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Leadership in the Line of Fire
Leadership in the Line of Fire
Author: Brad Hauck
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© 2025 Leadership in the Line of Fire
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Join the Leadership in the Line of Fire Podcast where the adrenaline fuelled world of firefighting meets leadership in life and business. Hosted by Brad Hauck, a seasoned firefighter & entrepreneur with a passion for leadership, this podcast draws striking parallels between the frontline of firefighting and the forefront of business & life challenges.
Each episode ignites discussions on leading, resilience, and quick-thinking strategies that are pivotal in both firefighting and your ever changing life & business. Whether you're a firefighter, emerging leader or a entrepreneur, discover insights that can fuel your leadership to turn challenges into opportunities.
31 Episodes
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Send us a text Even the best leaders feel fear — the fear of making the wrong call, letting the crew down, or not having all the answers when it matters most. In this episode I break down five common fears that show up when you're under pressure and shows you how to lead through them with clarity, trust, and grit. If you’ve ever second-guessed a decision or felt the weight of leadership in the heat of the moment, this one's for you. Learn how to spot overload early, have the tough conversatio...
Send us a text In today’s episode, we're looking what separates good leaders from great ones when conditions change fast. We call it agile leadership — the ability to think clearly, adapt quickly, and guide your crew even when the plan goes out the window. On the fireground, you don’t always get the luxury of perfect information. You get smoke, noise, conflicting reports, and pressure to act. We're going to share practical ways to build mental agility, spot early warning signs, and keep...
Send us a text In this episode of Firefighter Leadership, we address the crucial issue of what happens when a leader gets tired. Fatigue can significantly impact safety, crew performance, and trust. We'll explore common mistakes exhausted leaders make, such as pushing through exhaustion without speaking up, skipping crucial safety checks, losing awareness of their team's mental state, making rash decisions, and withdrawing when needed most. Listen in as we provide actionable insights an...
Send us a text In this episode of Firefighter Leadership, we explore the five crucial roles every leader must master: decision maker, communicator, motivator, mentor, and visionary. Whether you're leading a firefighting crew or managing a business team, these roles are essential to your success. Learn how to make fast, smart decisions under pressure, communicate clearly, inspire and motivate your team, mentor future leaders, and plan for the future. Don't miss these valuable insig...
Send us a text In this episode of Firefighter Leadership, I explore 10 profound quotes that every leader in high-pressure environments needs to hear. From fire ground strategy to leading with focus and heart, these quotes are designed to fuel your drive and sharpen your skills. Discover key insights from Dan Felix, Nelson Mandela, E Joseph Crossman, Confucius, Bill Owens, Bob Riley, Lieutenant JJ Edmondson, General Norman Schwarzkopf, and others. Join me as I discuss into the essence of...
Send us a text So what are the most critical traits that define effective leadership in the fire service. From leading with integrity and maintaining physical fitness, to mastering clear communication and being adaptable, each quality is explored in detail. I also discuss the importance of empathy, decisiveness, accountability, and courage. Whether you are guiding a team on the fire ground or through training sessions, you'll get valuable insights to help you strengthen your leadership traits...
Send us a text Today's episode looks at the challenges of becoming an exhausted leader. Brad shares how to recognise burnout, manage fatigue, and the importance of self-care. Topics covered include building a resilient team, taking breaks, and reigniting your passion for leadership. Packed with actionable insights, this episode aims to help leaders recharge and stay effective in their roles. Don’t miss these valuable tips to keep your leadership game strong! 00:00 Introduction to Leadership C...
Send us a text So, what sets exceptional leaders apart in tough situations or in business! Join Brad Hauck in this episode of 'Leadership in the Line of Fire' as he breaks down the top 5 qualities that define great leaders: resilience, decisiveness, empathy, adaptability, and vision. From real-life examples to actionable insights, learn how to lead with strength, clarity, and purpose. Don't miss out on these essential leadership tips!
Send us a text In this episode of the Leadership in the Line of Fire podcast, we delve into the essentials of leading effectively in times of turmoil. Drawing parallels between firefighting and business, we discuss the importance of staying calm, making quick decisions, building adaptable teams, and maintaining clear communication. Learn how to navigate chaos with empathy and resilience, ensuring your team stays focused and united. Tune in for practical insights on transforming challenges int...
