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Chapter 1: Leadership, Communication, and Growth Mindset Michael Bullock (0:00) I'm kind of going a different route with a lot of the leadership material I was reading and studying. It centered around emotionally intelligent leadership, connecting with your people, and being honest, open, and upfront—but not so vulnerable that you create worry or panic within an organization. Michael Bullock (0:09) It's about being able to communicate openly with each other, while also being willing to say, "You know what? This isn't working right now. Let's stop and come back to this tomorrow." Michael Bullock (0:24) We don't need to sit here and yell at each other because we're just going to yell in circles. This meeting is no longer effective. Let's reschedule it for tomorrow. Michael Bullock (0:35) Then I started studying growth mindset theories, particularly from the education perspective, but also how they apply to personnel management and leadership. Michael Bullock (0:45) I really believe in helping people understand that it's okay to fail. Chapter 2: Introduction to Michael Bullock Host (1:01) Welcome back to the Degrees of Success podcast. I'm your host, Keith Chandler. Host (1:05) Today's guest is Michael Bullock, Deputy Chief with the Sandy City Fire Department and a ������ý alumnus whose career has been shaped by a deep commitment to healthcare, human services, and leadership development. Host (1:18) Michael began his education in health education and went on to earn his MBA from the ������ý, and he continues to pursue lifelong learning today. Host (1:28) In addition to leading trainings and overseeing critical emergency resources, Michael has been recognized as a ������ý Alumni Luminary for his industry leadership—an honor that reflects both his professional excellence and his dedication to service. Host (1:44) In this episode, we'll explore what first drew Michael to healthcare and human services, how education helped him grow as a leader, and what it means to serve others when it matters most. Host (1:56) Let's get started. Michael Bullock, welcome to Degrees of Success. Michael Bullock (2:03) Thank you so much. I'm very excited to be here with you today. Chapter 3: An Ideal Day in Fire Service Leadership Host (2:11) As a deputy chief for a fire department, you're obviously dealing with emergency situations every day. I'm curious—in your professional life, what does an ideal day look like? Michael Bullock (2:32) My career has really been split into two halves. Michael Bullock (2:40) The first half was running on engines, responding to 911 calls, working on ambulances, and serving as a paramedic. Michael Bullock (2:49) About six years ago, I transitioned into an office position, and I had to completely change my mindset from being the one responding to emergencies to the one supporting the people who respond. Michael Bullock (3:01) Back when I worked on the crews, the best part of showing up each day was knowing we'd train on something, learn something new, and practice hands-on skills. Michael Bullock (3:13) Then, in the middle of that, we'd go help people on what was often the worst day of their lives. That was a perfect day. Michael Bullock (3:24) Now, working on the administrative side, my favorite days are when someone comes into my office and we can sit down together. Michael Bullock (3:31) We talk about what they need to do to reach the next step in their career, what education opportunities they should pursue, and how we can set them up for success. Michael Bullock (3:46) I also get to think about budgeting, planning, and making sure crews have the tools they need. Michael Bullock (3:53) My best days are when I feel like I've made life easier for the crews and helped them succeed. Chapter 4: Early Interest in Healthcare and Public Service Host (4:02) Going back a little further, was there a moment in your childhood where you realized you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare or public service? Host (4:28) One of your first jobs was as a phlebotomist. What sparked that initial interest? Michael Bullock (4:38) Growing up, my dad was a police officer for 30 years. Michael Bullock (4:52) I watched him dedicate himself to serving the community. He never complained about going to work. Michael Bullock (5:02) He might have complained about being tired, but never about the work itself. Michael Bullock (5:11) That service-oriented lifestyle was always around me. Michael Bullock (5:21) When I was four years old, I was involved in a significant accident. Michael Bullock (5:31) I spent a lot of time in the hospital and underwent multiple eye surgeries because of a head injury. Michael Bullock (5:45) Growing up around nurses and doctors who cared for me made a huge impression on me. Michael Bullock (5:49) It became obvious that I wanted to work somewhere I could make a difference in people's lives. Michael Bullock (6:01) Initially, I thought I wanted to become a physician. Michael Bullock (6:11) I actually started college studying biomedical engineering because I loved the idea of designing things that could improve people's lives. Michael Bullock (6:30) Eventually I realized I didn't want to spend my life inside a laboratory. Michael Bullock (6:39) I earned my EMT certification almost as a résumé builder. Michael