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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The Standard Starts with You
Great performance in critical moments doesn’t happen by accident. It is built long before the moment arrives—through leadership, preparation, high expectations, and intentional training.
In Episode 30 of the Faces of Leadership Podcast, The Standard Starts with You, host Michael Warren welcomes Assistant Chief Tom Sloan of the Round Rock Police Department for a conversation presented by Command Presence Training.
A United States Marine Corps veteran, FBI National Academy graduate, and experienced law enforcement leader, Tom has built a career around service, continuous development, and preparing people to perform at their best. His journey has taken him from cattle ranches in Australia and West Texas to serving as an embedded combat correspondent in Iraq, joining the Round Rock Police Department, serving in numerous operational and leadership roles, and helping shape law enforcement initiatives across Texas.
Together, Michael and Tom explore the experiences that shape leaders, the importance of self-mastery, and why effective leadership requires seeing not only who people are today—but who they are capable of becoming. They also examine the responsibility agencies have to intentionally develop their people. From identifying informal leaders and preparing new supervisors to building internal leadership development programs and investing in realistic training, the conversation reinforces a fundamental principle: when the critical moment arrives, people will rely on what their organization prepared them to do.
Whether you're an officer, trainer, supervisor, command-level leader, or someone preparing for your next leadership opportunity, this episode challenges you to examine how intentionally you are developing yourself—and the people entrusted to your leadership.
In this episode:
• Why effective leadership begins with self-mastery
• How high expectations can drive higher performance
• Recognizing and developing influential informal leaders
• Preparing supervisors for leadership beyond operational responsibilities
• How Round Rock PD developed its internal Leadership Development Academy
• Lessons from the FBI National Academy and the power of professional networks
• Why realistic, stress-based training prepares officers for critical incidents
• Why training should be viewed as an investment—not an expense
Throughout the conversation, Tom and Michael also explore the difference between being nice and being kind as a leader, the importance of lifelong learning, the influence leaders have even when they don't realize it, and the responsibility to prepare the next generation for what comes next. From developing people before they hold a title to preparing officers before they face a critical incident, Episode 30 is a reminder that leadership is built before the moment—and preparation is what allows people to perform when that moment arrives.
Faces of Leadership
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.
Under Pressure
In this episode, host Michael Warren welcomes Kelton Faught, co-founder of Under Pressure Services, LLC. They discuss the dual nature of leadership involving people and actions, and explore how Kelton's journey in entrepreneurship and leadership has transformed him personally and professionally. Kelton shares his pursuit of leadership through personal growth, balancing business and family life, and helping others achieve the same success. The episode dives deep into key philosophies such as the importance of passion and collaboration over competition. Kelton's experience resonates with practical insights on leadership and entrepreneurship, underscoring the significance of becoming the leader we aspire to have.