In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss how to find success and maintain a positive influence within a broken system, particularly in the fire service. They emphasize the importance of having a robust life outside of work, recognizing personal warning signs of burnout, and the power of mentorship. The conversation also touches on the significance of focusing on the present and carving out a corner of excellence in one's department.Podcast Referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-john-delony-show/id1527609854?i=1000701224232

In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential elements of building a team of professionals within the fire service. They explore the definition of professionalism, the importance of establishing a culture of accountability, and the significance of recruiting individuals based on values rather than just competency. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear expectations, peer accountability, and the role of leadership in maintaining a high standard of professionalism. The hosts also address the challenges of working with a crew that may not align with one's professional standards and how to elevate team performance in such situations. In this conversation, Brad Conrado and John Velez discuss the importance of building rapport and relationships in leadership, particularly in the fire service. They emphasize personal growth, maintaining proficiency in training, and the balance between coaching and correction. The discussion also highlights the significance of addressing issues promptly to foster accountability and professionalism within a team.

In this episode, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential habits that contribute to effective leadership, particularly in the fire service. They explore the definitions of habits, the significance of humility, and the importance of receiving criticism as a means for personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency, self-awareness, and the ability to learn from feedback to become a better leader. In this conversation, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the importance of embracing criticism as a tool for personal growth, the art of giving constructive feedback, and the significance of leading with purpose and service. They emphasize the need for self-awareness, effective communication, and the role of humility in leadership. The discussion also touches on the importance of walking in obedience to one's mission and the impact of tone and intent in delivering feedback.

In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the essential elements of effective leadership, focusing on the importance of mission and vision as foundational aspects. They discuss the significance of self-leadership, self-awareness, and the traits that make a leader worth following, such as selflessness and a positive attitude. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of caring for others and the role of humility in receiving feedback. They also highlight the importance of building a supportive circle of friends who can provide constructive criticism and accountability in the journey of personal growth. In this conversation, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential qualities of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, humility, and continuous learning. They explore strategies for personal growth in leadership roles, the significance of mentorship, and the journey of becoming a skilled fireman. The dialogue highlights the need for self-awareness, accountability, and the willingness to embrace failure as part of the growth process. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on how to cultivate leadership skills and the importance of being rooted in one's purpose.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, host John Velez engages with Jesse and Micah Horton of Horton's and Hunt, discussing their journey in the fire service, the importance of communication, and the role of mentorship. The conversation highlights the value of honest communication in leadership and the significance of mentorship in developing the next generation of firefighters. In this conversation, John Velez discusses the critical role of mentorship in the fire service, emphasizing the need for accountability, effective communication, and the qualities that make a good mentor. He highlights the importance of honest feedback and the necessity of finding mentors within one's own department. The discussion also covers the challenges of training in busy fire departments and the significance of planning and engagement in maintaining skills. Velez encourages firefighters to seek mentorship and to be proactive in their personal and professional development.

In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the importance of personal growth plans, focusing on the concepts of vision and mission. They explore how understanding these concepts can lead to effective leadership, especially in the firehouse. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in defining one's why and how to implement these ideas practically within a team. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, they illustrate how to create a cohesive team vision and the significance of leading oneself before leading others. In this conversation, Brad Conrado and John Velez discuss the essential elements of effective firefighting and leadership. They emphasize the importance of mastering the fundamentals of firemanship, gaining crew buy-in by understanding the 'why' behind the mission, and building strong relationships to foster effective leadership. They also explore the significance of personal growth through mentorship, continuous learning, and investing in oneself through books, podcasts, and conferences. The discussion highlights that leadership is a journey that requires time, patience, and a commitment to putting others first.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons engage in a deep conversation with Blake Stinnett, co-founder of Next Rung, focusing on the critical issues of mental health, family dynamics, and the importance of community support within the firefighting profession. They discuss the alarming statistics surrounding firefighter suicides, the need for open dialogue about mental health, and the role of leadership in fostering a supportive environment. Blake shares his personal journey and the inception of Next Rung, emphasizing the mission to provide help and resources for firefighters in need. In this conversation, John Velez discusses the mission of Next Rung, emphasizing the importance of impacting lives and being a beacon of hope for those in need. He shares insights on perseverance within the fire service, the significance of faith and support systems, and the challenges of leadership. The discussion highlights the need for authentic leadership and the importance of serving others. Velez concludes with encouraging words, reminding listeners of the value of community and the support available through Next Rung.

The audio on this is not very good and i am aware. Due to unfortunate circumstances the wifi was not working and cell service was spotty in this building. Fortunately we got something out of it, you may just have to listen pretty hard.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, Chief David Rhodes shares his extensive experience in the fire service, discussing his journey from a small municipal department to becoming the editor in chief of Fire Engineering. He emphasizes the importance of continuous training, innovation, and adapting to the changing landscape of firefighting. Chief Rhodes also highlights the role of FDIC in providing valuable education and training opportunities for firefighters, while addressing the challenges posed by budget constraints in fire departments. The conversation delves into the balance between knowledge and experience, and the need for firefighters to invest in their own training to stay effective in their roles. In this conversation, John Velez discusses the challenges and intricacies of firefighting tactics, the scrutiny faced from administration, and the importance of data in decision-making. He emphasizes the need for a balance between risk management and aggressive tactics in firefighting, while also addressing the cultural shifts within the fire service. Velez calls for active participation in shaping standards and training to improve the overall effectiveness and safety of firefighting operations.

In this episode, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the significance of culture in the fire service, emphasizing the need for clear vision, values, and actions to establish and maintain a positive culture. They explore the role of leadership in influencing culture, the importance of accountability among peers, and share success stories of cultural change within their department. The conversation concludes with actionable steps for listeners to develop their own cultural vision and mission statements.