The firefighter departments in our country have been dealing with inclusivity and diversion issues for such a long time! Throughout decades, the average number of black people or women joining the forces has been on the low side of the scale, but things are starting to change!  

Our guest today, Russell Grant Hayden - the Founder and President of the Firefighter’s ABC’s- although his initial life trajectory didn’t point to being a firefighter, has been given the chance to join this world in the late ‘60s, and became the first Black hired by the Los Altos Fire Department. Since then, he’s helped countless young people of all backgrounds join the endless fight against fires.  

His motto is “Reach out and touch someone else” and he encourages everyone to help others in need because the ripple effect of every small act of kindness toward one person can make a difference on thousands of other individuals!  

Listen to Episode 255 of Becoming Your Best to find out his background story – which is one full of hope for many individuals that find themselves in rough places – as well as to learn what Firefighter’s ABC’s is all about and how you can join their cause of bringing more diversity into this amazing and noble field. 

Some questions I ask:  

• Grant, tell us about your background – what led you to where you are today? (04:15) 
• What are some of the experiences you’ve had, that have been inspirational for you, where you’ve seen real progress? (05:46) 
• What are some tips you could give us, to be more successful and to make a difference? (13:47) 

In this episode, you will learn:  

• The diversity & inclusion issues within the firefighter departments throughout the country. (05:46) 
•  How one person changed Grant’s life by introducing him to the Student Firefighter Program. (06:31) 
• The ripple effect of small acts of kindness. (08:37) 
• The struggles Grant had to go through, as the only black man in his firefighter department & His motto in life. (10:38) 
• How Firefighter’s ABC’s is preparing the youth to become more well-rounded and able to deal with life. (11:48) 
• How you can join the Firefighter’s ABC’s. (16:13) 

Connect with Grant:  

• Firefighter’s ABC’s Website 
• LinkedIn 
• Facebook Page 
• Instagram 
• Twitter  
• Youtube Channel 

Becoming Your Best Resources: 

• Becoming Your Best Website 
• Becoming Your Best University Website 
• Becoming Your Best Library 
• Email: [email protected]   
• Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders 
• Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance 
• Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.