Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table

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.

Fire Chief Adrien Sheppard of the Redmond Fire Department dives deep into Succession Planning & Strategy. He stresses the importance of talent acquisition, cultural fluency and providing for fail safe environments for growth and development of your people to take place. Succession planning is not about an individual or a person, it's about the organization. Don't be afraid to think differently, and show vulnerability. Remember, "Don't take things personal!"

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.

Deputy Fire Chief Steven Dubay (ret.). of Colorado Springs Fire Department's emphasizes to all leaders to "Never Stop Learning." Feedback is a gift. Look in the mirror and look at yourself first when trying to become your best self. Know your strengths, know your weaknesses, take advantage of opportunities, always be open-minded and learn from everywhere!

Fire Chief Shannon Stone of Midway Fire District talks company officer leadership, adversity, high performing teams and cultures. Are you a leader who sees problems or sees opportunities? Leaders must be good at teaching and sharing information. They should be an expert at their job and every job below theirs. Always put others before yourself, study servant leadership and study human behavior. Anyone who knows how to effectively communicate will get more out of life.

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!