**Podcast Summary: Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table
Episode: Ep. 72: John Lovato Jr, Battalion Chief - Chase your Experience
Release Date: June 1, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 72 of Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table, host Berlin Maza engages in an insightful dialogue with Battalion Chief John Lovato Jr. from Fort Myers, Florida. The episode delves into Chief Lovato's leadership philosophies, emphasizing the importance of chasing personal experience, maintaining authenticity, effective communication, and fostering mentorship within the fire service.

Chief John Lovato Jr.: A Leadership Profile

[01:13] Berlin Maza introduces Chief John Lovato Jr., highlighting his extensive service since 2003 and his dedication to training, team cohesion, and leadership development. Chief Lovato is also the author of "Fix Your Firehouse: 7 Strategies that Produce a Winning Team" and the creator of several coaching programs aimed at empowering firefighters to grow and lead effectively.

Being True to Yourself

[04:57] Chief Lovato emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership. He states, “The man makes the position, the position does not make the man,” underscoring that leadership should stem from one’s character rather than their title.

[10:38] He elaborates on maintaining personal integrity: “You can't be true to yourself is when you are frustrated, we get angry, sad... your body telling us, hey, you're not doing it's right.”

Chief Lovato shares personal experiences about resisting the urge to wear a façade based on his rank, advocating for genuine interactions and honest communication within the firehouse.

Training and Mentorship

[05:22] Discussing professional development, Chief Lovato insists on proactive learning: “Don't wait for experience, go to trainings, go to classes, seek out your mentors.”

[24:32] He highlights the significance of mentorship in leadership development: “Mentoring and conversations I have. And if they have an issue, help them.”

Chief Lovato illustrates the need for structured training through his efforts in organizing drills and partnering with captains to enhance on-the-job training, ensuring that firefighters gain the necessary experience to handle real-life scenarios effectively.

Effective Communication and Leadership

[06:56] Communication is a cornerstone of Chief Lovato’s leadership approach. He recounts, “We used to do a lot of trial runs... focusing on the results of something. How is this going to be better?”

[21:37] He stresses the importance of listening over reacting: “Stay in that uncomfortable spot and go, all right, I'm having these negative emotions. I'm not going to respond... I'm going to respond and find out more Information.”

[40:46] Chief Lovato describes communication as a learned skill essential for leadership, noting, “You have to make sure you tell people like, hey, this is my expectations of you.”

Handling Mistakes and Discipline

[16:07] Addressing discipline, Chief Lovato advocates for a constructive approach: “You're either winning or you're learning.” He emphasizes that counseling forms and written reprimands should serve as tools for improvement rather than punitive measures.

[18:09] He explains the importance of understanding the reasons behind mistakes: “You have to, when you ask why, you're not coming from an actual curious place.”

Chief Lovato shares experiences where understanding the context behind an individual’s actions prevented unnecessary punitive actions, fostering a culture of learning and growth.

Chasing Experience

[64:32] Chief Lovato introduces the concept of "Chase Your Experience," advocating for continuous learning and hands-on practice: “If you want to be the part. You gotta go chase experience, Go out there, chase it, practice it.”

[65:01] He compares the fire service to martial arts, drawing parallels between consistent practice in jiu-jitsu and the necessity of frequent real-life encounters to master firefighting skills.

Chief Lovato insists that relying solely on formal training without practical experience leads to stagnation, urging firefighters to seek diverse experiences to enhance their proficiency.

Leadership Development

[24:59] Discussing leadership development programs, Chief Lovato notes that many formal programs focus more on technical skills rather than interpersonal and leadership abilities. He emphasizes informal learning through personal example and the importance of surrounding oneself with effective leaders.

[33:56] He advocates for empowering captains by allowing them autonomy: “Letting them come up with the how we're gonna get stuff. I might tell them what needs to get done and why, but let them figure out the how.”

Chief Lovato believes that fostering an environment where leaders can develop independently cultivates a more resilient and adaptable team.

Personal Reflections and Retirement

[48:18] Chief Lovato shares his personal journey towards retirement, emphasizing the need to balance professional responsibilities with personal well-being: “I have to retire then and kind of slow things down, be around my family and experience life at a slower pace.”

[50:14] He reflects on the high-stress nature of the fire service and its impact on personal life, advocating for early retirement as a means to maintain mental health and personal happiness.

Chief Lovato highlights the importance of recognizing when to step back to preserve one’s well-being, acknowledging the chaotic nature of the profession and its toll on personal relationships.

Recommended Resources

[73:00] Chief Lovato recommends the book "The MAP" by David Diane Fisher, focusing on understanding human behavior and managing personal triggers. He also mentions "Step Up and Lee" by Frank Viscuso as influential in shaping his leadership approach.

[75:56] He encourages continuous learning and self-improvement, advising listeners to seek out resources that foster a deeper understanding of human interactions and personal growth.

Concluding Thoughts

[80:21] Chief Lovato leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: “Just don't be a dick.” He emphasizes the importance of approaching others with understanding and avoiding negative behaviors that can erode team cohesion.

[80:43] The episode concludes with Chief Lovato encouraging positive and intentional leadership, reinforcing the themes of authenticity, continuous learning, and fostering a supportive team environment.

Key Quotes

• [00:01] A: "This profession is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, don't worry about your title. Just be. Do a good job in the position you're in and that'll set you on a good pace."

• [05:22] A: "We don't sit around and wait for experience, and we don't rely on our department for professional development."

• [10:18] A: "Go out and do it. You know, go out and do it."

• [24:32] A: "Mentoring and conversations I have. And if they have an issue, help them."

• [33:56] A: "Letting them come up with the how we're gonna get stuff. I might tell them what needs to get done and why, but let them figure out the how."

• [64:32] A: "If you want to be the part. You gotta go chase experience, Go out there, chase it, practice it."

• [80:21] A: "Just don't be a dick."

Action Items for Leaders

1. Chase Your Experience: Actively seek out diverse experiences through trainings, classes, and real-life scenarios to enhance both technical and leadership skills.

2. Maintain Authenticity: Lead with integrity by being true to yourself, avoiding façades based on titles, and fostering genuine relationships within your team.

3. Enhance Communication: Develop effective communication skills by actively listening, avoiding assumptions, and engaging in open, honest dialogues.

4. Foster Mentorship: Invest time in mentoring emerging leaders, providing guidance, and empowering them to solve problems independently.

5. Handle Mistakes Constructively: View mistakes as learning opportunities, address them with curiosity, and use them to promote growth within the team.

6. Promote Positive Culture: Encourage a respectful and supportive team environment by addressing toxic behaviors and reinforcing positive interactions.

7. Balance Professional and Personal Life: Recognize the importance of personal well-being and consider stepping back when necessary to maintain overall health and happiness.

Final Thoughts

Episode 72 offers a wealth of knowledge from Chief John Lovato Jr., providing actionable insights for leaders across all professions. By embracing continuous learning, authentic leadership, and effective communication, leaders can build stronger, more resilient teams capable of navigating the complexities of their roles.

Find Chief John Lovato Jr.:

• Website: johnlovato.com
• Brotherhood Coaching: brotherhoodcoaching.com
• Book: Fix Your Firehouse: 7 Strategies that Produce a Winning Team
• Podcast: The John Lovato Show available on major podcast platforms.