Building Great Leaders

Episode 126: Leaders Develop Leaders

In this episode, Duane Patrick, Vice President of Leadership & Development for Viking Fire Protection Group, shares his evolution from a bass-playing introvert to an executive leader. From his early days in musical theater and church bands to a pivotal career wake-up call at age 22, Duane discusses how early setbacks and a commitment to daily self-reflection helped him build a culture of abundance. He shares his experience of people who have poured into him and how, he in turn, is dedicated to developing himself and others. Plus, Duane shares ideas on how to encourage IDPs in the field.

Episode 125: The Power of the Pivot: Resilience, Near-Misses, and the Ripple Effect of Leadership

In this episode, Mike West, Senior Vice-President of Elevated, shares his high-stakes leadership journey defined by resilience and a "field-first" mentality. From navigating the waterways of Fort Lauderdale as a youth to surviving a near-death accident in an elevator pit, Mike discusses how these formative experiences forged his unwavering commitment to safety and professional accountability.

Episode 124: Building Trust in the Field

In this episode, Anthony Escover, Director of Field Development for Western States Fire Protection, discusses the transition from an apprentice in the field to director of field leadership and the importance of establishing trust within a large-scale organization. He shares his perspective on the cultural shift toward servant leadership in the trades, the critical role of positive reinforcement in talent retention, and why intentional follow-through is the most effective tool for bridging the gap between field and office operations.

Episode 123: The Power of Alignment: Navigating Head, Heart, and Gut in Leadership

In this episode, Sengdara Grue, APi Group's Vice President of IT, Planning, Execution and Delivery, shares her journey from first-generation refugee to leading high-level technical transformations. She discusses the grit instilled by her family's sacrifices, the importance of aligning head, heart, and gut in leadership, and her commitment to "lifting and pulling up" others in the tech landscape. Sengdara also explores how intentional habits like the 5 a.m. Club build the resilience needed to lead with purpose, in both life and business.

Episode 122: Values-Based Leadership and Scaling Beyond Expertise

In this episode, Cutter Tyllia, Vice-President of Transformation at APi Group, shares his transition from leading an operating company to driving API Group's enterprise transformation. He discusses shifting from subject matter expertise to leading through influence and vulnerability, reflecting on his father's leadership legacy and the importance of mental resilience in balancing a high-stakes career with family.