Captain Berlin Maza & Deputy Fire Chief Bill Mack sit down with leaders in all professions and industries from across the country to have leadership conversations at the firehouse kitchen table! Leaders share their stories, philosophies and perspectives on leadership. They talk about their non-negotiable behaviors, actions and traits, as well as offer action items for newer employees, emerging leaders, and senior members of organizations to grow as leaders!
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August 24, 2026Episode 1031 hr 5 min
Ep. 103: Dave Tait, Fire Chief - Succession Planning & Problem Solving
Fire Chief Dave Tait of the City of Bellevue Fire Department in Washington takes us inside the world of leadership, problem-solving, and succession planning. In this episode, Chief Tait unpacks what he calls the “monkey” in problem-solving —the issues we can unintentionally take on ourselves instead of empowering others to solve them. He also shares his “identify two people” method for succession planning , a practical approach to developing future leaders and building organizational depth.
Pete Brummel, retired Deputy Chief and 35-year veteran of the fire service, for a powerful conversation about authentic leadership and the personal work required to lead others well. Pete shares lessons from a career spent serving, leading, and developing people, with a focus on the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and self-reflection. He explores what it means for leaders to truly know themselves—their strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and blind spots—and how that awareness can shape the way they show up for their teams. We also dig into the often-misunderstood role of vulnerability in leadership. Pete explains why vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness, but can actually create credibility, strengthen relationships, and build trust. Being willing to acknowledge mistakes, admit what you don’t know, listen to others, and continually learn can make a leader more relatable, more credible, and ultimately more effective. Drawing on 35 years in the fire service, Pete offers perspective on leadership, humility, accountability, trust, and the importance of staying connected to the people you serve. This is a conversation about more than leadership skills—it’s about the person behind the leader, the courage to look inward, and the impact authenticity can have on a team, an organization, and a career.
December 26, 2023Episode 321 hr 41 min
Ep. 32: Emon Usher, Deputy Fire Chief (ret.) - Remember Your Oath & Serve Well
Deputy Fire Chief (ret.) Emon Usher of the City Richmond Fire Dept. in California and coaching cadre with the Firefighter Inspiration Readiness & Education Team joins us and calls for all firefighters to always remember your oath, look to serve and to serve well. Good leaders should be visionaries, be vulnerable and should speak with the 3 C's: Command, Clarity & Common Sense. Leader's must step up to the mic!
August 21, 2025Episode 771 hr 58 min
Ep. 77: Phil Jose, Deputy Chief (ret.) - Curiosity
Retired Deputy Chief of Seattle Fire Department Phil Jose discusses Curiosity as a required leadership trait. "Replace judgement with curiosity!" Chief Jose teaches internationally on the Art of Reading Smoke, Tactical Decision-making , and Instructional Craftsmanship: Building your Expertise and Ability at the Front of the Room. Leaders must learn the art of teaching to be effective. Leaders must fulfill their oath by using all of their resources around them to deliver the best service possible.
December 30, 2025Episode 8955 min
Ep. 89: Ash Shapiro, Lieutenant - Getting the Job Done
Lieutenant Ash Shapiro of Hartford Fire Department talks getting the job done, especially if no one else is. Take the job seriously but don't take yourself too seriously. A good leader keeps their eyes open and watches people. They must get to know the people they lead and have a little fun. There will always be a few bad apples, but leaders must learn their strengths and weaknesses too. It's ok to knock someone down, as long as you build them back up!
March 10, 2025Episode 661 hr 12 min
Ep. 66: John Payne, Assistant Chief - Individual Leadership Growth
Assistant Chief John Payne of Bremerton Fire Department discusses individual leadership growth and becoming the leader you are supposed to be, not the leader that someone else is. Lead "your way" and understand that there are leadership lessons everywhere around you. Find them, extract them, and use what works for you! Leaders should "Provide Vision and Allow Action!"
May 31, 2026Episode 981 hr 7 min
Ep. 98: Ryan McGrady, Fire Chief - Humility & Vulnerability
Fire Chief Ryan McGrady of West Pierce Fire & Rescue, one of the most powerful leadership traits isn't about having all the answers—it's about being willing to be vulnerable. Chief McGrady discusses how vulnerability accelerates growth, both for leaders and the teams they serve. By acknowledging mistakes, asking questions, and being open about challenges, leaders make change easier to navigate and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Vulnerability also equips leaders to handle difficult conversations with honesty and empathy, strengthening relationships and helping teams work through conflict more effectively. A key lesson from Chief McGrady's leadership philosophy is that great leaders are also great followers. Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room. Instead, it requires the willingness to listen, learn, and trust the expertise of others.
January 17, 2023Episode 61 hr 32 min
Ep. 6: Aaron Tyerman, Deputy Chief - Being Vulnerable & Staying Infinitely Curious as a Leader
Deputy Chief Aaron Tyerman of Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority talks about becoming exceptional at what you do by surrounding yourself with exceptional people. He talks vulnerable leadership, generational leadership, as well as staying infinitely curious in this profession and with people to grow as a leader.
February 10, 2023Episode 91 hr 37 min
Ep. 9: Aaron Fields, Lieutenant - Mastering your Craft & Leading from all Ranks
"Comfort is the Enemy to Growth," as quoted by Lt. Aaron Fields with Seattle Fire Dept. in his speech at FDIC 2017 upon accepting the "Instructor of the Year" Award. Aaron fields is the founder of "Nozzle Forward," and he unpacks how there is no such thing as informal leadership, in that all kinds of leadership is formal regardless of rank, and that organizations must have leaders at every single rank. Lt. Fields discusses leadership, mentorship and instruction, and the passion that is needed within all.
August 25, 2024Episode 501 hr 20 min
Ep. 50: The Wolfpack, NFA - Benefits of a Wolfpack
A group of dedicated fire officers who met at the Command & Control class at the National Fire Academy came together to create a "Wolfpack." Committed to continuous mentorship and learning, topics discussed are: Vulnerability, mentorship, diverse thought and perspective, personal & professional growth and a whole lot more. Tune into the 50th episode of the Kitchen Table!
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