Episode 337

In this candid episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastro and Gyner Ozgul, CEO of Fortis Fire and Safety, dive deep into the personal side of service leadership, exploring five untold truths that shape modern leadership. From the critical importance of mental health awareness to the complexities of aging as a leader, they tackle topics rarely discussed in traditional business settings. Whether you're navigating vulnerability in leadership, managing conflict, or balancing experience with innovation, this honest conversation delivers valuable insights for service leaders looking to build more authentic and effective organizations. Tune in to discover why letting go of the "always-knows-best" mindset might be your key to stronger team relationships and better business outcomes. 

If you missed part one of this two-part episode, check out Episode 329.  

What You'll Learn

• Why mental health discussions are crucial for both leaders and frontline workers in service organizations 
• How to navigate the emotional complexities of aging as a leader while maintaining effectiveness 
• The strategic advantage of embracing vulnerability as a leadership tool and how to use it appropriately 
• Why avoiding conflict destroys trust and how to build honest communication channels 
• How to prevent experience from becoming a limitation rather than an asset in leadership 
• The importance of balancing personal growth with professional responsibilities as a service leader 
• Why creating safe spaces for authentic conversations drives organizational success 
• How to champion vulnerability in others while maintaining professional boundaries 
• The critical role of leaders in modeling transparent communication and trust-building behaviors 
• Why evolving priorities and perspective shifts are natural parts of leadership growth 

About the Guest(s)

Gyner Ozgul is the CEO of Fortis Fire and Safety, recognized as one of the Future of Field Service Standout 50 Leaders for 2025. With extensive experience in operations, supply chain management, and service leadership, he brings a wealth of practical insights to the industry. In this episode, Gyner shares candid perspectives on the personal challenges of service leadership, including mental health awareness, vulnerability in leadership, and the evolving dynamics of experienced leadership. His authentic approach to leadership and willingness to discuss often-overlooked aspects of executive roles makes him a valuable voice for service leaders navigating similar challenges. Gyner's commitment to transparent leadership and employee development, combined with his personal journey of growth through coaching and self-awareness, offers valuable lessons for service executives seeking to build more resilient and trust-based organizations. 

Follow Along

• [00:00] Intro: Untold Truths of Service Leadership with Gyner Ozgul 
• [02:47] Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in Service Leadership 
• [12:48] The Complex Journey of Growing Older as a Leader 
• [18:36] Why Vulnerability is Leadership's Hidden Superpower 
• [30:44] Building Trust Through Honest Communication 
• [40:43] When Experience Becomes a Leadership Blindspot 
• [45:10] Key Takeaways: Leading with Authenticity and Purpose 

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