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The Leadership Crucible Podcast

The Leadership Crucible Podcast

Written by: The Leadership Crucible
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 Everyone faces crucibles of adversity that make them who they are. Leaders of influence use those moments to help forge themselves into better people and leaders, leaving it better than they found it and paying it forward to the next generations. Join Chief Randy Bruegman for our weekly podcast as he speaks with leaders from all walks of life, exploring and learning from their personal journeys and the crucibles they have faced, as they strive to help others live a life of success and significance.Copyright The Leadership Crucible Economics
Episodes
  • Female Fire Chief on Leadership, Trust, & Breaking the Mold | Chief Trisha Wolford

    Female Fire Chief on Leadership, Trust, & Breaking the Mold | Chief Trisha Wolford
    Jan 23 2026
    Breaking barriers in the fire service isn’t about titles—it’s about trust, courage, and consistency over time. In this episode of The Leadership Crucible Podcast, Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with Chief Trisha Wolford, one of only three women to ever serve as President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, to explore what it truly takes to lead in a profession shaped by tradition, pressure, and high expectations.Chief Wolford shares her journey from growing up in a fire service family in Rockford, Illinois, to becoming Fire Chief in Anne Arundel County and now serving at the national level. She reflects on earning respect in a male-dominated profession, leading through relational trust, and making difficult decisions when public scrutiny, social media pressure, and organizational complexity collide.This conversation goes beyond breaking glass ceilings. Chief Wolford speaks candidly about leadership fatigue, decision-making under fire, navigating crisis, and staying grounded while carrying responsibility that never really turns off. From mentoring the next generation to shaping national policy and advocating for the future of the fire service, her story offers a grounded, honest look at principled leadership.Whether you’re a firefighter, a chief, or a leader responsible for people in high-stakes environments, this episode delivers timeless lessons on courage, humility, trust, and what it means to leave the profession better than you found it.IN THIS EPISODE:00:00 – Trailer: A Trailblazing Fire Service Leader01:16 – Growing Up in a Fire Service Family03:57 – From Graphic Design to the Fire Academy05:39 – Finding Purpose Beyond a Paycheck06:39 – Why Character Matters in the Fire Service07:04 – Defining Moments That Shaped Her Leadership07:54 – Taking the Risk: Leaving Home to Grow as a Leader10:41 – Lessons Learned in Bozeman, Montana12:59 – Staying Grounded as a Fire Chief15:44 – Managing Decision Fatigue & Burnout17:27 – Stepping Into the IAFC Presidency19:23 – Leading at the National & International Level22:25 – Sustainability, Funding, and the Future of the Fire Service26:49 – Change Fatigue, Technology, and AI30:08 – Empathy, Adaptability, and Human-Centered Leadership33:13 – Crucible Moments: Social Media, Crisis, and Public Scrutiny38:24 – Standing by Your People Under Fire44:30 – Leadership Accountability & Learning from Failure47:42 – What the Next Generation of Leaders Must Develop51:22 – Saying No, Innovation, and Focus56:13 – Leaving It Better: Legacy, Service, and Paying It Forward01:02:02 – Closing Reflections on Leadership & TrustABOUT CHIEF WOLFORD:Trisha L. Wolford is the Fire Chief of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department in Maryland and currently serves as President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)—one of only three women in the organization’s history to hold the role.As Fire Chief, Wolford leads one of the largest combination fire departments in the country, serving more than 600,000 residents across 580 square miles and 31 fire stations. She is responsible for over 1,000 career firefighters, approximately 500 operational volunteer firefighters, nearly 1,000 administrative volunteers, fire communications personnel, and civilian support staff.Chief Wolford began her career with Anne Arundel County in 2006 as a firefighter/paramedic. In 2011, she was assigned to the Fire Marshal’s Office and later became a sworn law enforcement officer after completing the Anne Arundel County Police Academy. She served in fire and explosives investigations, promoted to Lieutenant, and spent four years as a Tactical Medic with the SWAT program.Her executive leadership experience includes serving as Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Marshal in Bozeman, Montana, and Assistant Fire Chief overseeing operations for the Spokane Fire Department. In 2019, she returned to Anne Arundel County to become Fire Chief of her home department.Chief Wolford holds a bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University, a master’s degree in Management and Organizational Leadership, and an MBA. She is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, the IAFC Fire Service Executive Development Institute, and holds CFO and CFM designations from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. In addition to her IAFC presidency, she serves on the FirstNet Authority Board and was appointed in 2025 to Maryland’s State EMS Advisory Council.LINKS & RESOURCES:- IAFC | Web (https://www.iafc.org/) - IAFC | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/iafc/) - IAFC | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/firechiefs/)- IAFC | Instagram- FDNY | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-city-fire-department/) - Chief Wolford | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisha-wolford-4a716bb0/) LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:- YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@theleadershipcrucible) - Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/5f2mxvfj) - ...
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Leading the FDNY: Chief John Esposito on High Stakes Leadership in New York City

