Leadership Under Fire

Romeo Okwara currently is a Defensive End for the NFL’s Detroit Lions. Prior to this, he played college football at Notre Dame and signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Born June 17, 1995, Romeo stands 6’4” and weighs 275 pounds. But as we’ll discuss in this episode, when it comes to Okwara, there’s more than meets the eye. He moved to the United States from Nigeria with his family in 2005, and he played organized football for the first time a year later, but his lack of experience resulted in him being cut from the team. During his childhood, Romeo’s parents stressed the importance of education to him and his siblings so much so that during the recruiting process he would not entertain interest from colleges whose academic reputations did not meet his standards. And the one thing he rarely leaves home without is his camera. Off the field, he indulges his creative side and enjoys traveling the world.

Troy Ryan, the Director of Operations for Leeward Renewable Energy and a former US Marine, dives deep into the high-stakes world of renewable energy. He discusses the unique challenges of managing wind farm operations and emphasizes the importance of safety in a field fraught with risks. Troy shares insights on the transition from military to civilian leadership, highlighting integrity and adaptability. He explores the vital traits for enhancing performance among tower climbers and reflects on the camaraderie in the industry, illustrating how teamwork and mentorship fuel success.

Stacy Shilling has dedicated the last 21 years to educating patients and families about health and wellness as a Registered Nurse. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Virginia Wesleyan College, Stacy was awarded a grant from Stevenson University for her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Population Based Care Coordination. Stacy’s career has included caring for patients in Neuroscience Critical Care, Medical Oncology Critical Care, Interventional Radiology, and as an Organ Procurement Coordinator for transplant. In her current role, as the Coordinator for Nursing Clinical Standards at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Stacy assures that nursing policy and practice implement current evidence-based practice for all 3,800 nurses.

In this episode, James McNamara, a senior firefighter with the FDNY since 1994, shares insights from his extensive experience on the frontlines. He emphasizes the critical role of senior firefighters in guiding teams and fostering camaraderie, especially in high-pressure situations. McNamara discusses the importance of mental performance in firefighting and reflects on the generational shifts within public service. He also highlights the symbolic significance of the kitchen table in cultivating unity among crew members, proving that it's not just about fighting fires, but about building a family.

Colonel Michael Wyly was a principal author of the FMFM 1 – Warfighting manual, a seminal doctrinal publication that cemented the USMC’s adoption of maneuver warfare under the leadership of Commandant Al Gray. Following his retirement in 1992, Colonel Wyly founded the Bossov Ballet Theatre in Maine. He has continued to actively publish in professional journals on modern war and lead intellectual efforts designed to improve the US military’s operational and strategic capability set.

James Lopez joined the FDNY in 1997 and currently is assigned to Rescue Company 2 in Brooklyn. He also serves as a tactical fitness advisor for both Leadership Under Fire and the FDNY’s Mental Performance Initiative.

In the fall of 2018, the Cubs named Anthony Iapoce as the team’s Hitting Coach. Iapoce began his coaching career in 2006, but prior to that he spent eleven seasons playing in the minor leagues with the Brewers and Marlins organizations. Just as Cubs fans always remained steadfast, so has Iapoce.

In 2014, the Leadership Under Fire team hosted the 3rd Annual Making Yourself Hard to Kill Conference. During this event, a Navy SEAL Commander with extensive operational experience shared his thoughts on navigating risk, mutual trust, decision-making among SEAL teams and more. This conversation was moderated by the LUF team’s Leadership Director, Eric Nurnberg, who joins us in this episode. Nurnberg is a Deputy Chief with the Iowa City Fire Department and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Sebastian Junger is an American journalist, author and filmmaker whose work demands contemplation regarding what history, science and experience tells us about the ability to endure hardship and how to navigate our current cultural terrain. Junger’s work includes the books: Tribe and The Perfect Storm as well as the Academy Award-nominated film: Restrepo, which he co-directed with Tim Hetherington.

Brendan Fowler was a two-time NCAA Champion during his days of playing lacrosse at Duke, the NCAA Championship most outstanding player in 2013, and the single-season leader all-time in face-offs won in the same year. Also on the football team at Duke, Fowler was a part of the Blue Devils squad that made its first bowl since 1994. After graduating, Fowler spent half a season with the Charlotte Hounds of Major League Lacrosse. Fowler then made his way onto the wrestling mat for a final season of NCAA eligibility. His professional lacrosse career has been spent with the Vancouver Stealth and New York Lizards. Danny Fowler was named an Under Armor All American in 2013 as the Chaminade High School star lacrosse goalie. That year he also helped pin down the Catholic State Championship in wrestling. He followed his older brother’s footsteps to Duke where he too played on the lacrosse and football teams.