What does it take to build strong leaders in EMS? Host Eric Clauss is joined by Greg Johnson (Program Director, Columbia State Community College), Alex Whitley (Paramedic Instructor and Flight Medic), and Jamie Wesley (Critical Care Paramedic, Rutherford County) to discuss the launch of Tennessee’s New Provider Conference and the leadership lessons shaping the next generation. Together, they reflect on lessons learned, the launch of Tennessee’s first New Provider Conference, and how intentional investment in young providers is reshaping the profession. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up, listening, and leaving the field better than you found it. This conversation dives into: • Why mentorship and gratitude are essential for growth. • The power of “showing up” and following through. • Meeting the new generation where they are—with technology, curiosity, and innovation. • How attitude, humility, and listening set the foundation for leadership. Whether you’re just starting your EMS career or guiding others along the way, this episode will challenge you to rethink what leadership looks like—and how you can invest in those who will carry the torch forward.

Leadership Applications

1. Show Up with the Right Posture

Leadership starts by being present—not just at the microphone, but in the small, unseen moments. Rolling up your sleeves, moving chairs, and following through on commitments builds credibility that opens doors for greater influence.

2. Invest in the Next Generation

Yesterday’s “hard knocks” lessons can become today’s intentional mentorship. Meeting new providers where they are, embracing technology, and listening to their questions ensures the profession evolves with strength and resilience.

3. Prioritize Attitude and Gratitude

A positive mindset and appreciation for those who invested in you are transformative. Attitude shapes not only how you lead, but also how you inspire others to embrace challenges with optimism.

4. Listen More Than You Speak

Effective leaders don’t need to have all the ideas—they need to recognize, elevate, and support the innovators around them. Listening deeply, asking “why,” and amplifying others’ contributions builds trust and collective success.

In this inspiring episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric welcomes long-time colleague and transformational leader, Dr. Jenny Slayton, Senior Vice President of Quality, Safety, and Risk Prevention at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. From her early days in the emergency department to navigating executive leadership — and surviving a life-altering cancer diagnosis — Jenny’s story is one of grit, humility, and purpose. With humor, vulnerability, and uncommon wisdom, she reminds us all what real leadership looks like: leading ourselves first so we can lead others better.

Dr. Jenny Slayton has worn many hats — emergency nurse, charge nurse, executive leader, patient. In this unforgettable conversation, she shares the lessons that shaped her leadership journey: how to handle rejection, build resilience, and turn adversity into growth. Jenny opens up about the moment a manager told her she didn’t have leadership potential, and how she used that as fuel instead of a failure. She reflects on her time as a patient facing breast cancer, how that changed her view of leadership, and why stepping back is sometimes the most powerful move forward.

Whether you’re an emerging leader or seasoned executive, Jenny’s story offers perspective on leading with humility, the power of mentorship, and the critical importance of knowing — and remembering — your “why.”

Leadership Applications:

 1. Lead Yourself First

Jenny’s early morning routine, spiritual practices, and commitment to recovery time remind us that sustainable leadership begins with self-care. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

 2. Feedback Doesn’t Define You

When told she lacked leadership potential, Jenny didn’t internalize it. Her response — “That’s one perspective” — exemplifies emotional maturity and confidence in one’s journey.

3. Crisis Reframes Priorities

Her cancer journey brought clarity: busyness isn’t the same as effectiveness. Jenny models how leaders must set boundaries and communicate intentionally to prioritize what truly matters.

4. Build Teams That Can Thrive Without You

True leadership isn’t about being indispensable. Jenny’s ability to step away and see her team succeed speaks to trust, mentorship, and preparation.

In this special edition of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric Clauss introduces the 1-year anniversary episode of our monthly Leadership Coaching (Mentoring) Call, hosted by Phil Sanderson. This milestone roundtable brings together nearly all past Mentoring Call guests for an unscripted, one-hour conversation filled with hard-earned leadership wisdom, practical insight, and authentic storytelling.

