Description

What can engineers and technical professionals learn about leadership from firefighters responding to an emergency? More than you might think!

In today's fast-paced and increasingly complex environment, engineering professionals face constant challenges that demand quick thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt under pressure. From managing unexpected project challenges to navigating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), effective leadership requires more than technical expertise.

Join ACEC/Michigan for an engaging and interactive webinar featuring Chris Whaley, an engineer by training, former firefighter and rescue diver, and former Vice President of Human Resources, as he explores how leadership principles developed on the fireground can help engineers, project managers, and technical professionals excel in challenging environments.

Drawing on compelling real-world emergency response experiences and more than 25 years of leadership experience, Chris will introduce practical frameworks for making decisions with incomplete information, maintaining resilience under pressure, and leading with agility when circumstances change.

As AI continues to transform engineering and technical work, uniquely human leadership capabilities—including critical thinking, emotional resilience, collaboration, and adaptability—are becoming more valuable than ever.

Through memorable stories, interactive exercises, and actionable strategies, participants will discover how to apply lessons from the fire service to strengthen their leadership effectiveness, improve team performance, and navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.

Learning Objectives

Participants will explore three essential leadership capabilities:

• Decisive Action Under Uncertainty: Develop strategies for making sound, timely decisions when information is incomplete and circumstances are rapidly evolving.
• Emotional Resilience Under Pressure: Learn practical techniques for regaining composure, managing emotional responses, and returning to rational decision-making during stressful situations.
• Agile Leadership in Complex Environments: Discover how to balance team alignment with individual autonomy, empowering others to respond effectively to changing conditions.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is designed for engineering professionals at all career stages, including project managers, engineering team leaders, department managers, firm principals, emerging leaders, and technical professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership and decision-making skills.

About the Speaker: Chris Whaley

Chris Whaley is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Escape to Expand, where he helps organizations unlock their full potential through collaborative leadership, team coaching, and organizational development.

An engineer by training, former firefighter and rescue diver, and former Vice President of Human Resources, Chris brings a unique perspective to leadership development. With more than 25 years of global experience spanning public service, consumer electronics, and medical technology, he has led initiatives involving emergency services, business transformation, process improvement, organizational effectiveness, and employee engagement.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee. He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Practitioner, and Project Management Professional (PMP). He also serves as a mentor for the University of Tennessee Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program and is a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.

Through Escape to Expand, Chris combines engaging storytelling, practical leadership frameworks, and interactive learning experiences to help professionals and organizations achieve meaningful results.

Learn more: https://EscapeToExpand.com

What Previous Participants Are Saying

"Concrete, practical strategy in entertaining, engaging format."

"Highly valuable for PMs working in ever changing environments."

"Engaging real life leadership lessons applied to daily life."

Registration Information

ACEC/Michigan Member Registration: $65.00
Non-Member Registration: $85.00
Continuing Education Credit: 1 PDH

This webinar offers participants an opportunity to earn 1 Professional Development Hour (PDH) while gaining practical leadership strategies they can immediately apply to their professional responsibilities.

Register Today!

Strengthen your ability to lead confidently through uncertainty, respond effectively under pressure, and empower your team to succeed in changing environments.

Join ACEC/Michigan on December 9 for this practical and engaging leadership development opportunity!