Season 9 Episode 9: Cultures Can Turn Around

In this engaging episode of The Thermostat Podcast, host Jason V Barger delivers inspiring insights on transforming cultures—with a compelling highlight on the remarkable turnaround of the Washington Commanders. Jason shares how this storied football team, once mired in underperformance and toxic practices, reinvented its identity through decisive leadership and intentional cultural shifts. His story vividly illustrates the critical role of intentionality, consistency, and authentic connection in building thriving environments. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in corporate culture, leadership in teams, and change management.

Transforming Culture Through Leadership

Jason V Barger emphasizes that culture shaping is not a drive-through experience. Rather, it requires deliberate action and a commitment to continuous improvement. The discussion underscores that the best leaders and teams are those who take the time to recalibrate their approach—making room for thoughtful reflection and persistent action. By investing in themselves and those around them, leaders set the stage for sustainable change.

Key themes from the episode include:

• Intentionality in Change: Building and transforming a culture demands an intentional process. Jason outlines a six-step process—starting with assessing the current state, aligning with core values, and setting a clear vision before tying that vision to actionable steps.
• Consistency in Leadership: Great leaders not only articulate a vision but also consistently breathe life into it through daily actions. This repeated commitment helps anchor the desired culture in every aspect of the organization.
• Empowering Teams: Success in transforming a culture isn’t a solo endeavor. It’s about engaging the minds and hearts of team members and creating a space where every individual contributes to the collective vision.

Notable Quotes

Here are some of the standout quotes from the episode that capture the essence of the conversation:

“The best leaders and team cultures in the world are the ones that make time to step back, breathe in good oxygen, and calibrate their thermostat.”
– Jason V Barger

“Culture shaping is not a drive-through experience. It takes intentional effort, consistency, and courage to create the change you want to see.”
– Jason V Barger

“It doesn’t happen overnight; it takes years of commitment and the willingness to invest in developing both people and culture.”
– Jason V Barger

“When talent, culture, and people are aligned, you set a new temperature that can truly turn around even the most challenging environments.”
– Jason V Barger

Episode Summary

In this episode, Jason V Barger illustrates the power of leadership in transforming organizational culture. He explains that whether an organization is facing toxicity, stagnation, or underperformance, there is always an opportunity to reset and cultivate a healthy, engaging, and forward-thinking environment. By sharing his compelling story of the Washington Commanders’ turnaround, Jason underscores how intentional effort and strong leadership can revive even the most challenging cultures. The episode offers a clear framework for understanding the change process, urging leaders to invest in their teams, foster authentic connections, and commit to continuous cultural evolution.

Questions to Ponder

At the end of the episode, Jason V Barger left listeners with three reflective questions:

1. How would you describe your current culture and those you’re thinking about as you listen?
2. What do you hope to improve or strengthen in your culture in the year ahead?
3. What intentional efforts related to talent, culture, and people are you investing in?

Links and References

For more insights and practical tips, be sure to check out Jason V Barger’s book Breathing Oxygen. This book dives deeper into the concepts discussed in this episode and provides additional strategies for fostering a positive mindset and effective leadership.

Visit ThermostatCulturesLive.com referenced in this episode

Jason references the Washington Commanders in this episode and their turnaround story. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43401140/washington-commanders-turnaround-season-nfl-playoffs-divisional-round

By incorporating these practices into your summer routine, you can breathe new life into your personal and professional endeavors. Remember, as Jason says, “The best leaders, teams, and cultures on the planet stimulate progress by recalibrating their thermostat together.”

Our next episode will feature Repeated Beingness. Stay Tuned!