The Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast

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...

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 ...

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...

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 nav...

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 coaching tree that outlasts your own te...

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 navigating the rising complexity ...

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 leadership approach. From his time as C...

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 at the core of great leadership. Fr...

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 transitioning into the fire chief role.

🔥 Tu...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Chief Leif Sackett of Colorado River Fire Rescue to discuss leadership in high-risk environments, the importance of trust within a department, and the challenges of wildfire preparedness.

With extensive experience in both urban and wildland fire response, Chief Sackett shares insights on leading teams through uncertainty, building a strong department cultur...

In this episode of the Convergent Impact Leadership Podcast, Chief Paul Capo of Estes Valley Fire Protection District joins us to discuss his leadership journey, the evolution of firefighter training, and the critical importance of adaptability in the fire service.

With decades of experience and a passion for firefighter survival and self-preservation, Chief Capo shares insights on leading through change, building resilient teams, a...

In this episode, I sit down with Chief Sterling Folden, Deputy Chief of Operations for Mountain View Fire Protection District in Colorado. With over 30 years of fire service experience, Chief Folden shares his leadership journey, the importance of innovation while managing risk, and his pivotal role during the response to the historic Marshall Fire in 2021. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with actionable leadership ins...