Podcasts by Building Great Leaders
What does leadership mean? How can I lead within my role? What are the lessons APi Group leaders have learned throughout their careers?
The Building Great Leaders podcast aims to answer these questions and more! Leaders will share their personal stories, the mindsets that helped them excel, and the behaviors they use to positively influence others. We hope to inspire listeners to be better leaders at work, in their communities, and in their homes.
Further podcasts by APi Group
Podcast on the topic Management
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Episode 87: Re-defining Leadership from 2023-11-28T12:00
In this episode, Dave Saffrin, President of APi Garage Door, reveals what he has learned about what a good leader truly is versus what he initially thought. He describes the role that ...
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Episode 86: Taking on Challenges from 2023-11-07T12:00
In this episode, Rick Charles, Chief Operating Officer of Chubb, shares the journey he’s taken throughout his career to get to where he is today, and he reveals the mindset he has adop...
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Episode 85: Valuing diverse mindsets from 2023-10-17T12:00
In this episode, Vashma Bolton, Global Director of HR Technology at Chubb, shares her leadership journey, the challenges that she’s overcome and what she is so passionate about right n...
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Episode 84: Who is Next? from 2023-09-26T12:00
In this episode, Dave Dunnigan, Managing Director of UK and Ireland for Chubb, talks about his 30 years with the company and why it’s so important to always be thinking about what you are doing ...
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Episode 83: You are not alone from 2023-09-05T12:30
In this episode, Angela Sunderland, Segment Talent Lead for APi Group’s Mechanicals Division, shares her path to APi Group, as well as her personal experiences with the tougher subject...
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Episode 82: Purposeful Behavior, Purposeful Culture from 2023-08-15T12:30
In this episode, Paul Grunau, President of the APi Group International Division, shares about the importance of creating an environment where people feel comfortable and the biggest fa...
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Episode 81: Representation and Mentorship from 2023-07-25T12:30
In this episode, Tasha Lawrence, Fabrication Shop Operations & DEI Leader at MMC reveals the ways that she took control of her future and advanced in her own career, and how she now gi...
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Episode 80: Leading Through Influence from 2023-07-04T12:30
In this episode, Paul Akins, Technical Talent Development Lead at Davis-Ulmer, shares about his experiences transitioning from a branch leader to his current role, as well as what he’s...
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Episode 79: Make Space for Yourself at the Table from 2023-06-13T12:30
In this episode, Jennifer Bradley, President of International Fire Protection, discusses the importance of believing in yourself regardless of your role. Jennifer talks about being inspired by h...
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Episode 78: Empowering Teams from 2023-05-23T12:30
In this episode, Managing Director of Vipond Fire Protection in the UK, Alastair Wilson, shares his leadership journey and what it was like to transition into his role, empower a team, and embra...
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Episode 77: Communicating and Adapting from 2023-05-02T12:30
In this episode, Service Manager for Western States Fire Protection, Jim Stewart, reveals the value of clear communication, adaptable leadership, and the importance of recognizing others while y...
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Episode 76: Making an Impact from 2023-04-11T12:30
In this episode, Chubb CEO Andrew White shares some of the lessons he learned on the rugby pitch, like the importance of making an impact and being a visible leader. Like APi Group as ...
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Episode 75: Bloom where you’re planted from 2023-03-21T12:30
What can you do in your current role to really grow and be the best that you can be, where you are right now? In this episode, APi Group’s Senior Vice President and U.S. Safety Services Segment ...
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Episode 74: People-First Leadership from 2023-02-28T12:30
What does it mean to put people first? In this episode, APi Group’s Chief People Officer, Kristina Morton, talks all about her goals for the People People Leadership Team. APi’s focu...
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Episode 73: How to Innovate and Outdo from 2023-02-07T12:30
Shane Shipman, president of Lejeune Steel, shares his path from growing up in a small town in Wyoming to joining the military to becoming leader of "special projects" for APi Group. Listen as h...
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Episode 72: Shaping Your Story from 2023-01-17T12:30
What are you doing to shape your own story? In this episode, Bill Ball, President of APi Mechanicals shares pivotal moments that have impacted the course of his leadership journey. He talks ab...
