Kitchen Table Leadership Conversations

Kitchen Table Leadership Conversations

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Lieutenant Berlin Maza & Deputy Fire Chief Bill Mack sit down with leaders in all professions and industries from across the country to have leadership conversations at the firehouse kitchen table! Leaders share their stories, philosophies and perspectives on leadership. They talk about their non-negotiable behaviors, actions and traits, as well as offer action items for newer employees, emerging leaders, and senior members of organizations to grow as leaders!

Berlin Maza


    • Apr 1, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 20m AVG DURATION
    • 68 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Kitchen Table Leadership Conversations

    Ep. 68: Steven Dubay, Deputy Fire Chief (ret.) - Learn from Everywhere

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 96:45


    Deputy Fire Chief Steven Dubay (ret.). of Colorado Springs Fire Department's emphasizes to all leaders to "Never Stop Learning." Feedback is a gift. Look in the mirror and look at yourself first when trying to become your best self. Know your strengths, know your weaknesses, take advantage of opportunities, always be open-minded and learn from everywhere!

    never stop learning deputy fire chief dubay colorado springs fire department
    Ep. 67: Michael DeStefano, Deputy Chief - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs for Firefighters

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 62:13


    Deputy Chief Michael DeStefano of Jupitor Fire Rescue Department dives into Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, specifically for firefighters. He talks about the inverted pyramid as leaders serving others, as well as the "How can I help you culture," striving to wow all customers, internal and external. Leaders should be thinking of Maslow's hierarchy when developing policy, at the negotiation table and whenever you are leading!

    Ep. 66: John Payne, Assistant Chief - Individual Leadership Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 72:06


    Assistant Chief John Payne of Bremerton Fire Department discusses individual leadership growth and becoming the leader you are supposed to be, not the leader that someone else is. Lead "your way" and understand that there are leadership lessons everywhere around you. Find them, extract them, and use what works for you! Leaders should "Provide Vision and Allow Action!"

    Ep. 65: Chris Tubbs, Fire Chief - Delivering Public Value

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 77:47


    Fire Chief Chris Tubbs of Southern Marin Fire District in California, dives into Delivering Public Value in a Tribalistic Culture – the Role and Responsibility of Leaders. We talk the intersection of public value and culture, as well as the 4 C's of leadership - Character, Credibility, Curiosity & Courage. “It is not the critic who counts; not the person who points out how one stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena!"

    Ep. 64: Jack Rives, Lieutenant General - True Leadership is More than a Title

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 64:53


    Lieutenant General Jack Rives of the United States Air Force and Executive Director of the American Bar Association dives deep into leadership being much more than just a title. You must always hold people accountable and lead by example. There are no good leaders out there who are not good listeners, emerging leaders learn so much more when you take the time to listen to your people. In the words of General George S. Patton, "You are aways on parade."

    Ep. 63: Stephen Shaw, Deputy Fire Chief - The Weight of our Words

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 65:10


    Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Shaw of the Town of Jupiter Fire Rescue Department talks about the weight of our words and how what you say is as important as anything. Your actions must match your words, you never know what you'll get unless you ask, and every leader should adopt the plus +1 mentality! Don't do things by yourself. Succession plan and bring others up with you to develop that strong team! Make conversations the norm, not the exception. Default to dialogue and take every opportunity to have a discussion with your people!

    Ep. 62: Spencer Davis, Captain - Credibility & Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 84:32


    Captain Spencer Davis of Norfolk Fire & Rescue along with previous Kitchen Table guest Battalion Chief Jarrod Sergi join the show today to talk about forming a team, building and maintaining credibility, getting out of your comfort zone and a whole lot more. Leaders must build relationships, immerse themselves in the culture, and study the craft each and every day. Remember that leadership is just another discipline. You must continuously hone the skill and sharpen it, because just like any other skill, you can lose your effectiveness without doing so.

