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#36 - Leading from Every Angle: Strengths, Standards, and the Next Generation of Leaders
In this episode, Eric Clauss sits down with two dynamic leaders who are shaping leadership development across Tennessee’s EMS community—Jeff Masten, a 25-year Stryker veteran known for his engaging leadership workshops and people-centered philosophy, and Assistant Chief Elaina Brown of the Nashville Fire Department, whose work in supervisor training is redefining what it means to prepare the next generation of EMS leaders.Together, they offer lessons from corporate, clinical, and command perspectives—each reminding us that leadership begins with understanding yourself, setting clear standards, and developing others.Segment 1: Introduction for Jeff MastenJeff Masten brings over 25 years of leadership experience with Stryker, including more than a decade serving the EMS community. Known for his engaging leadership classes and Gallup-based strengths approach, Jeff helps teams discover how understanding themselves is the first step to leading others. His perspective bridges corporate excellence and the realities of field leadership—reminding us that professionalism, consistency, and personal accountability define how we show up every day.Segment 2: Introduction for Elaina BrownAssistant Chief Elaina Brown of the Metro Nashville Fire Department has dedicated over 30 years to EMS and fire service leadership. From shift command to national instruction at the National Fire Academy, she’s shaping leadership training for current and future supervisors through Tennessee’s state leadership initiative. Elaina brings grounded wisdom on developing confidence, mastering soft skills, and doing the “extra” work that distinguishes exceptional leaders from average ones.What do a corporate leader and a command-level fire officer have in common?A lot more than you might think. In this powerful dual interview, Jeff Masten and Assistant Chief Elaina Brown join Eric Clauss to talk about leadership through two lenses—corporate and public safety. Jeff shares insights from Stryker’s strengths-based leadership philosophy, discussing how professionalism, feedback, and accountability create lasting culture. Elaina builds on that theme, exploring the transition from tactical work to supervisory leadership, the importance of training and soft skills, and how aspiring leaders can prepare for advancement.Together, they offer a roadmap for every listener ready to grow in self-leadership and elevate those around them.Leadership Applications1. Know Yourself First.True leadership begins with self-awareness—understanding your strengths, communication style, and how you respond under pressure.2. Set and Model Standards.Professionalism and consistency create credibility. The way you do anything reflects the way you do everything.3. Develop Others Intentionally.Leaders have a responsibility to prepare successors. Invest in people by teaching, mentoring, and setting clear expectations.4. Bring Solutions, Not Just Problems.As Elaina shared—leaders stand out when they bring ideas and possible solutions forward, not just the challenges.
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#35 - Still Standing: Christy Tomlinson on Retirement, Resilience, and the Stories We Carry
Today’s guest is a trailblazer, mentor, and one of the most respected voices in Tennessee EMS. With a 42-year career that includes 31 years with the Nashville Fire Department as a District Chief and 15 years as an EMS educator, Christy Tomlinson brings wisdom, candor, and heart to this conversation. She opens up about what it means to walk away well, how to manage the echoes of a life in service, and why the end of a career doesn’t mean the end of your story. Please welcome Christy Tomlinson.In this powerful episode, Christy Tomlinson—retired District Chief and 42-year EMS veteran—shares her deeply personal reflections on career longevity, financial preparedness, post-traumatic stress, and the surprising emotional challenges of retirement. She discusses how to know when it’s time to step away, why talking early and often about difficult calls matters, and how self-awareness and open communication can shape the future of EMS culture. If you’re a seasoned provider, a new recruit, or anywhere in between, this conversation will stay with you.Leadership Applications1. Plan for the End from the BeginningChristy emphasizes the importance of setting financial goals early—even before you think you’re ready to retire. “I didn’t expect to leave, but I made sure I could if I needed to.”2. Know Your Triggers, Know Your ReactionsLeaders must be self-aware. Understanding your personal responses to critical incidents—whether it’s stuttering, exhaustion, or intrusive thoughts—can help you manage stress and communicate clearly with your team and loved ones.3. Normalize Conversations About Mental HealthFrom early CISM training to mentoring the next generation, Christy models how vulnerability, therapy, and talking about trauma are essential for building a resilient EMS workforce.4. Invest in Those Coming Behind YouChristy reflects on how Gen 2 providers are paving the way for Gen 3 to feel more comfortable saying, “I need help.” Leadership includes creating a culture where that’s not only accepted—but encouraged.5. Redefine What Retirement MeansFor many EMS professionals, retirement brings unexpected emotional challenges. Christy’s insight—that we lose the “good stories” that once balanced the bad—highlights a new area of need and advocacy for peer support after the job ends.
