Side Alpha Leadership
56 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsThe Side Alpha Leadership Podcast explores leadership in all fields of work. Guests talk about leading people and making a positive mark in their hearts and minds, while creating a cohesive team to accomplish the desired goals of an organization
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Episodes
The art of decision making
May 02, 2024 11:00 - 57 minutes - 52.2 MBThis month I ask the questions, why are people reluctant to make decisions? How do we overcome the fear of making a decision on the fireground? what tools can we use to help people to make quick decisions with less than perfect information. I enlist the help of Deputy Chief Shane Darwick. Shane is a longtime friend, mentor, and teacher. Shane can keep calm, filter out the external noise and distraction on chaotic emergency incident and instill command presence. Shane offers over 40 years of...
I'll take "what do firefighters hate" for $1000, What is change
April 01, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 61.2 MBThis month I sit down with my boys RJ and Sam. we talk tactics, learning new things, keeping your emotions in check and dealing with the dreaded word, change! It was great to just freestyle the conversation.
I'll take "what do firefighters hate" for $1000 What is change
April 01, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 61.2 MBThis month I sit down with my boys RJ and Sam. we talk tactics, learning new things, keeping your emotions in check and dealing with the dreaded word, change! It was great to just freestyle the conversation.
Treat your people like you want to be treated
March 01, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBThis month I speak with Steve Jones. Steve retired from Montgomery County MD as the Operations Deputy Chief. Steve and I have known each other for many years. We both started as High School Cadets for the fire department. Steve talks about his career in the fire service and what he learned along the way. He used what he learned as he progressed through the ranks to the number 2 spot in the county. Steve has the old school mentality when it comes to firefighting and lives by the simple phi...
Your people deserve the best leaders. Train to be the best
February 01, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBIn this episode I talk with Battalion Chief Rafael Gibson. Chief Gibson is assigned to the Training Academy in Montgomery County Maryland. As chiefs we demand our people to train every day and be the best. Your people expect you to be equally trained to be the best. Chief Gibson discusses the new line officers training program, the advancements in command officers command competency program and continuing professional development. For more information on these programs contact Chief ...
Going old school with my dad
January 01, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBIn this episode I sit down with my dad Mike Kerr. We discuss the fire service back in the day and how it has changed. My dad tells his story about his love of the fire service as a kid and how he got started as a volunteer in Prince Georges County in Greenbelt, to becoming a career firefighter with the DCFD as a Tillerman at T12. Our family moved from Prince Georges County to Montgomery County, where he became a volunteer with the Burtonsville Vol. Fire Dept. He moved through the volunteer...
To make big changes you have to start small
December 01, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBThis month I had the pleasure to speak to Asst. Chief Siddiq. We discussed a lot of topics. Change in the fire service is hard and you will be met with resistance if you try to go big right away. The key is to start small, get buy from those closest to you. Be honest with your reason for change. Making decisions will come easier through training. Members will gain confidence with their skills and feel at ease making decisions. Let you firefighters plan and run drills. Finally, as a sen...
The new guy, senior staff and expectations
November 01, 2023 11:00 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBThis month I have Stephnie White back on the show. We discuss the new firefighters coming into the service. Are they too soft or are we projecting our rookie time onto them and is that fair? We discussed station members' expectations of seinor staff and vice versa. if station members run for cover when the chiefs come to the station, the chiefs have a huge communication issue. we discussed how to overcome that communication gap.
Honest Communications, trust and good relationships = great morale
October 11, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBThis month I welcome back Dr. Shelly Wheeler. Shelly is a Captain assigned to the training academy in Montgomery County Maryland. Shelly and I talk about how to make morale good in the fire service, foster a culture where firefighter make decision and prepare them for the next step in their careers. Start the officer prep the moment firefighters come off probation and continue until they sit for their first promotional exam.
Who's the mentor, You're the mentor!
September 01, 2023 11:00 - 58 minutes - 53.1 MBThis month I welcome back RJ (Robert James) we dig into the topic of being a mentor. It is important to take the new firefighters under your wing, guide them and set them on the path to be successful. It is everyone’s job to ensure we are turning out the best firefighters. Remember your rookie is a reflection of you and your shift. In the 2nd part of the show, we discuss officer development. The fire service drops the ball when it comes to teaching firefighter to become officers who can ma...
The Training Officer steers the ship
August 01, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 96.2 MBThis month I sit down with Chief Dave McGlynn. We talk about his new book "The Training Officer" Being a training officer is hard work, but rewarding. We talk about the culture of the fire service. Many say we need to change the culture of the fire service, but I don't believe that. I think we should always try to enhance the culture of the fire service and strive to make it better, but not change it. The fire service has a rich history and the culture is a large part of it.
