Leadership @ the Kitchen Table

Fire Chief Matthew Vinci of Vashon Island Fire & Rescue talks about the importance of networking, building relationships and listening to perspectives in order to get things done. Everybody at the table adds value, whether you agree or disagree with them and the lack of inclusion is simply a non-negotiable. Matthew talks about the strength in "pausing" in decision-making. The 24hr rule is often necessary, not just for yourself to think things through, but also to allow your team to think things through. "If you take care of your people, they will take care of the community!"

Fire Chief Mark Emery (ret.) of East Valley Fire District talks the Essentials of Honorable Leadership. He emphasizes that leadership is not synonymous with management and supervision, and leaders must differentiate between the two. Leadership is the influence of yourself and you take it with you everywhere you go. He quotes legendary coach and leader John Wooden in that "Success is peace of mind that is a direct result of self satisfaction and knowing that you make the effort to do the best of which are capable." Chief Emery also talks Integrated Tactical Accountability System (ITAC), Risk Assessment, the Passport Accountability System and more!

Battalion Chief Gary Barker of Valley Regional Fire Authority and Training Battalion Chief of Operations at the South King County Fire Training Consortium dives into "Old School Leadership" philosophies. Gary talks about how to become a respected officer, as well as the two traits that the most effective officers have in common: Being good at your job & being good with people! He emphasizes that many officers have one or the other, and to become a strong leader, one must strive to become competent in both!

Battalion Chief Ben Thompson of Birmingham Fire Department in Alabama unpacks his leadership philosophy on "to lead is to live dangerously." Don't become the lid and if you don't find yourself tired at the end of the day, you aren't doing enough as a leader. If you promote and you get the sense or feeling that you've "made it," you will not be an effective leader. Chief Thompson also emphasizes that if you are the best person for a particular job or position, you should put yourself in that position instead of looking for a way out, because as leaders, it is your duty to serve.

President Maia Earle and Dr. Brittany Hollerbach of The Beltane Guild join the show to discuss firefighter reproductive health. The nonprofit organization works in collaboration with firefighters and researchers from across the country to raise awareness, improve safety measures, re-write policy to protect our nation’s firefighters and provide grants to firefighters needing fertility treatment. Maia and Brittany talk about some modifiable risk factors, as well as the importance of being advocates within your department regarding the benefits for employees even if it does not affect you directly. The Beltane Guild has resources and information for you today. Visit www.thebeltaneguild.org for more!

Fire Chief Jason Hoevelmann of Florissant Valley Fire District in Missouri discusses how leadership is a practice due to constant changes and adaptive challenges. He states, "Would you want your lawyer or surgeon to be one who has practiced law or medicine in the past, or is "currently" practicing today? Chief expands upon integrity meaning doing the right thing all the time and not just when no one is looking. He also states that you cannot expect yourself in others. Everyone has a role and you must meet people where they are at. Great leaders must be aggressive!

Deputy Fire Chief (ret.) Emon Usher of the City Richmond Fire Dept. in California and coaching cadre with the Firefighter Inspiration Readiness & Education Team joins us and calls for all firefighters to always remember your oath, look to serve and to serve well. Good leaders should be visionaries, be vulnerable and should speak with the 3 C's: Command, Clarity & Common Sense. Leader's must step up to the mic!

Dr. Bruce Avolio, PhD., Mark Pigott Chair in Business Strategic Leadership within the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington & co-director of the Seattle Fire Dept. Executive Leadership Academy talks about how rank at times can get in the way of others having a "voice," (or psychological safety), and that leaders must be aware that sometimes the least experienced person in the room is the voice we ought to be listening to. Bruce also talks the 1st principle in the most trusted professions, "other centeredness." The fire service and its leaders must maintain "other centeredness," by continuing to evolve and change throughout a career. "It ain't over til it's over." You don't give up, you keep pushing forward and make sure you maximize all the wisdom and smart things and people around you that know things to help you get you to where you want to be.

Christina Fong, PhD, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs at the University of Washington Foster School of Business and co-director of the Seattle Fire Department Executive Leadership Academy talks the growth mindset, identity and power differences.. She emphasizes how strong psychologically safe organizations invest in cohesion and have mechanisms in place for learning from one another, providing feedback and tracking progress. Christina encourages leaders to find and make strong relationships with people who are very different than you.

Megan Lautz, RD., registered dietitian and strength coach with Fairfax fire and police, talks the power of nutrition in leadership. Vulnerability in nutrition and fitness is key in strong leaders when looking for support in your nutritional habits. Megan talks caffeine, calories on the run, timing of eating, easy firehouse recipes and understanding that priorities may change throughout your career. She also discusses the importance of knowing how to cook and tips on portion control.