Season 9 Episode 13: Step Back from the Baggage Claim (the origin story)

Title: Season 9 Episode 13: Step Back from the Baggage Claim (The Origin Story)

Introduction

In a special reflective episode of The Thermostat Podcast, host Jason V. Barger takes us on a journey – not to a faraway destination, but back in time. This isn’t just any trip down memory lane; it’s the origin story of the “Step Back from the Baggage Claim” movement, a philosophy that has shaped Jason’s career as a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and consultant on leadership and corporate culture. This episode explores how seemingly unconventional experiences can coalesce into a powerful, purpose-driven career.

Preparing for Takeoff: Early Influences and Experiences

Jason’s path wasn’t a typical corporate climb. Instead, it was paved with diverse experiences, from being a college athlete learning the dynamics of teamwork to leading large-scale service projects. He reflects on a decade spent directing a summer camp for thousands, building homes for families in need in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and serving the homeless in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. These experiences instilled in him a deep understanding of human connection, the importance of culture, and the power of leadership.

Navigating Turbulence: The Recession and a Leap of Faith

In 2008, amidst a national recession, Jason made a bold move. He left a stable job, with no immediate income and a young family to support. Many would call it risky; Jason saw it as an opportunity. His wife, Amy, supported his vision with two simple words: “Good. Go.” This pivotal moment set the stage for his unique approach to understanding and shaping organizational culture.

The Baggage Claim Epiphany: A Metaphor for Life

The core of Jason’s philosophy is captured in the title of his first book, Step Back from the Baggage Claim: Change the World, Start at the Airport. The book, and the movement it sparked, isn’t about airports, per se. It’s about how we choose to interact with the world and the people around us. Jason observed the chaotic scene at baggage carousels – the “human wall of entitlement,” the jockeying for position – and saw a microcosm of broader societal behaviors. He asked a simple, yet profound question: What if we stepped back?

Boarding Pass to a New Perspective: Seven Cities, Seven Days

To research his book, Jason embarked on a unique experiment. He spent seven days living in seven different airports across the country. With a meager $20 daily budget and minimal sleep, he immersed himself in the environment, observing human behavior and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways people impact the atmosphere around them.

Notable Quote: “Our best leadership and clarity of our actions are best discovered when we step back.”

Cruising Altitude: Lessons that Resonate Today

The “Step Back” philosophy isn’t just a clever metaphor; it’s a practical framework for leadership and culture change. Several key themes emerged from Jason’s journey and continue to inform his work:

• The Power of Stepping Back: In a fast-paced world, the most effective action often begins with intentional reflection. Stepping back allows for clarity, perspective, and more thoughtful decision-making. Notable Quote: “Step back to move forward.“
• Human Connection Matters: The baggage claim experience highlights the importance of recognizing the humanity in those around us. Organizations that foster genuine connection and care tend to achieve better outcomes.
• Obstacles are Inevitable: Delays, cancellations, and unexpected challenges are part of any journey. It’s how we respond to adversity that defines our leadership and shapes our culture. Notable Quote: “Obstacles, delays and cancellations always exist. But it’s how we respond to that adversity that arises…that often dictates the next path of our journey.“
• Intentions Need Action: A brilliant strategic plan is useless without execution. The “Step Back” philosophy emphasizes taking that first step, even if it’s imperfect, and iterating along the way. Notable Quote: “All glory comes from daring to begin.“
• Be The Thermostat: We all contribute to creating culture. Notable Quote: “We are ambassadors for the life and cultures that we want to create together. We have to be the first person willing to step forward to them and to create them.“

Beyond the Baggage Claim: A Continuing Journey Jason’s first book will lead to future books such as ReMember and Thermostat Cultures and Breathing Oxygen. From that initial “dare to begin,” Jason’s work has expanded to include keynote speaking, workshops, and consulting with organizations seeking to cultivate intentional, positive, and high-performing cultures. The core principles, however, remain grounded in the simple yet powerful idea of stepping back to gain perspective and move forward with purpose.

Questions to Ponder:

1. Where in your own life or work could you benefit from “stepping back” to gain clarity?
2. How do you and your team navigate obstacles and challenges?
3. What kind of culture are you actively creating, and how are you contributing to it?
4. How can you be more intentional with bringing action behind your intentions?

This origin story provides a compelling look at how a unique perspective, combined with a willingness to take unconventional paths, can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career focused on improving leadership and corporate culture.

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

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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 Meaningful Work with Tamara Myles and Wes Adams. Stay Tuned!