Leadership Blueprints

Haddonfield Memorial High School

The "We Over Me" Philosophy in Leadership and Coaching

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

What does it take to build a championship football program that shapes not just great athletes but exceptional leaders?

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, host BJ Kraemer sits down with Frank DeLano, Head Football Coach at Haddonfield Memorial High School, to explore how to build a winning culture rooted in relationships, values, and community, and his leadership lessons from decades of success on and off the field.

Frank explains the origins of his “we” philosophy, the mission statement that guides his coaching, and how creating a sense of belonging for every player can change a team into a family. He delves into the challenges behind youth sports culture, the pitfalls of early specializations, and the importance of relationships, communication, and core values in a “me-first” world. He also shares how to cultivate team culture, develop leaders, and leave the game better than you found it.

Tune in to learn how to lead with purpose, passion, and humility with Frank DeLano.

Key Points From This Episode:

Frank’s coaching mission statement and the values that shape his leadership.
Why he chose to eliminate individual awards from his football program.
Find out what his “we, not me” philosophy looks like on and off the field.
Why relationships and communication are essential for meeting kids where they are.
The benefits of multi-sport and the dangers of youth sports specialization.

Quotes:

“I have always loved the passion of the X and O part of football. I always knew that being a fan simply wasn’t good enough.” — Frank DeLano

“Rules are for people who don’t have discipline. Standards are for those who want to be elite.” — Frank DeLano

“[Coaches] didn’t invent [football] and our job is to make this game a little bit better than when we found it.” — Frank DeLano

“Clinic seasons are great; they’re also dangerous. Because you might sit in front of someone for 45 minutes, they’ve got this wonderful idea, and they never told you what went wrong.” — Frank DeLano

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Frank DeLano

InSideOut Coaching: How Sports Can Transform Lives

Do You Love Football?: Winning with Heart, Passion, and Not Much Sleep

Fearless: How an Underdog Becomes a Champion

The Science of Scaling: Grow Your Business Bigger and Faster Than You Think Possible

Signal vs. Noise: The Leadership Advantage of Simplicity

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:43:20 -0400

It’s easy to assume that growth comes from adding more, but it often actually requires doing less with greater intention.

Today on the Leadership Blueprints Podcast, BJ sits down with Jeff Evenson, Scaling Strategist at Scaling.com, where he helps clients 10x their business in three years or less, which Jeff describes as the “impossible goal”. Tuning in, you’ll find out what it really means to grow a business strategically, including compressing timelines to sharpen decision-making, learning how to distinguish signal from noise, and setting clear boundaries around what not to pursue. Jeff introduces the concept of “frame, floor, focus,” and explains how simplifying priorities can unlock higher-impact opportunities. He also explores the identity shift required of leaders as their roles evolve, and why coaching and accountability are essential to sustaining progress.

Listen in for a grounded, practical perspective on leading and scaling with intention!

Key Points From This Episode:

Using time as a tool to force better decisions and innovation.
The concept of signal vs. noise in business decisions.
Identifying which opportunities are distractions rather than true growth paths.
Introducing “frame, floor, focus” as a scaling framework.
Setting a floor to define what work and clients to say no to.

Quotes:

“The impossible goal is a 10x goal, but the more impossible piece of it is to collapse and use time as a tool.” — Jeff Evenson

“If we use time as a tool, we can force people to think differently and create innovative pathways to get to that 10x goal in a much shorter timeframe.” — Jeff Evenson

“That floor will indicate what things we can do, and, more importantly, what things we say no to.” — Jeff Evenson

“Personally, professionally, having somebody [who] is always in your corner, yet is also relatively rigorous with accountability, is a superpower.” — Jeff Evenson

“Our goals and our future self really shape who we are today.” — Jeff Evenson

“The goal is just a tool. We don't want it to be a cudgel or a punishment or anything like that. We want it to be a tool, a useful tool that challenges our thinking and really shapes our decision making now.” — Jeff Evenson

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jeff Evenson on LinkedIn

Jeff Evenson Email

Scaling.com

Bill Watkins on LinkedIn

Dan Sullivan Books

Benjamin Hardy Books

Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork

10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less

Freddie Kim on LinkedIn

MILSPEC TALENT

Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)

From Chaos to Clarity: Leading with Quarterly Alignment

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:03:09 -0400

Setting priorities and staying aligned is essential in business. But without the right systems, it’s only a matter of time before you get caught up in day-to-day operations and lose sight of the bigger picture.

Since 2018, MCFA has been using quarterly reviews to set a 90-day cadence, allowing teams to align efforts, set priorities, and ensure clarity across teams. In this solo episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer discusses the importance of quarterly reviews and how they connect your long-term vision with your daily actions. He shares why setting up robust systems is essential for staying focused on larger targets, emphasizing the role of weekly check-ins and accountability in turning plans into meaningful progress. BJ also explores how you can apply quarterly thinking beyond work to your personal goals and growth.

Listen in for a practical framework to reset your focus and make the most of the next 90 days!

Key Points From This Episode:

Using a 90-day cadence to align efforts, set priorities, and get clarity.
The gap between annual reviews and reactive daily work.
Using quarterly reviews to connect your long-term vision with your daily actions.
Understanding your limitations and how to make trade-offs.
The 90-day challenge: define priorities, build a plan, and track weekly progress.

Quotes:

“We are going to prioritize where we're going to invest our time, our energy, our creativity, and our focus for the next 90 days.” — BJ Kraemer

“This is our chance to synchronize everybody's efforts, get everybody back on the same page and make sure that we're really working on the hardest things.” — BJ Kraemer

“Even though I've been doing this for eight years, there are different parts of my life where I get out of sync with the discipline of a 90-day world.” — BJ Kraemer

“We can't do it all. – There is a limitation to what we can invest, whether that is our own time or reinvesting company profitability. There's always a limitation. So you have to really be good with understanding trade-offs.” — BJ Kraemer

“The quarter, [or] the 90-day world is short enough to create urgency, [and] long enough to actually give yourself time to create change.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Brian Pieplow on LinkedIn

Your People Are Your Greatest Asset (Why Leadership Development Can't Be Ignored)

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:22:24 -0400

What does it take to lead major infrastructure projects when the work is complex, there are many stakeholders, and the outcome must last for decades?

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with Brian Pieplow, Chief Project Development Officer at MCFA, to explore how project development leaders transform big ideas into tangible, resilient realities. Brian shares the path that shaped his work in planning and the built environment, and he breaks down how he approaches planning and problem-solving across disciplines. He also explains why diverse teams create better outcomes and why strong coordination matters when projects involve public agencies, private partners, and long timelines.

Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

The “MCFA is ME” idea and how MCFA reinforces a people-first approach.
Hear why diverse team backgrounds improve how projects get developed and delivered.
Explore how curiosity and continuous learning show up in Brian’s day-to-day work.
Learn why the built environment needs different skillsets working together to succeed.
How professional networks can help solve problems more quickly and unlock new opportunities.

Quotes:

“Life is more than a sum of transactional experiences.” — Brian Pieplow

“When new developing staff or new talents come in and find an environment [and get to] create their own journey and thrive, it’s extremely exciting.” — Brian Pieplow

“I think a lot of challenges in our industry, particularly design professionals [and] engineering professionals, don’t know is that there is a business side as well.” — Brian Pieplow

“There really isn’t a problem we shouldn’t be able to figure out how to solve.” — Brian Pieplow

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Brian Pieplow

The 4-Hour Workweek

Make No Little Plans

Simon Sinek
Stephen Covey on Instagram

Sharpen the Saw: Sustaining Leadership for the Long Game

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:40:22 -0400

Most leaders believe the lie that “hustle” is the only path to success. But true success is actually an optimized daily experience sustained over time. When you neglect your physical, mental, and spiritual health, you become a reactive leader-swinging a dull axe and working harder for fewer results.

In this episode, BJ explores the powerful intersection of servant leadership and personal sustainability. Through the classic leadership parable of the Two Lumberjacks and a personal story about how his mom embodied servant leadership, he unpacks what it truly means to lead by serving others. Most importantly, he explains why protecting your ability to serve requires intentional leadership maintenance and practical frameworks for long-term sustainability.

Don’t miss another insightful episode of Leadership Blueprints with BJ Kraemer.

Key Points From This Episode:

What servant leadership is all about.
Why we can’t forget about the sustainability of servant leadership.
The importance of renewing ourselves: mind, body, and spirit.
What it means to sharpen the saw.
Why it’s essential to protect your ability to serve to build an incredible career.

Quotes:

“When your instinct, [and] your life or leadership philosophy is about serving others, and helping people and solving problems and leading and giving of your time, you can easily forget or run out of margin in your life for sharpening your soul.” — BJ Kraemer

“Leadership begins with the natural desire to serve others.” — BJ Kraemer

“The interesting thing about servant leaders, sometimes it's those people that give the most of themselves that are most likely to run themselves into the ground.” — BJ Kraemer

“Sharpening the saw is about maintaining the very instrument that allows you to serve others, which is you.” — BJ Kraemer

“The truth is, if you're going to lead people, if you're going to serve others, if you're going to help others grow, you can't do it effectively if you're exhausted.” — BJ Kraemer

“The leaders who truly build incredible careers, who influence people for decades, they understand they have to protect their own ability to serve – not because they are selfish, but because they know something way more important: that a sharp saw serves more people.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Robert Greenleaf

West Point
US Air Force

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

David Allen — Getting Things Done

David Allen on LinkedIn
David Allen on X

Stop Drifting. Start Directing.

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Time is the most precious resource leaders manage, and you can either drift with time or direct it.

In a world where there is not a lot you can control, your time is something you can take ownership of. In David Allen’s book Getting Things Done, he teaches readers his methods for stress-free performance and emphasizes that your productivity is directly proportional to your ability to relax. A few years ago, BJ interviewed David about this topic, and today, we are playing that conversation for you again.