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Episode 71: Team Reflection from 2022-12-27T04:33
Caralie Roisum, Kevin Hazard, and Sadie Grunau talk with Laura Seitz about their experiences as members of the Building Great Leaders Podcast Team. The three reflect on their accomplishments in ...
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Episode 70: Attracting, Engaging, and Retaining Talent from 2022-12-13T00:36
Three of APi Group's Talent Magnet Team participants share their leadership stories through the lens of their continued involvement and dedication to helping APi attract, engage, and retain tale...
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Episode 69: Leveraging "The Gift of Gab" from 2022-11-28T18:04
Patrick Conlin, or Pat, is the Tools & Equipment / Buildings & Grounds Manager at The Jamar Company. Conlin speaks to his ability to converse with anyone, making them feel heard and seen. He str...
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Episode 68: Rome Wasn't Built in a Day from 2022-11-15T12:30
Craig Carpenter, the Assistant to the Director of Telecom at Mid-Ohio Pipeline Services, reflects on his 25 years with the Mid-Ohio family. Craig shares the importance of developing personal and...
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Episode 67: The Power in Reaching One's Potential from 2022-10-28T22:11
Rashid Kadir, the President of Tessier's Inc., discusses his educational, professional, and personal journeys with host Laura Seitz. Rashid traveled overseas from Malaysia to Massachusetts to ea...
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Episode 66: Trust but Verify from 2022-10-18T16:00
Chuck Martin, the Regional Manager for Viking Fire Protection Group, reflects on the lessons he has learned as he enters the final few years of his career. Chuck experienced many different jobs ...
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Episode 65: Proactive Project Management from 2022-10-04T12:30
Cori Prokopowicz, a Project Manager at APi Construction, deep dives into the twelve years she has spent with the organization. Cori recently completed a four year project, combating exhaustion, ...
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Episode 64: The Power of Thoughtful Feedback from 2022-09-20T11:30
Katie Hunt, the IT Director of Business Systems at APi Group offers listeners her incredible story. Hunt dicusses the importance optimizing processes and seeing improvement in the IT Field. She ...
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Episode 63: Resiliency in Field Leadership from 2022-09-02T21:52:07
Jimmy Rachal, a Superintendent and Project Manager at Western States Fire Protection, reflects on his 22 years in the life safety industry. Jimmy shares with listeners some of his most memorable...
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Episode 62: The Importance of Approachability from 2022-08-22T22:03:23
Ryan Spinti, the Cyber Security Director at APi Group, shares insights on far more than online safety. Ryan describes own journey from being the target of bullies, to hanging out with the wrong ...
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Episode 61: Adapting to Change from 2022-08-08T23:21:29
Travis Sticka, the Vice President of Western States Fire Protection, discusses the immense changes he has adapted to throughout his career and what he has learned from those experiences. From an...
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Episode 60: Acting on Feedback to Build Trust from 2022-07-27T01:22:56
Kevin Krumm, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at APi Group, shares his personal story of growing up on a farm and his professional journey to a career in Finance. Kevin d...
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Episode 59: Involved Leadership from 2022-07-12T13:00
How do you make yourself known to the people around you? Brendan McNulty, the Vice President of Europe Chubb Fire and Security Group, has a hands-on approach to leadership. In his episode, McNul...
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Episode 58: APi's Origin Story from 2022-06-28T11:30
Mr. Lee Anderson, the former owner of APi Group, dives into the history of the organization and his own personal journey to building a successful company. He discusses his upbringing, family lif...
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Episode 57: Combining Compliments and Curiosity from 2022-06-14T11:30
Annie Wernert, the Regional Controller at Davis - Ulmer and U.S.A. Fire Protection, shares her story about searching for a job where she wanted to stay long term. She dives into the power of giv...
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Episode 56: Pivoting Careers and Chasing Challenge from 2022-05-27T19:42:43
Tony Lucia, the president of Tenet, transitioned from professional hockey to APi Group and shares what he as learned along the way. Tony talks about the many forms lead...
