Testimonials

Jason’s professional demeanor and valuable content are really great offerings to our attendees. His presentations on leadership and culture align with our People First philosophy here at Ultimate Software. We look forward to working with Jason on more programs in the future!

Phillipa Stephenson
Ultimate Software

This is the best leadership training I have ever received. This year’s LDP program that was designed by Step Back Leadership Consulting should be ODOTs future of how we lead.

Program Participant
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Creating cultures of inclusivity, grit, and ownership that lift people up and make us all better is needed. Our job as leaders is to breathe good oxygen into ourselves and everyone around us. Jason’s message and work are contagious in the good ways!

Ken Bouyer
Director of inclusive recruiting (Americas), EY

Jason was one of our National Speakers at the largest HR Conference in the world in Las Vegas last year (SHRM). With over 15,500 attendees, Jason’s evaluation scores received a fabulous 4.4 out of 5 score, rating him higher than the 4.1 average of all other national presenters.

Event Planner
SHRM

Jason aspires to make a difference—and is doing so as more people put this spirit into action in their organizations. He offers valuable reminders and simple principles that can guide the leadership actions you take in your own life and business. In the midst of obstacles, delays and cancellations in business, the way your people respond to challenges will determine your level of success. I hope you’ll join his movement.

Howard Behar
Former President, Starbucks

Behaviors such as agility, grit, empathy, and inclusivity have never been more essential and more valued in the workplace. Jason Barger’s six key mindsets highlight the behaviors that propel great leaders and drive great cultures.

Coley O’Brien
Chief people officer, The Wendy’s Company

I would love to see Jason again in any venue anywhere in the world!

Alfredo Angel
ENTREPRENEURS’ ORGANIZATION

I had the great pleasure of partnering with Jason Barger and Step Back Leadership Consulting for three years while I was a Vice President of Human Resources in a culture of hyper growth and a focus on change management. Jason created and facilitated customized leadership development programs for high potential executives and senior leaders and for entry level leaders across all functional areas of our Retail Marketing and Credit Business. Jason is an exceptional public keynote speaker that embraces authentic leadership messages and creates tools that leaders of all levels can use to build on strengths and work through opportunities. Jason has a unique ability to identify how to focus on leadership competencies and values of the company while creating lasting learning. Jason’s high level of integrity shows through in all of his engagements from brainstorming, to program development, to facilitating and measuring success. I highly recommend Jason for any large or small group leadership training, keynote speaking, and cultural change development. Jason is a true game changer.

Shelly Marks
former EVP, ALLIANCE DATA

Working with Jason at such a critical point in our company’s growth, was one of the best things we could have done to solidify our new direction. Through his keynote, he was able to make impactful connections between his research and expertise in culture with our new purpose statement. His book Thermostat Cultures will give our general managers an anchor to revisit keeping our focus on intentional and purposeful culture evolution. I look forward to continued partnership with Jason!

Kendall Harrell
Head of People & Culture, Caribou Coffee

Jason highlights the key leadership mindsets behind every significant impact that is made in the world by individuals, teams, organizations, and communities: clarity, inclusivity, agility, grit, rest, and ownership. As Jason shares, our mindsets and actions impact everything.

Doug Ulman
President and CEO, Pelotonia

There is a common desire to be part of something larger than ourselves. In a team setting, culture is the glue that brings together like minded individuals, for better or worse. Perennial losing cultures have indifference to communication, accountability, and grit. Strong winning cultures promote these values as the lifeblood of their journey. Jason Barger’s proactive spirit and message is foundational.

Shane Battier
2-TIME NBA WORLD CHAMPION (Miami Heat), 2001 Men's Basketball National Champion (Duke)

The mindsets we breathe every day as human beings impact the people and leaders we become in our organizations and in the world. To become more inclusive and accountable to one another, breathing good oxygen is critical. Thank you, Jason Barger!

Kevin Clayton
VP of diversity, equity and inclusion, The Cleveland Cavaliers Companies

Positive leadership and positive cultures are needed more than ever. There are people who breathe life into every relationship, room, and team, and also those who steal the oxygen and energy. Thanks to Jason for breathing good oxygen into others!

Jon Gordon
Twelve-time bestselling author of The Energy Bus and The Power of Positive Leadership

Every winning team breathes in good oxygen that fuels their mindsets and culture. Jason Barger’s message is refreshing and needed to build healthy teams.

Shane Battier
Two-time NBA champion

Jason came to Quito, Ecuador to give a speech to some of the most influential business owners of the city. His presentation skills, his way of engaging the audience, and his sense of humor make Jason a great speaker whom I would love to see again in any venue anywhere in the world!

Alfredo Angel
ENTREPRENEURS' ORGANIZATION

Culture is not a side priority on high-performing teams. It is EVERYTHING. Jason Barger is right on in his approach to people, alignment and values. His spirit and work is infectious and highly-valuable. Thermostat Cultures is a must read.

Howard Behar
former President, STARBUCKS COFFEE

It’s clear from the research that meaningful cultures don’t just magically happen. They are co-created by leaders and people who breathe intentional oxygen into their habits, practices, structures, and operations. Jason Barger’s insights for developing leaders and cultures are foundational!

Tamara Myles
Author, speaker, and researcher

Jason is an energetic and engaging communicator who was able to effectively connect his messages to our organization’s goals and values. He provided us with many helpful tools we will be able to utilize moving forward. Our team had nothing but great things to say about Jason’s presentations. He was able to quickly connect with the group and find creative ways to engage everyone while effectively tailoring his message to the theme of our event. His passion and dedication to the growth of individuals and organizations is evident. His energy is contagious, and our team left his presentations refreshed and rejuvenated. Jason’s values and motivations were right in line with our department’s culture. His passion to promote leadership was truly inspiring and energizing.

