Tailboard Mindset

Tailboard Mindset
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📍 Firemanship | Leadership | Culture 🎙️ From the Tailboard Podcast ⚡ Lead Well Wednesdays 🚒 Built at the tailboard. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube @TailboardMindset Formerly known as Tailboard Misfits Podcast

  1. 35. Leadership Q&A

    12/31/2025

    35. Leadership Q&A

    The conversation begins with an introduction to the podcast and personal updates on promotions. It then delves into leadership principles, addressing toxicity in the firehouse, building and protecting a positive culture, and leading firefighters who are more experienced or older. Throughout the discussion, the importance of influence, intentionality, and understanding the crew is emphasized. The conversation covers the approach of new company officers, common leadership mistakes, handling disagreements with company officers, mentoring probies and younger firefighters, and measuring influence while building relationships. Key takeaways include the importance of building influence through authenticity and the pitfalls of leadership based on perception rather than character. To win one of the two books be the first two people to share this episode and tag @TailboardMediaCo.

    45 min
  2. 34. Communication is not ENOUGH!!

    10/04/2025

    34. Communication is not ENOUGH!!

    In this episode, John Velez discusses his return to podcasting after a six-month break, focusing on leadership within the fire service. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the mission of saving lives and protecting property, while also addressing the need for effective communication and motivation among firefighters. John shares insights on how to encourage commitment and personal growth within the fire service, highlighting the significance of living out the values and principles that leaders preach.

    9 min
  3. 33. How To Win in a Broken System

    04/01/2025

    33. How To Win in a Broken System

    In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss how to find success and maintain a positive influence within a broken system, particularly in the fire service. They emphasize the importance of having a robust life outside of work, recognizing personal warning signs of burnout, and the power of mentorship. The conversation also touches on the significance of focusing on the present and carving out a corner of excellence in one's department.Podcast Referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-john-delony-show/id1527609854?i=1000701224232

    35 min
  4. 32. How To Build a Team of Professionals

    03/19/2025

    32. How To Build a Team of Professionals

    In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential elements of building a team of professionals within the fire service. They explore the definition of professionalism, the importance of establishing a culture of accountability, and the significance of recruiting individuals based on values rather than just competency. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear expectations, peer accountability, and the role of leadership in maintaining a high standard of professionalism. The hosts also address the challenges of working with a crew that may not align with one's professional standards and how to elevate team performance in such situations. In this conversation, Brad Conrado and John Velez discuss the importance of building rapport and relationships in leadership, particularly in the fire service. They emphasize personal growth, maintaining proficiency in training, and the balance between coaching and correction. The discussion also highlights the significance of addressing issues promptly to foster accountability and professionalism within a team.

    43 min
  5. 31. Habits of a Fire Service Leader

    03/05/2025

    31. Habits of a Fire Service Leader

    In this episode, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential habits that contribute to effective leadership, particularly in the fire service. They explore the definitions of habits, the significance of humility, and the importance of receiving criticism as a means for personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency, self-awareness, and the ability to learn from feedback to become a better leader. In this conversation, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the importance of embracing criticism as a tool for personal growth, the art of giving constructive feedback, and the significance of leading with purpose and service. They emphasize the need for self-awareness, effective communication, and the role of humility in leadership. The discussion also touches on the importance of walking in obedience to one's mission and the impact of tone and intent in delivering feedback.

    43 min
  6. 30. Strategies for Self-Growth

    02/12/2025

    30. Strategies for Self-Growth

    In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the essential elements of effective leadership, focusing on the importance of mission and vision as foundational aspects. They discuss the significance of self-leadership, self-awareness, and the traits that make a leader worth following, such as selflessness and a positive attitude. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of caring for others and the role of humility in receiving feedback. They also highlight the importance of building a supportive circle of friends who can provide constructive criticism and accountability in the journey of personal growth. In this conversation, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential qualities of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, humility, and continuous learning. They explore strategies for personal growth in leadership roles, the significance of mentorship, and the journey of becoming a skilled fireman. The dialogue highlights the need for self-awareness, accountability, and the willingness to embrace failure as part of the growth process. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on how to cultivate leadership skills and the importance of being rooted in one's purpose.

    49 min
  7. 29. Iron Sharpens Iron with Jesse and Micah Horton on Firefighter Nation

    02/07/2025

    29. Iron Sharpens Iron with Jesse and Micah Horton on Firefighter Nation

    In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, host John Velez engages with Jesse and Micah Horton of Horton's and Hunt, discussing their journey in the fire service, the importance of communication, and the role of mentorship. The conversation highlights the value of honest communication in leadership and the significance of mentorship in developing the next generation of firefighters. In this conversation, John Velez discusses the critical role of mentorship in the fire service, emphasizing the need for accountability, effective communication, and the qualities that make a good mentor. He highlights the importance of honest feedback and the necessity of finding mentors within one's own department. The discussion also covers the challenges of training in busy fire departments and the significance of planning and engagement in maintaining skills. Velez encourages firefighters to seek mentorship and to be proactive in their personal and professional development.

    1h 3m
  8. 28. Vision. Mission. Strategies.

    01/15/2025

    28. Vision. Mission. Strategies.

    In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the importance of personal growth plans, focusing on the concepts of vision and mission. They explore how understanding these concepts can lead to effective leadership, especially in the firehouse. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in defining one's why and how to implement these ideas practically within a team. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, they illustrate how to create a cohesive team vision and the significance of leading oneself before leading others. In this conversation, Brad Conrado and John Velez discuss the essential elements of effective firefighting and leadership. They emphasize the importance of mastering the fundamentals of firemanship, gaining crew buy-in by understanding the 'why' behind the mission, and building strong relationships to foster effective leadership. They also explore the significance of personal growth through mentorship, continuous learning, and investing in oneself through books, podcasts, and conferences. The discussion highlights that leadership is a journey that requires time, patience, and a commitment to putting others first.

    44 min
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5
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About

📍 Firemanship | Leadership | Culture 🎙️ From the Tailboard Podcast ⚡ Lead Well Wednesdays 🚒 Built at the tailboard. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube @TailboardMindset Formerly known as Tailboard Misfits Podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Tailboard Mindset
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Tailboard Mindset
  • Show Website
    Tailboard Mindset