Building Great Leaders

Hosted by APi Group

Business Management

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Episodes

130

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

What does leadership mean? How can I lead within my role? What are the lessons APi Group leaders have learned throughout their careers? The Building Great Leaders podcast aims to answer these questions and more! Leaders will share their personal stories, the mindsets that helped them excel, and the behaviors they use to positively influence others. We hope to inspire listeners to be better leaders at work, in their communities, and in their homes.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 6, 2026Episode 13044 min

Episode 130: Shifting Leadership from a Program to a Culture

In this episode, Clint Grossmann, Leadership Development Leader for Chubb Australia and New Zealand, discusses his leadership journey, and how the team has adopted both the Leadership Mindset, and the Building Great Leaders Culture of APi Group. Clint shares his experience with multiple career pivots and explains how opportunities opened up for him by trying things in new and creative ways. Hear what he's currently working on, how he translates theoretical concepts into something practical, and what fires him up the most about his role.

July 14, 2026Episode 12939 min

Episode 129: Being a Spark Plug as a Leader

In this episode, Bill DeNet, President of Tessiers, opens up about navigating career transitions with a family, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning to step away from his comfort zone. He explains what it truly means to lead from your highest point of influence and how a culture rooted in healthy sarcasm and professional trust can supercharge an organization's speed.

June 9, 2026Episode 12823 min

Episode 128: The Power of People-First Leadership: Lessons from the Navy to API Group

In this episode, Sam Smith, Director of Inspections Enablement, shares his leadership journey from the depths of a submarine to the heart of API Group's fastest-growing program. Sam discusses how investing in people became his North Star and why he walked away from chasing titles to find a company that prioritizes long-term growth over short-term wins.

May 13, 2026Episode 12719 min

Episode 127: Embracing a Redemptive and Growth Mindset

In this episode, Bryce Muir, General Superintendent for Scaffold Service, shares his journey toward radical ownership and executive leadership. Bryce discusses how a redemptive mindset and intentional gratitude for daily opportunities have shaped his "silver liner" philosophy. He highlights his commitment to a growth mindset, sharing how he actively seeks blunt feedback through mentorship to refine his communication and leadership.

April 17, 2026Episode 12639 min

Episode 126: Leaders Develop Leaders

In this episode, Duane Patrick, Vice President of Leadership & Development for Viking Fire Protection Group, shares his evolution from a bass-playing introvert to an executive leader. From his early days in musical theater and church bands to a pivotal career wake-up call at age 22, Duane discusses how early setbacks and a commitment to daily self-reflection helped him build a culture of abundance. He shares his experience of people who have poured into him and how, he in turn, is dedicated to developing himself and others. Plus, Duane shares ideas on how to encourage IDPs in the field.

March 24, 2026Episode 12536 min

Episode 125: The Power of the Pivot: Resilience, Near-Misses, and the Ripple Effect of Leadership

In this episode, Mike West, Senior Vice-President of Elevated, shares his high-stakes leadership journey defined by resilience and a "field-first" mentality. From navigating the waterways of Fort Lauderdale as a youth to surviving a near-death accident in an elevator pit, Mike discusses how these formative experiences forged his unwavering commitment to safety and professional accountability.

March 3, 2026Episode 12426 min

Episode 124: Building Trust in the Field

In this episode, Anthony Escover, Director of Field Development for Western States Fire Protection, discusses the transition from an apprentice in the field to director of field leadership and the importance of establishing trust within a large-scale organization. He shares his perspective on the cultural shift toward servant leadership in the trades, the critical role of positive reinforcement in talent retention, and why intentional follow-through is the most effective tool for bridging the gap between field and office operations.

February 11, 2026Episode 12338 min

Episode 123: The Power of Alignment: Navigating Head, Heart, and Gut in Leadership

In this episode, Sengdara Grue, APi Group's Vice President of IT, Planning, Execution and Delivery, shares her journey from first-generation refugee to leading high-level technical transformations. She discusses the grit instilled by her family's sacrifices, the importance of aligning head, heart, and gut in leadership, and her commitment to "lifting and pulling up" others in the tech landscape. Sengdara also explores how intentional habits like the 5 a.m. Club build the resilience needed to lead with purpose, in both life and business.

January 20, 2026Episode 12239 min

Episode 122: Values-Based Leadership and Scaling Beyond Expertise

In this episode, Cutter Tyllia, Vice-President of Transformation at APi Group, shares his transition from leading an operating company to driving API Group's enterprise transformation. He discusses shifting from subject matter expertise to leading through influence and vulnerability, reflecting on his father's leadership legacy and the importance of mental resilience in balancing a high-stakes career with family.

December 23, 2025Episode 12129 min

Episode 121: Overcoming Fear & Controlling the Controllables

In this episode, Rose Misiewicz, Department Manager of Roofing & Architectural Metals at Jamar Company, discusses her unique transition from architecture student to construction leader. Rose shares her insights on overcoming the fear of failure, the importance of "controlling the controllables" in both business and sports, and her experience as a pioneer in operational leadership. She also dives into her rewarding role as a coach for the U.S. Women's National Sled Hockey team and how elite athletics informs her approach to team development and professional growth.