“I lived in my car at 18. Now I run one of America’s top cities.” That’s not a soundbite. It’s the real story of Mike Goodrum — the City Manager of Sugar Land, Texas — and a living example of how resilience, empathy, and leadership collide.

In this episode of The Leadership Crucible, retired Fire Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with Mike for a brutally honest conversation about what it really takes to lead in public service today. From surviving homelessness to leading through the Parkland High School shooting, Mike shares how hardship shaped his leadership philosophy — and why building trust in government starts with transparency, not perfection.

You’ll hear about the problem with political theater, why city leaders must embrace relevance over tradition, and how servant leadership rooted in vulnerability can transform communities from the inside out.This episode isn’t just for public officials. It’s for anyone who wants to lead with heart, build better systems, and create cultures that don’t just survive, but thrive.

00:00 – Intro:
From Homeless Teen to City Manager
03:15 – The Broken Culture of “Perfection” in Government
06:42 – Why Empathy Builds Better Leaders
10:38 – Surviving the School Shooting Response
14:55 – Rebuilding Trust with Transparency
18:00 – “Political Theater Is Killing Progress”
21:32 – Culture Isn’t Buzzwords — It’s Behavior
25:44 – What Young Leaders Need to Know About Relevance
28:51 – Humility, Partnership, and the Puzzle of Public Service
33:17 – What Real Resilience Looks Like in Leadership
36:48 – Final Thoughts: Leading With Purpose and PerspectiveABOUT MIKE:

Mike Goodrum is the City Manager of Sugar Land, Texas, where he leads a diverse, inclusive, and award-winning community of over 110,000 residents with a focus on innovation, resilience, and people-first leadership.

With more than 25 years in local government — including previous roles as Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land and City Manager of Coral Springs, Florida — Mike brings deep experience in public administration, civic engagement, and organizational development. He currently leads a team of 900+ employees and manages a $350M+ budget, all while maintaining Sugar Land’s AAA bond rating, lean staffing model, and top-tier satisfaction scores from citizens and employees alike.Mike is an ICMA Credentialed Manager and a graduate of Texas A&M University. He’s passionate about building high-performance organizations that blaze new trails — relentlessly pursuing the good so that residents, employees, and businesses can enjoy a life better than they imagined.

Whether navigating a city through a mass tragedy like the Parkland school shooting or pioneering transparent governance through crises like COVID, Mike’s leadership is defined by humility, relevance, and results.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
- Mike Goodrum | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgoodrum25/) 
- City of Sugar Land (https://www.sugarlandtx.gov/)
- City of Sugar Land | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sugarlandtxgov) 

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- Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)

MUSIC CREDITS:
Fanfare For The Common Man
This Is The Beginning (Instrumental) - Lights & Motion (MB01ZYTIXH84LK9)
This Is The Good Life (Instrumental) - MOONWATER (MB01CTIIAZV80UU)

In an era of global disruption, outdated systems, and mounting complexity, risk management isn’t enough — and leaders who rely on traditional models are falling behind. In this episode, Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with Dr. Gav Schneider — martial artist, risk strategist, and author — to unpack why resilience is the new core competency for modern leadership.

Drawing on decades of experience in protective security, executive education, and high-performance systems, Dr. Schneider explains why most risk strategies are reactive, compliance-driven, and disconnected from real decision-making. He introduces the concept of Presilience® — a proactive, opportunity-focused approach that fuses risk intelligence, mindset, and culture into a single leadership philosophy.

You’ll hear why post-crisis learning often fails, how siloed thinking undermines innovation, and why building resilient leaders means developing emotional intelligence, adaptability, and ethical alignment across generations.If you’re ready to stop playing defense and start leading through disruption — this conversation is your blueprint.

