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#399 LEADERS AS GARDENER'S: Building Psychological Safety and Future Ready Fire Services with Ann Millington OBE - Chief Executive of Kent Fire and Rescue Service
In this episode, I sit down with Ann Millington to dig into what leadership really looks like in the fire and rescue services today. We talk about psychological safety, building no-blame cultures, and navigating the messy reality of budget cuts and complex organizational structures. Ann shares why inclusion and well-being aren’t optional extras but the foundation of effective teams, and we get into how emotional resilience and strong communication can change the way leaders show up.
What really stuck with me is Ann’s view that great leaders are gardeners — cultivating growth, recognizing super strengths, and creating space for people to thrive. Together we explore mentorship, coaching, feedback, and recognition, while also looking ahead to the big challenges around innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in our service. This was a conversation full of honesty and practical wisdom, and I think it’ll challenge you to rethink leadership in the fire service.
Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE
Join me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HERE
Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE
PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
- GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
- MSA The Safety Company
- IDEX
- FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD
- HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
- Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
- Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated
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Support the show
***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***
Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
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By Pete Wakefield
5
33 ratings
In this episode, I sit down with Ann Millington to dig into what leadership really looks like in the fire and rescue services today. We talk about psychological safety, building no-blame cultures, and navigating the messy reality of budget cuts and complex organizational structures. Ann shares why inclusion and well-being aren’t optional extras but the foundation of effective teams, and we get into how emotional resilience and strong communication can change the way leaders show up.
What really stuck with me is Ann’s view that great leaders are gardeners — cultivating growth, recognizing super strengths, and creating space for people to thrive. Together we explore mentorship, coaching, feedback, and recognition, while also looking ahead to the big challenges around innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in our service. This was a conversation full of honesty and practical wisdom, and I think it’ll challenge you to rethink leadership in the fire service.
Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE
Join me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HERE
Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE
PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
- GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
- MSA The Safety Company
- IDEX
- FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD
- HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
- Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
- Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated
Send us a text
Support the show
***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***
Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
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