From rediscovering your “why” and leading with empathy, to managing workplace drama, fostering psychological safety, and building intentional mentoring relationships—this episode showcases the very heart of EMS leadership. Whether you’re guiding a team or growing into your role, this powerful discussion will remind you that the most important person you will ever lead is yourself.

Leadership Learning Applications:

1.     Clarify and Live Your “Why”

Use reflective exercises to define your core leadership motivation—and revisit it often to stay grounded during turbulence.

2.     Lead with Empathy and Grace

People carry unseen burdens. Build deeper trust and connection by being present and meeting people where they are.

3.     Create Psychological Safety

Encourage input and dissent by modeling vulnerability, listening without judgment, and reacting with intention.

4.     Minimize Drama through Communication

Drama thrives in the absence of clarity. Proactively close information gaps and model emotional control in tough moments.

5.     Mentor Intentionally

Mentorship isn’t accidental—reach out, build relationships, and invest in others’ growth while allowing them to sharpen you.

6.     Be a Listening Leader

Practice reflective listening—don’t just wait to respond. Ask: “Do they need to be helped, heard, or hugged?”

7.     Lead Authentically, Not Performatively

“Being on stage” means being visible—not acting. Stay true to who you are while understanding your influence.

In this special episode recorded live at the TASA Mid-Winter Conference, we hear from EMS professionals at every level—from field medics to system leaders—who are shaping the future of prehospital care through action, advocacy, and authentic leadership. Their stories are a powerful reminder that influence begins with initiative, not titles. Whether through innovation, humility, or education, these voices are driving real change.

🧭 Leadership Applications

Jamie (Rutherford EMS)

• Leadership means teaching others to lead—not just taking charge.

• Standardization improves not just logistics, but morale and safety.

• Empowering others often means stepping back and letting them grow.

• Innovation can start without permission—but thrives with collaboration and data.

Aubrey (Rutherford EMS)

• Transitioning roles exposes leadership gaps and opportunities for growth.

• Vulnerability in learning allows stronger partnerships to form.

• Leadership starts before you're "ready"—you grow into it.

• Collaborative communication builds confidence and skill in high-pressure roles.

Joseph Powell (Crockett EMS)

• Leadership is about asking questions before you have the title.

• Mentorship bridges the gap between curiosity and competence.

• Building a strong team means recognizing your own weaknesses.

• Listening and adapting to personalities are crucial leadership skills.

Dakota Dale (Johnson County EMS)

• Recognition isn’t about ego—it’s about representation of the profession.

• Leading means making decisions you can sleep with.

• Service grounded in faith can be a powerful driver for consistency and humility.

• Approachability is a leadership strength, not a weakness.

Mary Lee Lemley (Vanderbilt)

• Education is an act of advocacy—training saves lives.

• Identify a gap, find the solution, and go after the resources.

• Change is sustainable when built with cross-agency collaboration.

• Measure impact through success stories, not just data.

Explore the intertwining of leadership and spiritual care in this episode featuring Raye Nell Dyer, whose career spans various roles where compassion meets leadership. Raye Nell discusses her evolution from campus ministry through decades of chaplaincy, revealing how her unique experiences have crafted her into a beacon of hope and guidance for many. This episode delves into how personal trials and a commitment to service have shaped her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of personal connection, recognizing individual contributions, and maintaining mental health in high-pressure environments.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding the Role of Spirituality in Leadership: Gain insight into how spiritual care principles can enhance leadership effectiveness, particularly in fields that deal with life’s critical moments.

2. The Impact of Personal Connection: Learn the importance of personal recognition in team dynamics and morale, and how tailored interactions can boost team member engagement and satisfaction.

3. Navigating Personal Challenges While Leading: Explore strategies for managing personal challenges while maintaining effective leadership, including the importance of mental health awareness and resources.

4. Leadership Through Service: Understand how acts of service, such as the “blessing of the hands” ritual, can profoundly affect team cohesion and individual motivation within high-stress professions.

