In this episode, host Chris interviews Michael Laidler, a professional speaker and former police officer. Michael shares his journey from growing up in a challenging environment to becoming a successful speaker and author. He emphasizes the importance of starting somewhere and not being defined by your starting point. Michael and Chris also discusses the significance of self-awareness, mental wellness, and vulnerability in law enforcement and first responder communities. They encourage individuals to seek help and support to clean out their mental closets and overcome the stigma surrounding mental health. In this conversation, Michael Laidler emphasizes the importance of being a role model and leader in law enforcement. He discusses the need to lead others in a way that allows them to grow and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. Laidler also talks about his book, 'Greatness Beyond the Badge,' which focuses on building a foundation of self-awareness and looking inward to become a better law enforcement officer. He shares his journey of writing the book and the lessons he learned about himself in the process. Laidler also discusses his podcast, the LEO First Podcast, which aims to show that law enforcement officers are more than just their uniforms and highlights the importance of sharing personal stories and experiences.