00:00 – Episode Intro & Welcome
02:20 – From Martial Arts to Risk Management
06:50 – Why Resilience Begins in the Mind
11:33 – What Most Risk Registers Miss
15:48 – Beyond Survival: Building Learning Cultures
21:00 – How Power Skews Decision-Making
25:58 – Tactical Debriefs & the Failure to Learn
29:42 – The Human Cost of Organizational Frustration
33:04 – Disruption, Mislabeling Risk & Our Role in It
36:44 – Leading Through a New Era of Change
40:51 – Developing Next-Gen Leaders for Uncertain Times
46:38 – Final Reflection & Call to Action

ABOUT DR. GAV:
Dr. Gav Schneider is a globally respected authority in risk intelligence, resilience, and human-centered leadership. With a background in martial arts, protective security, and behavioral science, he has advised governments, Fortune 500s, and emergency response agencies on how to lead in the face of complexity and crisis.He is the CEO of Risk 2 Solution Group and the founder of the Presilience® framework — a model designed to move leaders from reactive to proactive thinking by embedding resilience, agility, and opportunity-focused decision-making. Gav is also an academic, speaker, and author whose work bridges neuroscience, psychology, and organizational strategy to help leaders thrive in dynamic environments.His latest book, Presilience: Leadership for the Uncertain Future, offers a new playbook for building high-performing teams and navigating polycrisis environments with clarity and courage.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
- Risk 2 Solution Group (https://risk2solution.com/)
- Dr. Gav’s Book - Presilience (https://tinyurl.com/2sjhx6kv)
- Dr. Gav Schnieder | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gav-schneider)
- Risk 2 Solution | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/risk2solution/) 

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- Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)

MUSIC CREDITS:
Fanfare For The Common Man
This Is The Beginning (Instrumental) - Lights & Motion (MB01ZYTIXH84LK9)
This Is The Good Life (Instrumental) - MOONWATER (MB01CTIIAZV80UU)

Great leaders don’t just give feedback—they model it. And in a culture where trust is eroding, avoidance is normalized, and conflict is feared, feedback may be one of the most urgent leadership tools we have.

In this episode, Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with Margie Mauldin, bestselling author of Feedback Revolution and founder of Executive Forum, to unpack how feedback done right can shape culture, unlock growth, and define legacy. With over 30 years of experience coaching leaders across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors, Margie shares how feedback can move from fear to focus—and why most leaders wait too long to say what needs to be said.

You’ll hear how a fractured business relationship led her to take a bold leap of ownership, how Stephen Covey mentored her through her early years, and how one conversation with her son changed the trajectory of her career. She unpacks the difference between motivation and ability, the role of emotional preparation in giving feedback, and why ego and time are the two biggest enemies of honest communication.This conversation is more than professional development—it’s a personal challenge. Whether you lead a city department or a startup team, Margie’s clarity and conviction will help you build the kind of culture people want to be part of—and grow in.

ABOUT MARGIE:
Marjorie (Margie) Mauldin, Executive Forum’s owner and president, is an energetic and creative leader. In the past 30 years, Margie has earned the trust of the Denver business community as an entrepreneur and successful business owner.  She effectively manages Executive Forum’s global client list that includes a variety of compelling projects such as strategic planning for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Colorado and Arizona state departments of transportation and iLoveFeedback® certification and training for IHS Markit, Pinal County (AZ), City & County of Denver, Arapahoe County (CO), Riverside County (CA), State of Michigan, University of Alberta (CAN), South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, City of Aurora, Department of the Army, Department of Housing and Urban Development, the National Parks Service and Comcast. Presentations include the 2014 Correctional Accreditation Manager’s Association, 2015 NeighborWorks Training Institute, 2016 ATD International Training Conference and Expo, 2017 International Brain Summit, the 2017 and 2018 Rocky Mountain Project Management Symposium, 2018 National Organization of Trusted Advisors and the 2019 Strategic Government Resources Servant Leadership Conference.  Scheduled presentations include the 2019 Western Region IPMA-HR Annual Conference and the 2019 COSHRM State Conference.  Margie’s best-selling book, Feedback Revolution: Building Relationships & Boosting Results, now in its second printing, focuses on organizational culture, performance review systems, employee engagement, communication and accountability.

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LINKS & RESOURCES:
- Executive Forum (https://executiveforum.net/)
- Feedback Revolution Book (https://tinyurl.com/yc76ew6w)

CONNECT WITH US:
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Web (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/)
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- Chief Bruegman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/chiefbruegman)
- Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)

Fire service is evolving — and so is the way we train its leaders. In this forward-thinking episode, Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with Joe Bennett, Director of Fire Service Training at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, to explore how one of the nation’s most respected hands-on programs is reshaping firefighter education. But this isn’t just about tactical skills — it’s about forming character, cultivating leadership, and preparing the next generation for a world of complex challenges.

