What Is Character-Based Leadership? A New Era for the Fire Service. The Future of Fire Service Leadership Starts Here - Character-Based Leadership Roundtable. In this powerhouse episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief and fire services coach Arjuna George brings together an all-star panel to ignite a new conversation in the fire service, Character-Based Leadership.

Featuring thought leaders and fire service veterans:

James Rychard
Robert Avsec
Anthony Correia
Scott Wilkinson

This isn’t your average leadership chat. We go deeper, into the human factors, psychology, emotional intelligence, and integrity that define true leadership in public safety.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:22 Meet the Guests
04:39 Defining Character-Based Leadership
07:03 Leadership Training and Recruitment
27:07 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
32:38 Emotional Intelligence and Resilience in Fire Service
33:14 Toxic Work Environments and Organizational Stress
35:35 The Importance of Psychological Safety
36:49 Character-Based Leadership and Its Impact
38:08 Innovative Approaches in Fire Service
40:42 Developing Leadership Skills and Attributes
47:56 Introducing Character-Based Leadership in Seniority-Based Organizations
52:24 Resources for Self-Development and Leadership
59:19 Personal Leadership Values and North Stars
01:04:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
How character, competence, and commitment form the new fire service leadership trifecta (inspired by Ivy Business School research)

The role of emotional intelligence in building resilience and psychological safety in the firehouse

Why we need to hire for character and what that means for hiring and promotion practices

How to start teaching leadership at the recruit level, not the retirement party

The connection between mental health, toxic workplaces, and leadership culture

Why character-based leadership could save more firefighters than any tool or tactic

Mentioned Resources & Institutions:
Ivey Business School, Western University (Canada) – Groundbreaking research on leadership character

Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA)

Columbia County Fire (GA) – PRIDE-based core value system for evaluations

NFPA 1021 – Opportunities to embed emotional intelligence and character development

EFO Symposium – Quote by Dr. Kimberly Milani: “We hire for competence. We fire for character.”

Books Referenced:

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry

It’s Your Ship by Capt. D. Michael Abrashoff

American Icon by Bryce G. Hoffman

Research and articles by Dr. Mary Crossan (Ivey Business School)

Writings of Chief Alan Brunacini (customer service and character leadership pioneer)

Gallup Press materials on strengths-based leadership

Action Steps – Get Involved:
Ready to be part of the movement? We’ve just launched the Character-Based Leadership LinkedIn Group – a professional hub for sharing insights, resources, and real conversations that matter to the fire service. Join us and help shape the next generation of resilient, authentic leaders.

👉 [Join the LinkedIn Character-Based Leadership LinkedIn Group here] https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13260169/

Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone who believes that who you are matters more than just what you do.

🎧 Beneath the Helmet — because real leadership starts from the inside out.

Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefire
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshorts

📨Linkedin Podcast Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7026972684089528321
📝Join the BTH Newsletter at https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe
📺Watch or Listen to all the episodes at www.beneaththehelmet.ca
📩 Email Host: arjuna@silverarrowco.com