Tuning in, you’ll hear all about David’s career and writing journey, the kinds of people who read his book, how to implement his system, and so much more! We delve into ambient anxiety before David tells us about the tools and resources he offers and where you can get his training. He even talks about how often we should be processing information.

Finally, our guest answers our rapid-fire questions. This episode is jam-packed with pearls of wisdom about one of the most popular and timeless productivity methods in the world, so be sure to press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

Why time is the most valuable resource a leader has.
How you can direct your time instead of drifting with it.
The importance of scheduling your priorities in your calendar.
BJ gives listeners a three-step time-management challenge.
What it takes to implement his GTD (Getting Things Done) system.

Quotes:

“I will be bold enough to say that my book, Getting Things Done, was really the seed for the whole life-hack movement that started in the 2000s.” — @gtdguy

“You don’t need time, you need space. How long does it take to have a good idea? It takes no time to have a good idea. What you need is no distraction in your head so you can take that idea, grab it, and do something with it!” — @gtdguy

“One of the things my stuff delivers is hope.” — @gtdguy

“Your head is for having ideas, not for holding them!” — @gtdguy

“You can have very, very high-performing people, but if your process sucks, the outcome sucks. But the [converse] is also true. You can have a fabulous process, but if you have people who personally can’t manage themselves and their role in that process, your outcome sucks. You need both.” — @gtdguy

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

David Allen on Instagram

Getting Things Done

Humankind

My Plan for Living to 156

Hitster

Jill Macauley on LinkedIn

Leadership Growth Starts in the Mirror

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Part of being a great leader is being self-aware and understanding the blind spots in your leadership approach.

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with Jill Macauley to unpack the concept of blind spots through the lens of Martin Dubin’s book Blindspotting. Jill is the Chief Operating Officer at Behavioral Essentials and brings over 15 years of experience in business and non-profit consulting. Her work centers around helping leaders grow, plan strategically, and communicate well with their teams. She supports leaders in analyzing behavioral patterns, navigating role transitions, and fostering healthier and more effective workplace cultures.

They discuss what a blind spot is, the misconceptions around the concept, and why being self-aware as a leader is vital. Learn how not recognizing your blind spots impacts your team, the hidden costs of blind spots for an organization, how leaders can balance empathy with accountability, and how to get the most out of your employees while keeping them happy. They also talk about why sustainable performance requires cycles of intensity and recovery, what the Blindspotting model and assessment focus on, and more.

Tune in to learn how spotting your blind spots, building awareness, and leading with agency and dignity can help you show up stronger for your team, your organization, and yourself.

Key Points From This Episode:

How blindspots and being self-aware act as the foundation for better leadership.
Explore the concept of a blind spot in leadership and why it is hard to identify.
Discover what turning self-awareness into self-reflection looks like in practice.
Learn how fostering dignity and agency in the workplace drives performance.
What dignity means in the workplace and how fear-based leadership impacts results.

Quotes:

“We’re not factory workers, we’re thinkers. Thinking work is the dominant work in the workplace now.” — Jill Macauley

“The definition of business success, quarter to quarter and shareholder output, is not wholesome, it is not sustainable, and it is not how businesses actually have compounding success.” — Jill Macauley

“I think a lot of people forget about awareness of the organization and they forget the organization is bigger than any one of us.” — Jill Macauley

“You can’t have a greater understanding unless you understand yourself first.” — Jill Macauley

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Behavioral Essentials

Blindspotting: How to See What's Holding You Back as a Leader

The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams

The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win

Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger

Blindspotting

The Dichotomy of Leadership

Compassion, Clarity, Courage: A Blueprint for Developing Leaders

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:01:19 -0500

What hard conversation are you avoiding right now?

In this solo episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ reflects on Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, and even the Winter Olympics to unpack one central leadership tension: compassion and accountability must coexist. Real leadership is not choosing between love and standards - it is holding both.

Through presidential vignettes, youth sports culture, and lessons from business and family life, BJ introduces a practical three-part framework for developing leaders: Compassion, Clarity, and Courage. This episode challenges listeners to examine whether they are truly leading with compassion - or simply avoiding discomfort.

Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why growth - for you and your team - is determined by the number of uncomfortable conversations you’re willing to have.

• The difference between compassion and comfort, and why lowering the standard helps no one.

• Lessons from presidential leadership such as Lincoln’s empathy paired with accountability, Washington’s self-discipline and moral restraint, and Roosevelt’s belief that high standards are a form of respect.

• The three-part leadership blueprint: compassion, clarity, and courage

• What Norway’s youth sports philosophy and Olympic success reveal about balancing joy and standards in development.

Quotes:

“Love without accountability is a leadership weakness.” — BJ Kraemer

“Accountability begins with self-discipline and self-governance.” — BJ Kraemer

“I think when you have high-love, high-expectation leadership, performance will increase. The mission will get accomplished. The culture will be improved.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Lincoln on Leadership

The Art of Manliness

Do Hard Things

Paul Donovan on Instagram

What Youth Sports Gets Right About Leadership

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

What does it mean to create a safe space to fail?

During this episode, we are going outside of the built environment to speak to a different kind of inspiring leader in his field. Paul Donovan is the CEO and Head Coach of Jersey Wahoos, a USA swimming club program located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He is a champion of self-compassion and kindness. In this conversation, Paul shares how to balance compassion with accountability, navigate parental pressure, and prevent burnout in youth sports. He reflects on quiet leadership, the real mission behind his coaching that goes far beyond the swimming pool, and why leading by example and giving generously of one’s time is essential as a youth sports coach.

There are so many principles for life that can be learned through sports, and today’s episode is a deep dive into how, with the right coach and leadership, participating in them can really be a last bastion of discipline in challenging environments. Thanks for listening.

Key Points From This Episode:

• What it looks like to balance compassion and accountability while leading young people.

• Causes of burnout in youth sports.

• Building awareness of the organization while remaining focused on celebrating internal successes.

• Leading by example in coaching and youth sports.

• How youth sports can be the final bastion of discipline in challenging environments.

Quotes:

“I think burnout is an emotional state of mind, not a physical state of mind.” — Paul Donovan

“I believe in quiet leadership. You know the old saying parents had about kids is that they should be seen but not heard? I think leaders should be heard but not seen.” — Paul Donovan

“Our actual goal for the kids isn’t for them to win a medal at the world championships. Our actual goal with them all is to open up doors that are otherwise unattainable.” — Paul Donovan

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Paul Donovan on LinkedIn

Jersey Wahoos Swim Club

The Power of Habit

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Steve Magness

The Sport Parent on X

Steve Young Interview with Tim Ferriss

What It Really Means to Be a Leader Worth Following

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Consider your funeral – what is being said in your eulogy, and what do they thank you for? Are they praising your achievements and accomplishments or memorializing your character and the relationships you nourished?

In this solo episode, BJ challenges listeners to define the leader you are trying to become, not just at work, but at home, too! You’ll hear all about the inspirational books (and soldier) that inspired this episode, the danger of being too focused on achievement, the importance of building character, and so much more! BJ even dives into the power of approaching the world from a place of joy.

To hear all this and be inspired to challenge the way you’re forming your character, be sure to tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

The danger of getting too focused on achievement.
Why character is far more important than strategy.
The importance of being a good leader at work and at home.
Why achievement is really about learning and becoming.
Bringing a posture of joy to how you approach the world.

Quotes:

“It’s easy to get focused on achievement.” — BJ Kraemer

“When I talk about joy, sustainability, and – leadership effectiveness, none of them start with strategy; they all start with character.” — BJ Kraemer

“Your character is what lasts.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Unshakeable

Black Hawk Down

Gary Gordon

John Teichert on LinkedIn

Why Your Team Isn't Reaching Its Potential

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

What if the true measure of leadership is not what happens on your watch, but what happens long after you are gone?

In this episode, we speak with John Teichert, an expert in leadership, about unlocking your team's potential and achieving organizational excellence. John is a retired U.S. Air Force general, combat and test pilot, and senior defense leader with thousands of flight hours across a wide range of aircraft. He is now the founder and president of Capital Leadership LLC, where he focuses on developing innovative, integrity-driven leaders across government and industry.

In our conversation, we explore why leaders should prioritize people and the mission, why investing in people ensures long-term success, and why intentional use of time and resources is essential for organizations. John explains how leaders can demonstrate care and empathy while helping people connect to a greater purpose, and he unpacks the importance of inspiration in leadership. He also breaks down the qualities that make for an effective leader, the ways to foster connections with your team, why continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for leaders, and much more.

Tune in to learn about the significance of intentional leadership and living up to the responsibility of being a leader that people deserve with John Teichert!

Key Points From This Episode:

Learn why leadership is about leverage and multiplying impact through other people.
How organizations show their priorities through how they spend their time and money.
Explore why investing in people is vital for the long-term success of an organization.
Why leadership is not only about inspiring but also about handling tough situations.
Discover the steps for implementing corrective action with empathy and compassion.

Quotes:

“If [leaders] are not intentional about investing our time and our money in developing people to become the best possible version of themselves, then we are fooling ourselves.” — John Teichert

“People need to be loved or cared for, and people want to be part of something greater than themselves.” — John Teichert

“The equipping, challenging, and convicting; those are all some of the bread and butter that [leaders] should be doing every day.” — John Teichert

“We’re all lifelong learners of leadership. No one has arrived.” — John Teichert

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

John Teichert

John Teichert on YouTube

Boom!

Prayers for a Nation

The Dragon Who Earned His Wings

InSideOut Coaching

The Infinite Game

Greater Than Yourself

Lincoln on Leadership

American Generalship

The Maxwell Leadership Bible

George Washington’s General Orders

Leadership is Leverage: When Leaders Become the Bottleneck

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

True leverage is about multiplying leaders!