With decades of experience in fire service, education, and executive development, Joe unpacks what makes OSU’s program different — from immersive simulations to leadership-driven coursework that pushes students beyond the fireground. You’ll hear about how mentorship is built into the curriculum, why OSU’s model is drawing national attention, and what every leader can learn from the fire service’s values of discipline, humility, and service.Whether you’re a fire chief, a public safety professional, or an educator shaping tomorrow’s leaders, this episode will challenge your assumptions about technical training — and inspire you to think bigger about what real leadership development looks like.

0:00:00 — Introduction
00:02:15 — Joe’s Journey from Firefighter to Program Director
00:06:32 — What Makes OSU’s Fire Program So Unique
00:11:45 — Building Leadership Through Simulation and Scenario-Based Training
00:17:08 — The Critical Role of Mentorship in Developing the Next Generation
00:21:30 — Bridging Tactical Excellence with Emotional Intelligence
00:25:40 — Challenges Facing Fire Service Education Today
00:30:10 — What Every Sector Can Learn from the Fire Service
00:33:55 — Final Reflections: The Future of Hands-On Leadership Training

ABOUT JOE:
Joe Bennett serves as the Director of the Fire Science Program at Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC), where he leads one of the nation’s most forward-thinking fire service education programs. Under his leadership, the program has experienced 65% growth in enrollment—defying national trends in higher education—through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and a relentless focus on relevance and innovation.

Bennett oversees a diverse instructional team delivering hands-on and academic training across four flagship initiatives: the Structural Firefighter Training Program, the Fire Investigator Training Program, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program, and a new Tactical Fitness Program for firefighters. He also designed and launched a statewide workforce development initiative that enables high school students to graduate as certified structural firefighters—accelerating both access and impact.

Beyond the classroom, Bennett has positioned OSU-OKC as a hub for national and international collaboration, hosting events such as the Women’s Tactical Performance Conference, the Firefighter Challenge League Southwest Divisional Championship, and the 2025 National Championship. His leadership style centers on team development, faculty empowerment, and mission-aligned growth.With a passion for shaping future-ready leaders, Bennett continues to advance the fire service by blending operational excellence, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to service. His work is not only transforming firefighter education — it’s building a new model for leadership development in public safety.

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RESOURCES:
- Oklahoma State | Fire Service Training (https://www.osufst.org/)
- Joe Bennett | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bennett-22717581) 
- Servant Leadership by Robert Greenleaf (https://tinyurl.com/3k59fej8)
- One-Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard (https://tinyurl.com/4hsdmh3r)

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- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Web (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/)
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- Chief Bruegman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/chiefbruegman)
- Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)

MUSIC CREDITS:
Fanfare For The Common Man
Face - Meaning Machine (MB01IE1PXOUK6GH)
This Is The Good Life (Instrumental) - MOONWATER (MB01CTIIAZV80UU)

Leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about trust. And right now, trust is breaking down at every level. In this compelling conversation, Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mike Studeman — former Director of Intelligence for both the U.S. Indo-Pacific and Southern Commands — to explore why America’s greatest threat may not be geopolitical, but moral. With 35 years of military service, global intelligence leadership, and national security briefings behind him, Admiral Studeman brings unmatched clarity to the character crisis shaping modern leadership.

Drawing from defining moments in his career — from leading multi-national teams to confronting senior leaders with uncomfortable truths — Admiral Studeman unpacks what he calls iron integrity: the kind of moral courage forged in small, unseen decisions long before crisis strikes. You’ll hear his early lessons in accountability (including a story involving a marble, a Mercedes, and a summer’s worth of babysitting money), his philosophy of speaking truth to power, and his take on how moral compromise at the highest levels erodes the very foundation of democracy.

But this isn’t just about national security or military leadership. It’s about the everyday choices that shape who we become — and whether we can be trusted when the stakes are highest. Whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned executive, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you lead, who you admire, and what kind of legacy you’re building.

