ABOUT
MEET ROB
Rob Z. Christensen
Fire Captain. Author. Speaker. Coach.
With 33 years of frontline fire service experience—including 20+ in leadership—Rob Z. Christensen understands what happens when the stakes are sky-high, the team’s looking to you, and your own mind is the biggest variable. Featured in The New York Times documentary An Act of Service, with a 90-minute feature-length documentary currently in development, Rob now dedicates his career to helping others lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose.
He served four years as Vice President of IAFF Local 149, representing 280 firefighters and serving on the negotiation team that secured a historic contract with monumental raises for members. He also serves as Founding Board Member and VP of First Responder Health Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to the wellbeing of those who serve.
As a published author, Rob has written practical guides that have helped thousands prepare for high-stakes moments. His works include The Interview Rule Book, The Firefighter Interview Rule Book, and companion workbooks for both. His upcoming book, BRAVE: Rise Stronger After Life’s Hardest Moments, distills decades of experience into a framework for turning adversity into growth. Coming soon: BRAVE for Kids (ages 5–8), bringing generational mental health literacy to families.
Author
Rob speaks on trauma, post-traumatic growth, mental health & wellness, and leadership to audiences ranging from frontline professionals to corporate executives. His signature talk, Brave Under Pressure, can be adapted for a range of audiences and professional levels. This March, Rob takes the stage as Day 1 featured speaker at March Mayhem in Boise, Idaho—presenting to 250+ of America’s Bravest.
Speaker
For the past 15 years, Rob has served as a life coach and peer support subject matter expert, helping individuals rebuild after life’s hardest moments. He now specializes as a Cognitive Performance Coach, working with professionals in high-stress roles and environments—from those in their first year to senior leaders with 30 years of experience. Rob has developed online courses including interview prep programs, Master Your Mindset Confidence Course, Performance PPE, and Live Brave Today (12-week framework), with Live Brave Intensive for corporate and mid-level executives coming soon.
Coach
“He’s a person who leads by example — as a fire captain, a peer-support facilitator, a neighbor and a father — and models the kinds of help-seeking behaviors we all should aspire towards.”
Featured in
NYT Documentary
"An Act of Service"
33+ Years
Frontline
Leadership
Two-Time
Firefighter of
the Year
VP, First
Responder
Health Institute
The BRAVE™ Framework
B
Bravery
The courage to face what’s hard, even when the outcome is uncertain.
R
Resilience
The ability to recover, adapt, and grow stronger through adversity.
A
Authenticity
Showing up as yourself, not as who you think others want.
V
Vulnerability
The strength to share struggle openly, creating space for others too.
E
Empathy
The ability to understand others deeply and respond with care.
Bring BRAVE to Your Department or Organization
If your team is carrying stress, leading through pressure, or navigating cultural change — Rob delivers tools that stick.