    Ep. 61: Dan Shaw, Assistant Chief (ret.) - Command Mindset

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 74:52


    FDIC 2022 Keynote Speaker and co-author of 25 to Survive: Reducing Residential Injury and LODD, Assistant Chief of Operations Dan Shaw (ret.) talks the "Command Mindset," and Mission First, People Always! Stuck on what to train on? Train on these 7 categories: 1) Communications, 2) Positioning, NOT parking, 3) Water supplies, 4) Hose lines, 5) Ladders, 6) Search & Rescue and 7) Ventilation. Leaders must put their ego's aside and be able to receive feedback as well as give feedback. Always remember that "The Fire Always Gets a Vote!"

    Ep. 60: Randy Bruegman, Fire Chief (ret.) - Pay it Forward & Leave it Better

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 70:23


    Founder of the Leadership Crucible Foundation, Fire Chief Randy Bruegman emphasizes the need to "Pay it forward, leave it better, and do the right thing even if it's hard." The best leaders are change managers, they learn how to have courageous conversations, understand strategic change and invest in building a positive culture. Chief also talks about diversity, inclusiveness, opportunity and accountability. When you get the badge, you are a success, but it does not mean you are significant. Aspire to live a life and a career of significance!

    Ep. 59: Dr. Eric Saylors, Fire Chief - Positive Succession Planning

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 92:10


    Dr. and Fire Chief Eric Saylors of El Cerrito/Kensington Fire Department talks about the fundamental principle of leadership; a positive succession plan, guiding future leaders to replace the current ones. Chief dives into the "Succession Project," his 3 traits of strong leaders: 1) Empathy, 2) Adaptability and 3) Resilience, and his non-negotiable, "Breaches of discipline." "Early winners don't make good leaders!" The greatest leaders get knocked down over and over again, but get right back up and move forward.

    Ep. 58: Heather Marques, Division Chief - Leading with Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 67:16


    Division Chief Heather Marques of Alameda County Fire Department encourages leaders to lead with love. Leadership is influence! Try to default to positivity, Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs will help leaders better understand the needs of the people they lead. From her thesis paper, "Working Fire: Recruitment & Retention of Women Firefighters," Chief Marques discusses the 4 quadrants of concern for retention of women firefighters : 1) Physical challenges 2) Work-home sociocultural factors ,3) Family planning and 4) Promotional challenges. "Ancora Imparo," I am still learning."

    Ep. 57: David Stone, Division Chief - Positive Mindset & Emotional Intelligence

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 92:45


    Division Chief David Stone of South Walton Fire District dives deep into what Emotional Intelligence is and what leaders can do to incorporate these importance characteristics into their leadership development! Chief also talks about why negativity and complaining is so easy for leaders and how a positive mindset is a must in a strong leader. Be the leader you've always wanted, and start by being a servant leader!

    Ep. 56: Shannon Stone, Fire Chief - Adversity & Opportunities

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 75:33


    Fire Chief Shannon Stone of Midway Fire District talks company officer leadership, adversity, high performing teams and cultures. Are you a leader who sees problems or sees opportunities? Leaders must be good at teaching and sharing information. They should be an expert at their job and every job below theirs. Always put others before yourself, study servant leadership and study human behavior. Anyone who knows how to effectively communicate will get more out of life.

    Ep. 55: Dave McGylnn, Fire Chief - The Training Officer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2024 90:57


    Fire Chief Dave McGlynn within Federal Fire and Emergency Services talks all things training. We are talking what makes an effective training officer as well as training division. Are you a teacher and educator or are you just in the position of teaching? You're not a teacher unless they're learning. No different than you aren't leading if they aren't following. The chief talks about the position of influence that you are in. Are you using it in a positive manner or negative? Leave your ego at the door!

    Ep. 54: Johnny Torgeson, Assistant Chief - Forging your Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024 90:05


    Assistant Chief Johnny Torgeson of MCLB Barstow Fire & Emergency Services talks Forging your Team! He outlines the differences between a group vs crew vs team, as teams are what we should be striving for in the fire service! Chief Torgeson also differentiates between mentoring and coaching as both have its place in development. Additionally, every single person must be intentional in their plans regarding developing yourself, your team and your organization. Pour 80% of your energy into 20% of your people and you will have created a force multiplier in forging your teams. Don't walk around with a leadership license: Earn the respect, opportunity and privilege to lead each day as if it were a new day.

