Episode 62 – When You Don’t Get the Job You Want: Leadership Insights from a 32-Year Chief – Pete Webb

In this episode of the FireDawg Podcast, Matt is joined by returning guest Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Peter Webb. Chief Webb previously appeared on Episode 35, where he shared his journey from Army firefighter to Air Force Reserve Command Chief, his service as a Battalion Chief in Dothan, Alabama, and a first-hand account of serving as Incident Commander during a mayday.

Since that conversation, Chief Webb has retired from the Air Force after more than 32 years of service, concluding a military career that began in 1989 and culminated as Command Chief of the 919th Special Operations Wing. In this episode, we reflect on his military and civilian careers, the leadership lessons he’s learned over three decades of service, and the moments that most shaped him as a leader in both uniform and the fire service.

We also dive into a topic many professionals eventually face: what to do when you don’t get the job you applied for or the position you truly wanted. Chief Webb shares a personal experience with professional disappointment, how he processed it, what he did next, and how leaders can turn non-selection into growth.

This conversation is about leadership, resilience, and navigating careers when the path doesn’t go exactly as planned.