Jane’s career in Canada has spanned decades as a Prescribed Fire Manager and Incident Commander, demonstrating remarkable courage, resilience, and leadership in the face of uncertainty. She now serves as the Prescribed Fire Training Manager for the brand new Canadian Prescribed Fire Training Program at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Kelowna, BC.

This national program is creating curriculum specifically for Canadian ecosystems, building capacity for diverse learners and supporting Indigenous led fire stewardship through co developed materials and culturally informed prescribed fire practitioners.

What stands out in this episode is culture, the culture of place, the culture of fire and the culture of leadership. Jane’s work shows how cultural understanding shapes decisions, restores landscapes and strengthens communities.

It also connects directly to the global movement of Girls on Fire. When we talk about culture, we’re talking about who gets to belong, who gets to lead and who gets to be visible. Jane’s presence in wildfire leadership shows girls and young women that fire is a place for them, a place where their strength, skill and courage are not only welcome but needed.

Jane’s depth of experience, her commitment to people and place, and her vision for the future of fire stewardship make this conversation one you won’t want to miss.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadian-prescribed-fire-training-program/

This conversation with Carlene explores how she leads with trust, steady guidance and genuine care for the people around her. She reflects on the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership, the moments that challenged her, and the values that continue to anchor her. As she talks, she shares stories about the moments that influenced her, the environments that taught her resilience, and the quiet, consistent habits that help her show up with clarity and integrity. What emerges is a portrait of leadership that is grounded, intentional and deeply human, the kind that grows from lived experience and a genuine commitment to others.

This conversation stayed with me long after we stopped recording. Rev Dr Mark Layson CESM MAIES brings an extraordinary blend of research, chaplaincy and lived experience to the realities of moral injury, psychosocial risk and the cultural pressures carried by people in emergency roles.
What unfolded between us was not just an exploration of systems and stressors, but a deeply human dialogue about courage, compassion and the quiet toll this work can take. Mark speaks with a gentleness that invites honesty, and a clarity that challenges us to rethink how we support the people who show up when everything else is falling apart.
This episode is for anyone who wants to understand the emotional truth of our sector and the leadership required to protect the hearts and minds of those who work in emergencies.