Perspectives on Leadership: Advocacy, Connection, and Succession with Lindsay Judah

 

In this insightful episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw welcomes Lindsay Judah to explore the multifaceted responsibilities that define modern fire service leadership. Judah shares her extensive journey from firefighter to rescue chief and consultant, highlighting her passion for advocacy, education, and advancing firefighter safety. They discuss the Firefighter Mayday Survey’s critical role, navigating vulnerability in sharing difficult experiences, and the importance of consistent, authentic engagement with crews. Lindsay emphasizes fostering psychological safety, encouraging professional development, and acknowledging the powerful impact of recognizing personnel—not just for the individual, but also their families. They also talk about strategies for bridging research and field operations, mentoring future leaders, and the value of “plus one” thinking to build succession pipelines.