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#34 - Investing in the Next Generation: Mentorship, Mindset, and Momentum in EMS Leadership
What does it take to build strong leaders in EMS? Host Eric Clauss is joined by Greg Johnson (Program Director, Columbia State Community College), Alex Whitley (Paramedic Instructor and Flight Medic), and Jamie Wesley (Critical Care Paramedic, Rutherford County) to discuss the launch of Tennessee’s New Provider Conference and the leadership lessons shaping the next generation. Together, they reflect on lessons learned, the launch of Tennessee’s first New Provider Conference, and how intentional investment in young providers is reshaping the profession. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up, listening, and leaving the field better than you found it. This conversation dives into: • Why mentorship and gratitude are essential for growth. • The power of “showing up” and following through. • Meeting the new generation where they are—with technology, curiosity, and innovation. • How attitude, humility, and listening set the foundation for leadership. Whether you’re just starting your EMS career or guiding others along the way, this episode will challenge you to rethink what leadership looks like—and how you can invest in those who will carry the torch forward.Leadership ApplicationsShow Up with the Right PostureLeadership starts by being present—not just at the microphone, but in the small, unseen moments. Rolling up your sleeves, moving chairs, and following through on commitments builds credibility that opens doors for greater influence.Invest in the Next GenerationYesterday’s “hard knocks” lessons can become today’s intentional mentorship. Meeting new providers where they are, embracing technology, and listening to their questions ensures the profession evolves with strength and resilience.Prioritize Attitude and GratitudeA positive mindset and appreciation for those who invested in you are transformative. Attitude shapes not only how you lead, but also how you inspire others to embrace challenges with optimism.Listen More Than You SpeakEffective leaders don’t need to have all the ideas—they need to recognize, elevate, and support the innovators around them. Listening deeply, asking “why,” and amplifying others’ contributions builds trust and collective success.
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#33 - The Quiet Strength of Leadership: Lessons from Dr. Jenny Slayton
In this inspiring episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric welcomes long-time colleague and transformational leader, Dr. Jenny Slayton, Senior Vice President of Quality, Safety, and Risk Prevention at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. From her early days in the emergency department to navigating executive leadership — and surviving a life-altering cancer diagnosis — Jenny’s story is one of grit, humility, and purpose. With humor, vulnerability, and uncommon wisdom, she reminds us all what real leadership looks like: leading ourselves first so we can lead others better.Dr. Jenny Slayton has worn many hats — emergency nurse, charge nurse, executive leader, patient. In this unforgettable conversation, she shares the lessons that shaped her leadership journey: how to handle rejection, build resilience, and turn adversity into growth. Jenny opens up about the moment a manager told her she didn’t have leadership potential, and how she used that as fuel instead of a failure. She reflects on her time as a patient facing breast cancer, how that changed her view of leadership, and why stepping back is sometimes the most powerful move forward.Whether you’re an emerging leader or seasoned executive, Jenny’s story offers perspective on leading with humility, the power of mentorship, and the critical importance of knowing — and remembering — your “why.”Leadership Applications:1. Lead Yourself FirstJenny’s early morning routine, spiritual practices, and commitment to recovery time remind us that sustainable leadership begins with self-care. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”2. Feedback Doesn’t Define YouWhen told she lacked leadership potential, Jenny didn’t internalize it. Her response — “That’s one perspective” — exemplifies emotional maturity and confidence in one’s journey.3. Crisis Reframes PrioritiesHer cancer journey brought clarity: busyness isn’t the same as effectiveness. Jenny models how leaders must set boundaries and communicate intentionally to prioritize what truly matters.4. Build Teams That Can Thrive Without YouTrue leadership isn’t about being indispensable. Jenny’s ability to step away and see her team succeed speaks to trust, mentorship, and preparation.
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#32 - Leadership Roundtable A Year of Wisdom, Impact, and Growth: Host Phil Sanderson
From rediscovering your “why” and leading with empathy, to managing workplace drama, fostering psychological safety, and building intentional mentoring relationships—this episode showcases the very heart of EMS leadership. Whether you’re guiding a team or growing into your role, this powerful discussion will remind you that the most important person you will ever lead is yourself.Leadership Learning Applications:1. Clarify and Live Your “Why”Use reflective exercises to define your core leadership motivation—and revisit it often to stay grounded during turbulence.2. Lead with Empathy and GracePeople carry unseen burdens. Build deeper trust and connection by being present and meeting people where they are.3. Create Psychological SafetyEncourage input and dissent by modeling vulnerability, listening without judgment, and reacting with intention.4. Minimize Drama through CommunicationDrama thrives in the absence of clarity. Proactively close information gaps and model emotional control in tough moments.5. Mentor IntentionallyMentorship isn’t accidental—reach out, build relationships, and invest in others’ growth while allowing them to sharpen you.6. Be a Listening LeaderPractice reflective listening—don’t just wait to respond. Ask: “Do they need to be helped, heard, or hugged?”7. Lead Authentically, Not Performatively“Being on stage” means being visible—not acting. Stay true to who you are while understanding your influence.
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