Bullock (6:58) When I came home after that certification, I told my wife, "I found my career." Michael Bullock (7:04) I wanted to be on an ambulance, responding to emergencies. Michael Bullock (7:11) It gave me the same feeling I saw in my father throughout his police career, except I got to help people through medicine rather than law enforcement. Michael Bullock (7:27) That changed everything. I switched my degree to health education, attended paramedic school, became a paramedic, and everything just snowballed from there. Chapter 5: How Emergency Work Shapes Perspective Host (7:38) Working in fire and EMS puts you face-to-face with people experiencing some of the hardest days of their lives. How has that shaped the way you approach both healthcare and life? Michael Bullock (7:57) That's an interesting question. Michael Bullock (8:00) One challenge for first responders is that you can develop a cynical view of the world because you're constantly exposed to tragedy. Michael Bullock (8:17) Eventually it can feel like that's all the world consists of. Michael Bullock (8:25) It also makes you hyper-aware of your surroundings, even when you're off duty. Michael Bullock (8:38) For example, when I go to the gym, I can't wear AirPods because I need to hear what's happening around me. Chapter 6: Returning to School and Choosing an MBA Host (8:44) You earned your bachelor's degree in health education from the University of Utah and later completed your MBA through the ������ý. How did education help you move from practitioner to leader? Michael Bullock (9:06) My bachelor's degree was actually a long journey. Michael Bullock (9:17) I started college right after high school, but after getting hired by the fire department and starting a family, I stepped away from school. Michael Bullock (9:34) I only had about three semesters left, but I needed to provide for my family. Michael Bullock (9:48) Looking back, that break actually gave me a different perspective on education. Michael Bullock (9:59) After four years working in the field, I returned to school with much more focus and purpose than I had at 19 years old. Michael Bullock (10:26) After finishing my bachelor's degree, I immediately knew I wanted to continue. Michael Bullock (10:41) My younger brother had just completed his MBA through the ������ý, so I jokingly felt like I couldn't let him win. Michael Bullock (11:04) At first I considered a Master of Public Administration because I worked in public service. Michael Bullock (11:15) But I wanted to study something from a different perspective rather than simply learning more about what I was already doing. Michael Bullock (11:34) At the time I was working rotating 48-hour shifts, raising young children, and working second jobs at hospitals. Michael Bullock (11:44) There simply wasn't a traditional graduate program that fit my schedule. Michael Bullock (12:00) When I learned about the flexibility of the ������ý MBA program, everything fell into place. Michael Bullock (12:35) I absolutely loved it from day one. Michael Bullock (12:44) I was suddenly studying topics I'd never encountered before—finance, inventory management, budgeting, and leadership. Chapter 7: Applying the MBA in the Fire Department Michael Bullock (13:10) At the time, most leadership books in the fire service came from military backgrounds. Michael Bullock (13:27) While working through my MBA, I became fascinated by leadership theory as well as finance. Michael Bullock (13:40) I completed coursework whenever I could. Michael Bullock (13:47) Sometimes I started homework at 10:00 at night while working overnight shifts in the hospital and continued until four in the morning. Michael Bullock (14:17) I graduated in 2015 with my MBA. Michael Bullock (14:27) At the time, I was only the second person in our department to have earned a master's degree. Michael Bullock (14:34) Soon afterward, I interviewed for my first promotion. Michael Bullock (14:45) I laid out my education, my experience, and my certifications—and I was promoted to engineer. Michael Bullock (15:13) A few years later I promoted to captain, then eventually became training captain, battalion chief, and now deputy chief. Michael Bullock (15:43) The MBA gave me the skills to communicate ideas differently and bring a fresh perspective into the department. Chapter 8: Inventory Management and Process Improvements Host (16:13) What surprised you most about what you learned in your MBA that you now use every day? Michael Bullock (16:31) Without question: inventory management and financial management. Michael Bullock (16:41) When I became battalion chief in 2020, I inherited responsibility for medical supplies and purchasing. Michael Bullock (17:09) Previously, the department would spend the entire annual budget on July 1st, purchase everything for the year, and simply work through it. Michael Bullock (17:34) By springtime, we'd often be running low on supplies with no money left. Michael Bullock (18:00) I completely redesigned the ordering system using a just-in-time inventory model. Michael Bullock (18:18) We began making smaller purchases, monitoring expiration dates, and tracking usage. Michael Bullock (18:38) Then COVID arrived and completely disrupted supply chains. Michael Bullock (18:54) Once supply chains stabilized, we continued improving the system. Michael