You say you take care of your people, but do you really?
July 05, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 83.4 MBYou need to invest in your people to know when something is wrong. Firefighters are reluctant to ask for help, so you need to spot trouble and get the help members may need. When you promote to a leadership position you are always on duty for your people. You have to answer the phone when someone reaches out to you. You may be their last call when their whole world is falling apart around them. As a leader you are always on, you accept that role when you are in that position. Make sure ...
Recruitment dilemma and Officer Development
June 08, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBThis episode I speak with Steve Prziborowski. Steve and I talk about the low recruitment numbers in the fire service. Many jurisdictions are struggling with recruiting the number of potential candidates to come to the job. Once again I discuss officer development and how to get experience to become a successful officer.
Where Police and Fire intersect
May 10, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 118 MBThis month I talk with Steve Hamilton. Steve explains the complex incidents the police face and how the fire department fits in to help. There are many hurdles to overcome: building trust building relations training together knowing each others limitations having each others backs There is a role for the fire department during active shooter incident, barricade incidents and SWAT/SRT callouts.
My random thoughts on fire service life and getting promoted
April 16, 2023 11:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBThis month I go solo with no guest. I took the time to answer some questions from listeners from social media. I touch several subjects Promotion exams Dealing with difficult people Recognize your shortcomings What made me decide to be a chief My advice to the new firefighter How do we make training friendly to volunteers
EEO and the Fire Service
March 06, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 95.4 MBThis month I speak with Stephanie White. Stephanie is an 18 year veteran career firefighter in the Washington Metro area. She hosts a podcast on Fire Engineering called "5 after Midnight" Stephanie and I talk about EEO in the fire service and how it falls short in the fire service. Although we follow the laws there are gray areas that EEO does not account for. As firefighters and officers we must navigate the gray areas. Strive to be good human beings and trust that each person on your shift...
Leadership learned through the eyes of a Coast Guardsmen
February 01, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 110 MBThis month I speak with Jessica Shafer. Jessica talks about her time as a young Coast Guardsmen to being the first female commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment. She navigated many hurdles to become a respected officer in the Coast Guard. Her thought about leadership, self-reflection and desire to be better everyday, made her the strong person she is today.
Risk Management, in the fire service and the world
January 07, 2023 12:00 - 59 minutes - 81.2 MBI welcome back Dr. (Capt.) Shelly Wheeler We talk about risk management, how we approach it on the fire ground and how the business world deals with it. Our fire service has evolved over the years, but the dangers are still there. We have become a smarter service and we still do the job, accept the risk, but now we are armed with the lessons from the past. Our job will always be dangerous and we are still aggressive and will never lose sight of our mission.
Navigating the minefield of a bad boss
December 01, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 92.4 MBOn this episode Frank Ricci and I offer advice on dealing with a boss who only has his interests in mind. How can the Sr. firefighter approach the officer to initiate a conversation. What to do if there is a trust issue with line officers or chief officers and how to have effective conversations. Frank and I offer advice on starting the conversations in a respectful way and getting the positive results.
Learn, Lead and Pass it on
November 01, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 91.9 MBI welcome Asst. Chief Justin McCarthy of the New Haven Fire Dept. to the show. Justin and I talk about the lack of leadership training in the fire department. What would a good leadership class would look like. How do we encourage our people to make decisions and not live in fear of getting in trouble. Never forget we are always students and we must strive to learn everyday
Who helps the helpers
October 03, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 90.2 MBI took the show in a different direction this month. As emergency service workers and military, we are exposed to terrible things. There are times we need help to cope and process. We are fortunate to have Behavioral Health Specialists imbedded in the fire service, police force and military to help. I had the pleasure of speaking to Frederick County's Behavioral Health Coordinator Natalie Bowers. Natalie discussed her work and what she offers to the men and women of Frederick County Fire a...
Why does the boss Micromanage
September 10, 2022 11:00 - 59 minutes - 81.9 MBSam and I talked about what to do when the boss has his hands in your job and how you can resolve the issue. Good respectful communication is key. Most likely the boss does not realize he is micromanaging you. As an officer you need to make decisions. it is ok to make mistakes. Own your mistakes and share what you learned with your crew and peers.
Leading Through Training
August 07, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 96.6 MBI welcome Dave McGlynn to my show. Dave is the Training Assistant Chief at Letterkenny Army Depot. Dave shares his experience as a chief on how to overcome shortcomings, lack of experience and administrative knowledge through training, putting your ego in check and asking for help. Having pride in your company is great, make sure your pride does not blind you to learning new things.
