In today’s episode of Together at the Top, Nick welcomes the newly appointed Sheriff of Solano County, Brad DeWall, for an insightful conversation about contemporary leadership. Sheriff DeWall shares his unique journey, having risen through the ranks from an extra-help correctional officer to the highest position in the agency. Together, they delve into the excitement and nervousness that accompanies such a significant promotion, exploring the weight of expectation from both the team and the community. This discussion covers the core tenets of effective leadership in a large public safety organization, from establishing a clear vision to the practical steps required to make that vision a reality.

The conversation goes beyond theory, as Sheriff DeWall details his people-first approach to management and organizational change. He explains why turning a vision into tangible results - or "traction" - is impossible without first building a foundation of solid relationships at every level, from internal teams to the County Administrator's office and labor unions. He and Nick also tackle the critical topics of stress management and mental wellness in law enforcement, the importance of breaking down internal silos to create a unified team, and how to cultivate a healthy, supportive culture. An enlightening study in modern leadership, this episode is filled with practical advice for any professional looking to make a meaningful impact.

Episode Highlights:

• How to navigate the transition into a top executive leadership role.
• The importance of turning vision into action - getting "traction."
• Why strong relationships are the most critical tool for implementing change and achieving goals.
• Sheriff DeWall’s three pillars of a successful leader: credibility, relationships, and vision.
• Strategies for building effective partnerships with county government, labor unions, and the community.
• The importance of addressing stress and trauma to create a healthier work environment in high-stakes professions.
• How to break down internal silos and foster a unified, "one team" culture within an organization.
• The unique value of an empowered executive assistant who can provide "real talk" and unfiltered feedback.

Chapter Markers:

[00:14] Meet the New Sheriff

[02:25] Why the New Sheriff is "Super Nervous"

[03:44] "Vision Without Traction is Hallucination"

[06:10] From Entry-Level to The Top Job: A First in History

[12:00] The First Things He Wants to Change

[15:05] The 3 Traits Every Leader MUST Have

[20:12] Building Trust, Even When You Disagree

[23:20] The Tricky Politics of Police Budgets

[29:17] The Trauma Cops Don't Talk About

[34:01] Why Is It So Hard to Hire Cops Today?

[35:52] The "Us vs. Them" Divide Inside the Agency

[39:38] His Secret Weapon: The Executive Assistant

[42:53] Rapid Fire: Bad Leaders, Best Advice & Biggest Fears

[46:21] His Vision for the Future

Key Takeaways:

"Vision without traction is just a hallucination."

"I am the first sheriff to ever have started as an extra help correctional officer."

"If you can find what you love, it just changes the game."

"If you don't have the relationships, you will never be a leader. No one will follow you."

"We may not agree, but I want you to understand where I'm at."

"Don't ever let a good crisis go to waste."

"I feel like I am good at connecting with people. But most of all through that, I'm good at listening and hearing people... I just care. I really care."

"I'm most excited about being able to move forward programs that I've been wanting to do for years."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/

Sheriff Brad DeWall: https://www.solanocounty.gov/government/sheriff-coroner/sheriff-coroner-brad-dewall

Traction by Gino Wickman: https://www.ginowickman.com/books