Elevate Your Call To Service

Michael McIntosh
  • 4.6 (9)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Elevate Your Call to Service is a Law Enforcement podcast that provides tips, tools and resources to help law enforcement professionals become stronger leaders and succeed at work and in life. Over the last several years, we’ve lost a lot of good law enforcement leaders. While this brings opportunities to reshape the profession and operate better than we have in the past, there’s a problem. Many newer and incoming officers lack the role models and mentors they need to navigate the challenges of the job. And even worse, some of our current leaders lack the seasoned development to truly inspire and guide future generations. It’s time to take back our justice system and restore true leadership. That’s why we’ve assembled a team of leaders with a wide breadth of experience and sound leadership qualities to share their authentic, real-time insights. We want to be part of the solution and give upcoming leaders the support they need. Thank you for your commitment to law enforcement. We’re honored to be a part of your journey to success. Let’s elevate our call to service, together.

  1. FEB 10

    How Leaders Shape Culture: Why Modeling Matters More Than Words

    How Leaders Shape Culture: Why Modeling Matters More Than Words Culture doesn’t change because of a memo. It changes because of what leaders consistently model. In this episode of Elevate Your Call to Service, we move beyond personal leadership and turn the lens outward—examining how individual discipline, consistency, and behavior shape the culture of an entire organization. Through real-world law enforcement leadership experience, we explore why: Culture is built by repeated behavior, not written policy Communication alone isn’t enough—modeling creates credibility Consistency matters more than perfection Internal trust must come before external community trust Leaders at every level influence culture, whether they realize it or not You’ll hear practical insights on how mission and vision move from words on a wall to something people actually feel, how mixed standards erode trust, and why reflection must become routine—not reaction. If you’re a leader who wants to build a service-driven culture that lasts, this conversation will challenge you to look beyond what you say and focus on what your actions are teaching every day. Because in the end, what leaders model matters. View our show notes at https://www.leleaders.com/elevate/how-leaders-shape-culture-modeling-matters

    35 min

  2. JAN 27

    Leading Yourself First: Personal Leadership for Command Level Officers

    In today’s climate of heightened scrutiny and internal pressure, leadership credibility starts long before public decisions are made. It begins with personal leadership. In this episode, we explore how command-level officers—lieutenants, captains, commanders, chiefs, and sheriffs—shape organizational culture through the way they lead themselves. From emotional discipline and accountability to service-driven decision-making, personal leadership sets the tone for trust inside the agency and confidence in the community. You’ll hear why rank alone does not create influence, how internal culture directly impacts external reputation, and what happens when leadership becomes image-focused instead of example-driven. We also break down the daily habits that strengthen personal leadership and help command staff model the standard they expect others to follow. By the end of this episode, command leaders will understand how leading themselves first builds credibility, strengthens culture, and reinforces service-driven leadership from the top down. View our show notes at https://www.leleaders.com/elevate/leading-yourself-first-personal-leadership-for-command-level-officers

    30 min

  3. JAN 13

    Leading So Others Thrive: The Long View of Leadership

    In this episode of Elevate Your Call to Service, we pause to reflect on the kind of leadership that truly lasts. Leadership isn’t defined only by rank, results, or recognition—it’s revealed over time through patterns, consistency, and the way leaders invest in people. In this episode, Mike and Cathy explore what it means to take the long view of leadership and why everyday interactions often shape our greatest impact. Prompted by recent moments of reflection and loss, this conversation looks honestly at how leaders influence others—sometimes in ways they never fully realize. Through real stories from law enforcement and public service, we unpack how trust is built, why belief from a leader matters, and how people-first leadership creates influence that continues long after a role or season ends. You’ll hear why leadership impact is rarely about big moments—and almost always about presence, listening, consistency, and the courage to course-correct when needed. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why leadership is revealed over time, not in isolated moments How small, intentional actions can have long-term influence What people-first leadership looks like in high-pressure environments Why it’s never too late to lead better and rebuild trust How leadership at work carries into home, family, and community life Whether you’re a seasoned leader, an emerging supervisor, or someone committed to serving others well, this episode offers a steady reminder: the way you lead today shapes how others grow tomorrow. View our show notes at https://www.leleaders.com/elevate/leading-so-others-thrive-long-view-of-leadership

