Ep. 22: From Firefighter to US Fire Administrator: Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell on Leadership, Data and Resilience

What does it take to lead through adversity, rethink decades-old systems, and champion the people who run toward emergencies? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, former U.S. Fire Administrator and firefighter-paramedic, takes us through the defining moments of her career, from the streets of Memphis to the highest levels of federal leadership.

Dr. Lori reflects on:

☕ What she learned about leading in male-dominated rooms, standing her ground, choosing when to push and when to pause, and how to develop true emotional intelligence as a leader
☕ How she reframes “work-life balance” into something far more realistic (and far more forgiving)
☕ The mental-health realities facing first responders, especially during the holiday season
☕ Where she’s choosing to focus her energy now: global wildfire innovation, AI-enabled solutions, and advising the next generation of leaders

Whether you’re in public safety, public service, tech, or leadership of any kind, Dr. Lori’s story offers rare insight into what it looks like to carry responsibility at scale, and how to stay grounded while doing it.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

– IAFF Mental Health + Peer Support Programs
– National Fallen Firefighters Foundation First Responder Center of Excellence
– Book Club: Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (Click to purchase: https://amzn.to/4485tvM)
– Book Club: Brave, Not Perfect (Click to purchase: https://amzn.to/4pmnhvq)

About Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell is a distinguished leader in public safety, policy development, and emergency response innovation. She has worked at the highest levels of government, engaging with White House staff, cabinet officials, and industry leaders to drive advancements in firefighter health, wellness, and operational efficiency. Dr. Moore-Merrell has led large, diverse teams, developed subject matter experts, and fostered international partnerships to shape policy and best practices. She continues to work to improve the safety and well-being of first responders and to equip firefighters with the resources and knowledge needed to thrive both on and off the job. Her expertise includes strategic planning, big data analysis, community risk assessment, and translating research into actionable policies that enhance public safety operations. Dr. Moore-Merrell believes that together, we can turn any moment of crisis into an era of opportunity for the fire service and beyond.