In today’s fire service, leaders are tasked not only with operational decision-making but also with the essential responsibility of fostering trust, resilience, and strong relationships within their teams. This session will explore how emotional intelligence (EI), combined with key leadership principles from Coffee Cup Leadership and Leading the Charge: A Firefighter’s Approach to Resilient Leadership, forms the foundation for effective leadership in the fire service.

This presentation will explore the critical role of emotional intelligence (EI) in fire service leadership and it’s requirement as an essential skill for effective leadership. Drawing on lessons such as “how a leader communicates is one of the most powerful leadership tools” and “relationships are built over time and must be fostered every day,” this session will demonstrate how leaders can leverage EI to build strong, cohesive teams. Participants will gain insights on how to communicate effectively, lead with empathy, and develop relationships that inspire performance and trust.

Attendees will hear about actionable strategies to incorporate emotional intelligence into their daily leadership practices, ensuring that their teams feel supported, understood, and empowered. This session is designed to help fire chiefs enhance team dynamics, improve mental health resilience, and create a culture of trust and open communication—key elements for thriving in the demanding fire service environment.