter the external environment. About Jason V. Barger Jason V. Barger is a sought-after motivational keynote speaker and leadership consultant known for his work with some of the world's most recognizable brands. He is the author of several celebrated books, including Thermostat Cultures and ReMember, and is committed to breathing oxygen into organizations to help them set the temperature they desire. Are you ready to calibrate? Subscribe today and become an ambassador for the culture you want to create. Learn more and connect with Jason at JasonVBarger.com Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/new-year-your-canvas-is-blank/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective! Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason 👍 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

In the midst of the holiday season, Jason shares his wishlist for himself and all of his listeners as we bring one year to an end and shift our sights ahead. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/wishlists-for-all/ 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! Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason 👍 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

Conversations stimulate progress when we talk with people and not at them. The best team cultures develop healthy ways they communicate together to stimulate progress. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/conversations-currency-for-change/ 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! Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason 👍 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger

Gratitude shifts our mindset, which shifts our actions and interactions. What does it look like to take time to shift the mindsets within our cultures to gratitude? Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/gratitude-shifts-cultures/ 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! Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason 👍 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/ X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger