In this episode, David speaks to John Cuomo who was an active firefighter and paramedic for 24 years. He is also a community advocate and author, who has a real passion for serving people and making them feel as safe as possible. John discovered his true purpose only when things started going wrong in his life.

He explains how being a firefighter taught him to be a continuous learner, and that being a leader means serving others. John shares some of the leadership tips he picked up during his time in the firefighting service. He explains how finding a purpose will drive you forward and enable you to have a positive impact. Leading a meaningful life feels incredible.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Going through difficult calls is incredibly bonding.
• Business owners must be constantly alert to new things and learning. It is the only way they can adapt fast enough.
• If you are leading, you must ensure each team member is trained and as ready as you are.
• Providing targeted training that helps individuals to progress benefits the team overall.
• Looking after your team includes paying attention to how everyone is feeling and coping with life or challenges.
• As a leader, you need support and understanding from your family.
• Setting small goals to start with and having the discipline to complete them empowers you to do the next thing and gain momentum.
• Look back on your successes to push you through when you don’t feel like doing things. 
• Everyone gets derailed. Constant reflection helps you to spot when you are going off track, so you can make corrections.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I feel really blessed”

‘Always be prepared, always learning and making sure you're ready.’

‘If you're a leader in your job, it doesn't matter, you're going to show those leadership skills at home and around your family.’

‘Leadership is a constant goal to try to be better

EPISODE RESOURCES

Website - https://www.fdleadership.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-cuomo-59ab63a0

Leadership Refined by Fire by John M Cuomo - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leadership-Refined-Fire-Firefighters-Exceptional/dp/1957652004/

ABOUT THE SHOW

People with purpose make a difference. Imagine a world where more people can just get their purpose out of them, into a plan, and then actually make it happen. What a world that would be - People everywhere finding meaning and harnessing that to bring inspiration and energy to each and every day, changing lives for the better. But no one ever achieved anything on their own - we all have something unique to bring and that means we all have to play our part - if we want to go far, we have to go together and lead or serve towards a vision of the world we want to see. Everyone has a story to tell, and this show is where these stories come to life.

ABOUT THE HOST

David Roberts is a highly regarded CEO, mentor, and investor with 30 years of experience across multiple sectors. As an intrapreneur and entrepreneur David has bought, grown, started, and sold several businesses, working with values-driven start-ups, award-winning SMEs, and multinational corporations on strategies for service excellence, leadership, and profitable growth. David’s passion is for purpose and creating an environment where everyone can succeed, through building teams that get things done, execute on their mission with passion, deliver exceptional service and really make a difference.

ARTWORK CREDIT

Penny Roberts - https://www.instagram.com/penpennypencils

CONTACT METHODS

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-roberts-nu-heat/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DavidRobertsPeopleWithPurpose

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/davidcroberts_/

Clubhouse - https://www.clubhouse.com/@davidcroberts?utm_medium=ch_profile&utm_campaign=MBv1ubya1-oOBXc_uQKFHw-46334

GUEST BIO

Leadership skills save lives. Become the exceptional firefighter and leader that your community can count on!
A good fire officer can read smoke, understand building construction, and fight fires. Exceptional leadership, though, means going above and beyond what is required to answer the call of duty. In the fire service, it can be the difference between survival or disaster.
Leadership qualities can advance your career and develop you into the firefighter and exceptional leader that your fire department, crew, and the community can count on.
In Leadership Refined by Fire, John M. Cuomo leverages over two decades as a firefighter to help you become the fire service leader you are seeking to be. This guide will teach you:
• A step-by-step game plan to develop and improve leadership skills, based on inspirational leaders throughout history.
• Key practices for self-care during a tough job.
• How to practice effective leadership in times of chaos.
• Methods to empathetically care for people in crisis, both on emergency scenes and in the firehouse.
• How to deliver exceptional customer service.
• Tips for building a motivational culture while coaching the next generation of firefighters.
Effective leadership is the backbone for safety—and success—in the unpredictable and dangerous fire service. Deeply personal and backed with raw, real-life experiences, Leadership Refined by Fire is a how-to guide you can use to become the leader you are seeking to be—start your journey today.