0:00:00 — Introduction
00:01:53 — A Childhood Lesson in Accountability (and a Cracked Windshield)
00:05:35 — What “Iron Integrity” Really Means
00:10:17 — Character, Compromise, and the Collapse of Trust
00:13:26 — Leading Through Ambiguity and Global Complexity
00:17:57 — Humility, Empathy, and Building International Partnerships
00:23:40 — Moral Gray Areas: Justice vs. Mercy, Short-Term vs. Long-Term
00:28:28 — The Cost (and Power) of Speaking Truth to Power
00:33:50 — Advice for Young Leaders: Learning, Modeling, and Courage
00:41:48 — Global Challenges, Civic Responsibility, and the Medici Effect
00:49:05 — Social Media, Civility, and the Need for Moral Maturity
00:51:40 — Final Reflections: Choosing the Harder Right

About Mike:
Rear Admiral Mike Studeman (Ret.) is one of the nation’s most respected national security professionals, with more than three decades of global leadership across intelligence, foreign policy, and defense. A retired U.S. Navy flag officer and former Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence, Studeman has led intelligence operations at every level — tactical, strategic, joint, and interagency — supporting combat missions from Desert Storm to Afghanistan and shaping strategy against threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.As Director of Intelligence (J2) for both U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Southern Command, Studeman provided critical assessments that shaped America’s global posture. He also commanded the Joint Intelligence Operations Center at U.S. Cyber Command and remains a recognized authority on Asia-Pacific affairs, with deep expertise on China’s global ambitions.

Appointed by President George W. Bush as a White House Fellow in 2005, Studeman is the only naval officer to have served as Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations, the Vice Chief, and the U.S. Fleet Forces Commander. He holds distinguished academic honors in Mandarin Chinese, Asian affairs, and strategic studies, and is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, the Defense Language Institute, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the National War College.Now retired from active duty, Studeman continues to advise top organizations on leadership, resilience, and national security. He is the author of Might of the Chain: Forging Leaders of Iron Integrity, a powerful call to rebuild trust in a fractured world. He lives with his college sweetheart and is the proud father of two sons.

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RESOURCES:
- Mike Studeman | Web (https://www.mikestudeman.com/ )
- Mike Studeman | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikestudeman/)
- Mike Studeman | X (https://x.com/mikestudeman)
- Mike’s Book | Might Of The Chain: Forging Leaders of Iron Integrity (https://tinyurl.com/aemtshbk)
- Media Bias Chart (https://app.adfontesmedia.com/chart/interactive)

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- Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)

MUSIC CREDITS:
Fanfare For The Common Man
Evermore - Generdyn (MB01GPT0VQK4JM2)
This Is The Good Life (Instrumental) - MOONWATER (MB01CTIIAZV80UU)

Crisis leadership isn’t about reacting faster — it’s about thinking differently. In this powerful conversation, Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with Melissa Agnes, founder of the Crisis Ready® Institute and one of the world’s most trusted voices on crisis management, to explore why most organizations fail before the crisis even starts — and how the best leaders prepare for pressure long before it arrives.Drawing from her work with NATO, the Pentagon, Fortune 500 companies, and major municipalities, Melissa unpacks the Crisis Ready® model — a three-part framework built on mindset, skillset, and capability.

But this isn’t just a checklist. It’s a call to lead with emotional intelligence, clarity, and conviction — especially when the stakes are high.You’ll hear stories of courageous leadership that saved millions, strategies for navigating disinformation and digital chaos, and practical tools to turn fear-based reactions into trust-building responses. Whether you’re leading a business, a government agency, or a community organization, this episode will challenge the way you think about crisis — and equip you to lead with greater strength, humanity, and purpose.

0:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:35 - Melissa’s Path Into Crisis Leadership
00:08:13 - Why Most Organizations Fail Before Crisis Hits
00:13:41 - The Crisis Ready® Model: Mindset, Skillset, Capability
00:19:00 - Case Study: $9 Million Saved Through Courageous Leadership
00:24:23 - Crisis Leadership in the Age of AI, Disinformation, & Chaos
00:28:51 - Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders
00:34:08 - Final Thoughts: Leading With Connection, Not Control

About Melissa:
Melissa Agnes is a globally recognized thought leader, author, and strategist in crisis communication and leadership resilience. As the Founder and CEO of the Crisis Ready® Institute, she developed the widely adopted Crisis Ready® Model—a five-phase framework that helps organizations anticipate risk, respond with clarity, and build unshakable trust, even in the face of high-stakes disruption. Her work equips leaders and organizations to not only survive crises, but emerge stronger because of them.Melissa is the author of the best-selling book Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, which was named one of Forbes’ Top 10 Business Books of 2018. Her model is taught in universities across the globe, including Harvard, NYU, Columbia, and McGill. She’s served as a trusted advisor to top-level institutions such as NATO, the Pentagon, ministries of foreign affairs and defense, Fortune 100 companies, healthcare systems, municipalities, and non-profits—helping them embed strategic resilience into their culture before a crisis ever strikes.

