In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Brycen Garrison of Brighton Fire Rescue District shares his approach to people-first leadership, organizational culture, and making mission-driven decisions that align with long-term values. With a background that spans the corporate world, volunteer firefighting, and now chief-level leadership, Chief Garrison brings a thoughtful, empowering perspective rooted in clarity, humility, and purpose.

From aligning short-term choices with long-term values to creating a workplace where people feel seen, supported, and energized—this conversation is packed with practical insight for anyone looking to lead with greater intent.

🔥 Tune in to hear:

✅ Why “people before things” is more than a motto—it’s a strategic filter

✅ How Brighton Fire rebuilt its mission, vision, and values to actually live them

✅ What belief-in looks like (not just buy-in) when it comes to decision-making

✅ How to lead without ego—and model accountability without blame

✅ Why investing in training and education creates long-term organizational strength

✅ How transparency, trust, and emotional intelligence fuel cultural momentum

If you're looking to strengthen alignment, elevate your team, and lead with heart in high-stakes environments, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Drew Hoehn of Red, White & Blue Fire Protection District (Breckenridge, CO) reflects on nearly 30 years in the fire service—from a post-9/11 move to Summit County to co-leading a department with a rare dual-chief model.

With thoughtful perspective and hard-won experience, Chief Hoehn shares what it means to lead with humility, shape culture through example, and make high-stakes decisions without losing your humanity. Whether navigating a medical crisis, working across cultures in Central America, or empowering future leaders, his approach is grounded, candid, and refreshingly self-aware.

🔥 Tune in to hear:

✅ What a dual-chief model looks like—and why it works for RWB Fire

✅ How medical adversity reshaped his leadership lens

✅ The importance of emotional maturity and heart-forward leadership

✅ Why judgment—not assumptions—is a critical leadership muscle

✅ Lessons from training EMS providers in Honduras

✅ How inclusion, succession, and vulnerability build long-term strength

This episode explores how to lead with clarity, care, and conscience—especially when the decisions are hard and the stakes are real.

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Deputy Chief Michael Cerovski of Lacey Fire District 3 (WA) shares his journey from line firefighter in Colorado to his current role overseeing administration in a high-performing, people-centered department in the Pacific Northwest.

With over three decades in the fire service—including time in prevention, training, and operations—Chief Cerovski brings a rare depth of perspective on what it means to lead with humility, take risks, and develop the entire team—not just the fire floor. From navigating labor-management relations to preparing people for retirement with dignity, this episode explores the often-overlooked layers of leadership that make organizations thrive.

🔥 Tune in to hear:

✅ Why seeking discomfort can shape both personal and professional growth

✅ What healthy labor-management relationships really look like—and why they matter

✅ How to lead administrative teams with the same purpose as operational crews

✅ The role of succession planning not just in promotions, but in retirement

✅ How leaders intent creates shared ownership—beyond the fireground

✅ Why inclusion and diversity are not just values, but operational advantages

Whether you’re in operations, admin, or just starting out, this episode offers a deeply intentional look at the quieter—but no less critical—forms of leadership that sustain trust, readiness, and long-term success.

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Brad White—Fire Chief of Grand Fire Protection District No. 1 and President of the Board of Directors for the Colorado State Fire Chiefs—shares candid insights on the challenges and responsibilities facing today’s fire service leaders. Drawing from his experience during the East Troublesome Fire and his current statewide leadership role, Chief White reflects on how local leadership, regional coordination, and public trust all intersect.

From navigating the realities of land use to representing chiefs across Colorado, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at fire service leadership in high-stakes, high-visibility environments.

🔥 Tune in to hear:

✅ Lessons from East Troublesome and how they shaped statewide wildfire perspectives

✅ Why land use and development are fire service issues—and leadership ones

✅ What it means to represent fire chiefs from every corner of Colorado

✅ How to bridge local decision-making with regional coordination and mutual aid

✅ The connection between training culture and budget credibility

✅ Why humility, communication, and service-first thinking still matter most

Whether you're a frontline officer or a statewide decision-maker, this episode offers a grounded and timely perspective on what the fire service needs next—and what kind of leadership will get us there.