In this solo episode, BJ explores the concept of leadership and leverage and shares why he believes that leaders are actually levers. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about what to consider when thinking about leverage, the power of discerning leverage properly, and how the 80/20 rule can help leaders.

BJ delves into the importance of leveraging and protecting your time before discussing the difference between responsible and irresponsible leverage. BJ even talks about systems, why they’re imperative, and why bad systems are problematic. Finally, we touch on the idea that people aren’t leverage, their growth is.

To hear all this and even be challenged to consider how you are discerning your leverage, be sure to listen now!

Key Points From This Episode:

What leadership actually is and why leaders are levers.
BJ explains the 80/20 rule and what it means for leaders.
Responsible leverage versus irresponsible leverage.
The difference between true leverage and fake leverage.
Three things to ask yourself this week to be a better leader.

Quotes:

“Leverage without discernment and wisdom turns into burnout, overextension, anxiety, or – using people instead of developing them.” — BJ Kraemer

“Leadership requires us to constantly ask, ‘Where am I spending time that someone else can grow into [or] – that I might be able to delegate to somebody? – Where am I holding onto work that’s preventing scalability? Where might I be confusing activity with impact or results?’” — BJ Kraemer

“Time is the only resource that you can’t get more of.” — BJ Kraemer

“If your organization or family relies on your heroic effort to function, you don’t have a leadership problem, you have a systems problem.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The ONE Thing

Buy Back Your Time

Daniel McCaulley on LinkedIn

The Cost of "We'll Fix it Later" and What To Do Instead

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Projects don’t fail in the field; they fail when leaders aren’t clear on the upfront work needed to make a project successful.

Today on Leadership Blueprints, Daniel McCaulley joins us to discuss how he ensures projects go well. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about who our guest is and what he does, how he approaches projects so they are successful, how he paces an owner so that a project gets planned properly while maintaining enthusiasm, and so much more!

We delve into some of the best leadership lessons he has learned that have contributed to his success before discussing bad hires and how to avoid them. Daniel touches on his business philosophy and why he prioritizes laser-focused communication in the world of engineering. We even discuss the importance of being open to learning and growing throughout your career. Finally, our guest tells us about his favorite leadership books, quotes, and dream dinner guests (dead or alive). Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

Daniel explains his blueprint for getting a project on the right track.
How to help an owner slow down to plan a project properly.
Daniel shares some leadership lessons that have served him well.
An example of a bad hire that Daniel made and how he handled it.
How he facilitates an environment of constant learning for his employees.

Quotes:

“You really do have to go slow to go fast sometimes. Everything in construction is better done yesterday.” — Daniel McCaulley

“Hire good people and get out of their way!” — Daniel McCaulley

“People do need to be managed differently.” — Daniel McCaulley

“We’re all created to be here on a specific mission, and let’s not let that time be wasted.” — Daniel McCaulley

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Moonshot

The 5 Levels of Leadership

US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

Your Culture Beats Your Strategy

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

What does it really take to lead massive infrastructure programs at the intersection of engineering, public policy, and national security?

In today’s episode, BJ Kraemer sits down with longtime mentor, former boss, and retired two-star general in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tom Tickner, to unpack leadership, public infrastructure, and how the industry is evolving through geospatial technology.

They discuss what the Corps of Engineers actually does, what he learned about appropriations, education, and relationships from serving on Capitol Hill as a budget liaison, and why infrastructure often goes unnoticed until it fails.

They also delve into the intersection of engineering, policy, and politics, Tom’s career transition after 33 years of active duty to working at Woolpert, and how the company is leveraging geospatial data, digital twins, and “GEOAI” to help decision-makers plan, build, and maintain systems faster and smarter.

Tom also shares his thoughts on leading without rank, building culture through teamwork and communication, and why trust and collaboration are essential in both the military and private sector. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

Learn what a USACE district commander is responsible for and their role in disaster response.
The USACE’s role in the Pacific and how it supports other agencies operate at scale.
Unpack what Tom learned on Capitol Hill about educating decision-makers on priorities.
Tom shares the differences between working in the military and the private sector.
Hear the biggest leadership lessons from his career and why AI will not replace people.

Quotes:

“Within the military, we don’t lobby. We do build advocacy, and we do educate.” — Tom Tickner

“We’re all learning, leading, and going together and doing really, really well. It is a lot of fun what we have going on in Woolpert.” — Tom Tickner

“I am convinced that culture in a company, in a unit, is just as important, if not more important, of getting the mission done, especially when times get tough.” — Tom Tickner

“If you have time to collaborate, do it. It serves a lot of purposes.” — Tom Tickner

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Tom Tickner on LinkedIn

Woolpert

The Speed of Trust

The Infinite Game

Selling the Invisible

The First 90 Days

A Philly Special Christmas Party Album

Never Eat Alone
The Miracle Morning
Dan Sullivan

The Year End Review Most Leaders Skip

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

You cannot become a better leader without reflecting on where you have come from. At the end of every year, we dedicate an episode to helping you reflect, reset, and recommit to your goals.

This conversation is built around one of host BJ Kraemer’s favorite annual practices. It’s a deliberate, honest review that drives real change across faith, family, fitness, finance, friends, and fun.

In this episode, BJ shares practical ways to reflect on the year gone by, from reviewing photos, time, money, and energy to identifying wins, lessons, and gaps. The conversation then looks ahead, exploring how reflection creates momentum for the year to come, informs clearer commitments, and translates into intentional planning and daily routines that support meaningful progress.

If you’re looking to start 2026 off on the right foot, this episode is for you.

Key Points From This Episode:

Why it is powerful to reflect on what you have already achieved.
Reviewing where you have spent your time, money, energy, and talents in the past year.
The role of reflecting in generating excitement for the year to come.
Establishing morning and wind-down routines that support your goals.
What might change when you introduce a lunch routine.

Quotes:

“Before you set goals, you should really reflect on what it is that you accomplished over the last year.” — BJ Kraemer

“My warning to myself and to everybody is to not try to set too many goals.” — BJ Kraemer

“Set your goals, set your habits, set your plans, and let’s get after 2026!” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mickey's Christmas Carol (Disney+)
A Christmas Carol

Leadership Lessons From Christmas Classics

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this special Christmas-themed episode of the Leadership Blueprints podcast, host BJ Kraemer draws on some of his favorite classic Christmas films to explore the art and science of leading oneself and others.

Ebenezer Scrooge sparks a conversation around awareness and change, while Kevin McAllister offers a surprising lens on ownership and responsibility. A nod to It’s a Wonderful Life serves as a quiet reminder of the power of relationships.

The episode also explores what it means to help others grow into the roles they’re called to step into, and concludes with Clark Griswold as a timely reflection on how unchecked vision can impact those around us.

Join BJ for another episode filled with valuable leadership insights! Happy Holidays!

Key Points From This Episode:

The leadership lesson from Ebenezer Scrooge: transformation after self-awareness.
How Kevin McAllister shows that ownership drives creativity.
It’s a Wonderful Life: “No man is a failure who has friends.”
Leadership is about cultivating potential by giving people the opportunity to grow into who the role requires them to become.
The lesson from Clark Griswald: vision without awareness can exhaust everyone around you.

Quotes:

“Transformation is possible, but like I've talked about before, only after self-awareness.” — BJ Kraemer

“When people truly own outcomes, they rise faster than we expect.” — BJ Kraemer

“[George Bailey] teaches us that the most meaningful impact is often invisible when you're living through it.” — BJ Kraemer

“Good intentions don't excuse poor awareness.” — BJ Kraemer

“I talk a lot about the first step in leadership is leading yourself first, and the first step in leading yourself first is getting clear on who you are, who you aren't, what your strengths are, what they're not. And I think the lesson we can all take away from Scrooge McDuck is results without humanity create financial success, but no relationship success and no legacy.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Home Alone

Home Alone 2
It’s a Wonderful Life (Apple TV)

The Santa Clause (Disney+)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Netflix)
Leadership Blueprints Podcast

The Industry That Pays You Last But Expects You to Risk Everything First

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Real innovation often starts with a problem you just can't stop thinking about. In this episode of The Leadership Blueprints Podcast, BJ Kraemer welcomes Scott Wolfe, founder and former CEO of Levelset, to unpack how a small but persistent frustration with construction payment practices led him to build one of the most influential platforms in the industry.

Scott shares how Hurricane Katrina pulled him into the world of restoration work, construction law, and software development, ultimately revealing the systemic barriers that keep contractors from getting paid for the work they complete. He traces Levelset’s evolution from a lien rights tool to a suite of products that reduce friction, increase transparency, and help stakeholders protect the value they put into a job.

Scott also reflects on the culture that shaped Levelset’s rapid growth, the leadership habits that held the team together through the scaling process, and why true innovation starts with deep familiarity with the problem you’re trying to solve.

Tune in to hear how genuine leadership and commitment to the customer can transform a key sector of the AEC industry!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Hurricane Katrina redirected his path into restoration work and construction law.

• Launching Levelset as a lien-rights solution before expanding its scope.

• Growing the platform into risk, finance, and insurance tools for the industry.

• How payment delays and retaining employees strain small contractors and suppliers.

• Scaling the company to hundreds of employees through clear, consistent communication.