Combination Systems in the fire department
July 16, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 83.6 MBRJ and Sam join me in the studio to discuss combination fire and rescue system and the challenges that arise in these systems. COVID has eased up and we are being called to teach more. We talk about upcoming classes we are teaching and how training helps bring career and volunteers together to focus on the fire service mission.
How do we communicate with each other
June 05, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBFrank Ricci and I discuss firehouse communications. There are many ways, as leaders we communicate with our officers and firefighters. It is an art and as a boss you have to learn how to master it. The kitchen table is a great place to have discussions and learn to listen to your people. Mastering 1 on 1 communications allows you to gain great insight as to what is going on inthe stations and resolve conflicts and finally stop rumors that are false and offer insight on things that are true. ...
Once a Marine and now a Firefighter Pt. 3
May 02, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 99.2 MBPart 3 of my interview with Dave Braun. Dave has a great story that you have to hear. Make sure you listen to part 1 and 2. To all the leaders out there, make sure you are there for your people. Make sure you recognize when they are in need of help.
Once a Marine always a Marine and now a Firefighter Part 2
April 10, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 89.2 MBI continue the podcast with Dave Braun.
Once a Marine always a Marine, and now a Firefighter too!
April 01, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 91.7 MBDave Braun joins me on the show again. David dives deep into his personal life through all the ups and downs and how he succeeded as a Marine, husband, dad and a firefighter. He tells all the lessons he learned along the way.
Forget about all that macho S@&T and learn how to play guitar
March 15, 2022 01:49 - 1 hour - 85.4 MBIn this episode I take a different direction. I had the pleasure of talking to my long time friend Kemo. Kemo was the guitar play in our band. Kemo has been busy over the last 30 years including music, stand up comedy, recording a parody album, being a dad and a husband. We reminisce about the band days being on stage and just having fun.
A reflection on 2021
December 03, 2021 14:00 - 22 minutes - 31.5 MBThis month I reflect on 2021 what has happened along the way what is up with me and what the future brings. I have no guest this month, it is just me and the podcast is short only 2o min. So enjoy and will see you in 2022!
You and your organization
November 07, 2021 18:44 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBIn this episode I once again speak to Retired Battalion Chief Frank Ricci about making yourself, as well as your organization successful. As a leader there are time you have to set yourself up for success. When you are interviewing for a new job or promotion you need to tell your bosses who you are what you have done and how you are the right person for the job. As a leader you understand that you are not the most important person. You should be making the organization successful by your...
Need a mentor? Be a mentor. Back step to Boss
October 01, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 88.5 MBI am happy to have Robert James (RJ) Fire Lieutenant and President of Capitol Fire Training. We discuss being the new officer and building you influence through staying humble, staying enthusiastic, and lead by example. RJ talks about his role as a newly promoted Lt. and succeeding by sticking to his core values.
It's Promotional Season How do I get promoted
September 07, 2021 02:55 - 1 hour - 85.8 MBSam and I talk about taking the assessment center, thinking like the officer you want to be and once you're there how do I earn leadership credibility. Set good, reasonable and realistic expectations and you are on the path to success.
Being a good parent starts with setting a good example
August 01, 2021 11:00 - 58 minutes - 80.8 MBIn this episode I have a great conversation with Jason Gardner. Jason and I discuss being a good parent and taking care of yourself. The leadership traits you show at work are the same you must strive for at home. Setting a great example at home helps shape you kids. Whether you believe it or not, your kids are watching and listening to you. You must take care of yourself to stay strong, live long and enjoy life.
Control and Influence
July 01, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 118 MBIn this episode I talk with Lt. Nick Pappa of the New Britian Fire Department. Nick brings the leadership perspective from the eyes of a line officer. Nick talks about being able to control the things that are in your control and not get hung up on the things you can't control. We talk about building relationships with your crew and with your bosses. Gaining leadership credibility and empowering your people to take control of projects.
L E A D E R S
June 01, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBIn this episode I had the pleasure to speaking to Batt. Chief David Griffin PhD of the Charleston SC Fire Department. David talks about the Principles of Leadership and being a Servant Leader. We took this position to serve the public and the men and women on the job. Be humble, mentor your people and set up the next generation to take your job when you're gone.
Putting the right training out there
May 01, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 88.5 MBYou own your own firefighter training company. The pandemic hits. What do you do? You write a 3 volume book and keep right on teaching. This month I speak with Bobby Eckert. Bobby is a Captain with the City of Camden Fire Department in NJ. Bobby owns Eckert Fire Tactics. A firefighter training company. When you leave your fire training academy you know just enough to get you in trouble. Bobby takes your basic skills and enhances them with real world tactics. Bobby talks about his vi...
