We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Osiris Carter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Osiris, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

The best bosses are those that can see in you, what you may not be able to see in yourself. When I first entered the world of Emergency Services, I had no idea what direction I wanted to take! Actually, I was simply trying to get off of my mom’s proclaimed “payroll”!!! After a few years, my department was able to bring in an amazing leader. His greatest quality was that he was all about empowering those employees that worked under him. He gave me my first chance at a leadership position, and because of him, I am where I am now. I did the work, but he gave me the chance. I will forever be grateful for Joe B.!!!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am fortunate to have been an Emergency Services Leader for over 15 years. For my “9-5,” I am currently the Deputy Director at a large consolidated PSAP (Public Safety Answering/Access Point) in the Metro Atlanta area. I first got into the industry as a “first-first” responder, working as a Call-Taker for 9-1-1 Emergency Services. Over the last 15 years I have held almost every position within the Department and have been lucky to take the skills I’ve gained and lessons learned, and manifest those into a small business in which I consult for small Emergency Service agencies nationwide. I’ve had the pleasure of creating Development Programs for PSAPs at Colleges and Universities, as well as firms within the private sector. F8 Precision, LLC (my business) offers a myriad of services from education to consulting and project management. Check us out!!!!!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a child, my grandmother used to tell me that “common sense isn’t common.” Venerable old saying, but there’s so much power in that statement! I would always think that as a leader, everyone would think like I did. As a result, when they didn’t, it would cause me to get frustrated! As a leader, I think that it’s important that we understand that not everyone will think like us! The astute leader will be able to at times meet their folks where they are, and then at times, bring them up a few notches as well! Learning how to tailor our approach is one of the most difficult things to do at times. But, when done correctly, our teams are that much stronger!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Being able to recognize that there is a need to pivot is more important than the actual pivot itself! Early on, in my entrepreneurship, I was heavily attached (emotionally by the way) to my first business. That was my baby, and as we all know, “no one thinks that their own baby is ugly”!! But as times change, that “baby” does get old!! As a result, we as business owners, have to recognize that and pivot our business direction to match changes in several factors (social, economic, industrial, etc.). Not boxing yourself in is HUGE and can never be understated. I once had to make such a recognition and pivot the direction of my business from a not so profitable positioning and alter our offerings to keep up with a changing industry. It was definitely a hard turn, but it was well worth it!!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.f8precision.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-osiris-carter-d-b-a-cmcp-692b104a/

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