APi Group created a podcast to make our purpose of building great leaders more accessible and to inspire listeners to lead within their roles. We will be highlighting leadership stories from people throughout our family of companies and providing learning opportunities and tips listeners can easily apply.
Episode 18 - Overcoming Obstacles
Featuring: Mike Goodman
Mike Goodman joined 3S through the Wounded Warrior Program. In this episode, he shares his story of consistently overcoming obstacles and embracing a "no-fear" attitude. Mike shares his advice for companies looking to hire other Wounded Warriors.
October 27, 2020
Episode 1 - A Preview of Building Great Leaders
For this episode, I wanted to set expectations of who you will hear from and what you might learn. The purpose of the podcast is to share raw, insightful stories from leaders throughout the APi Family. Our goal is for you to be inspired to become a better leader after listening.
March 30, 2020
Episode 2 - Why Building Great Leaders
Featuring: Russ Becker
In this episode, we get to hear from APi Group's CEO Russ Becker. He talks about growing up on the iron range, why he pursued a career in construction, and shares some of the most valuable leadership lessons he has learned. We also discuss how a construction company started down the path to Building Great Leaders.
March 30, 2020
Episode 3 - Mission-Driven Leadership
Featuring: Paul Grunau
Have you ever heard of mission-driven leadership? APi's CLO, Paul Grunau, shares his personal mission and how it has helped him make decisions. Plus, he tells us about the piece of feedback that changed his life and impacted his career.
April 14, 2020
Episode 4 - Being a Safety Leader
Featuring: Kristin Heizman
Every single day, we make choices that impact the health and well-being of ourselves and those around us. In this episode, we hear from APi's Director of Corporate Safety about how everyone, regardless of role, can be a safety leader. We also learn about the family history that inspired her to pursue her career.
April 28, 2020
Episode 5 - Servant Leadership
Featuring: Jerry Allen
In this episode, we hear from International Fire Protection's President, Jerry Allen. He shares his journey through the construction industry and the moment he realized his managing style needed a change. Learn about his approach to customer service and servant leadership.
May 12, 2020
Episode 6 - Emotional Intelligence
Featuring: Monica Seme
In this episode, we learn all about Emotional Intelligence from APi's VP of Succession and Development, Monica Seme. Why is EI important? How does your emotional intelligence impact the teams you lead? Listen in as she teaches us ways we can tune in to our own emotions and those around us to be better leaders.
May 26, 2020
Episode 7 - Leaving a Positive Legacy
Featuring: Jim Lillie
How often do you consider your reputation and the impression you are leaving on people, especially in stressful situations? That is one piece of advice we hear in this interview with Jim Lillie, co-founder of J2 and APi's board co-chairman. Learn more about Jim's leadership journey and his take on great team dynamics.
June 2, 2020
Episode 8 - Building a Great Culture
Featuring: Sir Martin Franklin
This interview with Sir Martin Franklin covers the gamut of topics: from building great company cultures to running 100 mile races to being knighted. He shares the natural ability that has led to his success and his vision for APi Group.
June 9, 2020
Episode 9 - Growing Your People
Featuring: Andy McCleery
People are at the center of our business and investing in their growth is critical. CEO and President of Viking Fire Protection Group, Andy McCleery, shares the invaluable lesson he learned in the army about "Growing your people" and how that lesson has influenced his leadership style.
June 23, 2020
Episode 10 - Leading through Grief
Featuring: Mel Olson
Our industry has one of the highest rates of suicide out of any American workforce. Mel Olson shares his personal story of losing his brother and why it is so important, as leaders, that we normalize talking about mental health. We also talk about leading when your entire company is grieving.
July 7, 2020
Episode 11 - Harnessing your passion
Featuring: Alan Crabtree
Do you know your "why"? Davis Ulmer's Alan Crabtree talks about understanding your "why" and aligning your role with it. Hear Alan's energetic story and learn from the advice he shares about showing a standard.
July 21, 2020
Episode 12 - Community Leadership
Featuring: Ed Pletsch
Manager of Inspections and National Accounts, Ed Pletsch, shares his experience as a leader in his community. As the chief of the volunteer fire department, his branch manager recognized his dedication and nominated him for the Mike Gifford Community Service Award in 2019. Ed talks about his commitment and the important part a company can play in volunteerism.
August 4, 2020
Episode 13 - Finding the Right Seat on the Bus
Featuring: Courtney Brogard
Are you in the right seat in your company? APi's Vice President of Inspection Sales, Courtney Brogard, had a career epiphany, after giving birth to her daughter, when she questioned if she was in the right seat. A new career path opened up where she was able to leverage her positive attitude, her drive to win, and her ability to motivate others to succeed. Listen as she shares the secret to selling and the reason why she loves where she works.
August 18, 2020
Episode 14 - Leading to Serve
Featuring: Robert Seda
In our new episode, AFPG's Division Leader in Dallas, Robert Seda, shares how an off-hand conversation with his friend changed the course of his career and introduced him to the safety services industry. Listen to learn about his approach to leadership and why his peers describe him as a servant leader.
September 1, 2020
Episode 15 - Managing vs. Leading
Featuring: Gene Postma
Do you know the difference between managing and leading? Great leaders set direction, align resources and motivate their teams. Managers control and delegate. APi Segment Leader Gene Postma talks about this distinction and offers other leadership advice in this episode of our Building Great Leaders Podcast.
September 15, 2020
Episode 16 - Finding Fulfillment
Featuring: Joy Spatz
Joy Spatz has been a sprinkler fitter for over 25 years. In this interview, she shares how her experience at the Field Leadership Institute helped her find fulfillment in her role as a foreman. Joy shares how she has overcome the challenges of being a woman in the trades and why leaders should focus on the value that each teammate brings to the table.
September 29, 2020
Episode 17 - Positioning yourself for a win
Featuring: Blake Sloan
How are you differentiating yourself? What steps do you take to give customers a reason to build a relationship with you? Corporate Inspection Sales Leader Blake Sloan talks about pivoting careers and why it is important to think about how you are positioning yourself or your team for a win!
October 13, 2020
