Rising Stars: Meet Diane Schroeder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Schroeder.

Hi Diane, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I spent 24 years (over half my life) in the fire service. During my career, I had the privilege of working in one of the most diverse communities in Colorado for one of the largest departments in the state. I served in many roles, including paramedic, lieutenant, public information officer, educator, and captain. I left the big city department for a smaller organization where I could have more influence and retired at the rank of Battalion Chief.

My fire service career provided opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Still, I wanted to chase a lifelong dream of being a writer and speaker, be more present for my family, and heal my body and soul. I have called this my journey to authenticity.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No! I have fallen into several potholes on the journey. Some of the struggles I have been challenged with are untangling my identity with the fire service, adapting to slowing down, pouring into myself, and accepting that I am no longer the breadwinner in my family. I anticipated the struggles would be financial, which has been an adjustment, but much easier than the unintended consequences of leaving the only career I knew.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a podcast host, speaker, consultant, writer, and mentor. I love being multi-passionate and using my experience, wisdom, and skills to serve various people. My main focus is helping women in their midlife journey to authenticity navigate change through self-care, community, and leadership.

Each week, I release a new episode of my podcast, which tells the story of a sister traveler on their journey to authenticity and how they have navigated the transitions. The women I have interviewed are badass. They all have inspiring stories of grit, resilience, grace, and how they use their inner fire to shine bright. I am known for asking great questions and being vulnerable, authentic, and laughing.

I have a regular newsletter where I share my writing, funny stories, and words of wisdom.

In 2021, I gave a TEDx talk on the value of authenticity and the importance of finding and using the fire inside you.

While I no longer work for the fire service, I am grateful to continue to work with it as a consultant and speaker, sharing the importance of healthy culture and self-care for leaders.

I am most proud of leaping to leave the only career I have known to host a podcast, write consistently, and be present for my family. The flexibility, joy, and creativity I have rediscovered are priceless.

I am working on my first book about my fire service career and the generational gifts from my family.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
More people will step off the hamster wheel of working for someone else and explore working for themselves or continue to move around until they find a culture, workflow, and space where they are seen and valued. Being loyal to a company that isn’t healthy for your soul isn’t worth staying.

It’s hard to imagine more monumental leaps in the future :). I think the biggest trend will be learning how to merge and work with AI.

Contact Info:

• Website: thefireinsideher.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealfireinher/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefireinher
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dianeschroeder5
• Other: thefireinsideher.com/list