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‘Let your people run’: Chief Josh Waldo on empowering your members

The IAFC president shares how it can be difficult to release the reins, but seeing your members be successful is truly the greatest achievement

Serving as IAFC president is a time-consuming job that requires a lot of travel – time away from the fire department. New president Josh Waldo reflects on how the initial angst of releasing the reins to others to shoulder more of the work at home in Bozeman, Montana, can become great pride in seeing those members succeed, even create new and improved ways to get the job done. It’s all part of the prioritization process needed to serve the department, the association and the fire service as a whole. We dig into striking this balance, plus all this:

  • Waldo’s priorities as IAFC president – and what a successful year will look like for him
  • Advice for members who want to be a change-agent at their department
  • The value in learning from leaders who have never donned bunker gear
  • Zam’s escalators vs. stairs moment at Fire-Rescue International

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

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Previously on the Better Every Shift Podcast
The Anne Arundel County fire chief underscores the importance of transparency and trust when stepping into a new leadership role