Project Command

Peter Younes
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Project Command is a podcast dedicated to exploring project management and execution in the fire service. Hosted by Captain Peter Younes, PMP, and Lieutenant Duke Cuneo, PMP, the show dives into the art and science of leading complex projects, building effective teams, and integrating proven project management practices into fire department operations. Each episode brings practical insights, real-world examples, and lessons learned from initiatives that shape the future of public safety—helping fire service leaders at all levels turn ideas into action and get things done.

  1. 29 MAR

    Why Change Is So Hard in the Fire Service and How to Do It Better

    Fire departments operate in environments where competence, trust, and consistency can mean the difference between life and death. Because of that reality, change inside the fire service is often far more difficult than leaders expect. In this episode of Project Command, Captain Peter Younes explores why fire departments frequently struggle to implement lasting change. The discussion breaks down several structural and cultural factors that make change difficult in high reliability organizations like the fire service. The episode begins by examining why firefighters often resist change. Resistance is frequently misunderstood as negativity or stubbornness, but in many cases it is a rational response to operational risk. Firefighters build their performance on familiarity with their crew, their equipment, and their environment. When those elements change, competence temporarily drops. This creates what can be described as the proficiency tax. The conversation then explores how poor communication around the purpose of change erodes trust. When firefighters do not understand why a new system, policy, or procedure is being introduced, adoption suffers. Leaders must communicate the purpose of change clearly, repeatedly, and with real context. Another major factor is capacity for change. Individuals and organizations both have limits. Personal stress, fatigue, operational tempo, and multiple simultaneous initiatives can overwhelm even well designed improvements. The episode also looks at the doom loop described in Good to Great and how it often appears in the fire service through constant program shifts and trend driven initiatives. Without long term planning and strategic direction, organizations create change fatigue that undermines future efforts. Finally, the episode introduces a practical framework from the book Switch. Effective change requires addressing emotion, logic, and environment at the same time. If any one of these elements is ignored, even well intentioned initiatives can fail. If you lead projects, programs, or operational initiatives in the fire service, understanding how change actually works may be one of the most important leadership skills you develop.

    30 min

  2. 29 MAR

    Peter Younes Interview on The Ops Talk Podcast: The Reality of Project Implementation

    In this special guest appearance, Peter Younes, host of the Project Command podcast, is interviewed by Chief Eric Linnenburger on the Ops Talk podcast. We are bringing this conversation to the Project Command feed because it digs deep into the core mission of what we do here: applying professional project management to the high-stakes world of public safety. Peter and Chief Linnenburger discuss why the "fireground mentality" is a double-edged sword when it comes to administrative and operational projects. They break down the essential value of systems, the psychological hurdles of implementing new technology in a traditional culture, and the specific friction points that cause complex projects to stall in the fire service. Highlights of the Interview: The Project Management Gap: Why tactical excellence doesn't always translate to the office—and how to bridge it. Systems as a Foundation: Moving from a "hero culture" to a "systems culture" for long-term reliability. Tech Adoption: How to introduce new software and tools without losing the buy-in of the rank and file. Operational Projects: Defining the projects that actually move the needle for a modern department.

    1hr 3min

  3. 21 MAR

    Dean Maye: Why Agentic AI Changes Everything You Think You Know About Artificial Intelligence

    In this episode of Project Command, Peter Younes sits down with Odean "Dean" Maye to talk about what it actually takes to scale ideas, teams, and technology in the real world. Dean shares lessons from startups, enterprise leadership, AWS, finance, and AI, then breaks down how leaders can separate hype from real business value. The conversation dives into practical AI adoption, why most organizations still have not figured it out, and how agentic AI is changing the way work gets done. Dean also explains why leaders should start with outcomes instead of tools, how to think like a systems builder, and why strong teams need a clear scoreboard. This is a grounded conversation on leadership, innovation, project execution, and the future of AI for organizations trying to move from curiosity to action.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odeanmaye Acuvero: https://www.acuvero.com Autonomous: https://atonomos.io

    48 min

  4. 15 MAR

    Using AI to Solve Big Problems

    Episode Description Big problems often feel overwhelming because everything is stuck in our heads at the same time. In this episode of Project Command, Captain Peter Younes explains a simple framework for using artificial intelligence to turn complex problems into clear, actionable plans. Instead of staring at a problem and hoping inspiration strikes, AI can be used as a thinking partner to organize information, break challenges into manageable pieces, and build a step-by-step plan. Peter walks through his seven-step AI problem-solving framework that anyone can apply immediately: Get it out of your head Organize and review Break the problem into pieces Define goals and timeline Turn it into a to-do list Organize by sequence and priority Execute and iterate Whether you're leading a project, solving an operational problem, or trying to bring order to a complicated situation, this method shows how AI can help transform confusion into clarity.

    21 min

  5. 8 MAR

    Johnny Torgeson: Forging Your Team

    In this episode of Project Command, we sit down with Dr. Johnny Torgeson—Operations Chief, leadership consultant, national speaker, and instructor—to talk about what leadership really looks like when it matters most. Drawing from his military experience and leadership roles in high-risk professions, Dr. Torgeson breaks down the difference between authority and leadership and explains why the most effective leaders focus on people first. The conversation explores practical leadership theory, the lessons he carried from the military into emergency services leadership, and how those lessons apply to modern organizations. We also dive into the importance of soft skills—communication, emotional intelligence, humility, and trust—and why they often matter more than technical expertise when leading teams under pressure. Dr. Torgeson shares real experiences, leadership failures that became learning moments, and actionable insights for leaders at every level. Whether you're an officer in the fire service, a military leader, or someone responsible for guiding a team, this episode offers practical strategies and honest reflections on building stronger leaders and stronger organizations.

    1hr 11min

  6. 1 MAR

    Samson Desessa: Brotherhood Is a Verb

    In this episode of Project Command, I sit down with Samson Desessa, author of Brotherhood is a Verb, to talk about what real leadership looks like when it is tested under pressure. We explore his experience in the military and how it shaped his philosophy on mentorship, accountability, and taking care of your people. Samson shares what brotherhood truly means, why leadership is an action and not a title, and how consistent investment in others builds strong teams. We discuss the responsibility leaders carry, the importance of presence and example, and how mentorship creates lasting impact far beyond rank or position. This conversation is about discipline, ownership, and building cultures where people thrive.

    1hr 9min

  7. 25 FEB

    Flash Points: Systems Make Heroics Possible

    Flash Points: Systems Make Heroics Possible When Team USA Men's Hockey captured Olympic gold, the spotlight fell on one unforgettable performance — goaltender Connor Hellebuyck delivering save after save with the game on the line. But championships aren't won by heroics alone. In this episode of Project Command: Flash Points, Lieutenant Duke Cuneo explores what fire service leaders and project managers can learn from Team USA's victory. Behind every defining moment is a disciplined system — one that creates clarity, reduces chaos, and allows individuals to perform at their highest level when it matters most. From the fireground to organizational change initiatives, leaders often hope talent, motivation, or individual effort will carry a project across the finish line. The reality is different: sustainable success comes from systems strong enough to support excellence under pressure. In this episode, you'll learn: Why heroics matter — but systems make heroics possible How Incident Command principles translate directly to project leadership The danger of relying on "saving the day" as an organizational strategy How clarity, alignment, and preparation create championship-level teams Great leaders don't eliminate heroics — they design environments where greatness can emerge without chaos. Because heroics win moments. Systems win championships. Project Command: Flash Points delivers quick, high-impact insights that turn big project management concepts into practical leadership tools for the fire service. 🎙️ Connect with us on LinkedIn for continued discussion and behind-the-scenes insights with Lieutenant Duke Cuneo and Captain Peter Younes. 📺 Watch video versions and extended content on the Project Command YouTube channel. 📧 Questions or future episode ideas? Email: projectcommandpodcast@gmail.com

    5 min

  8. 23 FEB

    Scott Payne: Lessons Learned From Training 5000 PMPs

    n this episode of Project Command, I sit down with Scott Payne, PMP and Lean expert, who has helped more than 5,000 professionals earn their PMP certification and has led process improvement efforts across Fortune 500 companies. Scott shares what is hardest to teach new PMP students and what concepts deliver the most immediate value once applied in the real world. We discuss practical process optimization, how Lean thinking applies inside public safety organizations, and how to identify and eliminate technical debt before it cripples your team. Scott also explains how fire departments can establish a functional PMO, implement project management best practices, and avoid the common traps that derail initiatives. Drawing on his experience as a merchant marine, engineer, and project management consultant, Scott offers clear, actionable lessons for leaders who want to build stronger systems and deliver better outcomes.

    55 min
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About

Project Command is a podcast dedicated to exploring project management and execution in the fire service. Hosted by Captain Peter Younes, PMP, and Lieutenant Duke Cuneo, PMP, the show dives into the art and science of leading complex projects, building effective teams, and integrating proven project management practices into fire department operations. Each episode brings practical insights, real-world examples, and lessons learned from initiatives that shape the future of public safety—helping fire service leaders at all levels turn ideas into action and get things done.

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Younes
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Project Command

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