Quotes:

“When you do work on a job, or you put materials into a job, you deserve to get paid, and we want to make sure you're always in an empowered position to do it.” — Scott Wolfe

“We really didn't have true venture money. It was a little more like friends and family, seed money, and cash flow. – But what that allowed our culture to do, and I think this is a little underappreciated by companies, [is] to get a lot of institutional knowledge about the problem.” — Scott Wolfe

“You have to be in the stream of something from my standpoint, to be able to understand where the problem is and really care about the problem.” — Scott Wolfe

“I still think that the crown jewels of any super successful company is in the affinity that you develop around the problem you're solving and how well you know it. All the technology becomes a tool for it. AI is great, it does some interesting things, but it doesn't build a business.” — Scott Wolfe

“People follow people who have that true enthusiasm and that true authenticity.” — Scott Wolfe

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Scott Wolfe

Scott Wolfe on LinkedIn

Levelset

Made to Stick

The Power of Moments

Switch

From Competition to Collaboration: Leadership Lessons from America’s Greatest Rivalry

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Sport is an incredible tool in developing leaders. Welcome to a very special episode of Leadership Blueprints, where BJ and Joey Fay are diving into the Army-Navy rivalry ahead of Army-Navy Week next week!

In this conversation, you’ll hear all about the history of the Army-Navy games, what it feels like to participate, the rivalry of both love and hate, and so much more! We delve into some leadership lessons we’ve learned on the field of friendly strife before discussing the power of working as a team. Finally, you’ll hear about Joey and BJ’s Army-Navy bet for this year.

Thanks for tuning in and go Army! Beat Navy!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How sports help develop good leaders.

• The history of wins in the Army-Navy games.

• What it’s like to be part of the Army-Navy game.

• The love/hate relationship this rivalry creates.

• Leadership lessons we learned on the field.

• The special trust between these teammates.

• Joey and BJ tell us about their Army-Navy bet.

Quotes:

“The power of sports in the development of leaders is unmatched.” — BJ Kraemer

“I think that this is an unpredictable game!” — Joey Fay

“The experience at the Army-Navy game as an athlete is one of the most exciting things I think you could ever experience.” — Joey Fay

“The [Army-Navy] rivalry is one of both love and hate.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Joey Fay on LinkedIn

Malory Atkinson on LinkedIn
Shear Structural

What If Growth Isn’t About Getting Bigger - But Getting More Resilient?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Entrepreneurship often starts with a spark of curiosity and the courage to follow it.

In this episode of The Leadership Blueprints Podcast, BJ Kraemer sits down with Malory Atkinson, co-founder and managing partner of Shear Structural, Georgia’s only all-women-owned structural engineering firm. Malory shares how growing up with an entrepreneurial father and starting her career during the 2008 recession shaped her approach to leadership, relationships, and resilience. She reflects on her time in tech startups, her return to the built environment, and what it means to create a company that grows sustainably while empowering employees to lead.

From the lessons of working directly under CEOs to launching a firm focused on adaptive reuse, healthcare, and education projects, Malory underscores that engineering is ultimately a business of people, and that success depends on relationships built before you need them.

Tune in to hear her insights on networking, storytelling, and leading with authenticity in a changing industry!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How her father’s example sparked her entrepreneurial drive.

• Insights gained from a stint in tech and returning to the built environment.

• Founding Georgia’s only all-women-owned structural engineering firm.

• Creating a resilient company that grows sustainably and supports employee growth.

• Building leadership at every level of your company.

• The importance of making relationships before you need them.

Quotes:

“I started my career in 2008, which is the absolute worst time anybody could have ever started in this industry. But I learned a lot about the value of client relationships and winning business when there was no business to be had.” — Malory Atkinson

“Engineering is not just a business of design: it’s a business of people and trust.” — Malory Atkinson

“Shear Structural is Georgia's only all-women-owned structural engineering firm. We're focused on adaptive reuse, health care, education, and municipal projects across the southeast.” — Malory Atkinson

“Somebody told me, early on in my career, to make relationships before you need them.” — Malory Atkinson

“I approach networking as, ‘How can I help you?’ So, if I'm meeting somebody, I'm not like, ‘How can you help me by giving me work?’ I'm like, ‘How can I help you?’” — Malory Atkinson

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Zero Co

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Robert E. Lee on Leadership

Why Humility - Not a Résumé - Wins in Corporate America

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

A leader’s success is directly tied to their ability to set an example to those they’re leading and manage their own sense of discipline.

Today on Leadership Blueprints, we wrap up our DOD series with a special guest, Dan Bailey. Dan is a former naval officer and the current vice president of commercial operations at Quanta Services. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Dan’s time in the Navy, moving from active duty to Quanta Services, what the company does, and why leaders need to be enablers.

We delve into Dan’s role at Quanta Services and how he brings value to the business as a whole, before discussing the biggest lessons he learned from his transition from active duty, what led him to decide to leave, and how he determined what he wanted to focus on next. Dan discusses the leadership lessons he has learned from his military experience, how they have benefited him in his new career path, and what he hopes to achieve.

As always, Dan answers our rapid-fire questions and, to close, leaves listeners with some pearls of wisdom and tells us all about the Honor Foundation.

Be sure to press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

What drew our guest to the Naval Academy.
Dan tells us about his role at Quanta Services and how he brings value to the company.
Lessons he learned from his transition from active duty and how he decided what to do next.
How being in the military has served Dan as a leader in the private sector.
How to apply to the Honor Foundation and Dan’s advice for transitioning officers.

Quotes:

“As a leader in any company, you have the opportunity to be an enabler to the degree that you want to be.” — Dan Bailey

“If I’m doing my job right, we’re able to move faster, bring more value, and help the customer succeed in their projects and their goals.” — Dan Bailey

“A leader doesn’t succeed by using force, they succeed by using example.” — Dan Bailey

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dan Bailey on LinkedIn

Quanta Services

The Honor Foundation

Brian McGrath on LinkedIn

The Secret to Earning Respect - Admit What You Don't Know

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:08:59 -0500

Welcome back to another episode of Leadership Blueprints as we continue our special DoD to AEC series for November, honoring veterans who have transitioned from active duty into the built environment.

In this episode, BJ Kraemer sits down with MCFA senior project leader and former Marine Corps infantry officer Brian McGrath to explore his journey from platoon commander in Afghanistan to leading complex construction and development projects across diverse markets. Brian shares the realities of counterinsurgency operations in Helmand Province, what he learned from his time in the Marines, and how those lessons translate directly into project leadership and day-to-day decision-making around scope, schedule, and budget. Brian unpacks how he uses structure, communication, and AI tools to stay ahead of the chaos, why teamwork and humility sit at the core of his leadership philosophy, and how books and mentors continue to shape his mindset.

Whether you’re a transitioning veteran or a leader in the built environment, this episode offers powerful insights into what is possible when discipline, thought, and purpose collide. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

Hear how lessons from the Marine Corps inform his work in the construction industry.
His Marine Corps career journey and experience serving as a platoon commander.
How he got his first job in construction and worked his way up to estimating.
Leadership lessons he carried from the Marine Corps into the private sector.
Explore his approach to building professional relationships and teams.
Discover what it takes to be an ideal team member: humble, hungry, smart.

Quotes:

“Thinking means planning better and making sure that you're getting up and you're going to projects knowing what you're talking about, what they need to know, [and] the documentation, the information is all set and prepped.” — Brian McGrath

“I always loved construction. I always thought there was a connection between military and construction.” — Brian McGrath

“I'm not successful in anything without the people around me.” — Brian McGrath

“Until thought is linked to purpose. There's no intelligent accomplishment.” — Brian McGrath

“Obstacles in your life are your life.” — Brian McGrath

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Quatrefoil Consulting LLC

Founding Forward

As a Man Thinketh

William D. Squires Columbia University

The Secret To Leading 100's is Remembering One Name

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:04:14 -0500

Bill Squires, now serving as Chief Venues and Operations Manager for the New York, New Jersey Host Committee for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, has built a remarkable career shaped by discipline, service, and an enduring passion for leadership. His journey began when he found his calling as a Navy pilot, a foundation that continues to influence his approach to managing complex operations and teams.

Today, he remains connected to the Naval Academy, mentoring the next generation of leaders and carrying forward lessons in accountability, teamwork, and resilience. Transitioning from employee to consultant and later founding his own company, Bill has leveraged a powerful professional network to take on some of the largest events of his career. His insights on leadership draw deeply from both his military service and his time in sports, where the field has taught him as much about character and composure as it has about competition.

After surviving a near-death experience with COVID, Bill’s perspective on life and leadership has deepened even further, now guided by gratitude, purpose, and a desire to help others step into the best version of themselves.

Key Points From This Episode:

How he found his calling to serve as a Navy pilot.
Some leadership lessons from the Navy that Bill applies to his work in the stadium business.
Becoming a consultant after working as an employee.
Starting his own company and drawing on an incredible network.
Advice to anyone looking to become someone new.
The biggest events of his leadership career.

Quotes:

“Being decisive is a great leadership quality that I wish more people had.” — Bill Squires

“Get a job, but still continue to chase your passion. Don’t give up on it!” — Bill Squires

“I’m a leader by example. It’s not so much about what I say, but it’s more about what I do.” — Bill Squires

“Be grateful for everything. Even the tough times in your life, because the tough times in your life make the good times in your life even better.” — Bill Squires

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Bill Squires on LinkedIn

Survival Thinking

Make Your Bed

Sports Business Journal

MetLife Stadium

New York New Jersey Host Committee

Something More - A Servant Leader’s Journey From Enlisted Guardsman to Electrical Tradesman to Executive o the Largest Entertainment Facilities in the World

The Hardest Order You'll Ever Follow: Your Own

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In business, you should always approach situations with a focus on achieving the best outcome for the circumstances, not just for yourself.

Today, we are joined by former West Point 2004 classmate and USACE market leader at Mead & Hunt, Craig Bryant. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Craig’s career and transition from active duty to Mead & Hunt, why you need to make sure the people you lead feel valued and respected, how you can do that, and so much more!

We delve into Craig’s unique approach to finding a job after active duty and how that ultimately led him to Mead & Hunt before discussing how he got involved in the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) leadership development program and what it entails. He even talks about his favorite podcast and quotes, the books he’s been enjoying lately, and why he would love to have one more dinner with his late grandmother. Finally, our guest shares some words of wisdom for listeners.

