Surfacing Leaders

Episode 6 of Surfacing Leaders, "From Rookie to Fire Chief: Unveiling the Heart of Fire Service Leadership" delves into the inspiring journey of David Parsons, a remarkable firefighter who rose through the ranks to become Oceanside, CA's Fire Chief -- the first Chief to begin their career graduating from Oceanside Fire Academy more than 20 years ago. Hosted by Marc Koehler, the episode follows David's story of surfacing as a fire service leader, explores the essence of leadership within the fire service,and the unwavering dedication firefighters have to serving their communities.

Throughout the episode, David shares his remarkable experiences, beginning from his early days as a young firefighter with a passion for helping others. You'll hear his evolution from a rookie firefighter to a seasoned leader, facing numerous challenges and triumphs along the way.

The episode emphasizes the essential qualities of a firefighter, including physical resilience, mental toughness, and a servant's heart. David's anecdotes shed light on the demanding and dangerous nature of firefighting, showcasing the critical importance of teamwork, trust, and effective communication in saving lives and protecting communities.

But this episode goes beyond the fire service. It's about the power of mentorship and self-awareness, the importance of collaboration, and the lessons in authenticity that transcend any leadership context. You'll hear captivating anecdotes, shared by David himself, that offer valuable insights for all of us who strive to be better leaders."From Rookie to Fire Chief" also highlights the significance of mentorship in shaping effective leaders. David fondly recalls the impact of his mentors, whose guidance and support inspired him to be true to himself and his values. He stresses the need for leaders to know themselves intimately, embracing both strengths and weaknesses, while fostering transparency and authenticity in their interactions.

The episode concludes with a profound message about the power of collaboration and inclusion in decision-making. David firmly believes in involving others in the decision-making process, fostering a sense of ownership and buy-in among his team.

"From Rookie to Fire Chief: Unveiling the Heart of Fire Service Leadership" not only celebrates the courageous efforts of firefighters but also offers valuable insights into leadership that transcend the fire service. It is a compelling exploration of how dedication, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving others can shape exceptional leaders who make a lasting impact on their communities.

Episode 5 of Surfacing Leaders brings you the engaging and inspiring story of Commanding Excellence: The Art of Continuous Learning as a Military Leader. Host Marc Koehler sits down with Jeff Jarosz, a former Marine Corps officer with a remarkable career in military leadership. From serving under renowned leaders like former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly to Admiral McCraven during the Special Forces operation that killed Osama bin Laden, Jeff surfaced as an exceptional leader in every assignment.

In this episode, Jeff shares invaluable insights into seamlessly transitioning his leadership expertise to the corporate world. From building cohesive teams to making critical personnel decisions, his wisdom is pure gold for aspiring leaders.

What sets this episode apart is Jeff's profound thoughts on learning and leadership development, deeply resonating with Marc's own leadership philosophy. Emphasizing the never-ending process of growth, Jeff believes in being a constant student of leadership. He shares his approach of seeking knowledge from various sources, including books and experiences beyond the military domain.

As fellow military veterans, Marc and Jeff's unique connection adds an extra layer of depth to their conversation. This inspiring journey reveals the pivotal role mentorship played in shaping their leadership paths.

Get ready for an enriching experience as Jeff's stories and insights will leave an indelible mark on your leadership philosophy. 

Dive into the waves of leadership as Surfacing Leaders host Marc Koehler, who moved to Oceanside with his family 25 years ago, shares the inspiring story of Leslee Gaul, a visionary leader who has left an indelible mark on the sandy shores of their hometown. Marc and Leslee's paths crossed years ago when they collaborated on coordinating beachside soccer tournaments in Oceanside during the time that Marc was coaching girls' soccer. Now, Marc is eager to showcase Leslee's journey of surfacing as a leader and her instrumental role in shaping Oceanside's remarkable transformation.

Like the ebb and flow of the ocean's tides, Leslee's career history unfolds with a resounding impact on the community around her. Marc and Leslee's conversation reveals her authentic leadership style, skillfully navigating the currents of change while staying true to her vision of what Oceanside could become. 

From humble beginnings with a modest budget, Leslee's unwavering commitment to Oceanside's growth surged forward, like a wave gaining momentum. She fearlessly advocated for her community, weathering the stormy challenges of 9/11, the housing market downturn, and the tumultuous waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her unwavering dedication ensured that Oceanside remained a safe and inviting haven for visitors and locals alike.

Listeners will gain valuable leadership lessons from Leslee's experiences. They will discover the power of authenticity and genuine care in building meaningful relationships and fostering trust within a team. Leslee's strategic approach to leadership and her ability to navigate challenges with resilience and a visionary mindset will inspire listeners to embrace calculated risks and drive positive change in their own endeavors.

The episode highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the value of building a team that shares the same passion and commitment to a shared vision. Listeners will learn how empowering others and creating a culture of expertise can lead to remarkable success and transformation.

