Jason is a professional speaker and dynamic storyteller with experience speaking
to groups of all sizes. He is passionate about inspiring positive action in the world.
His creativity, insights, spirit, and ability to relate content uniquely to each group,
are a perfect match for almost any audience. Jason has experience speaking in businesses,
large churches, high schools, universities, nonprofits, and as the keynote speaker at a wide variety
of conferences. His message is resonating with organizations and communities that are passionate about -
Leadership, Culture Change, Service, Faith, Innovation, Diversity, Compassionate Management, Social Responsibility,
and more. Keynote Speeches, half-day Workshops, full day Retreats, ongoing Organizational Consulting, or individual
Leadership Coaching Sessions are available.
“Jason, and his book, 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
“In the same way Mark Twain considered himself a ‘prodigious noticer,’ Jason Barger takes the obvious things that surround us when we travel through airports and uses them to illustrate profound life truths. Step Back from the Baggage Claim is a delightful little book that will cause you to think thoughts you probably should have been thinking already! Jason does a great job showing us how to ‘travel through life gracefully.’”
- CHRIS BRADY, New York Times Best-Selling Co-Author of “Launching a Leadership Revolution”
“To Step Back from the Baggage Claim means to exit the rat race, if only for a moment. The disciplined practice creates the space, a kind of opening that allows us to observe our blind spots, home to our hidden assumptions and taken for granted presuppositions. In the act of ‘stepping back’ we make room for new ways of being and thinking, allowing our best selves and our best leadership to emerge. Jason's presentation to our staff was a hit. He has the genuine ability to be present with others in the moment. Because he 'shows up' 100%, the audience is fully engaged as well. His relatedness as a person embodies the basis of a culture of effective communication.”
- DR. WILEY “CHIP” SOUBA, Dean, Ohio State College of Medicine
“Step Back from the Baggage Claim is a must read for anyone interested in excelling at international business. Too often your managers are looking for an elegant solution or for the ‘silver bullet’ to doing business effectively. However, Jason’s book covers the key soft aspects to gaining cooperation in a cross-cultural and cross-national business world. I recommend this book for anyone interested in international business education.”
- P. ROBERTO GARCIA, Ph.D, Professor of International Business and Co-Director of the Supply Chain and Global Management Academy, Indiana University, Kelley School of Business
“Your workshop was the favorite in our professional development series for our staff! We all are still discussing ways we can ‘step back’ in life and in business.”
- VANESSA KUMAR, Weber Associates, Columbus, Ohio
“Barger’s visit to JupiterFIRST Church was a sweeping success. He is a gifted speaker and his message about serving the world is refreshing and transforming.
He embodies the wisdom of ‘dropping our swords to pick up our paint brushes’. Great stuff!
- DR. BARRY JOHNSON, JupiterFIRST Church, Jupiter, Florida
“With changes in the economy and the market, so many people are scrambling to re-invent their brands/businesses. Barger’s advice to ‘let everything grow out of an authentic purpose’...was great advice!”
- A. FOSS, from the ‘Accidental Creative’ discussion on fostering a creative process
“Jason arrived at our church a stranger, and left as a friend and co-traveler on the journey! He effortlessly connected with people at every age and stage of life with his warm personality and relevant message.
He taught, led workshops, and preached in worship--all with the same posture of genuine interest in the lives of other people. In short, Jason enriched and strengthened our faith community.
As one of our congregants reported to me in an email, ‘I loved hearing Jason Barger on Sunday...thanks for bringing him to WCC! His message was especially appropriate for
Type A's (myself included in that group) that sometimes forget to Step Back, Be Available, or Travel Gracefully. I am embarrassed to admit that I frequently fail to do all
three, and the airport is a great metaphor for life in that regard.’ I recommend Jason Barger to any church, synagogue or mosque that wants to take a "step back" from their
own baggage...and claim a new angle of vision on mission and ministry."
- REV. DR. JOHN F. ROSS, Wayzata Community Church, Wayzata, MN
“The fast-paced and mobile world that our students are growing up in makes it difficult
for them to define community. Their experiences cross so many different times and
places, that it is easy for them to get lost in the shuffle. Jason's presentation was a
wonderful reminder to our students and staff what "true community" is all about!
Our students were encouraged to build, maintain and repair relationships with each
other and those in need.”
- MATTHEW PETERSON, Principal Jones Middle School, Upper Arlington, OH
“In an age of cynicism and “bad news”, Jason Barger brought good news into our life.
He engaged our congregation with his remarkable story telling and his inspirational
spirit. We discovered again that ordinary people can make a great difference in the
world. Jason helped us reclaim our God-given gift of offering grace to others. He has
the capacity to motivate, inspire, and bring good humor into the groups that are
privileged to hear him speak. Even more, he brings the special gift of helping people
connect their own stories with those of others in ways that create a special synergy and
excitement.”
-REV. DAVID LONG-HIGGINS, Co-Pastor, David's United Church of Christ, Canal Winchester, OH