The Prime Directive
April 01, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 89.1 MBIn this episode I am joined by Chief Anthony Avillo Anthony is a retired Deputy Chief of the North Hudson Fire Department in New Jersey. He is the co author of the the book Full Contact Leadership and Fireground Strategies. He is a long time presenter at FDIC. Anthony talks about the Prime Directive and asks "are you ready to go to work, if not you culture is broken"
Communication and decision making
March 05, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 90.3 MBI had a great talk with Frank Ricci. I continue to talking about communication. Being able to talk and listen are core skills you must possess to be a successful leader. Being able to make decisions is key when operating on the fireground. Decision making starts when you are a new firefighter and you continue to hone that skill as you move forward in your career, so you can make decisions with incomplete intel. As better information comes in you will be able fine tune your decision makin...
Communications
February 05, 2021 20:01 - 1 hour - 91.2 MBIf you read any NIOSH report you will find that a lack of communications was a factor in most firefighters injuries or death. In business poor communications can cost money and people their jobs. Being a skilled communicator is an art. You have to be a good talker, but more importantly you have to be a good listener. You have to put your ego in check and be open to what others have to say. In this episode I talk with Battalion Chief Sam Villani about talking with your people and listening ...
Are you a leader or Boss?
January 09, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 92.6 MBMy guest Clay Anderson talks about being a servant leader and having a good dose of humility. Clay is active in the Navy and working on his Masters Degree in Leadership. He gives his views on servant leadership and humility. A servant leader displays the following characteristics: Empowerment Standing back Humility Authenticity Courage Accountability Interpersonal Acceptance Stewardship Just to name a few.
Training is the foundation of the fire service
December 01, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBThis month I have a great conversation with Robert James (RJ) about training getting buy in from your shift and passing on what you have learned and motivating you people. RJ is a career firefighter in the DC Metro area and the President and founder of Capitol Fire Training LLS. RJ has dedicated his fire service life in learning the craft honing his skills and passing on what he has learned to the next generation.
Take care of of your people
November 01, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 88.5 MBI am joined once again with my good friend Sam Villani. Sam and I talk about how to encourage your people. Leaders say "I take care of my people" but do they walk the walk or just talk the talk. Taking care of them when they are down, boosting their confidence and letting them take the lead. As a leader it is important to build your people up and get them ready for the next level in their careers. Treat your people as if they are the most important part of the organization.
Succession planning, building the future of the fire service
October 01, 2020 12:00 - 59 minutes - 81.8 MBThis month I had the pleasure of talking to (ret) Battalion Chief Anthony Kastros. Anthony is the author of Mastering the Fire Service Assessment Center and Understanding Unified Command. In this show we talk about succession planning and building up the new firefighters and line officers to one day take your position. Anthony explains mentoring, training, getting ready for you next promotional exam and leading using the Incident Command System.
From Rookie to the Fire Chief
September 01, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 87.7 MBFire Chief Tom Coe talks about his journey in the fire service as a rookie to becoming the Fire Chief and what leadership lessons he has learned along the way.
The difference between an amature and a professional is hard work and training
August 01, 2020 12:00 - 58 minutes - 80.2 MBI sit down with my good friend and fellow Capitol Fire Training instructor (ret) FDNY Capt. Tony Tricarico. We discuss training, keeping your guys engauged, leading by example and protecting your shift from upper management.
Humility, Relationships, and Ego through the eyes of a Navy SEAL
June 22, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 98.8 MBIn this episode (ret)Command Master Chief and Navy SEAL Jason Gardner talks about his past experiences as a SEAL and a Leader. In his 30 plus year career he honed his skills as a leader by understanding humility, relationship building and keep the ego in check.
Consistency, Humility and listen
May 11, 2020 12:00 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MBI have the pleasure of speaking to my good friend Frank Ricci. Frank and I Co-host a radio show called Politics and Tactics for Fire engineering. In this episode we talk about making change, listening, being humble and keeping your ego in check. All are great traits to have if you want to be an effective leader.
Connecting with your people/ Setting expectations
April 06, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 91.8 MBTo be a good leader you need to connect with your people. My guest is my good friend Sam Villani. This episode we talking about 1. connecting with the people who work for you, I reference the book "The Military Leader" By Andrew Steadman. We touch on a few points the author writes about. 2. We close out with, setting expectations for your shift.
The many intersections of leadership
March 09, 2020 12:00 - 58 minutes - 53.8 MBIn this episode my guest Lt. Shelly Wheeler and I discuss how Leadership in the fire service the military and the business world intersect.