    Leading the FDNY: Chief John Esposito on High Stakes Leadership in New York City
    Jan 8 2026
    Leading the FDNY isn’t just a job—it’s a constant test of judgment, consistency, and character. In this episode of The Leadership Crucible Podcast, Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with Chief John Esposito, Acting Chief of Department for the New York City Fire Department, to explore what high-stakes leadership looks like inside the most iconic fire service organization in the world.With more than three decades rising through the ranks—from engine companies in Queens to Special Operations in Manhattan—Chief Esposito oversees more than 14,000 uniformed members in a city where every decision is scrutinized and the pressure never lets up. He shares how consistency builds trust in massive organizations, why culture is shaped by what leaders tolerate, and how the FDNY honors its historic legacy while still evolving tactics, training, and technology.From command-level accountability and crisis decision-making to caring for firefighters and EMTs as family, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at what it takes to lead people who risk everything—every single day.Whether you’re a first responder, a public-sector leader, or anyone responsible for others in high-pressure environments, this episode delivers timeless lessons on trust, steadiness, and leadership at scale.IN THIS EPISODE:00:00 – Trailer: Leadership at the Highest Level in NYC00:55 – What the Chief of Department Role Really Entails02:54 – Leading 14,000+ Members Across Fire & EMS03:31 – Why FDNY Faces Unique Operational Challenges04:07 – Consistency as the Foundation of Trust06:45 – Representing the FDNY Brand On and Off Duty08:06 – The Role of Mentorship in Esposito’s Leadership Journey10:25 – Staying Calm When There Are No Easy Answers11:48 – Discipline, Accountability, and Fair Application of Policy13:20 – The Challenge of Communicating Across a Massive Organization14:12 – Honoring Tradition While Evolving Tactics & Technology16:59 – Innovation, High-Rise Risk, and Fireground Data18:54 – Why Trust Is Non-Negotiable in Firehouse Culture22:25 – Leadership Tested During Crisis Moments24:19 – Family, Care, and Showing Up for Your People25:25 – Managing Pressure and Avoiding Burnout at the Top28:43 – Culture, Probies, and Building a Winning Organization30:38 – Teaching the Next Generation of FDNY Leaders33:49 – Making the Hard Decisions Leaders Don’t Want to Make35:21 – Accountability Starts at the Top37:49 – When Leadership Conflicts With Personal Beliefs42:07 – Budget Pressure, Resources, and Public Safety Reality45:45 – The Legacy Chief Esposito Hopes to Leave49:21 – Closing Reflections on Leadership and ServiceABOUT CHIEF ESPOSITO:Chief Esposito began his career with the Department in 1991 and most recently served as Chief of Operations, where he oversaw the day-to-day work of more than 11,000 firefighters and fire officers, as well as dozens of high-ranking Staff Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, and Battalion Chiefs.Previous to his appointment as Chief of Operations, Chief Esposito was the Chief of Special Operations Command, where his responsibilities included leading Rescue Marine, Hazardous Material Operations, and the FDNY Robotics Unit.His first assignment in 1991 was at Engine Company 324 in Queens. As a firefighter, he was also assigned to Engine Company 47 and Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2001 and returned to Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. In 2003, he was promoted to Captain and worked Division 13 in Queens and in the Special Operations Command; in 2005 he was promoted to Battalion Chief and served in Battalion 13 and later Battalion 11 in Manhattan. In 2011, he was promoted to Deputy Chief and assigned to Division 1 in Manhattan, and later served in Division 3 in Manhattan. In 2017, he was promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief and named Chief of Special Operations Command. In 2020, he was promoted once again, this time to Assistant Chief. In 2022, he was promoted to Chief of Operations, where he served until becoming Acting Chief of Department in June 2024.He is a graduate of Stony Brook University, the FDNY's Fire Officers Management Institute, and has a Master's Degree in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. Chief Esposito has also served as the Intelligence and Analysis Section Chief at the FDNY's Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness. He also serves on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) High-Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee.LINKS & RESOURCES:- Chief John Esposito | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-m-esposito-830aa112/) - FDNY | Web (https://www.nyc.gov/site/fdny/) - FDNY | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fdny/) - FDNY | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FDNY) - FDNY | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-city-fire-department/) LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:- YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@theleadershipcrucible) - Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/5f2mxvfj) - Spotify (https...
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    50 mins
  • Rewriting the Mental Health Playbook for First Responders with Lt. Taylor Montey

