Building Great Leaders

In this episode, Managing Director of Vipond Fire Protection in the UK, Alastair Wilson, shares his leadership journey and what it was like to transition into his role, empower a team, and embrace change along the way. Plus, Alastair reveals the importance of providing a safe environment and space for all team members to ask questions in order to understand why something is being done.

In this episode, Service Manager for Western States Fire Protection, Jim Stewart, reveals the value of clear communication, adaptable leadership, and the importance of recognizing others while you invest in yourself. He also shares the tremendous opportunities that exist for younger generations to develop and advance to leadership roles within the organization, and so much more.

In this episode, Chubb CEO Andrew White shares some of the lessons he learned on the rugby pitch, like the importance of making an impact and being a visible leader. Like APi Group as a whole, Andrew and Chubb are dedicated to investing in each of their team members, developing great leaders in order to make the world a safe place. He also shares Chubb's new values and discloses which one resonate...

What can you do in your current role to really grow and be the best that you can be, where you are right now? In this episode, APi Group's Senior Vice President and U.S. Safety Services Segment Leader, Don Brown, shares how he has been able to do this throughout his career, as well as what he has done to answer the call when needed, and the ways that he has learned to always be present for his col...

What does it mean to put people first?  In this episode, APi Group's Chief People Officer, Kristina Morton, talks all about her goals for the People People Leadership Team.  APi's focus on Individual Development Plans and the impact to the business are discussed.  She explains her view on APi's lofty goal to become the #1 people-first company. Kristina also gets into some tougher subjects around l...

Shane Shipman, president of Lejeune Steel, shares his path from growing up in a small town in Wyoming to joining the military to becoming leader of "special projects" for APi Group.  Listen as he describes his approach to innovation and how they involve people at the the point of the problem in the change.  Shane shares the philosophy at LeJeune about "outdoing." How can you outdo what is expected...

What are you doing to shape your own story?  In this episode, Bill Ball, President of APi Mechanicals shares pivotal moments that have impacted the course of his leadership journey.  He talks about the lessons he learned while serving in the military, how mentors have helped shape his story, and why it is important for young leaders to share their aspirations with their leaders. 

Caralie Roisum, Kevin Hazard, and Sadie Grunau talk with Laura Seitz about their experiences as members of the Building Great Leaders Podcast Team. The three reflect on their accomplishments in 2022, their plans for 2023, as well as engage with feedback from the APi community about their work on the podcast. After a busy and successful year, Roisum, Hazard, Grunau, and Seitz take this opportunity...

Three of APi Group's Talent Magnet Team participants share their leadership stories through the lens of their continued involvement and dedication to helping APi attract, engage, and retain talent. David Wolf of Western States Fire Protection, Chris Lillie of the Grunau Company, and Emily Work of American Fire Protection Group and Viking, sit down to discuss how they got involved with the Talent M...

Patrick Conlin, or Pat, is the Tools & Equipment / Buildings & Grounds Manager at The Jamar Company. Conlin speaks to his ability to converse with anyone, making them feel heard and seen. He stresses that this "Gift of Gab" has allowed him to learn valuable communication skills and understand the importance of having both simple and difficult conversations with one's peers each and every day. Pat...

Craig Carpenter, the Assistant to the Director of Telecom at Mid-Ohio Pipeline Services, reflects on his 25 years with the Mid-Ohio family. Craig shares the importance of developing personal and professional relationships in your place of work and explains why he has stayed with the same company for so long. He also offers young listeners advice as they embark on their careers.  He explains that o...

Rashid Kadir, the President of Tessier's Inc., discusses his educational, professional, and personal journeys with host Laura Seitz. Rashid traveled overseas from Malaysia to Massachusetts to earn his college education. Along the way, he developed his personal leadership style, constantly pushing those around him to reach their full potential, even if they don't see their own capabilities. Additio...

