"Comfort is the Enemy to Growth," as quoted by Lt. Aaron Fields with Seattle Fire Dept. in his speech at FDIC 2017 upon accepting the "Instructor of the Year" Award. Aaron fields is the founder of "Nozzle Forward," and he unpacks how there is no such thing as informal leadership, in that all kinds of leadership is formal regardless of rank, and that organizations must have leaders at every single rank. Lt. Fields discusses leadership, mentorship and instruction, and the passion that is needed within all.

Fire Chief Harold Scoggins of Seattle Fire Department helps us unpack the work and how to have conversations around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Fire Service. He discusses the importance of building relationships at all ranks. To become a great leader, he suggests one keeps an open mind, keeps learning, becomes educated, stays curious, is very courageous, and always looks for new ways to serve.

Assistant Chief Kris Larson of Los Angeles City Fire Department helps us navigate around diversity, equity and inclusion in the fire service and being an authentic leader. She helps us unpack the importance of equity, recruitment, hiring, diversity in the workforce and creating an environment that is psychologically safe for everyone to thrive.

Deputy Chief Aaron Tyerman of Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority talks about becoming exceptional at what you do by surrounding yourself with exceptional people. He talks vulnerable leadership, generational leadership, as well as staying infinitely curious in this profession and with people to grow as a leader.

Battalion Chief (ret.) Anthony Kastros of Metro Fire, California discusses the leadership pandemic in the modern-day fire service. He discusses the current leadership gap and the growing need to build more leaders organically. He talks about how taking initiative and setting the example are the keys to bridging this much needed gap of leadership.

Fire Chief Greg Tryon with Central Valley Fire District in Belgrade, Montana talks about the concept of leadership of self and how deliberate practice of self-awareness and regulation of your own thoughts, actions and behaviors will help you grow and become an effective leader. He also discsusses the importance of having difficult conversations, early and often.

Division Chief Andrew (Andy) Tait of King County Medic One talks about his journey into leadership and the many missed opportunities; likely because his constant negativity and pessimism limited true potential - ultimately damaging relationships. A raw admission of Andy's career development and leadership failures and how he turned things around. What NOT to do as an emerging leader.

Assistant Fire Chief Pete Brummel of East Jefferson Fire & Rescue discusses the importance of humility and focusing on the mission. He recommends always leaning forward and walking through doors of opportunities. The greatest leaders are the greatest listeners!

Deputy Fire Chief Bill Mack of East Pierce Fire & Rescue talks all things leadership in the fire service! He suggests how being uncomfortable leads to growth and opportunity. Competing each day to be 1% better is the key to sustainable growth and leadership. He also talks about the differences between and the importance of understanding alignment vs agreement in decision-making.