In this episode, host Christian Lane interviews retired Deputy Chief Constable Jennifer Hyland, who shares her journey through the policing system in Canada. Hyland discusses the challenges of balancing duty with personal well-being, the impact of trauma on first responders, and the importance of empathy and authenticity in leadership. She reflects on her experiences in a male-dominated field, the sacrifices made early in her career, and the need for cultural change within policing. The conversation highlights the significance of mental health, vulnerability, and the evolving landscape of law enforcement, particularly regarding the role of women in leadership positions.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the Tightrope Journey

02:43
The Metaphor of the Tightrope

05:23
Processing Trauma in Policing

08:23
The Impact of Isolation in Policing

11:03
Navigating a Male-Dominated Culture

13:35
Sacrificing Compassion for Acceptance

16:23
The Cost of Wearing a Mask

19:24
Empathy as a Strength in Policing

21:55
Integrity and Speaking Up

24:34
The Role of Self-Awareness

27:20
Compassion in the Face of Tragedy

40:08
Understanding Human Moments in Policing

45:14
Transforming Mental Health Conversations in Law Enforcement

51:01
The Importance of Vulnerability and Authenticity

56:43
The Future of Policing: Challenges and Changes

Links

• Tightrope: Balancing Duty with Courage and Conviction by Jennifer Hyland
  Amazon Canada
• Jennifer Hyland on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hyland

Referenced Authors & Experts:

• Dr. Gabor Maté – Trauma and Authenticity
• Dr. Jody Carrington – Connection and Resilience
• Simon Sinek – Leadership and Purpose

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In this episode, host Christian Lane speaks with Captain Willow Bloomquist of the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department. Willow shares her journey from various jobs to becoming a firefighter, her experiences in wildfire prevention, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation delves into the challenges and responsibilities of volunteer firefighting, including training, liability, and the dynamics of leading a volunteer team. Willow emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships within the community and the fire department, especially during critical incidents like the Wesley Ridge fire.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Willow Bloomquist and Dashwood Fire Department

08:28
Willow's Journey to Firefighting

13:28
Understanding Danger in Firefighting

15:15
Reading Smoke: A Critical Skill

19:50
Incident Command Decision Making

23:24
Liability in Volunteer Fire Departments

29:33
Attracting and Retaining Volunteer Firefighters

43:53
Wesley Ridge Fire Experience

54:31
Community Engagement and Support

To learn more or connect with the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department visit https://dashwoodvfd.com/ or contact Capt. Bloomquist directly at w.bloomquist@dashwoodvfd.com.

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In this episode, Christian Lane interviews Heather Edward, a seasoned paramedic leader who has transitioned from frontline work to leadership roles and now healthcare philanthropy. Heather discusses her early influences, the challenges of leadership, the importance of mental health, and her current research on paramedic leaders' mental health. She emphasizes the need for open dialogue, self-reflection, and the importance of supportive peer networks in navigating the complexities of leadership in paramedicine.

Takeaways

• Heather's early family influences shaped her understanding of mental health.
• Transitioning from frontline work to leadership requires courage and support.
• Women often need encouragement to step into leadership roles.
• Disruptive leadership can challenge the status quo for positive change.
• Self-reflection is crucial for effective leadership.
• Admitting mistakes is a sign of strong leadership.
• Conflict in leadership can be navigated with open dialogue.
• Finding the right environment is essential for personal growth.
• Leaders often feel alone in their responsibilities.
• Organizational culture significantly impacts leaders' mental health.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Heather Edward

01:42
Heather's Early Life and Influences

03:57
Transitioning from Frontline to Leadership

06:40
The Role of Women in Leadership

09:04
Disrupting the Status Quo in Leadership

11:32
Navigating Leadership Challenges

15:38
The Importance of Self-Reflection

17:49
Admitting Mistakes as a Leader

18:58
Dealing with Conflict in Leadership

24:26
Finding the Right Environment for Growth

25:58
The Value of Being Uncomfortable

28:44
Feeling Alone in Leadership

30:41
Building a Supportive Peer Network

32:29
Balancing Frontline Responsibilities with Leadership

36:54
The Impact of Organizational Culture on Mental Health

39:21
Researching Mental Health in Paramedic Leadership

44:34
Anticipated Themes from the Research

49:32
The Future of Paramedic Leadership and Mental Health

57:15
Conclusion and Next Steps

🔗 Links

• Heather Edward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-edward-669a14270/
• Paramedic Association of Canada: paramedic.ca
• Resources Mentioned:
  • The Working Mind (Mental Health Commission of Canada)
    
    
  • Bell Let’s Talk – Mental Health Initiatives
    
    
  • Wounded Warriors Canada
    – Trauma-informed programs for first responders and veterans

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