Building Great Leaders

What does it mean to put people first? In this episode, APi Group's Chief People Officer, Kristina Morton, talks all about her goals for the People People Leadership Team. APi's focus on Individual Development Plans and the impact to the business are discussed. She explains her view on APi's lofty goal to become the #1 people-first company. Kristina also gets into some tougher subjects around loss, so this episode may be triggering for anybody who's lost a loved one recently.

Shane Shipman, president of Lejeune Steel, shares his path from growing up in a small town in Wyoming to joining the military to becoming leader of "special projects" for APi Group. Listen as he describes his approach to innovation and how they involve people at the the point of the problem in the change. Shane shares the philosophy at LeJeune about "outdoing." How can you outdo what is expected of you?

What are you doing to shape your own story? In this episode, Bill Ball, President of APi Mechanicals shares pivotal moments that have impacted the course of his leadership journey. He talks about the lessons he learned while serving in the military, how mentors have helped shape his story, and why it is important for young leaders to share their aspirations with their leaders.

Caralie Roisum, Kevin Hazard, and Sadie Grunau talk with Laura Seitz about their experiences as members of the Building Great Leaders Podcast Team. The three reflect on their accomplishments in 2022, their plans for 2023, as well as engage with feedback from the APi community about their work on the podcast. After a busy and successful year, Roisum, Hazard, Grunau, and Seitz take this opportunity to reminisce on the past and get excited about the futures' endeavors, both in the office and their personal lives.

Three of APi Group's Talent Magnet Team participants share their leadership stories through the lens of their continued involvement and dedication to helping APi attract, engage, and retain talent. David Wolf of Western States Fire Protection, Chris Lillie of the Grunau Company, and Emily Work of American Fire Protection Group and Viking, sit down to discuss how they got involved with the Talent Magnet Team, and why it has become such an essential part of their APi experience. The three touch on some of their favorite projects, describe the purpose of the team in their own words, and share advice for young leaders entering the professional field.

Patrick Conlin, or Pat, is the Tools & Equipment / Buildings & Grounds Manager at The Jamar Company. Conlin speaks to his ability to converse with anyone, making them feel heard and seen. He stresses that this "Gift of Gab" has allowed him to learn valuable communication skills and understand the importance of having both simple and difficult conversations with one's peers each and every day. Pat also emphasizes the importance of delegating and making sure one's employees know what they are supposed to be doing, but also allowing space for them to complete those tasks in their own way. Conlin has learned a lot over the years, but leadership and developing deep relationships with those around him have always been a constant.

Craig Carpenter, the Assistant to the Director of Telecom at Mid-Ohio Pipeline Services, reflects on his 25 years with the Mid-Ohio family. Craig shares the importance of developing personal and professional relationships in your place of work and explains why he has stayed with the same company for so long. He also offers young listeners advice as they embark on their careers. He explains that one is not owed anything as soon as they walk in the door but he encourages new teammates to put in the work and earn the respect of their peers. Finally, Craig gives information on the new department at Mid-Ohio and shares some of his funniest stories throughout his time in the field.

Rashid Kadir, the President of Tessier's Inc., discusses his educational, professional, and personal journeys with host Laura Seitz. Rashid traveled overseas from Malaysia to Massachusetts to earn his college education. Along the way, he developed his personal leadership style, constantly pushing those around him to reach their full potential, even if they don't see their own capabilities. Additionally, Rashid dives into the culture of Tessier's, the progression of the company, and why it is important to be comfortable with new ideas and environments.

Chuck Martin, the Regional Manager for Viking Fire Protection Group, reflects on the lessons he has learned as he enters the final few years of his career. Chuck experienced many different jobs and has overcome less than ideal situations. From getting laid off, to moving across the country, Chuck has been able to learn and grow as both a business man and a person. Chuck expresses his gratitude for these moves, understanding now how pivotal they have been in his career and his life's journey. He shares with listeners the importance of trusting but verifying the work of those on the team. He also shares the importance of simplifying processes, understanding what one's company is good at, and capitalizing on it. Martin closes with sharing what excites him about the coming years, as he begins to think about his own retirement.

Cori Prokopowicz, a Project Manager at APi Construction, deep dives into the twelve years she has spent with the organization. Cori recently completed a four year project, combating exhaustion, and finding ways to motivate the team throughout. She identifies learning opportunities from the experience and shares how the team built positive customer relationships along the way. Finally, Cori shares the importance of proactive planning, listening to her intuition, admitting one's mistakes, and learning from experiences, both good and bad.