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Episode 55: The Power of Vulnerable Leadership from 2022-05-12T19:20:52
Ellen Meyer, APi Group's Deputy General Counsel, discusses a overcoming a life-altering struggle with insomnia. She dives into the importance of being vulnerable and how that, in turn, creates a...
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Episode 54: The Power of Lifelong Learning from 2022-05-03T12:00
Rajesh Bhat, the Chief Technology Officer at APi Group. discusses the importance of continuously possessing a student mindset. He dives into how he has learned from his international experiences...
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Episode 53: Leading Through Change from 2022-04-13T19:29:22
Mike Gengler, the President of American Fire Protection Group, discusses his professional journey and his experience with key individuals that have shaped him, both personally and career wise. Geng...
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Episode 52: The Art of Prioritizing Yourself from 2022-04-05T00:17:36
Mindy McKean, the Corporate Safety and Risk Leader at International Fire Protection, discusses her journey to finding a job and lifestyle that feeds her soul. She offers insight into the importa...
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Episode 51: The Unwavering Power of Reflection from 2022-03-15T20:30
Mike Shands, the Vice President of Learning and Development at APi Group Inc., shares his powerful anecdotes about the importance of self reflection. He offers insights on the importance of ment...
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Episode 50: Pressure-tested Leadership from 2022-03-01T12:30
Have you ever started a career with no knowledge but with a positive attitude and a desire to learn? Mike Farren, the President and CEO of Vipond Inc., describes his start as an apprentice in the ...
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Episode 49: Being a Good Human from 2022-02-15T12:00
Heather Salfer, a Project Manager at Jamar Company, dives into her professional journey. She shares insights into her passion for community service and the impact it has had on the business and ...
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Episode 48: Leading with Gratitude from 2022-02-01T12:30
Mike Leidholm, the Vice President at APi Group, dives into his leadership journey from being a safety professional at an operating company to leading APi's National Service Group (NSG). He discu...
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Episode 47: Following What Excites You from 2022-01-18T13:00
Stephanie Flencher, a Project Leader at American Fire Protection Group, shares her enthusiasm, her story of navigating her career pivots, and what she is learning about her new field. She walks ...
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Episode 46: Meet the Team from 2021-12-14T19:07:36
For the final episode of 2021, the Building Great Leaders Podcast Team sits down and shares how they got to where they are now, their goals for 2022, and their favorite holiday traditions. We ar...
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Episode 45: Learning to Lead Through Change from 2021-11-29T23:08:04
Tim Daly, the Executive Vice President at Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors sits down with Laura to talk about his journey to APi group and the transition into the APi family. He shares insigh...
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Episode 44: Operational Excellence from 2021-11-16T11:00
Have you ever wondered how businesses achieve operational excellence? Diana Eestermans, the Business Performance Manager at SK Fire, discusses her own journey to her role in helping businesses ...
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Episode 43: Self Knowledge Leads to Successful Acquisitions from 2021-11-01T15:54:50
API's Vice President of Acquisitions, Scott Hatfield, shares his insights on learning to know ones' company and using that knowledge of self to connect with others and successfully acquire new c...
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Episode 42: A Dose of Wisdom from 2021-10-18T20:21:07
Going back over the two decades that she has worked at APi Group, Shannon Swanson, VP of Employee Services, shares insights she has learned along the way: from showing up consistently to activel...
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Episode 41: Values-driven Leadership from 2021-10-05T11:30
Mark Stein, Area Manager for VFP in Houston Texas, shares his experience entering APi Group as a former military officer, offering insight into his transition to a completely new corporate role....
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Episode 40: Embedding recognition in a company from 2021-08-30T20:03:29
Matt Euson, outgoing president of 3S, describes how the practice of recognizing employees became embedded in the company DNA. Laura and Matt discuss 3S's engagement flywheel, created by the Tal...
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Episode 39: Taking a Leap of Faith from 2021-08-17T11:30
Episode 38: Trusting the Team from 2021-07-30T20:32:23
Greg Fredlund, president of Northland Constructors, discusses the pathway that brought him to APi and what he learned as a new leader taking over the president role at a company. He shares the ...