Bullock (19:05) Today we conduct weekly inventory counts and closely monitor usage. Michael Bullock (19:18) We also redesigned our contracts and now purchase from multiple vendors rather than relying on a single supplier. Michael Bullock (20:04) It has improved pricing while ensuring we always have the supplies we need. Chapter 9: Leadership Style and Growth Mindset Host (20:23) How would you describe your leadership style? Michael Bullock (20:45) Over the years I've shifted toward emotionally intelligent leadership. Michael Bullock (21:15) It's about connecting with people, communicating honestly, and being open without creating unnecessary panic. Michael Bullock (21:37) Sometimes leadership means recognizing when a conversation has stopped being productive and simply saying, "Let's come back tomorrow." Michael Bullock (21:48) I also became very interested in growth mindset theory. Michael Bullock (22:06) I want people to understand that failure is part of learning. Michael Bullock (22:16) Whether it's missing an IV on a patient or not earning a promotion, you learn from it, practice more, and come back stronger. Michael Bullock (22:59) That growth mindset has become something I try to build into the entire organization—not just individual education. Chapter 10: ������ý Luminary Recognition Host (23:16) You were recently named a ������ý Luminary in the Industry Leadership category. What does that recognition mean to you? Michael Bullock (23:34) Honestly, it was a complete shock. Michael Bullock (23:43) I knew the program existed, but when the award arrived at my house, I couldn't believe it. Michael Bullock (23:53) It forced me to step back and realize how much I had actually accomplished. Michael Bullock (24:19) It made me recognize that I really had put in the work. Michael Bullock (24:59) I joke that I still feel like a 17-year-old kid trying to figure everything out. Michael Bullock (25:07) I tell newly promoted officers, "Here's the secret: fake it until you make it." Michael Bullock (25:18) We all feel like we're figuring things out, but eventually you realize you've actually prepared yourself for the job. Michael Bullock (25:52) My family was so excited when the award arrived. Michael Bullock (26:17) It also meant a lot because, ten years after graduating, the University still cared enough to recognize alumni and celebrate what we're doing. Chapter 11: Advice for Adult Learners Host (27:27) Many of our listeners are balancing careers, family responsibilities, and education. What advice would you give someone considering going back to school? Michael Bullock (27:36) Go for it. Michael Bullock (27:44) Don't wait for the perfect time because it never comes. Michael Bullock (27:49) You can either start today and have your degree in a few years—or spend those same years still thinking about it. Michael Bullock (28:05) Life is always a balancing act. Michael Bullock (28:22) Having your family support you makes an enormous difference. Michael Bullock (28:41) There were plenty of times I had to tell my kids, "Give me two hours to finish this paper, then I'll come play." Michael Bullock (28:56) Life keeps moving. Michael Bullock (29:09) The biggest thing is knowing your "why." Michael Bullock (29:16) If you don't know why you're doing it, you'll quit when things become difficult. Michael Bullock (29:24) I tell our new recruits exactly the same thing when they start the fire academy. Michael Bullock (29:37) Know your purpose, and then simply go for it. Chapter 12: Personal and Professional Milestones Host (29:55) As you reflect on your journey, what personal or professional milestones stand out as being the most meaningful? Michael Bullock (30:14) Personally, finishing my bachelor's degree after taking several years away from school was huge. Michael Bullock (30:29) Returning to campus as an adult surrounded by younger students was intimidating, but completing that degree gave me tremendous pride. Michael Bullock (30:43) That accomplishment immediately propelled me toward earning my MBA. Michael Bullock (30:52) Professionally, earning my first promotion to engineer stands out. Michael Bullock (31:09) It was the first time I truly felt like all of my preparation had paid off. Michael Bullock (31:14) I still believe driving the engine is the best seat in the house. Host (31:27) Michael Bullock, thank you so much for joining the Degrees of Success podcast. Chapter 13: Closing Thoughts Host (31:36) Thank you for your service as a first responder in Sandy, Utah, and for everything you continue to do for your community. Michael Bullock (31:52) Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Host (31:58) Michael Bullock's story reminds us that leadership begins with service and grows through education. Host (32:04) From emergency response to organizational leadership, his journey shows how learning can expand your impact—not only within your profession, but also in the lives of the people you serve. Host (32:15) If today's conversation resonated with you, be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode with someone considering their next step. Host (32:23) I'm your host, Keith Chandler. Thank you for listening, and join us next time as we continue sharing inspiring stories of perseverance, growth, and success through education on Degrees of Success, where every journey matters.