How did you feel the moment you realized you had made a mistake? If you haven’t experienced this yet, ask yourself—what would you do if it happened tomorrow? The reality is, errors happen in EMS, and sometimes, we may not even realize we’ve made one. The question is: will you be prepared to own it, learn from it, and use it to improve patient safety?

In this episode of the Tennessee EMS Education Association Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Autumn Watts, now a seasoned Critical Care Paramedic, to explore her journey of growth and accountability after a medication error early in her career. Autumn shares how this experience reshaped her perspective on leadership, mentorship, and patient safety.

With National Patient Safety Awareness Month as the backdrop, we discuss the critical role of self-leadership, the impact of human and systemic factors on medical errors, and how EMS leaders can foster a culture of transparency and learning. Autumn’s story highlights the importance of psychological safety in error reporting, the power of event analysis over punitive measures, and actionable steps to prevent similar incidents.

Tune in for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about personal accountability, leadership in crisis, and the path to building a safer EMS culture.

In this deeply moving episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Briana Browne, the only known survivor of a jump from the Natchez Trace Bridge, as she shares her powerful story of resilience, mental health recovery, and suicide prevention. Briana recounts waking up in the hospital with life-threatening injuries, processing her survival, and how she turned that experience into a mission to save lives. She discusses the critical importance of mental health support, breaking the stigma of suicide, and her work with the Bridge Barrier Coalition, which has successfully prevented further suicides at the bridge. Now a speaker and advocate, Briana is using her story to inspire hope and change in healthcare, emergency services, and beyond. This episode is a must-listen for first responders, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of suicide prevention and trauma recovery. In this episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric Clauss speaks with Briana Browne, a suicide survivor who has turned her experience into a life-saving mission. Briana shares her emotional recollection of waking up in the hospital, her road to mental health recovery, and the moment she realized she had survived a nearly impossible fall. She discusses the stigma around suicide, the importance of proper language (saying “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide”), and how emergency responders and healthcare professionals can better support individuals in crisis. Briana also details her advocacy with the Bridge Barrier Coalition, which successfully implemented a temporary barrier and secured plans for a permanent suicide prevention structure at the Natchez Trace Bridge. Now working with the Trauma Survivors Network at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, she shares how faith, therapy, music, and a strong support system have played a role in her healing. Briana offers powerful words of encouragement for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, reminding listeners that hope and help are always available. Understanding the warning signs of mental distress and offering compassionate intervention can make a critical difference, especially for first responders, emergency nurses, and healthcare professionals who often encounter individuals at their lowest moments. Encouraging peer support programs and a culture of mental health openness within emergency services can prevent tragedies and help providers care for themselves as well.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Thank you, Briana, for all the hope you are bringing to our profession and individuals! You can reach out to Briana at briana.browne@att.net

In this special episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric Clauss sits down with nine of the most highly respected and experienced leaders in the EMS community to uncover timeless wisdom and actionable advice for aspiring leaders. They reflect on their greatest leadership lessons, share what they would do differently in their early careers, and offer practical advice for those seeking to make a lasting impact in the world of EMS. 

From the importance of problem-solving to the value of continuous learning, this episode is packed with insights that will resonate with both new and seasoned EMS professionals.

 Join us for a powerful conversation on how to navigate challenges, embrace growth, and lead with purpose.

Dive into an inspiring conversation with Brian McNeely, Assistant Chief of Operations for Montgomery County EMS. From his military roots to his innovative teaching methods and leadership journey, Brian shares invaluable insights into hard work, discipline, and building trust. Discover how he motivates his team, balances unconventional approaches, and prepares the next generation of EMS leaders.

In this insightful episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, Marilyn Dubree, a former executive chief nursing officer at Vanderbilt, shares her remarkable leadership journey.. Eric and Marilyn discuss the challenges of managing large teams, financial responsibilities, and workforce issues while fostering a supportive organizational culture. Learn how Marilyn balanced her personal life with her demanding role, navigated leadership transitions, and sustained progress in key initiatives. This conversation is packed with practical advice and reflections for both current and aspiring leaders. Don’t miss these valuable insights into healthcare leadership! Leadership Applications: 1. Workforce Empowerment 2. Navigating Burnout 3. Transition Management 4. Continuous Monitoring of Initiatives ...and more!