If you are in the army and haven’t thought about your transition out of active duty, let this conversation be your reminder to start thinking about it! Press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

The importance of making sure people feel valued and how to do it as a leader.
Craig tells us about his career path all the way from the military to the private sector.
His unconventional approach to finding a job and how it led him to Mead & Hunt.
How Craig got into the SAME leadership development program and what it looks like.

Quotes:

“Every company has its own individual culture.” — Craig Bryant

“It’s very important to be intentional with your gratitude [and] intentional with your respect.” — Craig Bryant

“You’ve got to be ready for firms to tell you, ‘Hey, we just don’t have an opportunity for you right now.’ That’s not personal, it’s just a reality of business.” — Craig Bryant

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Craig Bryant on LinkedIn

Mead & Hunt

SAME

Service Academy Business Mastermind on Apple Podcasts

Good to Great

Principles: Life and Work

Good Things Come to Those Who...Trust the Process

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:16:10 -0400

As the year winds down and the pace of projects, planning, and priorities picks up, BJ takes a moment to reflect on what it means to lead through transition.

In this solo episode of Leadership Blueprints, he shares insights on recognizing the natural rhythms of leadership - the seasons of building, the pauses for reflection, and the moments when teams need to reset before accelerating forward.

BJ discusses the importance of taking inventory - not just of your workload, but of your mindset. He reminds leaders that progress isn’t only about pushing harder, but also about pacing yourself, finding clarity in the chaos, and realigning your purpose for what’s ahead.

Whether you’re leading a team, a project, or your own personal growth, this episode offers a timely reminder: leadership is built day by day, season by season.

Key Points From This Episode:

The parallels between the changing seasons and the cycles of leadership and growth.
Why reflection and rest are vital to sustainable leadership performance.
How to find balance between execution, evaluation, and evolution.
The value of pausing to appreciate your team’s effort before sprinting into what’s next.
Practical steps for leaders to reset intentions and priorities heading into a new season.
How slowing down can actually help you accelerate with clarity and purpose.

Quotes:

“Leadership has seasons - moments when we push, moments when we pause, and moments when we prepare for what’s next.” - BJ Kraemer

“Progress doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it means creating space to think, to breathe, and to lead better.” - BJ Kraemer

“Great leaders don’t just build projects. They build people - and that takes reflection, rhythm, and renewal.” - BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Leadership Blueprints Podcast
MCFA
MCFA Careers
BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Why Great Leaders Should Do Less This Season

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:52:18 -0400

The final months of the year can feel like a sprint - at home, at work, and everywhere in between. For leaders, that “push to the finish line” often comes at the expense of peace, presence, and purpose. In this special re-release of a timely conversation, BJ Kraemer sits down with Valerie Peterson, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor who helps high-performing professionals find balance and resilience through self-awareness and intentional living.

Together, they explore how to lead with presence through the holidays, avoid burnout, and create rhythms of rest that sustain strong leadership year-round. From practical tips on setting boundaries to reframing your mindset when facing grief or overcommitment, Valerie offers wisdom for anyone looking to enter the holiday season with more peace and less pressure.

Tune in to discover how pacing yourself -not pushing harder -can make you a better leader, parent, and teammate.

Key Points From This Episode:

How overcommitting leads to exhaustion — and how to redefine productivity through purpose.
Recognizing when you’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, and what to do before burnout sets in.
Valerie’s reminder that saying no is an act of leadership — and a gift to yourself and others.
How to budget, prioritize, and communicate to make the holidays joyful instead of draining.
Permission to rest, recharge, and treat peace as a professional responsibility.

Quotes:

“Busy isn’t a sustainable practice — it’s often just being busy because you said yes.” - BJ Kraemer
“No one is going to take care of you but you. You have to put on your own oxygen mask first.” -Valerie Peterson
“Boundaries are not walls — they’re clarity about what matters most.” -Valerie Peterson
“It’s hard to heal if you don’t feel.” - Valerie Peterson

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Valerie Peterson, LMHC
Leadership Blueprints Podcast
MCFA
BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What If Trust Is More Powerful Than Talent in Business?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

At first glance, business development might not appear to be part of a leader’s role. Yet it’s central to how effective leaders build trust, connect vision to operations, and align people and projects around shared purpose. In this episode of The Leadership Blueprints Podcast, BJ welcomes Brad Adams, founder and principal of The R4 Group, a specialized business development consulting firm.

Drawing on decades of experience from Wall Street to partnerships with architects, engineers, developers, and real estate financiers, Brad shares how genuine relationships, curiosity, and empathy drive long-term success far more than transactional sales tactics. He explains why everyone, not just sales teams, plays a role in business development, and how leaders can turn everyday conversations into opportunities for growth. From nurturing connections to recognizing when partnerships align, Brad shows how genuine connection and follow-through lead to meaningful business outcomes.

Tune in to learn how shifting from “always be selling” to “always be connecting” can transform both your leadership and your business development mindset!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Founding the R4 Group to leverage his network and connect clients for mutual success.

• Insights from connecting clients and partners through trusted relationships.

• Case study: helping a global architectural firm establish roots in Philadelphia.

• A walkthrough of what Brad’s client process looks like.

• How empathy and authenticity strengthen business relationships.

• Tips for nurturing networks through genuine, consistent personal connection.

Quotes:

“I never considered myself a great salesperson, but what I did well was building relationships with people, and that's really where my success came from.” — Brad Adams

“I decided to start the R4 group, which basically leverages my network. And the people [who] engage me, I introduce them to people that I know [who] can utilize their services. And that's what I've been doing for the past 20 years, and enjoying myself every day.” — Brad Adams

“Business development is something that is everyone's responsibility, not just a dedicated salesperson or BD person.” — Brad Adams

“I've had some situations where I haven't done as well as I would have liked, and that's okay. I understand that, and you learn from that. You never chalk it up as a bad experience. You chalk it up as a learning experience.” — Brad Adams

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Brad Adams

Brad Adams on LinkedIn

The R4 Group

Ray Dalio

Ronald Reagan

Steve Prefontaine

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service

Is Running Notre Dame's Campus More Complex Than Commanding a Battalion?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:04:21 -0400

Welcome back to another episode of Leadership Blueprints. Join our conversation with today's guest, Dan Cook, as he shares what his role at the University of Notre Dame entails and why he initially decided to join the Navy.

Dan sheds light on the leadership lessons he learned in the military and how he had to adjust his leadership style for civilian life. We also dive into how he approached his transition, what life is like now, and how he balances work and life.

For all this, plus his prediction on the upcoming Navy/Notre Dame game, be sure to tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• He highlights the responsibilities in his role at the University of Notre Dame.

• His journey in the Navy: what got him into it and the path forward from there.

• A leadership lesson that has served him well in the transition.

• Adjusting leadership styles due to changes in the work environment.

• What life is like now, his work-life balance, and what gives him joy in this new season.

Quotes:

“The military taught me as well, when you have a big organization [and] a lot of responsibility, you’ve got to empower your leaders, you’ve got to lead with intent, [and] you’ve got to let decentralized command rule the day.” — Dan Cook

“What served me the best in transition is when I finally stopped trying to be who I thought they expected me to be and just was myself.” — Dan Cook

“Don’t underestimate how hard transition is.” — Dan Cook

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dan Cook on LinkedIn

Notre Dame University

The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less

MVP (The Movie)

Charles Thomas Jr
Charles Thomas Jr on LinkedIn

The Walk-On Mindset: Why Leadership is Earned Every Day

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Discipline and consistency aren't just habits - they're essential virtues that fuel our guests’ leadership style, entrepreneurial triumphs, and social impact. Joining BJ on the podcast today is Dr. Charles Thomas Jr, or CT for short. CT is a multi-award-winning social entrepreneur, educator, and Amazon #1 best-selling author committed to service.

He embodies the Renaissance ideal of broad learning and full engagement, drawing on diverse experiences across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He co-founded and served as CEO of the cloud engineering organization Clear Cloud before its acquisition, and he founded Concerned Citizen™ Media.

Tune in for their conversation as they journey through the path that led him to the defense and intel space. CT reflects on his time playing D1 basketball at Notre Dame, unpacks his natural desire and drive to lead, and explains why he consistently chooses to use the word team member over employee. He also shares the three key leadership insights he's gleaned from both the sports field and his entrepreneurial journey. In our classic wrap-up segment, CT shares his favorite book, his dream dinner party guest list, and his ultimate vision for his legacy.

Tune in now for another episode packed with leadership insights and wisdom!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Who CT is today, and the path that led him to where he is today.

• CT unpacks his natural desire and drive to lead.

• Why CT prefers to use the term team member versus employee.

• The integration of the new firm: a personal journey of growth.

• Three leadership lessons: situational leadership, lift as you build, and being disciplined and consistent.

Quotes:

“My only distinguishing qualities are discipline and consistency. What I lack in intellectual ability, or size, or strength. I make up for it in spades with my desire to just go and get it.” — @CThomas_Jr

“I’m a workhorse. Like, if I want to go and do something, I almost have tunnel vision, like an almost religious obsession with achieving that thing.” — @CThomas_Jr

“I always say the star of the team is the team, and I truly believe that.” — @CThomas_Jr

“I may not be better than anyone, specifically, but I am going to do my very best to outwork my potential, and I will outwork you, out discipline you, and I will out-consistency you. I don’t make two mistakes in a row!” — @CThomas_Jr

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Charles Thomas Jr on Instagram

Charles Thomas Jr on X

Forged From Fire: Pieces To Prosperity

Best Kept Secrets: From Invisible Walk-Ons to Life Champions

Clear Cloud

Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make The Leap and Others Don't

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People

The Alchemist: A Modern Classic of Magic and Mysticism

The Greatest Salesman in the World

Today I Begin a New Life: Og Mandino for the 21st Century

Solo: A Memoir of Hope

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

Asuka Nakahara on LinkedIn

Is Love the Missing Metric of High-Performance Leadership?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Joining BJ on the show today to discuss the finance side of real estate is Ward Fitzgerald. He is the former CEO and Senior Managing Principal of Exeter Property Group, which was acquired by EQT in 2021. Ward is now the current CEO of ExCorde Capital, a real estate investment platform that delivers unprecedented value creation with a strong focus on sharing love. Ward holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.