    Ep. 53: Scott Booth, Assistant Chief - Vulnerability & Followership

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024 91:08


    Assistant Chief Scott Booth of Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One talks about the the necessity of being vulnerable in effective leadership. In his EFO paper, he unpacks "shared struggle," encouraging leaders to create opportunities for their team or crew to struggle together, instead of relying on chance to offer those situations. He challenges everyone to be just a little more vulnerable, today, with something simple, and see what happens! Scott also talks about how followership can be argued as more important than leadership.

    Ep. 52: Dena Ali, Battalion Chief - Mental Wellness & Modeling Vulnerability

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 74:45


    Battalion Chief Dena Ali of the Raleigh Fire Department in North Carolina talks peer support., destigmatizing mental health and modeling vulnerability. Our guest has conducted extensive research on the mental health challenges faced by first responders, including the impact of trauma and stress, and has also conducted research on firefighter suicide. Chief Ali has also served as a subject matter expert at the National Fire Academy, where she assisted in reviewing the health and wellness curriculum. She goes into the polyvagal theory, and heart rate variability as it relates to training, recovery and performance.

    Ep. 51: Rayne Gray, Assistant Chief - Expanding your Empathy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 60:09


    Assistant Chief Rayne Gray of the Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Dept. talks expanding your empathy by asking real questions, listening with real intent and getting to know your people. He unpacks the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and failing. People who really care about outcomes and their leadership qualities fear they don't measure up to the task, but they are the ones who are paying attention, staying curious, asking questions, learning and trying to better themselves. He suggests the ones who have it "all figured out," are the ones to be concerned about. Chief Gray suggests all leaders to build their reading lists, because although not all readers are leaders, all leaders are readers.

    Ep. 50: The Wolfpack, NFA - Benefits of a Wolfpack

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 80:58


    A group of dedicated fire officers who met at the Command & Control class at the National Fire Academy came together to create a "Wolfpack." Committed to continuous mentorship and learning, topics discussed are: Vulnerability, mentorship, diverse thought and perspective, personal & professional growth and a whole lot more. Tune into the 50th episode of the Kitchen Table!

    Ep. 49: Jarrod Sergi, Battalion Chief - No Nonsense Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 73:30


    Battalion Chief Jarrod Sergi of Norfolk Fire Rescue (VA) and author of the book "No Nonsense Leadership," A Realistic Approach for the Company Officer talks "There is no greater privilege than the privilege to lead people." Jarrod talks about how being an instructor is one of the most important roles in a company officer. He also talks accountability, time management and the fact that company officers are walking leadership development programs for your fire department.

    Ep. 48: Chris Stewart, Deputy Chief - No "Good Dudes" Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 99:03


    Deputy Chief Chris Stewart formally of the City of Phoenix Fire Department talks "No more good dudes" leadership in the fire service. It takes so much more than being just a good dude or good gal to be a strong leader. You must be highly credible and highly competent to be effective. Chris says, "Operational effectiveness and safety must go hand in hand, not either/or." He also talks the 4 components of an accountability model. Be curious, not judgmental. Culture matters!

    Ep. 47: Frank Leeb, Deputy Assistant Chief - The Winning Mindset

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 85:37


    Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb (ret.) of the New York City Fire Department talks the "Winning Mindset." He unpacks his cornerstones of leadership: Training, Teamwork & Mentorship. Mentorship in the FDNY is engrained in their DNA. Departments and its people must make mentorship a part of their everyday culture. Competency is a must, but the strongest leaders know how to match the hard skills of the job with the soft skills.. Make sure you celebrate your wins and celebrate your people!

    Ep. 46: Dennis Doan, Fire Chief - Weigh in to Buy in

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 79:12


    Fire Chief Dennis Doan of Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One talks about the 5 dysfunctions of a team. Your first team should be the team that you are on, not the team that you lead. You gotta step up if you want to make positive change. No silos, leaders must weigh in to have buy in. Everyone should strive for the platinum rule, "Treat people how THEY would like to be treated!" Chief Doan challenges all leaders to make excellence a priority in "every" thing we do. If not now, then when?

