The Faces of Leadership, presented by the Command Presence Leadership Institute, believes that leadership is about two things – people and action. Leaders from across society are interviewed to discover what drives them, what makes them effective, and what the impact is of the leadership they provide.
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Experience, Evolution, and Impact
Great leaders don’t stop learning when they earn the title—or when they leave it behind. Staying relevant requires a continued commitment to learning, evolving, and finding new ways to make an impact.
In Episode 31 of the Faces of Leadership Podcast, host Michael Warren welcomes Craig Hamilton, a law enforcement training leader, educator, and public safety executive with more than 30 years of experience in the profession.
Craig currently serves as Director of Training for Blue Line Solutions and as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office. His career has spanned patrol, academy leadership, command-level service, higher education, statewide program development, and law enforcement training. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Police and Deputy Director of Public Safety at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and as Director of the Cleveland State Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy.
Together, Michael and Craig explore the lessons that come from a career spent developing officers, instructors, and leaders—and why some of the most important leadership lessons have little to do with rank.
They discuss Craig’s early work building and leading a law enforcement academy, the value of surrounding yourself with talented people,and why effective training requires more than transferring information. From peer leadership and instructor credibility to modeling the behaviors we expect from others, the conversation examines the influence trainers and leaders carry whether they recognize it or not.
The conversation also explores the responsibility law enforcement professionals have to continue evolving as the profession changes. Michael and Craig discuss officer safety, legal knowledge, emotional intelligence,organizational culture, Below 100, and the importance of remaining a student throughout your career.
Whether you're an officer, trainer, supervisor, command-level leader, or someone whose formal law enforcement career is nearing its end, Episode 31 challenges a simple assumption: your opportunity to contribute does not end when your position changes.
Impact may look different throughout a career. The responsibility to keep learning, developing others, and staying relevant remains.
In this episode:
• Why leadership can begin long before rank or formal authority
• The role peer influence plays in developing stronger officers and organizations
• Why trainers must model the behaviors they expect from others
• Lessons from Craig’s experience leading a law enforcement training academy
• How legal knowledge, communication, and emotional intelligence contribute to oficer safety
• Why training must continue to evolve alongside the profession
• The connection between leadership, culture, accountability, and officer safety
• How Below 100 continues to influence Craig’s approach to training and leadership
• Why lifelong learning matters at every stage of a law enforcement career
• Finding new ways to contribute and remain relevant after retirement
Throughout the conversation, Craig and Michael also explore mentorship, instructor development, the responsibility of being visible as a leader, and the value of learning from the people around you. Craig shares lessons from more than three decades in law enforcement and explains why his work today remains grounded in a simple purpose: helping officers make better decisions, become stronger leaders, and go home safely.
Episode 31 is a reminder that leadership is not confined to a position or a particular stage of your career. If you want to continue making an impact, you have to continue learning, evolving, and finding ways to remain relevant.
Faces of Leadership
Peak Performance: Getting There and Staying There
In this episode of the Faces of Leadership podcast, host Michael Warren sits down with Billy Barton, a Grandmaster in USPSA practical shooting. Billy shares his journey from backyard shooter to elite performer, offering invaluable insights into the importance of deliberate practice, pushing the limits of failure, and maintaining peak performance under pressure. The discussion dives into the mental and physical aspects of elite shooting, the value of training under non-ideal conditions, and the crucial role of continued growth and openness to new ideas in any profession. Tune in to learn leadership lessons that translate from the shooting range to everyday life.
A Lifetime of Service
Join Michael Warren as he interviews Wayne South, a retired Lieutenant from Gainesville, Florida Police Department with over 28 years of experience in law enforcement. In this engaging episode, Wayne shares his journey through various leadership roles, the challenges of implementing community-oriented policing, and the importance of effective feedback. They discuss the value of starting important training from day one, the transition from line officer to higher leadership positions, and the significance of nurturing both professional and personal relationships. Wayne also talks about his book 'A Lifetime of Service' and how he continues to contribute to leadership training and development. Perfect for anyone looking to gain insights into effective leadership and community policing.
Stop Lying to Yourself
Join host Michael Warren as he dives deep into the importance of leadership, mental health, and resilience. In this episode, Michael interviews Scott Medlin, a former Marine Corps veteran and law enforcement officer. Scott shares his personal journey from his beginnings in the Marine Corps to his struggles with PTSD and personal development. Discover the crucial role of mindset training, the importance of understanding mental health, and actionable strategies for leaders. This episode is not just for first responders; anyone striving for better leadership and mental wellbeing can benefit from Scott's insights.
Deposit Regularly
In this episode of 'The Faces of Leadership,' host Michael Warren sits down with Chief Darren Gault, a seasoned law enforcement leader with over 26 years of experience. Chief Gault shares his journey, highlighting key elements that have shaped his leadership style, including his time at the FBI gang task force, his subsequent academic pursuits, and his transformative role as Chief of the Moline Police Department. The conversation delves into the importance of relationship-building in community policing, the impacts of toxic leadership, and the changing dynamics of generational leadership. Chief Gault also announces his candidacy for a vice president position in the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), underscoring his commitment to elevating the profession. Tune in to explore actionable insights on becoming a leader who inspires and empowers others.
Ethical Leadership in a City of Leaders
Join host Michael Warren on this episode of the Faces of Leadership podcast as he sits down with Chief Ross Swope to explore his extraordinary 43-year career in law enforcement. From his rise through the ranks of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington D.C. to serving as Chief of Police at the Supreme Court, Chief Swope shares his experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Learn about his pivotal role in national demonstrations, the ethical dilemmas he navigated, and his contributions to creating an ethical police culture. The episode delves into the impact of leadership on organizational ethics, the balancing act of law enforcement duties, and the importance of maintaining public trust and officer accountability. Chief Swope also discusses his influential writings on ethics-based policing and their potential to address issues like excessive force and 'quiet quitting.' This insightful conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in law enforcement, ethics, and leadership.
Leading Up the Org Chart
In this episode, host Michael Warren interviews Chuck Dahlinger, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and military service. The conversation delves into the essence of leadership, emphasizing the importance of informal leadership, diversity of perspectives, and agile leadership. Dahlinger shares his experiences from his career, the critical role of effective communication, and the value of continuous learning. The discussion touches on the challenges and skills gained from public safety roles, the importance of maintaining humanity in leadership positions, and strategies for retaining motivated officers. This episode is a deep dive into effective leadership practices and the importance of nurturing skills and mindsets that foster supportive and safe environments.