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Episode 37: Inclusive Leadership from 2021-07-20T11:00
Episode 36: Connecting with the Field from 2021-07-07T11:00
Episode 35: Growing up and Growing through--Adjusting your Worldview from 2021-06-22T11:30
Join father-son duo Paul and Colin Javorina as they discuss their paths to their current positions (Chief Financial Leader for the Industrial Services Segment and Support and Systems Leader resp...
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Episode 34: Taking ownership of your development from 2021-06-08T11:30
CMS (Jamar) Journeyman, Erin Mcquaid, describes the serendipitous experience that led him to become an HVAC technician. He also shares how he takes ownership of his development and the valuable...
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Episode 33: Taking Initiative from 2021-05-25T13:01:01
In this episode, Grunau Company's Manuela Burtscher describes how it felt to be new in the industry, new in the role and new in the branch. She excelled by taking initiative, asking questions a...
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Episode 32: Empowering the Team from 2021-05-11T12:00
If you had three words to describe your leadership journey, what words would you use? "Empower the team" is how APi's Chief Financial Leader of the Safety Services Segment, Luke Cope, describes...
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Episode 31: Learning from Loss from 2021-04-22T13:44:46
APi's Director of Talent Development Technology, Heather Stuckey, shares her personal story of loss. The experience taught her to approach problems differently and made her realize there is alw...
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Episode 30: Leadership in the Field from 2021-04-13T11:30
Mark Breslin, CEO of United Contractors and President of Breslin Strategies, talks about the growth he has witnessed in the industry. He shares the impact and importance of leadership and why e...
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Episode 29: Exploring APi's History from 2021-03-26T14:44:59
As a former board member and legal counsel, Bill Beadie has watched APi Group grow and flourish. He shares stories of when the company first started acquiring other businesses and some of the c...
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Episode 28: Leveraging Curiosity from 2021-03-16T11:30
In this interview with Summit Pipeline's Project Manager, Erin Kilar-Bearman, we talk about what emerging leaders can do to be successful in the industry. Erin shares her experience and explain...
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Episode 27: Leading with Perseverance from 2021-03-02T13:00
Sue Congdon, President of Twin City Garage Door, shares her inspirational story of resilience and perseverance in this episode. Growing up in poverty, she has overcome many hardships but she ne...
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Episode 26: Inspiring the next generation of Builders from 2021-02-16T12:30
In this episode, Laura interviews our first guest from outside the APi Group Family: CEO of Bridgeworks and founder of the Trades Ambassadors program, Chuck Webster. Listen to hear his experien...
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Episode 25: Leading with Humor from 2021-02-02T12:30
Sometimes on a stressful jobsite, you just need to laugh! Recent retiree, Pat Crain, who is a former Superintendent for Jamar Company is just the guy to lighten the work load with some well-tim...
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Episode 24: Aligning People and Processes from 2021-01-19T12:30
APi Group's Chief Information Officer, Julius Chepey, shares his experience with rolling out new tools and processes. He explains why a shared vision is so powerful and how to create momentum t...
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Episode 23: Building Great Habits from 2021-01-05T12:30
Do you have good habits? Do you know how to think win-win? Do you seek first to understand, then to be understood? In this episode, Lucie Stein-Cartford, the Training and Development Manager ...
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Episode 22: Season 1 Recap from 2020-12-22T12:00
Molly Landsteiner and Laura Seitz recap the inaugural season of the Building Great Leaders Podcast and take questions from listeners. They share how the podcast team pivoted when the global pan...
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Episode 21: Building Great Relationships from 2020-12-08T16:13:51
Episode 20: Focusing on the Right Strategic Initiative from 2020-11-24T12:00
APi's Senior Vice President, Brynne Smith, gives listeners advice on leading integrations and why focusing on the right strategic initiative can improve the process. He shares his unique experi...
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Episode 19: Leading with Hope from 2020-11-10T12:30
When things don't go well, do you look out the window at the group or do you look in the mirror? APi Group's Strategic Advisor, Dan Wooldridge, describes the behaviors of Jim Collins' Level 5 L...