    Ep. 45: Tony McGuirk, Fire Chief (ret.) - The "What if" in Customer Service

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 88:48


    Fire Chief Tony McGuirk (ret.) of several fire departments in the United Kingdom and one of the original founders of the Community Risk Reduction concept talks extensively about the "What if" in delivering customer service as a fire service. He discusses ways in which the United Kingdom continues to put the community "first" in several of its innovations. He encourages that everyone need be a customer of the fire service service within the first 20minutes of a fire. He discusses the 0, 2, 5, 20 model in Community Risk Reduction.

    Ep. 44: Corley Moore, Battalion Chief - Never Ending Fight Against Complacency

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 114:22


    Battalion Chief Corley Moore of the Moore Fire Department in Oklahoma, Founder of Firehouse Vigilance, "The Never Ending Battle to Fight Complacency," as well as host of the fire service leadership podcast, "The Weekly Scrap," joins the Kitchen Table to talk about fighting complacency. Author of the book, "The 9 L's" and "Challenge your Leadership," both are must have's in any leader's library. Consistency beats intensity every day of the week, and one must be mindful of where they put their energy. Chief Moore offers highly inspirational quotes as well as other must-read books on leadership, influence and culture. Chief emphasizes that leaders must always be present and supportive of those in their lead. Every day starts at zero!

    Ep. 43: Steve Prziborowski, Deputy Chief (ret.) - Courage Under Fire Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 106:48


    Deputy Chief Steve Prziborowski (ret.) of Santa Clara County Fire Department and president and founder of code3firetraining, talks about his new book Courage Under Fire Leadership. Concepts unpacked include the followership crisis, how trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity as well as having haters is simply the cost of leadership! Steve encourages leaders to "have" a mentor(s) and also to "be" a mentor to others. Chief truly believes that everyone has something to contribute, regardless of your tenure or rank in the fire service. Leaders should find their niche and find ways to contribute, either by mentoring others, teaching classes, writing articles or even books. Steve quotes former U.S. Secretary of State "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off." Catch your people doing things right!

    Ep. 42: Troy Gibson, Captain - Creating your Wolfpack

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2024 77:34


    Captain Troy Gibson of Hawai'i Fire Department talks about your wolfpack. Do you have one? If not, get one. Build relationships with people inside and outside your fire department, so you don't find yourself in an echo chamber. Make sure those in your wolfpack are honest with you, tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear, challenge them while they challenge you to become the best firefighter you could be. When you need help, ask for it, early and often. Listen to your people and be ok with not always having the answer to something. Be comfortable being uncomfortable!

    Ep. 41: Anthony John, Captain - Mentorship & Being Intentional

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 71:58


    Captain Anthony John (AJ) of South King Fire & Rescue out of Federal Way, Washington dives deep into mentorship and simply being intentional about what it is that you want to do. This includes having an all in attitude, building your relationships and with how you lead and mentor others. Leaders must always be listening and seeking out as many opportunities to learn about a diverse range of topics while always keep an open mind. AJ challenges all leaders to go out and do something with your crews off shift as that is where the foundation of success begins!

    Ep. 40: Bob Shannon, Captain (ret.) - You get what you accept, not what you expect!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 118:01


    Retired Captain Bob Shannon of Las Vegas Fire & Rescue emphasizes that your organization is perfectly designed to get the outcomes that they are getting, as every organization has a leadership curriculum, formal and intentional, or accidental and by default. Bob dives into the two types of leaders: Positive impact leaders and negative impact leaders. Bob describes the leadership power quadrant including Emotional Intelligence & self-mastery, trust, accountability and effective communication. "You get what you accept, not what you expect!"

    Ep. 39: Lee Cockerell, Disney Executive - Creating Disney-Like Magic

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 62:52


    Disney Executive Lee Cockerell reveals the magic of Disney customer service. From poor farm kid to running Disney operations, Lee talks about the importance of having a good attitude, being reliable and having empathy. EVERYONE is watching! The secret is to hire the right people, train them right and treat them right! Don't underestimate your influence in the world, negative or positive, and don't underestimate what you can achieve in your life. Go be great!

