Episode 255 - A Firefighter’s Story: You lift Me, I Lift You, And We Ascend Together!

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>The firefighter departments&nbsp;in our country have been dealing with inclusivity and diversion issues for such a long time! Throughout decades, the average number of black people or women joining the forces has been on the low side of the scale, but things are starting to change!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Our guest today, Russell Grant Hayden&nbsp;-&nbsp;the Founder and President of the Firefighter’s ABC’s-&nbsp;although his initial life trajectory didn’t point to being a firefighter, has been&nbsp;given the chance to join this world&nbsp;in the late ‘60s, and became the first Black hired by the Los Altos Fire Department. Since then, he’s helped countless young people of all backgrounds join the endless fight against fires.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His motto is “Reach out and touch someone else” and he encourages everyone to help others in need because the ripple effect of every small act of kindness toward one person can make a difference on thousands of other individuals!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Listen to&nbsp;<strong>Episode 255&nbsp;</strong>of&nbsp;<strong>Becoming Your Best&nbsp;</strong>to find out his background story – which is one full of hope for&nbsp;many individuals that find themselves in rough places – as well as to learn what Firefighter’s ABC’s is all about and how you can join their cause of bringing more diversity into this amazing and noble field.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Some questions I ask:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Grant, tell us about your background – what led you to where you are today? (04:15)&nbsp;</li><li>What are some of the experiences you’ve had, that have been inspirational for you, where you’ve seen real progress? (05:46)&nbsp;</li><li>What are some tips you could give us, to be&nbsp;more successful and to make a difference? (13:47)&nbsp;</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>In this episode, you will learn:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>The diversity &amp; inclusion issues within the firefighter&nbsp;departments throughout the coun