In addition to her consulting and executive coaching work, Melissa is a sought-after keynote speaker and media contributor. Her insights have been featured in outlets including Forbes, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, MSNBC, Bloomberg, Fox Business, and CNN. She has also delivered a TEDx talk in Los Angeles and continues to shape best practices in the field through her involvement with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Institute for Strategic Risk Management (ISRM), and her co-development of ISO 22361, the international standard for crisis management.

Through her teaching, writing, and advisory work, Melissa Agnes is reshaping how leaders think about crisis—not as a moment to fear, but as a defining opportunity to lead with integrity, clarity, and care.

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RESOURCES:
- Melissa Agnes | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/melissaagnes)
- Melissa Agnes | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaagnes/)
- Melissa Agnes | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/melissaagnes)
- Leading Through Change With Melissa Anges | Podcast (https://crisisreadyinstitute.com/podcast/)
- Crisis Ready Institute (https://crisisreadyinstitute.com/)
- Melissa’s Book | Crisis Ready: Build An Invincible Brand In This Uncertain World (https://tinyurl.com/2hu7nssu)

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- Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)

MUSIC CREDITS:
Fanfare For The Uncommon Man
This Is The Beginning (Instrumental) - Lights & Motion (MB01ZYTIXH84LK9)
This Is The Good Life (Instrumental) - MOONWATER (MB01CTIIAZV80UU)

For more resources, visit: theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org
To watch the video podcast on Youtube, click here.
To download the Team Discussion Guide, click here.

How did a basketball walk-on for Coach K become a powerhouse in the advertising world and beyond? Tune in to the Leadership Crucible Foundation podcast to unravel the captivating story of finding purpose through perseverance and seizing opportunities fearlessly.

In this episode, you will lear about:

• Overcoming adversity: Learn valuable leadership lessons from navigating challenging circumstances and emerge stronger and more resilient.
• Fostering trust: Master the art of building trust in leadership roles to inspire confidence and loyalty among your team members.
• Seamless career transitions: Discover effective strategies for transitioning careers to ensure a smooth and successful shift to a new professional path.
• Technological impact on leadership: Embrace the transformative power of technology in leadership and leverage it to drive organizational success.
• Uncover purpose and meaning: Explore the keys to finding profound purpose and meaning in your career, leading to fulfillment and satisfaction.

My special guest is Andy Berndt

Andy Berndt, a seasoned professional, has transitioned from a successful tenure in advertising to a prominent role at Google. His extensive experience includes leadership positions at renowned organizations such as Ogilvy, where he played a pivotal role in the turnaround of the IBM account, and Chiat/Day, where he contributed to the relaunch of the Apple brand. Andy's impressive track record encompasses notable achievements, including overseeing the launch of the Apple online store and leading segments of the Microsoft account. His accomplishments have been widely recognized by industry bodies in the US and abroad, culminating in his induction into the Hall of Achievement in 2007. With a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Duke University and a background in basketball under Coach K, Andy's multifaceted journey exudes a wealth of expertise in navigating career transitions and finding purpose in professional pursuits.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Facing Adversity and Leadership

00:01:21 - Journey to Advertising

00:02:02 - Basketball and Leadership

00:10:39 - Life after Duke

00:14:23 - Working with Major Companies

00:15:32 - Unexpected Promotion

00:17:34 - Dream Job at Nike

00:19:21 - Meeting Steve Jobs

00:22:58 - Transition to IBM

00:27:20 - Evolution at Google

00:30:51 - Building Trust and Community in a Diverse World

00:32:26 - Navigating Disagreements in the Age of Social Media

00:33:24 - Making a Difference in Life

00:34:30 - Pursuing Meaningful Work

00:35:43 - Leaving a Lasting Legacy

For more resources, visit: theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org
To watch the video podcast on Youtube, click here.
To download the Team Discussion Guide, click here.

