The Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast

As fire departments grow in size and complexity, maintaining organizational alignment becomes increasingly difficult. Communication becomes more layered, priorities compete for attention, and leaders across the organization work to keep teams connected to a common purpose. In this episode, I’m joined by Alec Oughton, Fire Chief of Aurora Fire Rescue, to talk about the realities of leading a large...

Stepping into the role of Fire Chief is a monumental transition for any leader, but doing so in a high-performing organization requires a unique blend of humility and strategy. In this episode, Eric Savickas sits down with Chief Ryan Roberts of Front Range Fire Rescue to discuss his journey from a third-generation volunteer firefighter to leading one of Colorado’s most respected agencies. Chief Ro...

Training is one of the most critical, and often underappreciated, functions in the fire service. It shapes performance, builds confidence, and ultimately determines how well we serve our communities when it matters most. In this episode, I’m joined by Chief Lisa Pine, State Fire Training Director with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, to talk about her unique path into the fire...

Leadership in the fire service often requires navigating change, balancing culture, and communicating intent in a way that moves an organization forward. In this episode, I’m joined by Ken Watkins, Executive Director of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs and former Fire Chief of the Grand Junction Fire Department, to talk about leadership lessons from more than four decades in the fire service. Ken sh...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast , I’m joined by Chief Ben Ojinaga, Assistant Chief of Operations with the Greeley Fire Department. With more than three decades in the fire service, Chief Ojinaga shares a grounded, experience-based perspective on what strong leadership actually looks like in the day-to-day, not in theory, not on a slide. We talk about the early influence...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast , Chief Pepper Valdez of Mountain View Fire Rescue reflects on leadership, transitions, and the lessons that shaped his 30-year fire service career. From his early years in Billings, Montana, to his recent arrival in Colorado, Chief Valdez shares candid insights on when to lead from the front, when to get out of the way, and how to build...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Jeremy Young of the Frederick-Firestone Fire District reflects on his 30+ years in emergency services, including nearly a decade as fire chief in one of Colorado’s fastest-growing districts. From his roots in Kansas City to his leadership roles on the Colorado State Fire Chiefs E-Board and the International Association of Fire Chie...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, recently retired Assistant Chief Eric Valliere of Scottsdale Fire reflects on his 34-year journey in the fire service—from riding a fire truck in 1991 to helping lead one of Arizona’s most innovative departments. A passionate advocate for firefighter safety, leadership development, and emotional intelligence, Chief Valliere shares what i...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Mike Morgan—Director of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control—shares leadership lessons shaped over nearly four decades in public safety. From his early days as a volunteer firefighter in Rifle to leading statewide fire service coordination, Chief Morgan offers a clear, experienced perspective on what it takes to lea...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Jason Caughey of Laramie County Fire Authority (Cheyenne, WY) shares real-world leadership lessons from three decades in the fire service and 15 years leading one of Wyoming’s most progressive combination departments. From launching a resident firefighter program to delivering a high-profile keynote on safety and aggressiveness, Ch...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Kris Kazian of Evergreen Fire Rescue reflects on three decades in the fire service—including leadership roles in Illinois, Arizona, and Colorado—and the lessons learned from each. From navigating organizational change to integrating volunteer and career staff, Chief Kazian shares candid insights on leadership longevity, culture-bui...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Tim Sendelbach of Loveland Fire Rescue Authority reflects on four decades in the fire service—from growing up in the shadow of the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire to leading at the national level as a speaker, editor, and now chief of a progressive Colorado department. With humility, candor, and hard-won perspective, Chief Sendelbac...

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,...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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 re...

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 i...

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 b...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Michael West of Front Range Fire Rescue shares reflections from over 40 years in the fire service—including his final weeks before retirement. A fourth-generation firefighter and seasoned leader, Chief West opens up about the lessons that shaped his career, the values he carried across departments, and what it means to build a coac...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Randy Royal of the Colorado Springs Fire Department shares insights from over 42 years in emergency services—and the lessons that have shaped his leadership philosophy. Chief Royal, the 2024 IAFC Career Fire Chief of the Year, reflects on how adaptability, culture change, and people-first leadership have defined his journey. From n...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Mike Scott shares his leadership journey from junior explorer to Assistant Chief of Operations and Training at Grand Fire—and now, President of the Colorado Fire Training Officers Association. With more than 25 years in fire and EMS, Chief Scott reflects on how humility, collaboration, and a passion for training have shaped his lea...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Pete Bradshaw of Lafayette Fire Department shares his leadership journey and the lessons he's learned through over 25 years in the fire service. Chief Bradshaw talks candidly about the transition from deputy chief to fire chief, how he balances confidence without crossing into arrogance, and why relationships—not checklists—are...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast , Chief Jim Klug of Platte Valley Fire Protection District shares his leadership journey, from growing up in a small-town volunteer firehouse in Wisconsin to leading a fire district in Colorado. Chief Klug discusses the importance of mentorship, department culture, and developing future leaders , as well as the challenges he faced transit...