Firefighter has a clear vision
Rockingham Fire Brigade captain Andrew Munro tells Brian Oliver about the pressure of saving lives and properties as a career firefighter.
Q: Tell me the biggest business challenge you’ve ever faced.
A: Being assigned to an area during the Roleystone/Kelmscott fire in February, 2011, and having to make sense of the situation that confronted me. Then I had to co-ordinate the resources assigned to combat the numerous properties affected by the fire.
Q: Which business leader do you most admire?
A: Any leader who has a clear vision of their objectives and goals that will benefit everyone.
Q: What does leadership mean to you?
A: The ability to bring a group of people together, with a common vision or goal and be able to focus and empower the group to achieve the vision or goal.
Q: How has your leadership style changed over time?
A: I tend to listen and delegate responsibility more to those around me instead of taking it all on.
Q: What’s the best advice you were ever given?
A: The best advice I have been given is “make a decision”. Whether it is right or wrong, make one because it is easier to change a decision than making no decision at all.
Q: What do you wish someone had told you when you first started out?
A: We all make mistakes — learn from them, as they are some of the best learning tools around.
Q: What has been the most important moment in your career so far?
A: Being nominated for the Fire Fighter of the Year in 2011.
Q: What are your interests outside of business?
A: Keeping fit and I am interested in science and astronomy, especially with the recent discoveries of exo-planets.
Q: What do you do to relax?
A: Participate in fun runs and kayak.
Q: What do you hope Rockingham will be like in five years?
A: A safe, clean city.
