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Building Great Leaders

APi Group

What does leadership mean? How can I lead within my role? What are the lessons APi Group leaders have learned throughout their careers?

The Building Great Leaders podcast aims to answer these questions and more! Leaders will share their personal stories, the mindsets that helped them excel, and the behaviors they use to positively influence others. We hope to inspire listeners to be better leaders at work, in their communities, and in their homes.

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  • 22 episodes
  • monthly
  • Avg 33 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • S7 · E132
    Tuesday · 36 min

    Episode 132: Resilience and Responsibility in Leadership

    In this episode, Rebecca Fullerton, Managing Director of Chubb Australia and New Zealand, explains how early experiences with working and family responsibility shaped her. She describes what brought her into the fire and security industry where she advanced through a variety of roles. Hear more about Rebeccas's challenges along the way and how those helped her develop more empathy, resilience, and taught her to embrace vulnerability. She also shares what Chubb is doing to bring leadership into everyday conversations.

  • S7 · E131
    August 25 · 26 min

    Episode 131: Committed to Giving Back

    In this episode, Jenni Severson, Vice President People Partner for American Fire Protection Group, discusses her people journey, and how important it is to lead and empower people in your organization. She expresses the importance of having psychological safety, the ability to be yourself, and feeling that your words are heard by your leader in order for people to truly and constantly grow. In addition, Jenni shares her passion for giving back.

  • S7 · E130
    August 6 · 44 min

    Episode 130: Shifting Leadership from a Program to a Culture

    In this episode, Clint Grossmann, Leadership Development Leader for Chubb Australia and New Zealand, discusses his leadership journey, and how the team has adopted both the Leadership Mindset, and the Building Great Leaders Culture of APi Group. Clint shares his experience with multiple career pivots and explains how opportunities opened up for him by trying things in new and creative ways. Hear what he's currently working on, how he translates theoretical concepts into something practical, and what fires him up the most about his role.

  • S7 · E129
    July 14 · 39 min

    Episode 129: Being a Spark Plug as a Leader

    In this episode, Bill DeNet, President of Tessiers, opens up about navigating career transitions with a family, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning to step away from his comfort zone. He explains what it truly means to lead from your highest point of influence and how a culture rooted in healthy sarcasm and professional trust can supercharge an organization's speed.

  • S7 · E128
    June 9 · 23 min

    Episode 128: The Power of People-First Leadership: Lessons from the Navy to API Group

    In this episode, Sam Smith, Director of Inspections Enablement, shares his leadership journey from the depths of a submarine to the heart of API Group's fastest-growing program. Sam discusses how investing in people became his North Star and why he walked away from chasing titles to find a company that prioritizes long-term growth over short-term wins.

  • S7 · E127
    May 13 · 19 min

    Episode 127: Embracing a Redemptive and Growth Mindset

    In this episode, Bryce Muir, General Superintendent for Scaffold Service, shares his journey toward radical ownership and executive leadership. Bryce discusses how a redemptive mindset and intentional gratitude for daily opportunities have shaped his "silver liner" philosophy. He highlights his commitment to a growth mindset, sharing how he actively seeks blunt feedback through mentorship to refine his communication and leadership.

  • S7 · E126
    April 17 · 39 min

    Episode 126: Leaders Develop Leaders

    In this episode, Duane Patrick, Vice President of Leadership & Development for Viking Fire Protection Group, shares his evolution from a bass-playing introvert to an executive leader. From his early days in musical theater and church bands to a pivotal career wake-up call at age 22, Duane discusses how early setbacks and a commitment to daily self-reflection helped him build a culture of abundance. He shares his experience of people who have poured into him and how, he in turn, is dedicated to developing himself and others. Plus, Duane shares ideas on how to encourage IDPs in the field.

  • S7 · E125
    March 24 · 36 min

    Episode 125: The Power of the Pivot: Resilience, Near-Misses, and the Ripple Effect of Leadership

    In this episode, Mike West, Senior Vice-President of Elevated, shares his high-stakes leadership journey defined by resilience and a "field-first" mentality. From navigating the waterways of Fort Lauderdale as a youth to surviving a near-death accident in an elevator pit, Mike discusses how these formative experiences forged his unwavering commitment to safety and professional accountability.

