Why Great Leaders Fail More Than Everyone Else with Chief Aaron Tyerman, Fire Training Consortium

Leadership isn’t about getting it right every time. It’s about learning how to grow through failure.In this episode of the Leadership Crucible Podcast, Fire Chief Randy Brugman sits down with Aaron Tyerman, Chief of Training for the South King County Fire Training Consortium, serving 15 departments and more than 1,700 firefighters across the Puget Sound region.Aaron shares a powerful leadership philosophy: fail fast, fail forward. Together, they unpack what it really means to lead with humility, build strong organizational culture, embrace change, and develop the next generation of leaders in a rapidly evolving world. From leadership mistakes and mentorship to technology, succession planning, and multi-generational workforce challenges, this conversation delivers practical insight for leaders in any profession.If you’re trying to become a better leader, build stronger teams, or create a culture where people learn and grow, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom.

IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 - Failing Forward Leadership Mindset (How Great Leaders Learn From Failure)
00:59 - Leadership Crucible Podcast Intro & Leadership Purpose
01:16 - Fire Service Career Journey: From Paramedic to Fire Chief
04:28 - Leadership Mistakes That Shape Great Leaders
10:16 - Promotion Challenges: Letting Go of Your Old Role as a Leader
13:06 - Leadership and Technology: AI, Innovation & Outcome-Based Decision Making
18:10 - Building Organizational Culture Through Accountability and Trust
20:51 - The $5 Million Leadership Mistake Story (Why Failure Matters)
22:36 - Leadership Habits: Time Management, Email Discipline & Focus
28:05 - Leading Multi-Generational Teams and Work-Life Balance
31:14 - Mental Health Calls and the Future of Emergency Services Leadership
35:25 - Succession Planning and Developing Future Leaders
42:50 - Leadership Communication: Curiosity vs Anger

ABOUT AARON:
Aaron Tyerman is the Chief of Training for the South King County Fire Training Consortium, where he leads regional training efforts supporting thousands of firefighters across multiple departments in Washington State. In this role, he focuses on developing leaders, advancing firefighter readiness, and building collaborative training systems that prepare teams for real-world challenges.Before stepping into this position, Tyerman served in senior operational leadership roles, including Chief of Special Operations with King County Medic One, where he helped shape tactical medical training and high-risk response strategies. With a career spanning fire, EMS, and leadership development, he is known for his practical, people-first approach to leadership — emphasizing learning through failure, mentorship, and continuous growth.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
- Aaron Tyerman | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-tyerman-8a0002152/)
- Fire Training Consortium | Web (https://pugetsoundfire.org/about/south-king-county-fire-training-consortium/)
- Fire Training Consortium | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/KentRFATraining)   

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:
- YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@theleadershipcrucible)
- Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/5f2mxvfj)
- Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/5xvp5wyu)

GIVE NOW:
The Leadership Crucible Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, with no political affiliation, dedicated to promoting and developing ethical leadership. Our objective is to help develop the next generation of leaders with a strong sense of ethics and commitment to serving and making a positive impact on their organization and society. Learn more & give now at https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/donate.

CONNECT WITH US:
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Web (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/)
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theleadershipcruciblefoundation)
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-leadership-crucible-foundation/)
- Chief Bruegman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/chiefbruegman)
- Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)

MUSIC CREDITS:
- Fireborne - Charlie Ryan (MB01IDH3DBXPXAQ)
- Fanfare For The Common Man
- Solstice - Wes Hael (MB01PNDKVCOEO1Z)
- This Is The Good Life (Instrumental) - MOONWATER (MB01CTIIAZV80UU)