DeepBlu Project

Leadership: Chess, Not Checkers - Geoff Stewart's Leadership 30

♟️ Are you playing chess or checkers? If you are an aspiring leader—or even a seasoned one—you need to stop what you're doing and listen to this. I just sat down with an online audience and Chris Workman, Chief of Police at the Cheswold Police Department, for our latest Leadership 30 session. Chris brings a raw, authentic style that cuts through the noise and hits home. The core message? Culture doesn't live on this 40-minute deep dive, Chris challenges the "checking the box" mentality and explores what it actually takes to play the long game. We covered some heavy hitters that every leader should keep on their desk: 🔹 Compliance is not culture. Activity is not progress. Completion is not transformation. 🔹 Watch what you tolerate. People don’t just listen to what you say; they watch what you allow. 🔹 The true measure of leadership. It’s not about how indispensable you are, but how prepared others become because of you. After listening to this, you’ll be asking yourself: Am I a checkers player, or a chess player?

Transforming Police: A Conversation with Chris Hsiung

In this conversation, Christ talks with Chris Hsiung, a former police chief and current executive director of The Curve, a nonprofit focused on modernizing policing culture. They discuss Hsiung's extensive background in law enforcement, the evolution of leadership styles, the importance of self-awareness, and the need for cultural shifts within police departments. They also address the challenges of wellness programs in law enforcement and the significance of effective communication. Hsiung emphasizes the need for leaders to be available and vulnerable, and the importance of learning from other industries to improve policing practices.

Supportive Culture is Crucial for Well-Being w/ Rich Creamer

In this conversation, Chris and Rich delve into the complexities of mental health within public safety, emphasizing the importance of trust, peer support, and proactive strategies. They discuss the challenges faced by individuals in crisis, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the need for a supportive culture that encourages open dialogue. Rich shares his experiences and insights on navigating the mental health landscape, highlighting the significance of self-awareness and continuous growth. The conversation concludes with a call to action for creating a more compassionate and understanding environment in public safety agencies.

The Five Pillars of Wellness w/ James Espinoza

In this episode, Chris interviews James Espinoza, CEO of American Freedom Consulting, who shares his personal journey through grief and trauma after losing his brother to suicide. They discuss the importance of mental wellness, the five pillars of wellness, and the challenges faced by veterans and first responders in navigating their careers and mental health. James emphasizes the need for supportive leadership and the importance of addressing mental health issues within law enforcement. The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship, advocacy, and the need for a cultural shift in how mental health is perceived in the first responder community.

Navigating Sensory Modulation for First Responders w/ Bonnie Eckman

In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, Chris speaks to Bonnie Eckman, a sensory specialist at After Action Care [https://afteraction.care/] with a background in occupational therapy. They discuss the unique sensory needs of first responders, the impact of hypervigilance on mental health, and the importance of sensory modulation in regulating emotions and responses. Bonnie shares practical tools and techniques for first responders to manage their sensory input and emotional states, emphasizing the need for self-regulation and the benefits of sensory rooms. The conversation also highlights the After Action program, which aims to provide mental health support and resources for first responders.