  • S7 · E124
    March 3 · 26 min

    Episode 124: Building Trust in the Field

    In this episode, Anthony Escover, Director of Field Development for Western States Fire Protection, discusses the transition from an apprentice in the field to director of field leadership and the importance of establishing trust within a large-scale organization. He shares his perspective on the cultural shift toward servant leadership in the trades, the critical role of positive reinforcement in talent retention, and why intentional follow-through is the most effective tool for bridging the gap between field and office operations.

  • S7 · E123
    February 11 · 38 min

    Episode 123: The Power of Alignment: Navigating Head, Heart, and Gut in Leadership

    In this episode, Sengdara Grue, APi Group's Vice President of IT, Planning, Execution and Delivery, shares her journey from first-generation refugee to leading high-level technical transformations. She discusses the grit instilled by her family's sacrifices, the importance of aligning head, heart, and gut in leadership, and her commitment to "lifting and pulling up" others in the tech landscape. Sengdara also explores how intentional habits like the 5 a.m. Club build the resilience needed to lead with purpose, in both life and business.

  • S7 · E122
    January 20 · 39 min

    Episode 122: Values-Based Leadership and Scaling Beyond Expertise

    In this episode, Cutter Tyllia, Vice-President of Transformation at APi Group, shares his transition from leading an operating company to driving API Group's enterprise transformation. He discusses shifting from subject matter expertise to leading through influence and vulnerability, reflecting on his father's leadership legacy and the importance of mental resilience in balancing a high-stakes career with family.

  • S6 · E121
    Dec 23, 2025 · 29 min

    Episode 121: Overcoming Fear & Controlling the Controllables

    In this episode, Rose Misiewicz, Department Manager of Roofing & Architectural Metals at Jamar Company, discusses her unique transition from architecture student to construction leader. Rose shares her insights on overcoming the fear of failure, the importance of "controlling the controllables" in both business and sports, and her experience as a pioneer in operational leadership. She also dives into her rewarding role as a coach for the U.S. Women's National Sled Hockey team and how elite athletics informs her approach to team development and professional growth.

  • S6 · E119
    Nov 13, 2025 · 22 min

    Episode 119: Forging an Impactful Leadership Career

    In this episode, Salvatore Chitarra, the Managing Director of Chubb France, shares about his incredible journey as he is set to retire at the end of this year. He reveals the importance of building an exemplary, deeply committed team and offers advice on mentorship, generational knowledge sharing, and the often-overlooked necessity of preparing for retirement while still fully committed to the job.

  • S6 · E117
    Sep 30, 2025 · 42 min

    Episode 117: A Conversation on Career Risks, Personal Growth, and the Power of Self-Reflection

    In this episode, Sarah O'Donnell, Director of Recurring Revenue at Davis-Ulmer, discusses the importance of curiosity, building relationships to overcome imposter syndrome, and the power of self-reflection. She also explores the value of good feedback as a gift for both the giver and the receiver, and the immense benefits of taking calculated risks in your career.

  • S6 · E116
    Sep 3, 2025 · 35 min

    Episode 116: Don't Close the Door on Yourself

    In this episode, Steve Arsenault, Chief Information Officer of APi Group, shares his unconventional career journey and how it shaped his unique perspective on leadership and technology. He reveals how change-ready mindset is the most crucial skill to have in today's fast-paced corporate world, the importance of leveraging data, and the way we can foster innovation from the ground up in order to navigate the challenges of a modernizing business.

  • S6 · E115
    Aug 5, 2025 · 41 min

    Episode 115: Lessons in Grit and Growth

    In this episode, Pam Presthus, Vice President and CFO at LeJeune Steel Company, shares what it means to embody grit, embrace change and consistently challenge the status quo in business.

  • S6 · E114
    Jul 15, 2025 · 39 min

    Episode 114: Leaders Develop Leaders: The Core of Our Success

    In this episode, Russ Becker, CEO at APi Group, returns to share what has happened since he last appeared on the podcast. He discusses the importance of being willing to change and adapt, how leaders need to be focused on developing other leaders within the organization, and so much more. The APi Care Factor is designed to support all APi team members and their children and legal dependents during unexpected challenges related to mental health or substance abuse.If you have a family member that needs help, resources are available and you can learn more now at https://www.thecarefactor.com/.

  • S6 · E113
    Jun 24, 2025 · 33 min

    Episode 113: Why Storytelling is a Powerful Leadership Skill

    In this episode, Bob Randall, VP Learning and Development with APi Group, shares his own vulnerable story and reveals how storytelling can differentiate leaders, while helping to motivate and inspire those around them.

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes