In this special episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence welcomes General Robert B. Neller, the 37th commandant of the United States Marine Corps, to discuss leadership, decision-making, team building and the evolving challenges facing public safety professionals.
General Neller, who was a featured speaker at Police1’s LEEP Forward event at SHOT Show 2025, shares his perspective on leading under pressure, making critical decisions, and fostering an ethical and resilient organizational culture. With decades of military leadership experience, he provides actionable insights that apply not only to the armed forces but also to EMS, law enforcement, and fire and rescue personnel.
Throughout the episode, General Neller emphasizes the importance of training, adaptability and the role of leadership in guiding organizations through times of uncertainty. He highlights the significance of ethical leadership, followership and how leaders must take responsibility for failures while empowering their teams.
The discussion also explores the impact of emerging technologies such as AI on public safety, and the crucial need for ongoing training despite staffing and funding challenges. This thought-provoking conversation delivers key takeaways for current and aspiring leaders across all branches of public safety.
Top leadership quotes from General Robert B. Neller
- “If I could wave a magic wand, I’d put everyone at 110% staffing so they had the time to train properly.”
- “The leader’s job is to set the example — how you carry yourself, how you treat others, and how you communicate matters.”
- “Good leaders anticipate. They don’t just react — they look ahead and keep their teams informed.”
- “Accepting responsibility is a core tenet of leadership — when things go wrong, the leader must own it.”
- “Take care of yourself — physically, mentally and morally — because leadership starts with personal discipline.”
- “To build culture and cohesion, you set the example — you take the physical fitness test, you wear the uniform properly, and you carry yourself the right way.”
- “Good leadership is not about the complete suppression of ideas — if you have time, get input, because someone might have a better idea than you.”