Brian Barren (President, Business Operations, Cleveland Guardians): Hometown Grit, Jose & Hot Dog Races

In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde Schroeder sits down with Brian Barren, President of Business Operations for the Cleveland Guardians, to talk about what it really takes to lead behind the scenes of a professional sports organization. While fans see what happens on the field, Brian oversees nearly everything else—from revenue growth and fan experience to talent strategy, culture, and community impact. His role offers a rare look at how a major sports franchise operates as both a team and a business. What makes Brian’s perspective especially compelling is the path that brought him there. After more than two decades at Procter & Gamble, he made the leap into Major League Baseball, bringing with him a deep background in strategy, sales, and organizational leadership. He shares how those business fundamentals translated into a completely different industry, and where they didn’t. Brian also reflects on one of the organization’s most defining moments: the transition from the Cleveland Indians to the Cleveland Guardians. He shares how leadership approached the decision, the importance of listening to community insight, and what it took to guide both employees and fans through meaningful change. In this conversation, Sam and Brian discuss how the Guardians approach leadership in a small-market environment, what it takes to build a high-performing culture, how they measure success beyond the scoreboard, and why investing in people and community remains central to long-term growth. Timestamps & Topics 00:35 – Introduction & Brian Barron’s Role with the Guardians 02:15 – From Procter & Gamble to Major League Baseball 04:45 – Leading & Growing a Small-Market Organization 10:00 – The Decision to Change the Team Name 12:45 – Rolling Out the Guardians Rebrand 15:45 – Building a Strong Workplace Culture 19:45 – Compensation Strategy & Team Incentives 25:00 – Why Northeast Ohio Talent Is a Competitive Advantage 26:20 – Community Impact & Youth Baseball Initiatives 27:35 – HR Hot Seat & Rapid Fire Questions 31:25 – Best Game He’s Ever Been Part Of