Cornerstones of Leadership for Real World Success  – On and Off the Fireground
Wednesday, October 21, 8:00 am

Join us as Chief Leeb shares over 40 years of leadership wisdom gained from his remarkable journey in the fire service, both in career and volunteer departments. Delving into his philosophy centered around training, teamwork, and mentorship, Chief Leeb will discuss the foundational principles that guided him as he rose through the ranks of the FDNY.

During this keynote, Chief Leeb will showcase multiple case studies, drawing from real-life fire and emergency incidents, many of which he was personally on the scene. He will emphasize the importance of the winning mindset, playing to win, training, teamwork, fireground strategy and tactics, extinguishment, search, and safety cultures, and how they coexist for optimal outcomes. These case studies will be dissected to provide attendees with fireground tactical and strategic insight and time-tested leadership lessons that will prepare you for the possible while serving as powerful examples of the pivotal connection between effective preparation, collaborative teamwork, and positive results in the field. A winning mindset dedicated to preparation starts with you. Because on game day, the time to prepare is over. From the chief to the newest firefighter, you will leave this presentation motivated and better prepared for any emergency response.

Leaders Must Have a Bold Vision – and a Plan
Thursday, October 22, 8:00 am

How can we be the best 2030 fire department, today? The San Bernardino County (Calif.) Fire Protection District, one of the most progressive agencies in the country, has prioritized initiatives, technology, and innovation that better serve both the community and our members. With the current pace of change, we often remind ourselves that “what got us here won’t get us there.” To truly meet the needs of the pubic in our protection areas—especially our newer residents—we need innovative leaders who not only have a bold vision for the department’s future, but also a clear plan to make it happen. This keynote will address some of the fire service lies we tell ourselves that can hinder change and offer insights on how to foster an agency filled with growth mindsets.

It's Your Ship – Achieving Breakthrough Performance
Friday, October 23, 8:00 am

When Mike Abrashoff took command of the USS Benfold, morale was low, turnover was high and the ship’s performance ranked near the bottom of the Pacific Fleet. Just twelve months later Benfold was ranked #1 – using the very same crew. The lesson was clear – leadership matters and culture is everything.

This inspiring talk is for every individual and organization looking for practical and usable ways to take organizational performance to new heights. In Mike’s case, he realized that before the ship’s performance could change, he had to change his leadership style. Mike worked to create a culture of trust and empower his crew to take charge and use ingenuity and initiative to improve every aspect of the way things were done. Top down leadership is dead, so when the crew would present a problem, Mike became famous for responding “What would YOU do? It’s YOUR ship!” Mike’s presentation leaves audiences with the tools and inspiration to accomplish big goals.

Inspiring Success
Friday, October 23, 10:15 am

What were you made for? This presentation will explore the one thing everyone has been made for and how we receive it, enjoy it, and release it. What are the two main emotions that open us up to others and close us down to others? How can we make a difference that will change our world daily? This presentation will explore these and other questions in assisting each participant to enjoy what they have been made for.