Response Leadership

Explore the incredible story of Larkin Bohn, a fearless adventurer who turned her passion for the sea into a mission of empowerment. From life on cruise ships to mentoring future leaders, discover how Larkin's journey inspires others to chase their dreams.

Mary Kate Howard, enterprise security operations program manager for Hewlett-Packard, Inc., and Michael Howard, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher, shed light on the growth and opportunities in the field of cybersecurity. During this conversation, they explore the value of degrees and industry certifications and discuss the importance of curiosity, leadership and communication skills. Hear about how cybersecurity is no longer just a niche market but a vital component of every industry, transforming the way we think about career paths in the digital age. 

Lauren Johnson, Assistant Chief at Dallas Fire-Rescue, shares her unique career trajectory and the lessons learned along the way. Discover the trials and triumphs of moving up through the ranks, the importance of mentorship and how she balances the demands of her role with family life.

Join the conversation on energy safety as Chris Greene, retired captain of Seattle Fire, sheds light on overlooked hazards, empowering responders with vital knowledge for effective response to and prevention of electric vehicle and stored energy events.

Kevin Oden, Director of Integrated Public Safety in Dallas, offers a glimpse into the innovative approaches and strategic leadership shaping the landscape of integrated public safety and community resilience.

Lindsey Lane, Senior Legal Counsel at the Human Trafficking Institute, dismantles common misconceptions about human trafficking and sheds light on the necessity of hiring passionate frontline workers. She delves into the personal challenges of leadership, discussing the need for setting boundaries and the significance of self-care in this emotionally demanding field.

Josh Garcia, Emergency Management Coordinator of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, shares his experiences in building resilience within tribal communities. From the challenges of responding to a 500-year flood to navigating the complexities of tribal governance and stakeholder collaboration, Garcia's story reflects valuable lessons learned from crises that have shaped Garcia's approach. Click here for a full transcript of this episode.

Grahame Jones, executive director of the 100 Club Central Texas, joins us to discuss the importance of being vulnerable and focusing on mental health as a leader.  Click here for a full transcript of this episode.

Dr. Reginald Freeman, Chief Risk Officer with the HAI Group, delves into his experiences with servant leadership, emphasizing its departure from traditional autocratic leadership styles. He explains the philosophy's core idea of inverting the organizational chart, placing leaders at the service of their teams. Dr. Freeman shares practical examples of servant leadership in action, from acknowledging individual achievements to involving team members in decision-making processes. The episode aims to inspire leaders to adopt this approach. Click here for a full transcript of this episode.

In this episode, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Director of Training and Education Bob Murphy discusses the importance of building bridges in the field of occupational safety. Discover how authentic, personable leadership can not only drive projects forward but also create lasting impacts on relationships. Click here for a full transcript of this episode.  

Kelly Rowe, Sheriff of Lubbock County, discusses how to recruit and retain the best talent in emergency response. As part of this, he shares tips about mentoring, addressing burnout, appealing to different generations, listening, and learning from mistakes.  Click here for a full transcript of this episode.

Carolyn Zerkle, Deputy Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, shares insights into recruiting and retaining top talent in a competitive industry and enhancing employee well-being through innovative programs. Discover how better listening can help you create a culture of continuous improvement where people can thrive and make a difference. Click here for a full transcript of this episode.

Kevin Sofen, Director of Innovation at W.S. Darley & Company, explains the importance of technology and innovation to emergency response. He delves into the significance of listening, user-centered problem-solving and a change management mindset in the adoption of technology. Click here for a full transcript of this episode.

Allen Banks, Police Chief of the city of Round Rock, discusses leading by example and creating a cultural change in his department through his C.H.I.P. Model of leadership. The C.H.I.P. Model focuses on “getting the chip off your shoulder” and instead emphasizing C.H.I.P.--Community, Honor, Integrity and Pride.  Click here for a full transcript of this episode.

Dr. Reginald Freeman, Fire Chief of the city of Oakland, outlines the principles of Full-Spectrum Leadership, a holistic approach to leadership that focuses on achieving results, building effective relationships, energizing teams and modeling personal excellence, integrity and accountability. These five pillars provide a comprehensive framework for leaders to succeed in their roles and positively impact their teams and organizations.  Click here for a full transcript of this episode.

Coming March 28, Response Leadership -- a podcast from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). Hear industry leaders in law enforcement, fire and emergency services, infrastructure and safety, and cybersecurity talk about challenges they have faced and leadership lessons they have learned.