Do you want to enhance your leadership effectiveness and build organizational resilience? Ready to discover the solution to achieve this result? Join Fire Chief Randy Bruegman and emergency management expert Patrick Van Horne as they delve into the challenges of leadership in changing environments and the strategies for disaster preparedness. Get ready to unlock the key to navigating complexity and leading with competence. Don't miss out on this insightful episode of the Leadership Crucible Foundation podcast!

In this episode, we will cover these topics:

Navigate Leadership Challenges in Changing Environments: Master the art of leading through uncertainty and change, ensuring organizational resilience and success.

Cultivate Situational Awareness for Effective Leadership: Develop a keen understanding of your surroundings to make informed decisions and inspire confidence in your team.

Overcome Personal Adversity to Forge Your Career Path: Harness the power of resilience to turn personal challenges into opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

Implement Disaster Preparedness Strategies for Organizational Resilience: Safeguard your organization against unforeseen events, ensuring continuity and stability.

Elevate Leadership Effectiveness Through Competence: Acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to lead with confidence, driving organizational success and growth.

My special guest is Patrick Van Horne Patrick Van Horne, a distinguished emergency management and homeland security professional, brings a wealth of expertise as a Marine veteran, consultant, and co-author of "Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps' Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life." His focus on disaster preparedness and security, coupled with a deep understanding of situational awareness and proactive violence prevention, provides valuable insights for leaders navigating changing environments and challenges. With a keen eye for enhancing leadership capabilities and guiding executives through complex organizational hurdles, Patrick's presence on the Leadership Crucible Foundation podcast promises to deliver impactful strategies and perspectives to foster enhanced leadership effectiveness and organizational resilience.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:03 - The Crucible of Adversity
00:01:31 - Journey to the Military
00:03:34 - Left of Bang Book
00:06:15 - Behavioral Analysis and Situational Awareness
00:13:14 - Left of Bang in Business
00:15:39 - Building Organizational Capabilities
00:18:37 - Life-Changing Moments
00:20:02 - Team Rubicon's Mission
00:23:15 - Leadership Lessons
00:27:25 - The Current State of Leadership
00:30:36 - Importance of Long-Term Thinking
00:31:50 - Communication Challenges
00:33:45 - Stability and Grounding in Leadership
00:37:35 - Importance of Communication for Future Leaders
00:38:20 - Pursuing Hard Things

For more resources, visit: theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org
To watch the video podcast on Youtube, click here.
To download the Team Discussion Guide, click here.

Does it seem like you're facing insurmountable challenges in your path to leadership? Have you been told to simply "tough it out" or "wait for things to get better"? The frustration of feeling stuck in adversity without a clear way forward can be overwhelming. If you're tired of ineffective advice and want to discover real strategies for overcoming adversity through leadership, then this is for you.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

-Mastering Adversity: Uncover strategies to conquer challenges through effective leadership.
-Education for Success: Discover the pivotal role of education in achieving personal triumphs.
-Navigating Career Choices: Unveil the profound impact of personal decisions on career trajectories.
-Political Success Strategies: Explore effective tactics for achieving bipartisan success in politics.
-Community Support: Embrace the significance of community aid in navigating crisis recovery.

My special guest is Frank Keating Frank Keating served as the Governor of Oklahoma from 1995 to 2003, demonstrating exceptional leadership during a challenging period in the state's history. His notable contributions include leading the state's recovery efforts after the devastating 1995 bombing of the Alpha P. Murrow Federal Office Building in Oklahoma City. Governor Keating implemented significant tax reductions and reforms, particularly in the education system, the state's purchasing system, and the workers' compensation system. His dedication to public service and his extensive experience in law enforcement and public office provides valuable insights into overcoming adversity, the role of education in personal success, and the impact of personal choices on career paths. Governor Keating's expertise and experience make him a compelling guest for the Leadership Crucible Foundation podcast, offering invaluable perspectives on leadership, resilience, and community support.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:03 - The Importance of Adversity in Leadership
00:01:20 - Frank Keating's Contributions as Governor
00:01:48 - Frank Keating's Journey into Public Service
00:06:52 - Leadership During the Oklahoma City Bombing
00:11:27 - Community Support and Resilience
00:16:54 - Leadership and Service in Oklahoma
00:18:51 - Accomplishments as Governor
00:22:51 - Post-Political Career
00:27:20 - Authoring Children's Books
00:28:58 - Challenges and Takeaways
00:34:12 - Getting Involved in Public Life
00:34:23 - Appreciation and Invitation 
00:35:08 - Conclusion and Invitation

Bio:

Frank Keating grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from the University of Oklahoma.

