In this powerful episode, we sit down with John Cosgrove, President of Atlantic Handling Systems and former Mayor of Fair Lawn, NJ, who shares his remarkable journey from volunteer firefighter to successful business leader.
With four decades of leadership experience, Cosgrove reveals how life-and-death decisions in the fire department shaped his approach to business and public service.
Through compelling stories—from transforming a troubled police department to bringing clean water to Honduran villages—Cosgrove illustrates his core leadership principles: showing genuine care, maintaining focus, and building trust. He offers candid insights on:
- Why 1.8 million Americans volunteer for the most dangerous career
- How to turn organizational conflicts into opportunities
- The delicate balance between business, family, and public service
- Critical challenges facing American manufacturing and automation
The conversation culminates in a thought-provoking discussion about America’s economic future, the automation revolution, and why leaders must remain open to change or risk becoming obsolete.
Perfect for current and aspiring leaders seeking practical wisdom on building trust, navigating change, and leaving a lasting impact.
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