Send us a text In this episode, I’m going beyond the surface to explore the questions that every leader, whether in the heat of a wildfire or life faces at some point. These are the questions that define how we respond in moments of crisis, how we inspire our teams, and how we lead through uncertainty. As a leader, I encourage you to ask yourself the same questions as I go through them. I’ll be drawing on lessons from the my life to provide actionable insights you can apply right away. Wheth...
Send us a text This episode looks into the art of leading during the toughest times. Host Brad Hauck shares invaluable lessons from his book "Run Toward the Flames." Discover how to lead effectively through crises, make decisive actions, and build resilient teams. This episode reveals strategies to stay focused, handle stress, and maintain your integrity. Brad's unique insights will guide you to lead confidently, no matter the challenge. Embracing sleepless nights and self-doubtThe dual-edged...
Send us a text Discover how distributed leadership isn't just about delegation but involves everyone actively participating in the mission's success. This episode delves into real-life examples and actionable insights that demonstrate the benefits of this approach, from improved problem-solving and creativity to better engagement and morale among team members. Whether you're grappling with internal challenges or navigating external crises, gain the tools and mindset needed to lead with confid...
Send us a text The Four Laws of Firefighter Leadership for Business Success In this episode of the 'Leaders in the Line of Fire' podcast, we explore the four essential laws of firefighter leadership and their application in the business world. Discover how training regularly, maintaining awareness, communicating clearly, and adapting quickly can help you lead effectively in any situation, whether facing a wildfire or a business challenge. Tune in for valuable insights, practical advice, and a...
Send us a text Today, we're lighting a fire under a topic that might raise a few eyebrows: "Great Leaders are Replaceable." Yep, you heard that right! It's all about empowering those around you to step up and lead, especially when you're not in the room. We're going to explore why the best leaders make sure they're actually replaceable by fostering a team that can think and act independently, yet in harmony with the vision that's been set. Think of it as building up your team so well that the...
Send us a text In today's episode, we dig into an important question: Should you focus on your strengths or your weaknesses? Let's explore the advantages and challenges of each approach and discuss how this decision can impact your personal and professional growth. join me as I try to help you to figure out the best way to direct your efforts for success.
Send us a text Trusting your Gut. Do you know that instinct you feel when making decisions? It turns out it's not just random; it's actually your brain and experiences working together. Today, we'll explore how studies support the idea that our gut feelings are really a blend of our past experiences, knowledge, and even a bit of what we call "the force" - being connected to everything around us. We'll look at how listening to your gut can lead to making great decisions, whether you're l...
Send us a text In this episode, we explore the concept that experience is the ultimate teacher when it comes to leadership. From learning through failure to cultivating resilience and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, we uncover the wisdom that emerges from the flames and discover how every challenge is an opportunity to become a stronger leader. Join us as we delve into the hard lessons of leadership and uncover valuable insights for leaders navigating difficult situations.
Send us a text Unlock the secret to powerful leadership in 'Clear Talk - Better Leadership Through Effective Communication.' Discover how to transform your team dynamics with strategies that ensure your message is heard and felt. From active listening to impactful messaging, learn the key communication skills that every great leader needs. Perfect for leaders at any level, this episode will equip you with the tools to inspire, motivate, and lead your team more effectively.
Send us a text In 'Boss-Level Bounce Back: Resilient Leadership Tactics You Need To Know', you'll unlock the resilience essential for exceptional leadership. This episode unveils how successful leaders overcome setbacks and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. With insights into navigating both personal and professional hurdles, you'll learn the secrets to not just surviving but thriving in the face of adversity. Discover the strategies that enable top leaders to emerge stronger fro...
Send us a text Ever noticed how some leaders let their team call the shots while others keep a tight grip on decisions? We're digging into why sharing power with your team can lead to great stuff, like more creativity and happier teammates. But, it's not always simple – there are some bumps along the way. Plus, we've got some top tips on how to rock at being an empowering leader. If you're leading a team or just keen on leadership styles, this episode is for you.










