438. "Context Matters" - Paul Conway

Paul Conway, a third-generation firefighter, former Milwaukee, WI Chief of Operations, founder of Conway Shield, and host of Beyond the Shield, joins Jeremy for a candid and powerful conversation about legacy, leadership, and the modern fire service. Together they explore how social media clips can distort context, why culture shapes performance inside every department, and how the “winners, average, and losers” framework challenges firefighters and officers to raise the bar.

Paul shares his evolution from a hard-charging firefighter to a reflective leader whose perspective has been shaped by experience, loss, faith, and maturity. He talks about the importance of owning your choices, striving to improve a little each day, and recognizing the duty to live so that firefighters come home to their families and crews.

The discussion dives into leadership, accountability, and the difference between being in charge and being one of the guys. They talk about fitness, mental resilience, and the need for personal responsibility on and off the job. Jeremy and Paul also challenge the tendency to romanticize the past, reminding listeners that while tradition matters, progress and innovation are essential to keeping the job moving forward.

The episode closes with a message about having a seat at the table and influencing the direction of the fire service, rather than leaving decisions to those who do not understand the work. Paul also explains why he launched Beyond the Shield and how it gives him a way to share wisdom and keep honest, meaningful conversations alive.

Paul Conway

www.conwayshield.com