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.