    Ep. 38: Matthew Vinci, Fire Chief - Perspectives & Inclusion

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2024 66:57


    Fire Chief Matthew Vinci of Vashon Island Fire & Rescue talks about the importance of networking, building relationships and listening to perspectives in order to get things done. Everybody at the table adds value, whether you agree or disagree with them and the lack of inclusion is simply a non-negotiable. Matthew talks about the strength in "pausing" in decision-making. The 24hr rule is often necessary, not just for yourself to think things through, but also to allow your team to think things through. "If you take care of your people, they will take care of the community!"

    Ep. 37: Mark Emery, Fire Chief - Honorable Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2024 116:35


    Fire Chief Mark Emery (ret.) of East Valley Fire District talks the Essentials of Honorable Leadership. He emphasizes that leadership is not synonymous with management and supervision, and leaders must differentiate between the two. Leadership is the influence of yourself and you take it with you everywhere you go. He quotes legendary coach and leader John Wooden in that "Success is peace of mind that is a direct result of self satisfaction and knowing that you make the effort to do the best of which are capable." Chief Emery also talks Integrated Tactical Accountability System (ITAC), Risk Assessment, the Passport Accountability System and more!

    Ep. 36: Gary Barker, Battalion Chief - Old School Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2024 70:54


    Battalion Chief Gary Barker of Valley Regional Fire Authority and Training Battalion Chief of Operations at the South King County Fire Training Consortium dives into "Old School Leadership" philosophies. Gary talks about how to become a respected officer, as well as the two traits that the most effective officers have in common: Being good at your job & being good with people! He emphasizes that many officers have one or the other, and to become a strong leader, one must strive to become competent in both!

    Ep. 35: Benjamin Thompson, Battalion Chief - Don't Become the Lid

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 67:14


    Battalion Chief Ben Thompson of Birmingham Fire Department in Alabama unpacks his leadership philosophy on "to lead is to live dangerously." Don't become the lid and if you don't find yourself tired at the end of the day, you aren't doing enough as a leader. If you promote and you get the sense or feeling that you've "made it," you will not be an effective leader. Chief Thompson also emphasizes that if you are the best person for a particular job or position, you should put yourself in that position instead of looking for a way out, because as leaders, it is your duty to serve.

    Ep. 34: The Beltane Guild - Firefighter Reproductive Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 54:27


    President Maia Earle and Dr. Brittany Hollerbach of The Beltane Guild join the show to discuss firefighter reproductive health. The nonprofit organization works in collaboration with firefighters and researchers from across the country to raise awareness, improve safety measures, re-write policy to protect our nation's firefighters and provide grants to firefighters needing fertility treatment. Maia and Brittany talk about some modifiable risk factors, as well as the importance of being advocates within your department regarding the benefits for employees even if it does not affect you directly. The Beltane Guild has resources and information for you today. Visit www.thebeltaneguild.org for more!

    Ep. 33: Jason Hoevelmann, Fire Chief - Practicing Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2024 69:30


    Fire Chief Jason Hoevelmann of Florissant Valley Fire District in Missouri discusses how leadership is a practice due to constant changes and adaptive challenges. He states, "Would you want your lawyer or surgeon to be one who has practiced law or medicine in the past, or is "currently" practicing today? Chief expands upon integrity meaning doing the right thing all the time and not just when no one is looking. He also states that you cannot expect yourself in others. Everyone has a role and you must meet people where they are at. Great leaders must be aggressive!

    Ep. 32: Emon Usher, Deputy Fire Chief (ret.) - Remember Your Oath & Serve Well

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2023 101:29


    Deputy Fire Chief (ret.) Emon Usher of the City Richmond Fire Dept. in California and coaching cadre with the Firefighter Inspiration Readiness & Education Team joins us and calls for all firefighters to always remember your oath, look to serve and to serve well. Good leaders should be visionaries, be vulnerable and should speak with the 3 C's: Command, Clarity & Common Sense. Leader's must step up to the mic!