Leslee's role in managing the disruptive impact of platforms like Airbnb offers insights into adaptability and decision-making. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to lead in changing market dynamics and level the playing field within their respective industries.

Marc and Leslee reflect on Oceanside's growth and its shift from a pass-by destination to a sought-after stop for travelers. Listeners will discover the significance of creating exceptional experiences, story-telling, and leveraging unique strengths.

And of course, having the Top Gun house downtown on the beachfront certainly helps!

Embark on an immersive journey through the depths of leadership with Marc Koehler in this captivating episode of Surfacing Leaders. Discover Leslee's remarkable voyage as she expertly navigates the tides of change, leaving an enduring legacy that washes over Oceanside's sandy shores. From the crashing waves of challenges to the shimmering hope of transformation, Leslee's story embodies the true essence of surfacing leaders. Gain valuable leadership insights and be inspired to make a difference in your own community or organization, embracing authenticity, empowering others, and driving positive change.

Embark on an extraordinary journey into the realm of leadership under pressure with our guest, Mark Bertagnolli, in this captivating episode of 'Surfacing Leaders' titled "Leadership Under Pressure: From Silent Depths to Roaring Markets, Lessons in Thriving in High-Stakes Environments." Join us as we delve into the remarkable story of Mark's ascent first as a US Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer to conquering the high-stakes world of Wall Street.

Mark first emerged as a leader in the depths of the ocean, where silence reigns and the weight of responsibility rests on a select few. Like our host, Marc Koehler, Mark mastered the art of navigating treacherous waters on a US Nuclear Submarine (in fact, the very same submarine Marc was on), instilling in him the virtues of accountbility, clear communication, and unwavering determination. Mark truly surfaced as a leader in this challenging and unforgiving environment.

However, his journey didn't end there. Transitioning to Wall Street, Mark discovered a whole new battlefield—where the stakes were high, the markets roared, and fortunes were won or lost in the blink of an eye. Yet, armed with the lessons learned from the submarine, Mark fearlessly embraced this dynamic realm, emerging once again as a leader in the fast-paced world of finance. 

Throughout this episode, we unearth the valuable insights Mark gained from his unique leadership journey. From fostering clear expectations to empowering his team, and navigating through structured processes to making informed decisions, Mark honed the skills necessary to thrive in high-stakes environments. His journey exemplifies the resilience, adaptability, and unwavering spirit required to lead with excellence.

Beyond his achievements in the naval and financial domains, you'll also hear how Mark has continued his pursuit of leadership and impact in an entirely new arena. Today, he dedicates his time to cancer research, working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of those affected by this formidable disease. Through his commitment to scientific exploration, innovative thinking, and compassionate leadership, Mark Bertagnolli continues to surface as a leader in the fight against cancer.

Join us as we embark on this extraordinary expedition with Mark Bertagnolli, where we navigate the depths of leadership and emerge stronger, more resilient, and inspired. "Leadership Under Pressure" is an episode that will captivate, inform, and motivate leaders from all walks of life. Get ready to set sail and explore the profound lessons learned from Mark's journey, as he surfaces as a leader time and time again, leaving an indelible mark in the realms of submarines, finance, and cancer research.

Welcome aboard Surfacing Leaders, the captivating leadership podcast that delves into remarkable journeys of leadership, hosted by none other than former United States Nuclear Submarine Officer, turnaround CEO, founder of Lead With Purpose, and author of Leading With Purpose, Marc Koehler.

In our inaugural episode, Marc himself steps into the spotlight as he sits down with Kim Touchton, the Chief Marketing Officer of Lead With Purpose, to recount his own transformative path to surfacing as a leader.

Prepare to be enthralled as Marc takes you on an extraordinary voyage, tracing his evolution from a timid child desperately seeking confidence to a dreamer whose aspirations of becoming a fighter pilot were crushed. But fear not, as Marc's story takes an inspiring turn. Discover how he found his stride through the rigorous leadership training he underwent as a member of the U.S. Navy, a journey that unfolded 400 feet beneath the surface of the vast ocean.

But that's just the beginning. Marc provides an exciting glimpse into the future of Surfacing Leaders, giving listeners a taste of the diverse narratives awaiting them in future episodes. From the captivating realm of a movie set to the harmonious symphony of an orchestra, and the bustling tarmac of an airport - each episode promises enthralling stories of leadership found in unlikely places. In addition, thought-provoking discussions await, exploring the intricacies of leadership in our rapidly changing world, intertwined with the indomitable human spirit that propels us all forward.

Consider yourself cordially invited as Marc and his remarkable guests embark on the exhilarating journey that is Surfacing Leaders. Brace yourself to be inspired, to nurture your confidence, and to unearth the timeless wisdom of leadership, right from where you stand.

Prepare to dive into the immersive world of Surfacing Leaders, where extraordinary leadership is explored, celebrated, and shared. Welcome aboard!