Join the conversation as they delve into Ward’s journey that led him to real estate, hear as he unpacks the greatest gift he’s ever been given in the business of real estate, and how bringing old-world organizational culture has added to the innovation of the model. He also shares his leadership secret sauce, how he integrates his faith into his business life, and highlights the focus of ExCorde Capital.

For all this, and more, be sure not to miss another insightful conversation on Leadership Blueprints, the podcast!

Key Points From This Episode:

How Ward landed in the real estate industry (and the Wildwood boardwalk story).
Ward highlights his education and career path that led him to real estate.
He unpacks the greatest gift he was ever given in the business of real estate.
Ward shares innovation inside the model: old-world organizational structure.
Ward shares his leadership secret sauce to attack the market aggressively.
He details what ExCorde focused on: sharing love.

Quotes:

“I think that one of the things that led to our ability to grow consistently was the ability to focus on what was important and not get caught up in things like politics, [and] things like closed-door meetings.” — Ward Fitzgerald

“A lot of the things they taught at Harvard Business School about running an organization, I didn’t do. And people would be horrified to know some of this!” — Ward Fitzgerald

“Father Johnson said — ‘Faith is not one of the pillars of your life. It’s not one of the silos of your life. Faith is all of your life.’” — Ward Fitzgerald

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux (Tan Classics)

The Power Broker

Mere Christianity

Mother Teresa

John F Kennedy
Abraham Lincoln

Winston Churchill

Pope John Paul II

Pope Francis
Pope Leo XIV

What If the Most Underrated Leadership Tool Was Simply… Get More Sleep?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Listening to people is the most powerful tool a leader has! Today on Leadership Blueprints, we head back to the high seas with another Navy guest, Dr. John Cordle.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about John’s fascinating career from active duty in the Navy to writing to coaching other writers. We delve into John’s transition from active duty to working a regular job before he shares why that transition should simply be another part of the journey. Learn all about why John is an advocate for good sleep, the power of passion, patience, and persistence as a leader, how a government position differs from a commercial one, and so much more!

He even tells us what retirement has looked like for him and how he plans to contribute to suicide prevention. Finally, John shares his favorite books and quotes, tells us who his dream dinner guests would be, and shares some words of wisdom on the power of listening. Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• His transition from active-duty Navy to a government program.

• The importance of sleep, especially for someone in the military.

• John breaks down the three ‘Ps’ of leadership.

• John shares some marriage advice for anyone in the military.

Quotes:

“I underestimated the institutional resistance to change.” — Dr. John Cordle

“You have to have [an] open discussion with your family, with your spouse – don’t make any – decisions in a vacuum and make sure that what’s important to you is also important to your spouse or find a way to compromise.” — Dr. John Cordle

“Everything that I’ve learned, I’ve learned by shutting my trap and listening to what the other person had to say.” — Dr. John Cordle [

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

John Cordle on LinkedIn

John Cordle on Email

John Cordle Phone Number +1 (767) 632 – 9555

Going Circadian

Extreme Ownership

The Gap and the Gain

On Writing

Lincoln on Leadership

Six Frigates

John (JC) Carter

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

Jill Jamieson on LinkedIn

How Do Innovation and Risk Shape the Next Era of Infrastructure?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:13:25 -0400

In the infrastructure world, uncertainty is a growth killer. When projects stall, the entire industry feels the pain.

Today, we're diving into this issue with a special guest, Jill Jamieson. Jill, the CEO of Illuminati Infrastructure and an amateur endurance athlete, knows a thing or two about pushing through challenges. Join their conversation as they first dive into what inspired Jill’s recent 30-mile swim around Manhattan and her advice on taking those first steps to conquer physical feats.

They pivot and then delve into her thoughts on how the One Big Beautiful Bill is influencing what’s happening in the infrastructure world, the differences between funding and financing, how bringing in the private sector is impacting the affordability of infrastructure projects, and her insights on the greatest priority across the United States from an infrastructure perspective.

Tune in to hear her advice to the engineering community on adopting technological innovation, thoughts on other infrastructure challenges, her current reading list, and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Digging into our societal comfort crisis: what inspired her 30-mile swim.

• How the One Big Beautiful Bill headline is influencing what’s happening in the world of infrastructure.

• Where it gets really messy: two ways to pay for infrastructure projects.

• Bringing in the private sector: how the affordability of infrastructure projects is responding.

• Three ways to extract value from existing assets.

• The nation’s top infrastructure priority: getting projects done in a more timely or cost-effective manner.

Quotes:

“You find growth when you are outside of your comfort zone. I always say, ‘If I don’t stretch myself, I never know how far I can reach.’” — Jill Jamieson

“The one lesson I have learned as I get older is to let go of fear of failure. Give it a shot! What do you have to lose?” — Jill Jamieson

“Everybody wants cutting edge, they don’t want bleeding edge.” — Jill Jamieson

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jill Jamieson on Instagram

The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self

How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

The One Big Beautiful Bill

Jesse Welles - Horses (YouTube)

Franz Ferdinand - Audacious (YouTube)

Finite and Infinite Games

Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs

From Summer Sand to Fall Focus- How Do We Embrace the Change of Seasons?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 08:14:14 -0400

During this solo episode, BJ Kraemer reflects on the transition from summer to fall - a season that naturally invites change, renewal, and a re-centering of priorities. Drawing from personal experiences and leadership lessons, BJ explores how leaders can embrace shifts in rhythm, energy, and focus to better serve their teams and organizations.

Join BJ as he shares practical insights on adapting to change, building resilience, and aligning your daily actions with long-term vision. From the symbolic lessons of fall to the realities of leading in uncertain times, this episode challenges listeners to pause, reset, and prepare for what’s ahead.

In closing, BJ offers encouragement for leaders navigating their own transitions, reminding us that true leadership is found not in resisting change, but in harnessing it for growth.

Key Points From This Episode:

Why seasonal change can be a powerful metaphor for leadership transitions.
The importance of pausing to reflect before moving into a new phase.
How to align short-term actions with your broader leadership vision.
Lessons on resilience, adaptability, and perspective when facing uncertainty.
Why embracing change strengthens both leaders and their organizations.

Quotes:

“Change isn’t something to resist; it’s an invitation to realign your purpose and energy.” — BJ Kraemer

“Fall reminds us that letting go is not the end — it’s the beginning of something new.” — BJ Kraemer

“As leaders, our responsibility is not just to weather transitions, but to guide others through them with clarity and courage.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Can "Deep Before Wide" be The Key to Career and Organizational Success?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

During this episode, we're speaking with an owner who oversees a large-scale operation, managing not only the organization's mission but also its extensive facilities and infrastructure. Ashley Johnson is the Senior Manager for 2700 individuals in the command at the Naval Surface Warfare Centre, a large industrial facility with full-spectrum capabilities.

Join us as Ashley offers insights into his career path from engineering to the Navy, how he arrived in the role of Senior Executive Service and Technical Director, and what his responsibilities entail today. We also unpack political undertones and industry competition before delving into the legacy of Indian Head and why it is important.

In closing, Ashley shares why he highly recommends a career in civil service and relishes the opportunity to encourage others to pursue a similar path to his own.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The intangibles that can be learned while applying one’s self and perfecting certain skills.

• Ashley’s mission to reinvigorate the facility and workload, and how he has executed on this.

• Understanding the political undertones and the element of competition with the industry.

• The elevator pitch for Indian Head and why it is important.

• What he wants the legacy at Indian Head to be.

Quotes:

“It’s political for sure, it always is. We serve for the executive branch, and obviously, there’s been changes, but the other issue is really one of trying not to be competitive with the industry.” — Ashley Johnson

“Indian Head is important to the nation because of the adjacency issue. If we don’t do it, not a lot gets done on the front end part of the business because there’s not a lot of money to be made in coming up with innovative munitions.” — Ashley Johnson

“[Indian Head] is a national asset. We’ve worked really hard over the last ten or twelve years to recover that. My legacy, if there is one, is to make sure that we take care of it.” — Ashley Johnson

“I’ll tell anybody that will listen, you can have a fabulous and meaningful career as well as something that’s important to the nation by being part of that apparatus [in civil service].” — Ashley Johnson

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ashley Johnson

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division
Leviathan Wakes
The Expanse Series
Leadership Blueprints Podcast

Why Self-Awareness Should Be the First Step in Every Leader’s Development Journey with Mike Erwin

What Happens When Schools and Sports Focus on Character First?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Do you ever wonder how we can help students become their best selves, build positive relationships, and help them see that being ‘good’ is actually cool?

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we are joined by Jeff Bryan, co-founder of the Positivity Project, an organization that empowers students to build character, take accountability, and strengthen relationships within school. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Jeff’s experience at West Point and on deployment, how he and Mike Erwin started the Positivity Project, their mission, and how they achieve their goals.

We delve into how schools partner with them in person and online before discussing how sports coaches and teachers can make positive character traits aspirational. He even tells us how he has turned his experiences as an athlete into memorable moments of self-growth and awareness. Finally, he shares his advice on relationships, character, and making hard work fun.

To hear all this and so much more, press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Helping kids cultivate positive relationships and be their best selves.

• How their partner schools engage with them and what they receive.

