Jason Barger checks-in with the Founders of System of Strength, Gretchen Dusseau and Keri Croft, and members of their Leadership Team during times of isolation and quarantine in April. SOS has dynamic workout studios in Ohio as well as a digital studio video platform. This fun, real and inspiring conversation dives into the mental and physical side of navigating ourselves through these challenging times as well as the power in their language “Keep Moving” and “Find a Way.” In the midst of challenges and obstacles, how we move matters.
SHOW NOTES
1:15 – Jason shares his gratitude and thoughts for today’s podcast.
3:25 – Jason welcomes the System of Strength crew to the podcast who share insights on workouts, life, and coping with changes from COVID-19. How do you stay healthy during these times, you have to adjust. Dealing with anxiety during COVID-19 is a real feeling during this time and Jason dives into the thoughts and feelings happening now with everyone through isolation.
6:05 – The founder’s husband had an accident a few years ago that challenged their lives and isolation was part of their lives at that time and now they recognize the gratitude in this situation. Handling life during quarantine with a newborn and how showing yourself some grace is important now as some days will be good and some days will be bad so live in today.
9:09 – Crisis reveals leadership in organizations and beyond. It is easy to talk about that when things are going well but when we are challenged is when we reveal ourselves. Everyone has anxiety, everyone has obstacles and challenges so recognizing the mind, body, the spirt and how you navigate that is an important question. SoS talks about how they help provide an outlet beyond just being bikini ready for summer, now it is about having a release and being motivated.
12:50 – Working out is more of a mindset than anything. You can choose how you deal with those energies in the world good or bad. SoS goes over the importance of giving yourself time to focus on your body to enhance your mind and also relieve stress.
15:21 – You have to find a way to help yourself and give yourself the time to yourself in whatever form that may be. The human connection piece really helps feed your soul.
18:00 – Jason reflects on the term coined by NBA champ, Shane Battier on the podcast about having a “spiritual breakfast” and a morning routine to help start the day right.
20:10 – Do it with passion. Jason helped out System of Strength when they were first forming their company and asks how having that ethos engrained in the company had helped during these times. The answer is you show leadership during those times with those exact times when you need to because you have to.
23:10 – Finding ways to communicate now is important. We all find ways to serve our clients differently. Examples are providing weekly calendars for workouts, free digital studio access, and doing personal things to connect with them.
27:30 – Inspiration follows inspiration. It is the small little things that brings connection.
29:10 – Jason asks what is something that is bringing you joy during isolation and quarantine? Is it food, is it a vice? A quick response comes saying, “I have a shoe addiction now.” The show in question was the converse golden goose shoe. They are $530 and they arrive pre-aged to look dirty. Another obsession is guitar that really takes the mind off of stuff that they want to get away from. Cooking is another favorite along with eating some donuts. Not the healthiest thing always but there are great ways to support local restaurants now so they encourage that.
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ABOUT THE THERMOSTAT
Conversations and micro-thoughts to engage your mind and heart.
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, is the host of The Thermostat, a podcast journey to discover authentic leadership, create compelling cultures and find clarity of mission, vision, and values.