    Rewriting the Mental Health Playbook for First Responders with Lt. Taylor Montey
    Dec 2 2025
    Fire Lieutenant and Licensed Professional Counselor Taylor Montey brings a rare, dual-perspective to the conversation around resilience: she has lived the realities of frontline service and the deep work of clinical mental health. In this episode of The Leadership Crucible Podcast, Taylor shares how early setbacks, self-doubt, and an unexpected path into the fire service shaped her passion for merging fitness, therapy, and leadership development. From building confidence after failing her first physical ability test, to founding Mindset Reps—a program blending movement, psychoeducation, and mentorship—Taylor offers a fresh blueprint for how first responders can strengthen both body and mind. She unpacks why burnout and trauma hit this profession so uniquely, why EMDR is so effective for processing critical incidents, and how peer support, accountability, and community accelerate healing. Whether you’re a firefighter, a leader responsible for others, or someone navigating a high-pressure calling, this conversation delivers grounded strategies for developing resilience, setting boundaries, and leading with emotional intelligence.

    IN THIS EPISODE:
    00:00 – Trailer: Taylor Montey on Mental + Physical Resilience
    00:56 – Why Taylor Never Planned on the Fire Service
    03:15 – Discovering Purpose Through EMT Work
    05:16 – The Physical Test She Failed — And How It Fueled Her
    06:29 – Becoming #1 on the Hiring List: A Three-Year Climb
    08:12 – Advice for Young Adults Who Feel Lost or Behind
    10:27 – Where the Idea for Mindset Reps Came From
    11:40 – How Fitness Builds Confidence, Trust, and Breakthroughs
    13:36 – Stories of Transformation: Teens & First Responders
    15:03 – Why Vulnerability Comes Easier After a Workout
    16:51 – EMDR Explained: How It Helps First Responders Process Trauma
    20:21 – The 30-Day Window: Understanding Trauma vs. Stress
    22:41 – Shift Coaching Program: Building Leaders Through Accountability
    26:45 – The Power of Peer Groups & the Hot Seat Model
    27:40 – Expanding Shift to Local Government & Beyond
    28:26 – How Taylor Balances Firefighting, Counseling, Family & Leadership
    30:52 – Why Firefighters Lose Balance — And How to Rebuild It
    33:57 – Leadership at Any Rank: Relational Influence Matters
    34:20 – The Self-Care Practice That Surprises Most People
    35:53 – How to Transition from Work Mode to Family Mode
    37:10 – What’s Next for Mindset Reps
    39:09 – Serving Underserved Youth Through Mental & Physical Wellness
    42:29 – Advice for Leaders Building Resilience & Purpose
    47:18 – Closing Thoughts & Outro

    ABOUT TAYLOR:
    Taylor Montey is a Fire Lieutenant, LPC, and the founder of Mindset Reps, a program designed to bridge the gap between mental and physical resilience. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from Colorado Christian University, where she graduated with honors. With deep experience in both mental health and fitness, she is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Advanced Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with expertise in trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, performance, addiction therapy, and domestic violence counseling. She also holds certificates in CrossFit Level 2, CrossFit Kids, and ACE, blending evidence-based mental health strategies with strength and conditioning principles. Taylor has extensive experience running and managing peer support programs for first responders and has led resiliency trainings and programs to help frontline professionals navigate the demands of their work.

    LINKS & RESOURCES:
    - Mindset Reps | Web (https://mindsetreps.com/)
    - Mindset Reps | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mindset.reps)
    - Taylor Montey | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-montey-b27aa3340/)

    LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:
    - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@theleadershipcrucible)
    - Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/5f2mxvfj)
    - Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/5xvp5wyu)

    CONNECT WITH US:
    - The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Web (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/)
    - The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theleadershipcruciblefoundation)
    - The Leadership Crucible Foundation | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-leadership-crucible-foundation/)
    - Chief Bruegman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/chiefbruegman)
    - Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)

    MUSIC CREDITS:
    - Brother - LIGHTS & MOTION (MB01BF9VZMERWZA)
    - Fanfare For The Common Man - This Is The Good Life (Instrumental)
    - MOONWATER (MB01CTIIAZV80UU)
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    48 mins
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