The best team cultures realize that recruiting isn't transactional. It's transformational and impacted by how we lead, serve and compete as a team.
Episode Summary: Is "transformational recruiting" dead in the age of the Transfer Portal and NIL? In this episode, Jason sits down with college basketball legend and CBS Sports analyst Clark Kellogg to dismantle the idea that leadership has become purely transactional. They explore why culture remains the ultimate competitive advantage for any team—whether on the court or in the corporate boardroom. Clark shares his personal philosophy on being a "faithful presence" amidst chaos, the rise of servant leadership in modern coaching, and how to maintain deep human connection in a fast-paced world. Tune in for a masterclass on stewardship, influence, and building teams that last.
Key Takeaways & Timestamps:
[00:05:26] Beyond the Analyst Desk: Clark reveals the side of him most fans don't see—including his "silly" side and his obsession with order and details.
[00:07:48] The "Faithful Presence" Philosophy: Clark breaks down his personal definition of success: being a faithful presence of the "fruit of the spirit" (patience, kindness, self-control) in every room he enters, from the airport to the studio.
[00:13:20] Servant Leadership Defined: Why the most effective leaders today aren't "top-of-the-pyramid" authoritarians, but influencers who focus on moving their people "up and forward."
[00:19:00] Examples of Excellence: A look at modern coaching cultures that win by putting people first, featuring insights on Ryan Day (Ohio State), Kelvin Sampson (Houston), and Shaka Smart (Marquette).
[00:22:54] The Great Debate: Transactional vs. Transformational: Jason and Clark push back on the narrative that recruiting is now solely transactional. They discuss why high-performers still choose culture and development over a quick paycheck.
[00:30:28] The Gonzaga Case Study: How a commitment to culture transformed a small school in Spokane into a national powerhouse and 4x'd the university's budget.
[00:36:31] The Power of Connection: Clark discusses his current passion for connecting good people to good causes through his work with the Columbus Foundation.
Quotable Moments:
"Leadership really is influence... committed to the responsibility you have to elevate and serve those entrusted to your care."
"Culture is your greatest competitive advantage."
Mentioned in this Episode:
Clark Kellogg, CBS Sports Analyst & Columbus Foundation Governing Committee
Thermostat Cultures by Jason V. Barger
The Columbus Foundation
Connect with Jason: Visit JasonVBarger.com for more resources on developing leaders and setting the temperature of your team's culture.
Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others!
For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/transformational-recruiting-clark-kellogg/
Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice.
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger
Make Your 2025 Effective!
Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com
Like or Follow Jason 👍
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarger/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonvbarger/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonvbarger/
X: https://x.com/JasonvBarger