Dr. Richard Kirschner
NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Jason is great! He’s a dynamic and engaging person with a great sense of humor. He puts everyone at ease, while still challenging them to think creatively and with a servant’s heart.

Elaine Roberts
CEO, Columbus Regional Airport Authority

We would hire him again in a minute.

Lee Peterson
WD PARTNERS

The Latin definition of inspire is ‘to breathe life into,’ which is exactly what Jason’s latest leadership masterpiece Breathing Oxygen will do for your business, your team, and your life. Prepare yourself for a journey of personal and professional transformation.

Paul Epstein
Former NFL and NBA executive and bestselling author of The Power of Playing Offense

Jason is an incredibly engaging and dynamic individual who provides keen insights into some of the myopia that often surrounds strategic planning, business decision-making, and organizational effectiveness. He delivers powerful messages through real world storytelling.

Steven Kase
STANLEY BLACK & DECKER

Jason is a remarkable speaker with a tremendous amount of energy and dedication to both doing good in the world and helping others become successful. He finds creative ways to engage everyone around him into working to their ultimate potential. I loved watching him captivate our students with positive reinforcement, humanity, humility, and passion.

Karen Ramos
Education Abroad Program Manager, UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

Servant Leadership is about giving energy and care to others and a mission greater than self. The best cultures breathe oxygen into the mindsets of their people in alignment with their values. Jason Barger’s work and spirit continue to give energy to me and countless teams in the world.

Howard Behar
Former president, Starbucks Coffee

Jason, and his books, aspire to make a difference – and are doing so as more people put this spirit into action in their organizations. He offers valuable reminders and simple principles that can guide the leadership actions you take in your own life and business. In the midst of obstacles, delays, and cancellations in business, the way your people respond to challenges will determine your level of success. I hope you’ll join his movement.

Howard Behar
former President, STARBUCKS INTERNATIONAL

Jason’s messages really resonated with our audiences, both GMs and senior leadership. Throughout the conference, our GMs referenced messages Jason shared and their feedback pointed to Jason’s keynote as one of the highlights of our conference. Jason helped elevate our conference and we look forward to partnering on future events.

Coley O’Brien
Chief People Officer, Wendy’s

Employee engagement is a direct response to feeling loved, respected, valued, and supported. Thriving cultures are committed to supporting life-affirming environments where people can do their best work. Breathing in this good oxygen makes everything healthier, better, and more resilient.

Lachandra Baker
Senior director of employee engagement and DEI, National Church Residencies

We were seeking a ‘pay it forward’ ‘you win with people’ approach for our Leadership Retreat. Not only did Jason’s workshops fit the bill perfectly, he helped transition 60 people into a cohesive leadership team.

Marqué Bressler
COLUMBUS REALTORS®

Jason’s speech for CASTO was very thoughtful. He tailored his thoughts specifically for our group and truly kept the entire audience engaged!

Sarah Benson Hatcher
CASTO

Jason is great! He’s got the personality and professionalism to make executive meetings move toward a winning goal and the strategic aptitude to make sure those goals are achievable, executable and on-target to improve business. His knowledge of how a brand works is invaluable and, above all, he’s just a great person to have assist the team. We would hire him again in a minute!

Lee Peterson
WD PARTNERS

Culture and values are the air we breathe. They are things we never stop working on, developing, and sharing with each other. Jason Barger is on target again that leaders and all associates breathe life into winning cultures!

Cameron Mitchell
Founder, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

Jason’s passion about change and a positive environment has been the missing link as we move to change our culture and develop our leadership team. His basic fundamental approach, coupled with the thought provoking exercises, creates the perfect environment for open and honest dialogue.

Scott DeLong
CEO, CRSI

Jason Barger was the best instructor I’ve had…his energy is infectious and he has a passion for what he does that is very genuine.

Program Participant
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Jason’s message was extremely well-received by our students, staff, faculty, and corporate partners who were also present at the event. Jason spoke as the keynote to one of our annual signature events for our students. He tailored his speech to address the theme of our event and was a pleasure to work with.

Christian Bartels
Associate Director for Student Life, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Jason is an energetic communicator who was able to effectively connect his messages to our organization’s goals and values. He provided us with many helpful tools we will be able to utilize moving forward. Our team had nothing but great things to say about Jason’s presentations. His energy was contagious, and our team left his presentations refreshed and rejuvenated. His passion to promote leadership was truly inspiring and energizing.

Dr. Richard Kirschner
NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Jason is great! He has worked with our senior leadership team for years now to develop a stronger, engaged team, and he’s worked with all of our leadership team with a focus on core values and enhancing organizational engagement. He’s a dynamic person with a great sense of humor. He puts everyone at ease, while still challenging them to think creatively and with a servant’s heart. We were so fortunate to discover Jason and continue to see the reward of working with him.

Elaine Roberts
CEO, Columbus Regional Airport Authority

Positive cultures lift each other up and are able to be honest and authentic, seek possibilities, and exhibit grit to find solutions. The best teams are vulnerable with each other and still find optimism for the future. Thank you, Jason!

Jeni Britton
Founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

HR Tech selects Jason Barger and Step Back Leadership Consulting as a Top 20 Leadership Development Training Companies in 2021.

Organizations love posters with words about Values. That’s always good. But thankfully Jason Barger takes the next steps to help you live the culture you want with intentional action. Thermostat Cultures gives the reader permission to lead and to care.

Terry Hershey
AUTHOR, The Power of Pause

Jason is a true game changer!

Shelly Marks
former EVP, ALLIANCE DATA