Chuck Martin, the Regional Manager for Viking Fire Protection Group, reflects on the lessons he has learned as he enters the final few years of his career. Chuck experienced many different jobs and has overcome less than ideal situations. From getting laid off, to moving across the country, Chuck has been able to learn and grow as both a business man and a person. Chuck expresses his gratitude for...

Cori Prokopowicz, a Project Manager at APi Construction, deep dives into the twelve years she has spent with the organization. Cori recently completed a four year project, combating exhaustion, and finding ways to motivate the team throughout. She identifies learning opportunities from the experience and shares how the team built positive customer relationships along the way. Finally, Cori shares...

Katie Hunt, the IT Director of Business Systems at APi Group offers listeners her incredible story. Hunt dicusses the importance optimizing processes and seeing improvement in the IT Field. She also shares her focus on honest leadership and the power of providing and receiving thoughtful feedback. Outside of the office, Katie is just as involved and successful as she is inside of it. Hunt is defen...

Jimmy Rachal, a Superintendent and Project Manager at Western States Fire Protection, reflects on his 22 years in the life safety industry. Jimmy shares with listeners some of his most memorable projects and his overall experience in the field. He talks about being resilient in the face of adversity, raising children, and prioritizing mental health in both his work life and home life. Finally, Jim...

Ryan Spinti, the Cyber Security Director at APi Group, shares insights on far more than online safety. Ryan describes own journey from being the target of bullies, to hanging out with the wrong crowd, to finding himself, both personally and professionally. Listeners hear about ways to ensure their online presence is secure, and about how to act as an approachable, positive leader, even in a field...

Travis Sticka, the Vice President of Western States Fire Protection, discusses the immense changes he has adapted to throughout his career and what he has learned from those experiences. From an autobody shop to a corporate office, Travis shares his main leadership takeaways from his sixteen years in the business. Plus, he talks about development opportunities at Western States Fire Protection tha...

Kevin Krumm, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at APi Group, shares his personal story of growing up on a farm and his professional journey to a career in Finance. Kevin discusses a time when he received critical feedback and had to take a step back and learn from his own mistakes. He learned the importance of establishing trust and genuine human connections in a work space....

How do you make yourself known to the people around you? Brendan McNulty, the Vice President of Europe Chubb Fire and Security Group, has a hands-on approach to leadership. In his episode, McNulty shares his most powerful leadership lessons and discusses his use of communication and fun to ensure Chubb's success. He emphasizes the importance of getting involved and the power of holding firm in one...

Mr. Lee Anderson, the former owner of APi Group, dives into the history of the organization and his own personal journey to building a successful company. He discusses his upbringing, family life, and experiences preceding his time at APi Group. Listeners will be inspired by his leadership journey and his humility as he attributes luck's role in his business endeavors. Mr. Anderson answers longsta...

Annie Wernert, the Regional Controller at Davis - Ulmer and U.S.A. Fire Protection, shares her story about searching for a job where she wanted to stay long term. She dives into the power of giving compliments, being vulnerable, self-deprecating humor, and creating fun. She offers listeners information on the upcoming Women's Summit, emphasizes the importance of constantly pursuing new learning, a...

Tony Lucia, the president of Tenet, transitioned from professional hockey to APi Group and shares what he as learned along the way. Tony talks about the many forms leadership can take and emphasizes the importance of asking good questions. He also discusses the art of balance, specifically in relation to his growing family.  Plus, he hares his experiences with the programs and resources offered at...

Ellen Meyer, APi Group's Deputy General Counsel, discusses a overcoming a life-altering struggle with insomnia. She dives into the importance of being vulnerable and how that, in turn, creates a safe space for others to do the same. Ellen shares how she has tried to create a positive culture between APi Group's companies and the legal team on board and offers insights into her own professional jou...

Rajesh Bhat, the Chief Technology Officer at APi Group. discusses the importance of continuously possessing a student mindset. He dives into how he has learned from his international experiences, how he believes APi Group can best utilize technology, and shares his own take on leadership journeys. Rajesh pushes listeners to think of ways technology can help business and unite all of APi's companie...