“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ​ This African proverb captures the essence of leadership and the spirit of this book. Leadership in EMS is not about quick fixes or individual success—it’s about the collective journey, the lessons we share, and the impact we leave behind. Whether you are stepping into leadership for the first time or seeking renewed purpose, we created this book for you. I hope the stories and wisdom in these pages will be your guide, a mentor, and a source of inspiration drawn from the real-life experiences of those who have led before you. ​ Leading an EMS agency is not for the timid. It requires resilience, vision, and a steadfast commitment to something bigger than yourself. Whether you're ascending to leadership for the first time or you're a veteran leader looking for a fresh reason to continue on the path you've chosen, this book is for you.  When I began the work of creating this book, my aim was clear: to assemble the wisdom and experiences from the EMS leaders and mentors that invested in my journey, with the next generations of leaders. I also wanted to take a moment to reflect, with the help of those leaders, on the path my life has taken—a path in which I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded so many incredible leaders. ​ This book is not a leadership textbook or manual of theories—it is a compilation of real-life encounters of leaders with the many facets of life and leadership. The highs, the lows, and everything in between have been lived, and these leaders are willing to tell the truth about their experiences and provide the raw and honest detail that allows us to glimpse the personal side of their leadership journeys. Each chapter stands alone, offering a unique perspective shaped by the author’s personal leadership journey.  ​ You will notice some themes—resilience, vision, collaboration—recurring throughout this book. That is by design. Leadership truths are constant; their expression is as diverse as the individuals who live them. Leadership is not a monolithic endeavor. Some authors share decades of experience, while others are earlier in their leadership journey. Yet all the insights shared here have equal value. If one chapter does not resonate, I'm confident the next will ignite your passion—or at least engage your mind more than the previous one. ​ This book results from the collective effort of over 40 esteemed EMS leaders who generously invested their time, and shared their stories, experience and wisdom—not only to aid national EMS charities but as an investment in you: the next generation of EMS leadership. Their willingness to share their experiences is a profound gift to all of us who struggle to grow in our leadership. I am deeply thankful for their contributions, and I encourage you to draw from their insights as I have. I’m especially grateful to Secretary Leon Panetta for offering a foreword for this book. I’ve long respected his service as a national leader. His career in public service stands as a shining example of two things: a bipartisan approach to solving some of the most complex problems of our time and a dedication to integrity and purpose that makes him quite the role model for anyone aspiring to lead in a challenging environment. I also wish to convey my deep appreciation for my colleagues and instructors at the Center for Homeland Security and Defense of the Naval Postgraduate School, in the Executive Leaders Program (ELP2401). This past year has been an incredible journey of shared wisdom, camaraderie, and growth. The lessons I have learned throughout this program are hard to quantify, but their impact on my leadership and perspective is beyond measure. ​ EMS leadership does not happen in isolation. It is a journey shared with many, one that is taken in close step with those who are companions in this endeavor. This is why I’m donating ~80% of the net royalties from this book to national EMS charities, including the National EMS Museum.  ​ The EMS future is bright—but only if we, as leaders, make it so. I commend you for picking up this book and thank you for being the kind of person who strives to make a difference. Your commitment to growth, resilience, and service is what inspires us to keep pushing forward. Together, we will build a legacy of leadership in EMS that lasts for generations. With gratitude and hope for the future, Donnie Woodyard, Jr. Editor