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Assistant Chief Greg Ward of Loveland Fire Rescue Authority shares insights from over three decades in the fire service—including his current role leading risk reduction, readiness, and wellness. A third-generation firefighter, Chief Ward reflects on what it means to stay committed to your people, lead through quiet innovation, and build something that lasts.

From strategy to succession, his leadership style is rooted in reflection, resilience, and a relentless focus on doing what’s right—even when it’s not easy.

🔥 Tune in to hear:

✅ Why courage in leadership often means stepping outside the norm

✅ How LFRA’s culture of compassion starts from the inside out

✅ The mindset shift from operations to organizational development

✅ Why timing matters when introducing change and innovation

✅ How to build regional solutions for logistics, training, and wellness

✅ Lessons he's passing on to the next generation—including his son in the fire service

Whether you're leading change, mentoring others, or building something from the ground up, this episode offers practical wisdom from a steady, forward-looking leader.

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Don Lombardi of West Metro Fire Rescue reflects on more than three decades in the fire service, including 14 years as Fire Chief. As he prepares to retire, Chief Lombardi shares the hard-won lessons that shaped his leadership—from building a strong organizational culture to navigating grief, growth, and generational change.

From responding to firefighter suicides to creating strategic planning teams that empowered his department, this is a conversation about building something that lasts—through clarity, humility, and a deep belief in the people around you.

🔥 Tune in to hear:

✅ Why early experience as a teacher and coach influenced his leadership style

✅ How West Metro rebuilt morale and trust after losing a ballot measure and downsizing services

✅ What he learned from navigating two firefighter suicides—and how it shaped a proactive mental wellness culture

✅ How strategic planning teams gave West Metro members real ownership and voice

✅ Why succession planning began years before his retirement—and led to an internal-only chief search

✅ What it looks like to lead through legacy, not ego

If you lead in any high-trust profession, this episode is a candid and grounded look at evolving with your organization—and leaving it stronger than you found it.

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Mark Schuman of Adams County Fire Rescue shares what it means to lead with humility and intent in the complex world of emergency management. With over three decades in the fire service and a career rooted in hazardous materials response, Chief Schuman reflects on lessons learned from high-stakes leadership roles—and how emotional intelligence, followership, and self-awareness shape strong teams.

Whether he’s talking about the balance between confidence and humility or how to guide people through change, Chief Schuman offers grounded wisdom for leaders navigating uncertain terrain.

🔥 Tune in to hear:

✅ Why humility and clarity of intent are core to Chief Schuman’s leadership style

✅ How to stay approachable while maintaining credibility and direction

✅ What emotional intelligence looks like in action—especially under pressure

✅ The importance of followership and knowing when to support vs. direct

✅ Why building trust starts with consistency, not charisma

If you’re a fire officer, emergency manager, or team leader of any kind, this episode is a thoughtful look at what it really means to lead people—not just processes—in times of change.

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief TJ Steck of Elizabeth Fire Protection District shares a candid look at his journey from volunteer firefighter to Fire Chief of the Year. With nearly three decades in fire service, Chief Steck reflects on what it really takes to lead a growing department while staying grounded in humility, service, and a deep care for people.

From building a strong command team to navigating leadership transitions with integrity, his story offers clear lessons on leading through growth, change, and real-world responsibility. This is a conversation about purpose, mentorship, and the quiet courage required to keep showing up—even when the path is uncertain.

🔥 Tune in to hear:

✅ Why humility and presence are key to long-term leadership

✅ How to prepare future leaders without rushing the process

✅ Lessons from stepping into leadership “accidentally” — and rising to the challenge

✅ The importance of self-reflection and staying connected to your people

✅ Why honoring the role is just as important as holding the title

Whether you’re early in your career or approaching succession, this episode will challenge and encourage you to lead with clarity, care, and confidence.