Thermostat Cultures LIVE Event Preview

Thermostat Cultures LIVE Event Preview

In the relentless pace of today’s work environment, the most effective leaders understand a crucial secret: progress isn’t just about moving forward; it’s about pausing to reflect. How often do you and your team step back to get grounded, breathe, and intentionally set the temperature for your corporate culture?

In a recent episode of The Thermostat Podcast, host Jason V Barger gives a special preview of the 9th annual Thermostat Cultures Live event, an experience designed to help leaders and teams do just that. This hybrid event, taking place on Friday, November 7th, 2025, offers a unique opportunity for development, connection, and strategic planning, whether you join the intimate in-person VIP experience in Columbus, Ohio, or attend through the dynamic virtual platform.

Summary: Calibrating Your Leadership for What’s Next

This episode of The Thermostat explores the purpose and power behind the upcoming live event. Jason Barger explains that the day is built to provide leaders and teams with the essential time and space to “calibrate their own thermostats.” In a world where attracting, retaining, and developing talent is more critical than ever, the event focuses on fostering authentic leadership and building the intentional strategies needed to create compelling cultures that people genuinely want to be a part of.

The conversation highlights the event’s interactive and conversational style, which moves beyond traditional lectures. It’s about creating a dialogue that is solutions-focused and inspires tangible action. The day is designed to equip attendees with next steps to stimulate real progress in their personal and professional lives.

Jason also reveals the exciting lineup of thought leaders who will be sharing their insights on leadership in teams and workplace culture. Past events have featured luminaries like James Clear (Atomic Habits) and Howard Behar (former president of Starbucks). This year’s event continues that tradition with powerful voices, including:

• Damon West, three-time Wall Street Journal best-selling author of The Coffee Bean, who will share his powerful message on resilience and a positive mindset.
• Howard Behar, former president of Starbucks and a mentor in servant leadership.
• Ken Boyer of EY, an expert in stimulating progress across organizations.
• Kevin Clayton, Chief Impact and Equity Officer for the Rock Entertainment Group (Cleveland Cavaliers).
• Nikki Strazza, a workplace cultural strategist who will speak on generational trends in the evolving workforce.

Ultimately, the event is a catalyst for anyone looking to intentionally shape their environment and improve their leadership in teams.

Notable Quotes

“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

“We all are still developing. None of us are a finished product. And so we need time and space to kind of calibrate our own thermostats, if you will.” – Jason V Barger

“Leaders and cultures need authentic leadership and intentional strategies more than ever.” – Jason V Barger

“The future of leadership is you, is me, is us. Be a thermostat.” – Jason V Barger

A Question to Ponder

As you look ahead to the coming year, what is one intentional step you can take to stop being a thermometer—simply reacting to the temperature of your culture—and start being the thermostat that sets it?

To learn more and get your tickets for the in-person or virtual experience, visit ThermostatCulturesLive.com.

Links and References

Follow @JasonVBarger on social media for even more insights and new video content.

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.

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.”