The Listening Tips and Tricks Needed to Build a Stronger Fire Department (with Otto Drozd) Ep|95

After leading some of the nation’s largest fire departments — from Hialeah and El Paso to Orange County and Seminole County — Otto Drozd has learned one truth about leadership: listen first, act second. In this episode, Otto shares how humility, trust, and culture shape effective leadership. He discusses his journey from being the youngest chief in his city’s history to now serving as Executive Secretary of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, guiding leaders around the world. Otto reflects on the importance of adapting leadership styles to fit each department’s needs, honoring history while driving progress, and creating a space for chiefs to share and solve their greatest challenges. If you want to learn what real servant leadership looks like — from the station floor to the international stage — this episode is for you.