    34 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    The 4 Communication Mistakes that Cripple a Leader's Impact

    Effective communication can elevate a leader—or quietly sabotage their influence. In this episode of The Elevate Podcast, Mike and Cathy reveal the five communication mistakes that cripple leadership impact in law enforcement and public service. If your briefings go long, your messages get lost, or your team seems disengaged, the problem may not be motivation—it may be communication. Drawing from Mike’s 40 years of experience in law enforcement and Cathy’s branding and human-behavior insight, this episode breaks down the patterns that confuse teams, derail trust, and cause leaders to misjudge who is ready for promotion. You’ll learn why clarity consistently outperforms complexity, how to avoid rambling or over-explaining, and how to communicate in a way that drives action—not frustration. What You’ll Learn: The #1 communication mistake that leads to 2-hour meetings with no results Why “sounding clever” backfires and creates operational confusion How unclear expectations undermine morale and performance The difference between helpful leadership illustrations and self-focused storytelling How to communicate with purpose, direction, and follow-through Episode Promise: By the end of this conversation, you’ll be able to identify—and eliminate—the communication habits that weaken credibility and hinder performance. You’ll walk away with practical tools to bring more clarity, confidence, and consistency to your leadership, whether you supervise a team of three or an entire agency. Perfect For: Law enforcement leaders, supervisors, aspiring leaders, public safety professionals, and anyone committed to building trust, clarity, and influence on their team. View our show notes at https://www.leleaders.com/elevate/law-enforcement-leadership-communication-mistakes

    33 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    Wellness & Resilience in Law Enforcement: How Officers Learn to Withstand, Recover, and Grow

    Wellness & Resilience — Building Stronger Officers, Leaders, and Teams Wellness and resilience are no longer “nice to have” in law enforcement—they are essential to protecting lives, families, and careers. In this episode of Elevate Your Call to Service, we’re joined by Buddy Johnson and Vinny Greany, instructors in the FBI National Academy Associates Wellness and Resilience curriculum, for an honest and practical conversation about what resilience really looks like in law enforcement today. Drawing from decades of service and leadership experience, Buddy and Vinny explain why resilience is not about “toughing it out,” but about learning how to withstand stress, recover intentionally, and grow stronger over time. They discuss the long-term cost of unresolved stress, the role of mindset and recovery, and why relationships and connection are critical to sustainable service. You’ll also hear practical strategies that officers and leaders can begin using immediately—even in small or under-resourced agencies—including simple habits that shift culture, strengthen morale, and support mental, physical, and relational wellness. Whether you’re an officer, supervisor, command staff member, or someone who supports a first responder, this episode offers grounded insight and actionable tools for navigating stress, building resilience, and leading well—on the job and at home. Listen in for a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation that reframes strength, supports sustainability, and helps law enforcement professionals thrive beyond survival. View our show notes at https://www.leleaders.com/elevate/law-enforcement-wellness-leadership

    39 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    Service-Driven Leadership — How Humility Transforms Law Enforcement Teams

    In this episode of Elevate Your Call to Service, we explore what it truly means to lead through service—not rank, titles, or authority. Service-driven leadership is more than a style; it’s a mindset rooted in humility, purpose, and people-first conviction. And for many leaders, that mindset begins long before they ever step into public safety. Mike shares a pivotal story from when he found himself responsible for teaching both senior and junior personnel. That experience—long before his 40-year career in law enforcement—ignited his passion for serving others, leading teams, and lifting people up from the inside out. Together, we break down how service-driven leadership shapes trust, teamwork, and decision-making in law enforcement, first response, dispatch, and public-sector leadership. You’ll learn how humility strengthens influence, how service anchors purpose, and how our SERVE framework helps leaders stay grounded in values that matter. Whether you’re a seasoned supervisor or building your leadership foundation, this episode will help you become a more service-minded, people-centered, purpose-driven leader. Keywords & Topics: service-driven leadership, law enforcement leadership, police supervisor development, first responder leadership, Navy F-14 story, humility in leadership, servant leadership in public safety, leadership mindset, team trust, leadership purpose, how to lead with service, SERVE framework. View our show notes at https://www.leleaders.com/elevate/47-service-driven-leadership-law-enforcement

    34 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    Beyond Tactics: How Faith Strengthens Law Enforcement Resilience

    In this heartfelt episode of Elevate Your Call to Service, Mike and Cathy get personal after a family scare—a jolting call about a car accident that reminds them of how quickly life can change. From that moment of fear and gratitude, they pivot into a deeper conversation on spiritual wellness and faith as essential elements of resilience in law enforcement and first responder life. Mike shares key takeaways from his recent FBI National Academy Comprehensive Wellness and Resilience certification, reinforcing his long-held belief that true wellness extends beyond the physical and mental, deeply encompassing the spiritual. Together, the hosts explore faith as a vital dimension of wellness, discussing practical ways officers and their families can begin to explore who God is, what faith offers, and how curiosity itself can be a first step toward peace. Listeners will learn: Why spiritual health supports resilience for leaders, officers, and their families How to take ten quiet minutes to reflect on what’s truly guiding your life Why asking “Who or what is big enough to carry what I’m carrying?” can change everything Simple first steps to explore faith, including reading the Book of John, Psalms, or Proverbs How even small spiritual habits can align your purpose, calm your spirit, and renew your motivation to serve Cathy closes the episode with an encouraging challenge: pause, reflect, and take that first step toward spirituality. You might just find that faith is the next layer of strength and wellness you didn’t know you needed. View our show notes at www.leleaders.com/elevate

    41 min

  8. 10/21/2025

    You’re Not Adapting—You’re Coasting on Old Wins: A Leadership Wake-Up Call

    What does a shattered Tahoe window and leadership have in common? Both reveal when yesterday’s habits become today’s anchors—and what we have to unlearn. Using a simple parking-lot mishap as a metaphor, Mike and Cathy explore: Unlearning: When a once-useful habit becomes an anchor—and how to let it go. Curiosity over certainty: Why considering “What am I missing?” builds safer, smarter teams. Commander's intent: Keeping the mission and outcomes steady while the plan flexes. Trust and junior voices: Creating space where new ideas aren’t heard as criticism. You’ll leave with a crisp, field-ready framework—LACE: Listen: Get the full picture and the ground truth. Assess: Weigh risks, resources, legal factors, and community impact. Collaborate: Blend veteran judgment with fresh eyes and subject-matter expertise. Execute: Make the call, communicate the why, and set a quick review point. If you’re tired of black-and-white thinking but don’t want chaos, this is your wake-up call. Adaptability isn’t trendy—it’s how leaders keep teams safer, decisions sharper, and outcomes better in a world that’s changing every day. Time to lace it up. View our show notes here:  https://leleaders.com/45-youre-not-adapting-coasting-on-old-wins-leadership-wake-up-call

    35 min
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Trailer

4.6
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About

Elevate Your Call to Service is a Law Enforcement podcast that provides tips, tools and resources to help law enforcement professionals become stronger leaders and succeed at work and in life. Over the last several years, we’ve lost a lot of good law enforcement leaders. While this brings opportunities to reshape the profession and operate better than we have in the past, there’s a problem. Many newer and incoming officers lack the role models and mentors they need to navigate the challenges of the job. And even worse, some of our current leaders lack the seasoned development to truly inspire and guide future generations. It’s time to take back our justice system and restore true leadership. That’s why we’ve assembled a team of leaders with a wide breadth of experience and sound leadership qualities to share their authentic, real-time insights. We want to be part of the solution and give upcoming leaders the support they need. Thank you for your commitment to law enforcement. We’re honored to be a part of your journey to success. Let’s elevate our call to service, together.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael McIntosh
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Elevate Your Call To Service