His 30-year career in law enforcement and public service included service as an FBI agent, U.S. Attorney and state prosecutor, and Oklahoma House and Senate member, including service as a Republican senate leader.   He served Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush in the Treasury, Justice, and Housing departments.

As Governor, Keating won national acclaim in 1995 for his compassionate and professional handling of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City. In the aftermath of the tragedy, he raised more than six million dollars to fund scholarships for the nearly 200 children left with only one or no parents.

Keating currently serves as a regent for the University of Oklahoma and lives with his wife Cathy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  They have three children and eleven grandchildren.

For more resources, visit: theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org
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Why Today's Leaders Must Meet Innate Needs to Love and Belong

Do you want to implement impactful leadership strategies for personal and team growth? Are you eager to learn the solution that can help you achieve this result? Join the Leadership Crucible Foundation podcast as Fire Chief Randy Brugman delves into the personal journeys of leaders, including retired Brigadier General John Teichert. His insights and experiences will provide you with the guidance you need to develop as a leader and make a lasting impact.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Mastering Leadership Development: Unveiling proven strategies for personal and team growth.
• Triumphing Over Adversity: Embracing challenges to emerge as a resilient leader.
• Embodying Selfless Leadership: Harnessing the power of putting others first for organizational success.
• Navigating Bureaucratic Environments: Pioneering innovation in structured settings for impactful change.
• Harnessing Mentorship for Career Growth: Unlocking the potential of mentorship for professional advancement.

My special guest is Brigadier General John Teichert

Brigadier General John Teichert is a distinguished leader with a robust career rooted in inspirational, innovative, and integrity-filled leadership. Graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, he ventured into the United States Air Force as an F15E combat pilot, later assuming roles including F22 test pilot and Commander of Joint Base Andrews. General Teichert's prolific career spans over 28 years, marked by over 2000 flight hours in 38 different types of aircraft and extensive leadership experience in whole-of-government settings. With a wealth of knowledge in national security, risk management, and international affairs, General Teichert's insights on leadership and mentorship offer invaluable guidance to aspiring leaders seeking impactful career growth and personal development. Author of Boom, Leadership that Breaks Barriers

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:03 - The Crucible of Leadership

00:02:00 - An Inspirational Journey

00:09:24 - Boom: Leadership that Ignites Innovation

00:12:53 - Leading Selflessly

00:15:45 - Overcoming Adversity and Toxic Leadership

00:17:30 - Commanding Joint Base Andrews and Edwards Air Force Base

00:20:45 - Leadership and Impact

00:23:01 - Investing in People

00:29:46 - State of Leadership in Society

00:30:37 - Importance of Investing in the Next Generation

00:31:16 - Sound Bite Leadership vs. Strategic Vision

00:32:25 - Fulfilling Fundamental Human Needs

00:34:52 - Leadership Across Generations

00:37:35 - Multi-Generational Impact of Leadership




Bio:

After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, John entered the United States Air Force as an F-15E combat pilot. He would go on to serve as an F-22 test pilot and eventually lead as the commander of Joint Base Andrews, the commander of Edwards Air Force Base, and our nation’s Senior Defense Official in Iraq. General Teichert ended his service in the Air Force as the Assistant Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force, International Affairs. During his career, he logged over 2,000 flight hours in 38 different aircraft types.

General Teichert is a champion for inspirational, innovative, integrity-filled leadership. He has vast whole-of-government leadership experience – from cutting-edge technology to our nation’s most sensitive international relationships. John has written and spoken extensively on leadership, national security, innovation, risk management, and international affairs. He is an Amazon #1 best-selling author and a former candidate for U.S. Senate who maintains a robust schedule of international-level media engagements.

John is the founder and president of Capital Leadership LLC, developing the leaders our nation needs and fostering a leadership style that breaks barriers, challenges convention, and ignites innovation. His eclectic activities can best be followed through johnteichert.com and LinkedIn as he continues to serve with his amazing wife Melonie and their three remarkable children.