    Ep. 31: Bruce Avolio, PhD - Other Centeredness & Voice

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 67:47


    Dr. Bruce Avolio, PhD., Mark Pigott Chair in Business Strategic Leadership within the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington & co-director of the Seattle Fire Dept. Executive Leadership Academy talks about how rank at times can get in the way of others having a "voice," (or psychological safety), and that leaders must be aware that sometimes the least experienced person in the room is the voice we ought to be listening to. Bruce also talks the 1st principle in the most trusted professions, "other centeredness." The fire service and its leaders must maintain "other centeredness," by continuing to evolve and change throughout a career. "It ain't over til it's over." You don't give up, you keep pushing forward and make sure you maximize all the wisdom and smart things and people around you that know things to help you get you to where you want to be.

    Ep. 30: Christina Fong, PhD - Growth Mindset & Psychological Safety

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 54:58


    Christina Fong, PhD, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs at the University of Washington Foster School of Business and co-director of the Seattle Fire Department Executive Leadership Academy talks the growth mindset, identity and power differences.. She emphasizes how strong psychologically safe organizations invest in cohesion and have mechanisms in place for learning from one another, providing feedback and tracking progress. Christina encourages leaders to find and make strong relationships with people who are very different than you.

    Ep. 29: Megan Lautz, Registered Dietitian - The Power of Nutrition in Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 70:27


    Megan Lautz, RD., registered dietitian and strength coach with Fairfax fire and police, talks the power of nutrition in leadership. Vulnerability in nutrition and fitness is key in strong leaders when looking for support in your nutritional habits. Megan talks caffeine, calories on the run, timing of eating, easy firehouse recipes and understanding that priorities may change throughout your career. She also discusses the importance of knowing how to cook and tips on portion control.

    Ep. 28: David Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief - Trust & Loyal Disobedience

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 137:09


    Editor in Chief of Fire & Rescue Media David Rhodes dives into how building trust and relationships and being competent are must-have's in a great leader. Chief Rhodes is a retired battalion chief of the Atlanta (GA) Fire Department as well as a chief elder for the Georgia Smoke Diver Program and he encourages emerging leaders to think outside the box by going outside your organization to take classes, to teach classes, become an instructor and to seek additional development to become a well-rounded leader. He talks about the concept of loyal disobedience in driving true positive change for the betterment of the whole.

    Ep. 27: Kevin McCarney, Author - Big Brain, Little Brain Communication

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 58:21


    Kevin Thomas McCarney, author of the best selling book "Big Brain, Little Brain," how to control which one speaks for you, teaching us how to use simple techniques to control our response to win positive, Big Brain legacies. The book identifies the twenty-one tools your Big Brain can tap into for better communication, as well as the fourteen avoidable traps that your Little Brain will constantly set for you. Most importantly, it will show you how to find your "neutral," giving you the time and focus you need to find the right words even in the most pressure-filled encounters. Gaffes will become a thing of the past, and great communication will become your trademark!

    Ep. 26: Dr. Mark Abel, Ph.D. - FF Research & Tactical Fitness

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 92:06


    Dr. Mark Abel, Ph.D., director of the First Responder Research Laboratory at the University of Kentucky and Member of the Portuguese Police Research Center (ICPOL) conducts research to enhance the safety, health, and readiness of firefighters and law enforcement officers. Mark owns Tactical Fitness Institute, LLC which develops legally defensible physical ability standards for fire departments and law enforcement agencies. Among his plentiful research, Dr. Abel performs research into implementing healthcare practitioners into fire departments as part of overall health and wellness initiatives.

    Ep. 25: Annette Zapp, Lieutenant - Firefighter Wellness

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 81:06


    Lieutenant Annette Zapp of Fire Rescue Wellness talks about the 4 pillars of wellness for firefighters: 1) Sleep, 2) Nutrition, 3) Exercise and 4) Mental Health. She encourages all to build a solid foundation early in your fire service career as you will never be less busy than when you were first hired. Find a good culturally competent counselor early, don't wait until you are struggling, and focus on the 4 pillars to maintain your wellness. As a former biochemist who wandered into the fire service in her 30's, she encourages you to put yourself in places where you feel like you don't belong, say yes to things, and figure out the rest of it later.

