In this episode of The Leaderful Podcast, we sit down with James Docherty, Assistant Deputy Fire Chief at the Calgary Fire Department, to explore what leadership looks like when the stakes are real, the pressure is high, and the margin for error is slim.

Drawing on decades of experience leading in complex, high-risk environments, James shares grounded insights on decision-making, trust, accountability, and culture - and what leaders in any sector can learn from emergency services.

This conversation moves beyond theory and into the lived realities of leadership: the moments that test us, the habits that shape culture, and the responsibilities that come with authority.

In this episode, we explore:

• How leaders can balance decisiveness with humanity and care

• Why feedback must be normalized long before problems arise

• The hidden leadership failures behind many performance issues

• How culture change really happens — and why it can’t be forced

• The role of humility, awareness, and presence in building trust

If you’re a leader navigating complexity, growth, or change, this episode offers practical wisdom you can apply immediately.

Learn more about The Co. -> a leadership development opportunity for impact-conscious and power-curious leaders.

In this episode of The Leaderful Podcast, we’re joined by Virginia Hervey and Denise Manderson, longtime leaders at Hull Services, for a grounded conversation about trauma-informed leadership, sector capacity, and leading in complex human systems.

Virginia and Denise share Hull’s evolution from a primarily campus-based care model to a broad continuum focused on early intervention, prevention, and building resilience within families, communities, and systems. Rather than positioning Hull as the answer to every challenge, they articulate a clear commitment to building capacity across the sector, so fewer families require intensive interventions.

The conversation also explores Hull’s leadership and culture work with The Ally Co., which began as a search for leadership training and quickly became something deeper. They reflect on the importance of slowing down, co-creating leadership development that truly fits the organization, and having honest conversations about power, intention, and impact. Shared language, reflective practice, and relationship-centred leadership emerge as critical levers for culture change.

Zooming out, the episode tackles persistent nonprofit sector challenges - burnout, retention, system overload, and competing demands - and offers a hopeful, practical case for more intentional, collaborative, and power-conscious leadership.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders working in trauma-exposed, mission-driven environments who want their leadership to reflect the care, dignity, and outcomes they’re striving to create.

🔍 Also covered in this episode:

• Translating evidence-based and clinical models into everyday practice

• Why intention vs. impact is a core leadership skill

• How shared language shapes culture and accountability

• The role of leadership development in reducing burnout and supporting retention

• Why early intervention and prevention matter for long-term impact

Learn more about The Co. -> a leadership development opportunity for impact-conscious and power-curious leaders.

In this episode of The Leaderful Podcast, we welcome Ian, a leader, entrepreneur, and founder of Forge Works Advisory. Ian shares the deeply personal and professional journey that led him to leave the company he was leading, sparked by the work of The Ally Co. to uncover deeper organizational truths.

Ian describes how the initial engagement with The Ally Co. was intended to solve for communication and power dynamics within the team. However, the work quickly revealed a more fundamental problem: an artificial alignment and misalignment in the company's direction and people's roles. This revelation forced Ian to confront the brutal facts and make a difficult, but necessary, decision for the good of the organization.

Drawing on his philosophy that success hinges on getting the "human bit right" , Ian unpacks the difference between a team that is merely surviving versus one that is truly thriving. He passionately argues against the term "soft skills," noting that they are, in fact, the hardest skills to master and are the fundamental ingredients for business success. This conviction is the driving force behind his new venture, Forge Works Advisory, which helps founders and owners build enduring strength and high-performing human systems.

You'll hear a mature perspective on how difficult outcomes—like moving on from a company you love—can often be the right outcomes. This conversation is a must-listen for any founder, CEO, or leader who feels their company isn't "clicking," even with a clear strategy and vision.

🔍 Also covered in this episode:

• The signs of organizational dysfunction like pre-meetings, water cooler chat, and venting.

• The difference between a "playbook" consulting approach and a more consultative, human-centric engagement.

• How to create a "safe space" for team members to share without fear of retribution.

• The crucial importance of hiring for fit over being 100% technical acumen.

• Why Ian calls for a new term to replace "soft skills".

• How Forge Works Advisory helps companies define their needs before making huge investments in full-time roles like a COO.