In this profound and emotional episode, we speak with Nashville Fire Department Director Chief Swann and Deputy Director of EMS Fred Smith as they recount their experiences during the tragic Covenant School shooting on March 27, 2023. This heart-wrenching event shocked the nation, but it also reminded us of the resilience and strength required of first responders in moments of unimaginable tragedy. Chief Smith shares a deeply personal story about receiving a thank-you card from a six-year-old girl in Texas, which helped restore his sense of purpose in the days following the event. Through this conversation, we explore the power of leadership, the importance of preparation, and the often unspoken emotional challenges faced by those on the front lines.

In this episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric Clauss is interviewed by his son, Chris Clauss, about his new book, "On the Other Side of Post Traumatic Stress." Eric shares his incredible journey from a near-death experience to a life of inspiration and leadership. This episode provides invaluable insights into overcoming severe stress, depression, and PTSD, and offers hope and guidance to those facing similar challenges.

Welcome to the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast. In this bonus episode, Eric interviews Michael Dunavant, the EMS Director for Maury Regional Health EMS, as he shares his experiences and insights from leading his team through the devastating tornado that struck southern Middle Tennessee. Join us as Michael discusses mass casualty management, effective communication, and the vital importance of a strong support network during crisis situations.

The 2024 TEMSEA Conference will be from July 24th through the 26th in Murfreesboro at the Embassy Suites Conference Center. Build your conference from the Leadership course, Educator track, and Provider tracks. You can also join us for a golf outing! Please visit tnemsea.com for more information and registration.

Welcome to the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, where we explore the journeys and insights of distinguished leaders in healthcare. In this episode, host Eric sits down with Dr. Susan Hernandez, the Associate Vice President and Health Systems Chief Nurse Executive in Dallas, Texas, at UT Southwestern University Hospitals. Susan shares her journey of moving from Chief Nursing Officer to Executive Chief Nursing Officer, discussing the challenges of transitioning to a new organization, the initial steps she took, and critical lessons learned. She emphasizes the importance of confidence, relationship-building, and having an open mind during such transitions.

Susan also explains the qualities she looks for in executive team members and the critical factors that can lead to success or failure in leadership roles. Her insights on creating a solid team foundation and the importance of trust and transparency are invaluable. Leadership changes are inevitable, and Susan offers strategies for responding effectively. She highlights the importance of clear communication and establishing boundaries to manage changes smoothly. With 5,000 employees reporting to her, Susan discusses how she teaches her leaders about her communication and leadership style. She stresses the importance of transparency, problem-solving strategies, and the need to handle conflicts professionally and thoughtfully.

Reflecting on her career advancement, Susan shares the factors that contributed to her success, the most significant lessons she has learned, and the challenges she currently faces. She underscores the importance of mentorship and continuous learning for personal and professional growth. Maintaining passion and motivation in high-level leadership roles can be challenging, and Susan discusses how she sustains her enthusiasm, manages work-life balance, and navigates crises and demanding situations. Her strategies for self-care and mindfulness offer practical advice for leaders at all levels.

Susan also describes the characteristics of average and great employees from her perspective, highlighting the qualities and behaviors that define exceptional team members and contribute to a thriving work environment. Tune in to gain valuable leadership insights from Dr. Susan Hernandez as she shares her experiences and strategies for success in the ever-evolving field of healthcare leadership.

Join us for an engaging and inspiring conversation with Dr. Wayne Lee as we explore the principles and experiences that have shaped his exemplary leadership in the field of emergency medicine.

Tune in to hear Robert Byrd share invaluable insights from his extensive career in EMS, detailing the evolution of leadership principles that have guided his successful tenure.