• Jeff explains their in-person training and digital on-demand training courses.

• Making being a good kid cool, and how coaches can do that on the sports field.

• His biggest piece of advice as an athlete who became a leader.

Quotes:

“What we lay out are daily 15-minute lessons – and we help [schools] understand, engage, and connect their character skills over the course of the week.” — Jeff Bryan

“Consistency over time is what really makes kids understand what character is.” — Jeff Bryan

“Failure isn’t final – it’s not the end. You’ve just got to keep going and keep putting in the effort.” — Jeff Bryan

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jeff Bryan on LinkedIn

Jeff Bryan on X

The Positivity Project

Deep Work

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

John Carter on LinkedIn
Leadership Bridge Institute
The Bridge Builder
The Gap and the Gain

Can Technical Experts Become Transformational Leaders?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:30:15 -0400

After you retire, the most important thing you take from your career is the legacy you leave.

In this episode, we’re joined by John Carter, a retired Navy Captain and the Founder of the Leadership Bridge Institute, for a deep dive into the power of leadership and legacy, from the key skills that facilitate organizational impact to the paradox of becoming a confident leader who keeps their people both accountable and protected. Although he takes great pride in having commanded ships in the Navy, John shares that the Junior Officers he mentored coming to the pinnacle of their careers today are his greatest source of joy.

Our conversation also explores John’s approach to leadership and the practices that keep him connected to his people. Tune in for plenty of insights from a seasoned leader who continues to create a powerful legacy!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Navigating the transition from active duty to a new chapter of purpose.

• Why leadership skills are key for organizational impact.

• What the Leadership Bridge is and who it’s built for.

• How great leaders empower others by letting them make mistakes.

• Staying grounded in day-to-day operations while keeping your eyes on the future.

• Why focusing on what you stand to gain is more powerful than fixating on what's missing.

Quotes:

“After you retire, the most important part and piece is your legacy.” — John Carter

“Confidence is generated [through] action.” — John Carter

“Lead by example. You set the standard.” — John Carter

“You’ve always got to have one hand in the day-to-day operations and one hand in the future.” — John Carter

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

E214: Leaders are Readers

Leaders Are Doers

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 08:15:40 -0400

Have you ever paused to consider the real reason you’re not growing- personally, professionally, or as a business?

In today’s solo episode of Leadership Blueprints, host BJ Kraemer shares a personal and powerful reflection on the limiting beliefs that often hold us back. From insecurities to self-doubt, BJ explores how these internal narratives can keep even the most capable leaders stuck- and how to break free from them.

Tune in as BJ walks through the importance of mindset, momentum, and intentional growth, drawing from real-world experience building MCFA and coaching leaders. You’ll hear candid thoughts on what it takes to become the kind of person your goals require, the risk of settling for comfort, and how to get unstuck when your vision feels bigger than your reality.

Whether you're leading a team or trying to lead yourself, this episode will challenge and inspire you to take your next step forward- because growth doesn’t happen by accident.

Key Points From This Episode:

The limiting beliefs that often hold leaders back- and how to reframe them.
The importance of momentum: why getting stuck often starts in your mind.
Why growth is uncomfortable, and why that’s a good thing.
How to tell if you’ve “outgrown” your environment- or your mindset.
Practical ways to break through a plateau and build belief in yourself.
What it really means to “get in the arena” and lead with intention.

Quotes:

“We stay stuck because we’re not willing to do the things that move us forward.” - BJ Kraemer

“Oftentimes, the biggest thing holding us back is us.”- BJ Kraemer

“You’re not behind. You’re just at the point in your story where you get to decide: Are you going to grow into the person you’re called to be?” - BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Leadership Blueprints Podcast
MCFA
MCFA Careers
BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Leaders Are Learners

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 12:05:17 -0400

What’s the point of reading if it doesn’t improve your life and work?

In the second installment of the Pages to Projects summer series, BJ Kraemer explores why reading alone isn't enough; true leadership development requires learning. Drawing from personal experience, business coaching insights, and frameworks like the West Point leadership development model, BJ offers a practical breakdown of how to convert ideas from books into action, habit, and growth. If you’re ready to transform your reading habit into a leadership accelerator, this episode gives you the tools to make every page you read count.

Tune in to learn how to build a learning culture for yourself and your team!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why "leaders are learners" goes beyond passive reading or listening.

• Insight into West Point’s leadership development model.

• A 4-step learning method: absorb, apply, reflect, reinforce.

• The power of teaching what you’ve learned to others.

• Tactical, operational, and strategic ways to embed learning into your life and work.

Quotes:

“If we don't make the bridge between what we [read] and how we can apply it, we're actually not taking the action to learn or to improve ourselves.” — BJ Kraemer

“When you're looking at the world through the lens of who you're trying to become and you're looking at all of the books that you're reading from that lens, the nuggets will start coming to you: – ‘I can change this. I can get better here.’” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Who Not How

10x is Easier Than 2x

The Science of Scaling

The Obstacle Is The Way
Father Mike Schmitz on Instagram
The Miracle Morning
James Clear
Napoleon Hill on Amazon

Leaders Are Readers

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

All leaders are readers. That’s why we’re kicking off a three-part series on the books and stories that have influenced our leadership philosophy.

Whether you’re a reader or an audiobook listener, this series is packed with recommendations that contain essential wisdom you can apply to your life. To kick off our series, BJ shares his thoughts on why you should read, what you should read, and the books that have shaped his life. Tune in to learn why self-study is such a key part of personal development, how to begin with the end in mind, and how to take control of each day, starting with your morning routine.

Our conversation covers plenty of books and principles you can take from them that will revolutionize your day-to-day. In closing, BJ provides you with three action steps you can take today. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The importance of reading and stories in building a leadership philosophy.

• How Pat Croce’s work impacted BJ’s life.

• Why self-study is so important.

• How reading helped BJ to move beyond reactivity and build momentum.

• Taking reading from consumption to impact.

• Why you should initiate an uncomfortable conversation today.

Quotes:

“The ideal here is to consume wisdom and then be able to synthesize and apply it to your life. I think that’s why we read. It gives you a lot of perspective.” — BJ Kraemer

“Self-study is a very critical part of personal development.” — BJ Kraemer

“Both the morning routine at home and the morning routine at work are critical building blocks of your day.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dale Carnegie on Amazon
Tim Ferris
Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead
Paradigm Shifting Books
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Pat Croce on Amazon
Slaying the Dragon

Barbara Balongue on LinkedIn

Building From Both Sides: Corporate Grit Meets Entrepreneurial Grace

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

What does it take to lead with authenticity, build a thriving business, and grow stronger through adversity, both professionally and personally?

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kramer sits down with powerhouse duo Jim Carter of CBRE/Turner Townsend and Barbara Balongue, founder of Balongue Design, to explore the art of leadership through the lens of real-life experience, grit, and long-term vision. From Barbara’s leap into entrepreneurship during a recession to Jim’s three-decade blueprint for career growth focused on technical mastery, networking, and strategic leadership, this conversation offers a masterclass in leading with purpose.

Along the way, they share insights on the importance of vulnerability, the power of intergenerational collaboration, and why running toward problems, not away from them, is the mark of a true leader. For a fresh perspective on resilience, relationship-building, and what it means to lead a life (and business) with integrity and intention, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

A three-phase career strategy: competence, network, strategy.
Overcoming adversity to build true leadership strength.
Reasons to run toward the fire, not away from it.
The importance of listening and learning across generations.
Embracing risk, leading with vision, and other traits of successful leaders.
The likability factor: why charisma is a secret weapon in leadership.

Quotes:

“Looking back, all of the economic downturns that I've lived through since the start, all the difficult clients, all the challenges, all the project setbacks, those are the things that really informed me and taught me how to be a leader.” — Barbara Balongue

“If you see a big fire, run into it. Don't run away from it. I use that language almost on a weekly basis with my team. If you see a problem, which we equate to a big fire, run right into it and put it out.” — Barbara Balongue

“Being vulnerable, and humble, and showing empathy is core to having a relationship, both in business and in [your personal life].” — Jim Carter

“I don't see a separation between personal and professional. You have to be an authentic person. People are attracted to what they see, not what they hear.” — Barbara Balongue

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jim Carter on LinkedIn

Turner & Townsend

CBRE

Balongue Design

The Likability Factor: How to Boost Your L-Factor and Achieve Your Life's Dreams

Allen Kopelson on LinkedIn

Is the Key to a Fulfilling Career Simply Doing What You Love- Every Day?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this inspiring episode, we are joined by the one and only Allen Kopelson, visionary architect and founding principal behind NK Architects. With decades of experience and a legacy of leadership, Allen shares his remarkable journey through the world of business.

We explore why he made the decision to step down as a partner while continuing to contribute to the firm he helped build, the crucial role his support system plays in his personal growth and professional success, how he chose his successors, and so much more! He even talks about his impressive hobbies and passions outside of work and how they have helped him stay grounded in the chaos of running a business.

Allen answers our rapid-fire questions before leaving us with wonderful words of wisdom about what it means to live a full life.

Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

What made Allen step away from the firm as a partner even though he’s still working there.
The support system that guided him and how that contributed to his success.
How he selected his successors and a few of his greatest success stories.
Allen tells us about how his hobbies helped him find peace in the chaos of business.
Allen leaves us with his closing thoughts about having a full life.

Quotes:

“I knew what my limits were and what I was capable of, and I knew the kind of people I had around me, and I knew what their capabilities were.” — Allen Kopelson

“Forget about the money! Do what makes you happy – it’s the most important part and everything else will follow.” — Allen Kopelson

“I feel bad for people who just go to work and can’t wait to leave. I’m the other way around – I love working and I love all the other things I do.” — Allen Kopelson

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

NK Architects

A Confederacy of Dunces

How to Read a Book

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Can Sports Teach the Hardest Leadership Lessons? What Ryan Kent Learned from Football, Failure, and Curiosity

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

As a special thank you for tuning in, scroll down to enjoy 20% off your first order mizzenandmain.com.

