On this episode of Experience by Design, we welcome keynote speaker and author Jason Barger. Jason talks to us about his new book "Breathing Oxygen: How Positive Leadership Gives Life to Winning Cultures." We talk about how his origins in community and public service has influenced his work with some of the leading brands and companies. We also explore how simple acts can yield huge dividends. We discuss how leadership needs to communicate mission and purpose to today's generation of new employees, and how breathing oxygen into yourself will result in more oxygen being shared in the workplace.
As ethnographers, we are used to the idea that big discoveries can come from everyday observations. There are possibilities for discovery all around us. All it takes is for us to notice, and noticing can be the hardest thing to teach. An observation becomes a noticing, which then becomes a premise, which turns into an idea, and eventually perhaps even a paradigm.
Our guest, Jason Barger, today spent a lot of time in airports, and it was a simple observation at the baggage claim that led to his book “Step Back from the Baggage Claim: Change the World, Start at the Airport.” The premise of the book is “how to change our daily world through thoughtful and compassionate action.” Or, the biggest changes can start with the smallest acts of compassion, kindness, and service.
He has a new book called “Breathing Oxygen: How Positive Leadership Gives Life to Winning Cultures.” In it, Jason takes his experience of working with some of the biggest brands and combines it with the lessons he has learned from a life spent in service to others. In the episode, we talk about how today’s generation needs fulfillment through their work, and to be part of something larger than themselves. We also explore how busyness is not the same as effectiveness, and how more time to reflect and think can pay dividends when it comes to deciding and doing.
Gary also learns that good things can come out of Columbus, Ohio, although it is not clear if he remains convinced.