🎙 Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione
Episode Title: Running In When Others Run Out: Leadership in Emergency Management
Guest: Brian Pinson

Show Notes:

In this episode of Tailgate Talks, I sit down with Brian Pinson, a seasoned leader in environmental land management with nearly 30 years of frontline experience in wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Brian has led emergency response teams across the country and has built a career defined by courage, calm under pressure, and a commitment to service.

When I served as Director of the Florida Park Service, Brian was the person I trusted to “run in when others were running out.” His wisdom and leadership style in high-stakes situations have influenced countless professionals in the field—and today, you get to hear directly from him.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• 🔥 What true leadership looks like during a crisis

• 🌪 Lessons learned from managing hurricanes, wildfires, and multi-agency operations

• 🧭 How to prepare your team before the emergency ever begins

• 💬 Communicating effectively under stress

• 💡 The importance of humility, trust, and clear-headed decision-making

• 👥 Building teams that function when the pressure is highest

Brian shares practical advice and personal stories that will resonate with anyone responsible for parks, public lands, emergency planning, or staff safety.

Key Quote:
"Leadership is forged long before the storm ever hits. It’s about building trust, setting expectations, and training for the worst so you can deliver your best." – Brian Pinson

Resources & Mentions:
If you’d like to reach out to Brian or learn more about emergency leadership best practices, you can contact him at: bstobee@gmail.com

Connect with Donald Forgione:
🌐 www.tailgate-talks.com
📧 donald@tailgate-talks.com
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Subscribe & Share:
If this episode sparked new ideas or reaffirmed your commitment to leadership, share it with a fellow park professional or emergency responder. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—your support helps keep these important conversations going.