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.
Listen On:
Beyond Compliance: Building Credibility Through Leadership
Leadership isn't built through policies alone. It's built through trust, credibility, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
In Episode 28: Beyond Compliance: Building Credibility Through Leadership of the Faces of Leadership Podcast, presented by Command Presence Training, host Michael Warren welcomes Kevin Rhea, Founder and Executive Director of the National Association for Accreditation Leadership (NAAL).
A retired law enforcement sergeant with more than 30 years of experience, Kevin has dedicated his career to advancing accreditation, leadership development, and organizational excellence across public safety.Together, Michael and Kevin explore why accreditation should be viewed as far more than a compliance exercise. From policy development and training to personal branding and professional growth, they discuss how intentional leadership builds stronger organizations, strengthens public trust, and creates lasting organizational culture.
Whether you're a chief, supervisor, accreditation manager, trainer, or aspiring leader, this episode offers practical insights into developing both stronger leaders and stronger agencies.
In this episode:
• Why accreditation should be a leadership tool—not just a checklist
• The connection between policy, training, and organizational credibility
• Building trust through professional standards and accountability
• Developing your personal leadership brand
• Why continuous learning is every leader's responsibility
• The future of accreditation leadership across public safety
• How NAAL is advancing leadership and professional development
• Investing in people to build stronger organizations
Faces of Leadership
Connecting Technology to Mission
Technology has transformed public safety, but implementing it successfully requires more than buying the latest solution. It requires leadership.
In Episode 27: Connecting Technology to Mission of the Faces of Leadership Podcast, presented by Command Presence Training, host Michael Warren welcomes Rusty Byers, Marine Corps veteran and public safety technology leader, for an engaging conversation about how technology, leadership, and organizational culture work together to strengthen mission success.
With more than three decades serving the public safety profession, Rusty shares lessons learned from military service, law enforcement technology, and organizational leadership. Together, he and Michael explore why successful technology implementation has far less to do with software—and far more to do with people, communication, trust, and leadership.
Whether you're leading a police department, corrections agency, communications center, or public safety organization, this episode offers practical insights into navigating change while keeping your mission—and your people—at the center of every decision.
In this episode:
• Leadership lessons from the U.S. Marine Corps
• Why technology succeeds—or fails—in public safety
• Managing organizational change without losing your people
• The importance of listening before implementing new technology
• Building trust between leadership, operations, IT, and vendors
• Creating long-term technology strategies instead of chasing the latest trends
• The future of integrated public safety solutions
• Preparing agencies for the challenges ahead
Join Command Presence and Strategic Communications for an engaging two-day retreat focused on innovative leadership strategies for public safety professionals
September 16–17, 2026
Charleston, South Carolina
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Tools for Lifelong Learning
In this episode of the Faces of Leadership Podcast, presented by Command Presence Training, host Michael Warren is joined by AJ Aldjaei, Founder of Kaiden AI, for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of law enforcement training, and Bob McHale, retired law enforcement leader and training expert.
Together, they explore why continuous learning is essential to developing confident, capable officers and how emerging technologies can enhance—not replace—the human side of training.
From scenario-based learning and field training to critical thinking, articulation, leadership, and organizational culture, this conversation examines how agencies can better prepare officers for the realities of today's profession. Whether you're responsible for training recruits, developing supervisors, or leading an entire agency, this episode offers practical insights into creating a culture where learning never stops.
Topics discussed include:
• Why effective training extends far beyond the academy
• Building confidence through repetition and realistic scenarios
• The role of AI in law enforcement training
• Developing critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Strengthening field training and coaching
• Using technology to support—not replace—instructors
• Creating a culture of continuous learning and leadership
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Winning the Career, Not Just Surviving It - Featuring Jeffery Manzer
What does it take to build a long, healthy, and meaningful career in law enforcement? In this episode of the Faces of Leadership Podcast, Michael Warren sits down with Jeffery Manzer, Marine Corps veteran, law enforcement professional, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Human Performance Specialist with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Drawing from more than two decades of service, Jeffery shares his journey from patrol officer to mental health and human performance advocate, exploring the lessons that shaped his mission to help first responders thrive both on and off the job. Together, Michael and Jeffery discuss leadership, resilience, wellness, physical readiness, stress management, and the importance of creating a culture where seeking support is viewed as a strength — not a weakness.
The conversation challenges the profession to move beyond simply surviving a career and instead focus on winning it. From the importance of proactive mental health and physical fitness to the role leaders play in shaping organizational culture, this episode offers practical insights for anyone committed to personal growth, professional excellence, and long-term well-being.
Whether you're a first responder, supervisor, trainer, or emerging leader, this discussion serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is about people, action, and the choices we make every day to invest in ourselves and those we serve.
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.