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Episode 18: Overcoming Obstacles from 2020-10-26T13:38:23
Mike Goodman joined 3S through the Wounded Warrior Program. In this episode, he shares his story of consistently overcoming obstacles and embracing a "no-fear" attitude. Mike shares his advice...
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Episode 17: Positioning Yourself for a Win from 2020-10-13T11:30
How are you differentiating yourself? What steps do you take to give customers a reason to build a relationship with you? Corporate Inspection Sales Leader Blake Sloan talks about pivoting car...
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Episode 16: Finding Fulfillment from 2020-09-28T15:49:52
Joy Spatz has been a sprinkler fitter for over 25 years. In this interview, she shares how her experience at the Field Leadership Institute helped her find fulfillment in her role has a foreman...
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Episode 15: Managing vs. Leading from 2020-09-15T11:30
Do you know the difference between managing and leading? Great leaders set direction, align resources and motivate their teams. Managers control and delegate. APi Segment Leader Gene Postma t...
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Episode 14: Leading to serve from 2020-08-31T13:56:54
In this episode, AFPG's Division Leader in Dallas, Robert Seda, shares how an off-hand conversation with his friend changed the course of his career and introduced him to the safety services ind...
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Episode 13: Finding the Right Seat on the Bus from 2020-08-18T12:00
Are you in the right seat in your company? APi's Vice President of Inspection Sales, Courtney Brogard, had a career epiphany, after giving birth to her daughter, when she questioned if she was ...
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Episode 12: Community Leadership from 2020-08-03T20:38:48
Manager of Inspections and National Accounts, Ed Pletsch, shares his experience as a leader in his community. As the chief of the volunteer fire department, his branch manager recognized his de...
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Episode 11: Harnessing your passion from 2020-07-21T14:20:04
Do you know your "why"? Davis Ulmer's Alan Crabtree talks about understanding your "why" and aligning your role with it. Hear Alan's energetic story and learn from the advice he shares about s...
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Episode 10: Leading through Grief from 2020-07-06T20:50:25
Our industry has one of the highest rates of suicide out of any American workforce. Mel Olson shares his personal story of losing his brother and why it is so important, as leaders, that we norm...
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Episode 9: Growing Your People from 2020-06-23T12:00
People are at the center of our business and investing in their growth is critical. CEO and President of Viking Fire Protection Group, Andy McCleery, shares the invaluable lesson he learned in ...
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Episode 8: Building a Great Culture from 2020-06-09T12:00
This interview with Sir Martin Franklin covers the gamut of topics: from building great company cultures to running 100 mile races to being knighted. Sir Martin Franklin shares the natural abil...
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Episode 7: Leaving a Positive Legacy from 2020-06-02T11:00
How often do you consider your reputation and the impression you are leaving on people, especially in stressful situations? That is one piece of advice we hear in this interview with Jim Lillie...
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Episode 6: Why Great Leaders focus on Emotional Intelligence from 2020-05-26T11:00
In this episode, we learn all about Emotional Intelligence from APi's VP of Succession and Development, Monica Seme. Why is EI important? How does your emotional intelligence impact the teams ...
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Episode 5: Servant Leadership from 2020-05-12T11:00
In this episode, we hear from International Fire Protection's President, Jerry Allen. He shares his journey through the construction industry and the moment he realized his managing style neede...
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Episode 4: Being a Safety Leader from 2020-04-28T10:00
Every single day, we make choices that impact the health and well-being of ourselves and those around us. In this episode, we hear from APi's Director of Corporate Safety about how everyone, re...
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Episode 3: Mission-driven Leadership from 2020-04-14T13:00
Have you ever heard of mission-driven leadership? APi Group's Chief Learning Officer shares his personal mission and how it has helped him make decisions. Plus, he tells us about the piece of fe...
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Episode 2: Why Building Great Leaders? from 2020-03-30T20:00
In this episode, we get to hear from APi Group's CEO Russ Becker. He talks about growing up on the iron range, why he pursued a career in construction and shares some of the most valuable leade...
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Episode 1: A preview of Building Great Leaders from 2020-03-27T18:01:13
For this episode, I wanted to set expectations of who you will hear from and what you might learn. The purpose of the podcast is to share raw, insightful stories from leaders throughout the APi...
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