    Ep. 24: Rob Fisher, Battalion Chief - Relationships & Mentorship

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2023 88:25


    Battalion Chief Rob Fisher of Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue and c0-founder of Young Officers on Fire talks about the importance of building relationships in the fire service. He emphasizes to young firefighters to know the trade before learning the tricks, and for young officers to learn how to communicate well in all aspects. Chief Fisher emphasizes the following: Pick up the phone and talk to people, meet with people face to face, plan and organize. If it's important, put it on the calendar, don't find the time, make the time. Invest time bonding in non-work stuff, give and receive appreciation more frequently, and lastly, always stay authentic,

    Ep. 23: Ben May, Board Director & Fire Commissioner - Customer Service Excellence

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 96:28


    Former global director of the Walt Disney Company and former City of Woodinville fire commissioner Ben May talks about knowing yourself and taking care of yourself first and then you will be able to help others. Ben emphasizes the importance of community risk reduction as that is the future of the fire service. Much like the Walt Disney philosophy in providing customer service that is second to none, don't worry about what you are going to get, but instead worry about what you are going to provide. "Ayn Brera. No choice. No choice but to be excellent. No choice but to do the right thing."

    Ep. 22: Michael Despain, Deputy Chief - Building Community Trust & Culture Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2023 73:28


    Deputy Chief Michael Despain of Redmond (Wa.) Fire Dept. talks about building community trust, remembering exactly who the customers are and who the service providers are. Chief dives into organizational steps to DEI work, how culture change is slow, but baby steps are key and how putting time and money behind important work must be a priority. Your test as a leader, a company officer, and a chief officer starts the day you become a firefighter.

    Ep. 21: Mary Lou Pauly, Mayor - Being Authentic & Political

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2023 55:55


    City of Issaquah, Washington Mayor Mary Lou Pauly offers perspectives on authenticity in being a leader. Be humble, do research, be patient, rely on your team and listen intentionally when serving others to truly hear people's needs. To be authentic, you must put yourself out there, expose yourself, take chances, being ok to say you don't know and never assume you know someone else's perspective. Leaders must embrace difficult conversations and include others in decision making so you do things with them and not to them.

    Ep. 20: Manny Romero, Occupational Health & Fitness Coordinator - Recruit Preparation & Fitness

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2023 93:32


    Manny Romero of Seattle Fire Dept talks about recruit prep and fire prep programs that help prepare recruits for drill school. He touches on the adult learning environment, raising the floor and giving more opportunity to their candidates to be successful. Manny also talks about 3 primary components to a sound health & wellness program for firefighters which are: Aerobic capacity, joint mobility and physical strength. "Random workouts create random results." He emphasizes that having a robust and intentional recovery program and stress management plan is vital in helping you live and work a healthy career and quality of life in retirement.

    Ep. 19: Benjamin Martin, Captain - Embrace the Resistance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2023 101:06


    Captain Benjamin Martin of Henrico County Division of Fire, Virginia talks about followership being more important than leadership. Leaders must have the ability to demonstrate being a good follower in order to be a good leader. Leaders must thrive to explain the why and the why not in a decentralized format to offer the big picture in interacting with each other on the fire ground and in the fire house. Captain Martin dives into psychological safety in creating high performing teams and organizations and leaders are responsible for creating that environment by modeling behavior.

    Ep. 18: Mark Sawdon, Division Chief - Mental Health, Well-Being & Sleep

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2023 49:24


    Division Chief Mark Sawdon of King County Medic One shares a personal story regarding sleep, mental health and emotional trauma as it relates to the job and the importance of self-awareness and recognition of self-change. He talks about listening to our peers, spouses and family members regarding behavioral and emotional changes that are happening to us. Mark suggests creating relationships with people who can hold you accountable regarding your mental health.

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