What do football, combat deployments, and dress shirts have in common? For Ryan Kent, they’ve all played a role in shaping his evolution as a leader.

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kramer sits down with Ryan, a West Point graduate, former Army Ranger, and current CEO of menswear brand Mizzen+Main, to unpack the lessons he learned on his way from the locker room to the boardroom.

From his journey as a small-town athlete to leading in Iraq and then navigating the apparel industry with no prior experience, Ryan reflects on the power of curiosity, adaptability, and showing up with presence.

Whether you’re a veteran stepping into civilian leadership or guiding teams in construction, engineering, or development, Ryan’s story is a masterclass in leading through uncertainty, failure, and reinvention!

Key Points From This Episode:

From option quarterback to linebacker and adapting to team needs.
Asking better questions to become a more competent and connected leader.
Ways that winning and losing both shape leadership.
Leading through presence, not just position.
Parting wisdom on the connection between sport and leadership.

Quotes:

“Sports have been the foundation of my leadership. My journey through sports has made me a much better leader because I've had very good highs and lows.” — Ryan Kent

“There are frequent times where I’m leading through success, leading through challenge, and leading through failure. The origin of my ability to do that has been through sports.” — Ryan Kent

“Change is inevitable. A capitalistic society allows people to innovate, to evolve. If you don’t do that in a business, in our country, you will fail.” — Ryan Kent

“It’s very hard to be a good leader consistently. It requires a lot of attention and effort. – Give it that credit. If you don’t spend time on it, you’ll likely not be a great leader.” — Ryan Kent

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Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ryan Kent on LinkedIn

Mizzen+Main

Good Profit

Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude

Is the 4th of July Just a Holiday—Or a Call to Lead?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this 4th of July special edition of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer sits down with Marine Corps veteran, educator, and operations leader Fred Conner for a conversation about legacy, leadership, and renewal. This episode explores the transformation of the historic 75-acre Valley Forge campus- home to Founding Forward, a national civic education nonprofit founded by the Union League of Philadelphia and Freedom’s Foundation.

Fred shares his journey from military service to international project management to teaching at Temple University. Along the way, he reveals how landscapes, memory, and mission-based leadership shape how we build -and remember- our most important places.

Whether you're a veteran transitioning into the A/E/C world, a project leader tackling deferred maintenance, or a parent wondering what civic education looks like today, this episode offers a reminder: leadership starts with service, and the built environment can inspire generations.

Key Points From This Episode:

Why project management is a natural fit for transitioning veterans.
Lessons from building military camps in Kosovo and Afghanistan.
The power of servant leadership- sometimes that means doing dishes and landscaping.
Why trust and execution are foundational to any successful project.

Quotes:

“Vision is a really good thing, but it’s only aspiration if you can’t execute.” - Fred Conner
“Operations occur at the speed of trust.” — Gen. Jim Mattis (quoted by Fred Conner)
“The things we remember most about a place are often how the built environment coexists with the landscape around it.” — Fred Conner

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Could Time Off Be Your Greatest Leadership Tool?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

What if your next big leadership breakthrough started with booking a vacation?

In this solo episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer dives into a powerful and often overlooked leadership lesson: the transformative value of R&R. With summer in full swing and the midpoint of the year approaching, BJ challenges leaders to rethink their relationship with rest, reframing time off as a strategic imperative for sustained impact, clarity, and growth.

From redefining “busy” to modeling a culture that celebrates vacation time and drawing inspiration from military leadership models and Bill Gates’s Think Week, this episode offers practical insights for leaders ready to recharge and lead with renewed purpose.

Tune in to find out why stepping away might be the most powerful move you make this year!

Key Points From This Episode:

The importance of prioritizing time off and planning ahead.
Lessons from military models of reflection and leader development.
Investing in your career when you're young and then modeling rest as a leader.
Practical tips to help you “disconnect, re-energize, and redeploy.”
A leadership challenge: book time off and encourage your team to do the same!

Quotes:

“Don't confuse action with results. Don't confuse a full calendar with impact.” — BJ Kraemer

“The greatest leaders I know are always creating space for themselves.” — BJ Kraemer

“The way that we can – use R&R to grow is [to] disconnect, re-energize, and then redeploy that new energy towards something new.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Andrea Janzen on LinkedIn

Is Transformational Leadership the Key to Unlocking Growth in Construction?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

What if the future of leadership in construction isn’t about command and control, but about trust and curiosity?

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we’re joined by Andrea Janzen, founder of Ambition Theory, a professional development company that specializes in the research, education, and advancement of women in construction.

Andrea shares her unexpected journey from corporate marketing to coaching executives in the construction industry. She unpacks the power of transformational leadership versus transactional leadership, a model based on collaboration, curiosity, and vision, and why it resonates more with women than traditional, top-down structures. Through real-world examples, including a $2 million sales turnaround, she shows how shifting leadership styles can unlock potential, fuel innovation, and drive measurable results.

Tune in to learn how rethinking leadership can unlock hidden potential, build stronger teams, and drive results, whether you're in construction or any other fast-evolving industry!

Key Points From This Episode:

Why traditional leadership doesn’t appeal to most women.
The value of transformational leadership in highly structured fields.
Why tech won’t change construction; leaders will.
Giving credit versus claiming ownership: a leadership nuance.
Opportunities unlocked by transformational leadership in construction.

Quotes:

“[Leadership coaching] is so much more than getting someone a job. It's about opening up their potential, helping them see opportunities, [leveraging] relationships, and [making] things happen.” — Andrea Janzen

“We've done research in construction that shows us men are just naturally more transactional. Women are naturally more transformational. It's a thing. It's not one is better than the other. It just is.” — Andrea Janzen

“A lot of times, people get stuck on the surface-level issue, but we don’t actually get to the root cause. – If you spend more time on the problem and define it properly, the path forward is a lot clearer.” — Andrea Janzen

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ambition Theory

Ambition Theory Podcast

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others 

Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace

What Got You Here Won't Get You There 

How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back

Adam Grant

Marshall Goldsmith

Daily Stoic
Trust Matters More Than Ever

Can Humility, Optimism, and Trust Be Your Leadership Superpowers in the Engineering and Construction Industry?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Leadership is a never-ending journey with infinite checkpoints for growth and self-discovery. Today, we are joined by Greg Kelly, the CEO of STV, a national, infrastructure-focused professional services firm that exists to make communities better through innovative solutions that connect people, places, and the present to the future.

Greg begins by meticulously detailing his professional journey and how he found his feet in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) before explaining why learning never stops for anyone, specifically as a leader. We learn about his role as STV CEO, the work the company is currently engaged in, the best practices for leading with trust, and the leadership characteristics that are non-negotiable for effective leadership. This episode also unpacks plans for STV’s future, how it solves common and pressing industry pain points, how crisis begets great leaders, and the books that have influenced Greg Kelly’s leadership style.

To end, our guest shares the quotes that have carried him through difficult times, and he offers noteworthy advice for anyone with similar career aspirations.

Key Points From This Episode:

Why learning never ends as a leader.
How to spend time with your team while also giving them enough space to operate.
The importance of self-discovery and humility in leadership.
How to identify leadership characteristics in others.
Why disasters (like COVID) are also great opportunities for breeding leaders.

Quotes:

“What I learned at that point in my career, BJ, was the cultural appreciation that goes with working globally and knowing that there’s different cultural norms, and you have to be very respectful of that.” — Greg Kelly

“Let’s meet the moment and solve the problem, not hold it to some standard. So, the leadership piece, there’s no playbook. It’s about self-discovery and humility.” — Greg Kelly

“I’m a big fan of betting on people. We grew up betting on ourselves, so let’s bet on others.” — Greg Kelly

“Create your own comfort crisis – your greatest learning comes in the greatest periods of discomfort.” — Greg Kelly

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Greg Kelly on LinkedIn

STV

ASCE Opal Awards Gala

The Comfort Crisis

The End of the World Is Just the Beginning

Strength in Stillness

Life After Power
ACECNY

National Academy of Construction

Matt Crispino on LinkedIn

What Happens When You Build a Team Around Values Instead of Just Talent?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

The lessons learned on the sports field teach us so much about leadership on the battlefield and in life.

This episode marks the launch of a special segment highlighting the power of youth sports in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Joining us on this episode is Head Men’s Swimming and Diving Coach at Princeton University, Matt Crispino, a key player in shaping leadership and character development through sports at the Military Academy.

Matt shares success tactics, core team values, and why he believes that there truly is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. We also explore how college sports may change, what this means for coaches and the Ivy League, and what it looks like to develop a culture of growth within your team. Finally, we discuss what it truly means to be a coach, why it is so challenging, and why it is so rewarding.

Don’t miss this episode with an inspiring coach and leader!

Key Points from This Episode:

• The power of youth sports in shaping leaders in the military.

• Developing the character of your team while training to win.

• Tactics for team and individual success.

• Principles that have led his leadership over the past year.

• The mental health epidemic is prevalent in athletes.

Quotes:

“If I am surrounded by the right people, I am displaying and modelling and promoting the right values, there’s going to be a lot of fast swimming in that pool.” - Matt Crispino

“I think the team has to always trump the individual.” - Matt Crispino

“I just think everyone’s got more in them than they ever truly believe.” - Matt Crispino

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Matt Crispino on Instagram

Matt Crispino on X

Men’s Swimming and Diving

The Friendly Strife Foundation
Concussion
Trust and Inspire

Daniel Coyle

Malcolm Gladwell

The Boys in the Boat

‘Inside the C-Suite: The CFO’s Role in Capital Program Investment and Decision-Making with Gail Kosyla’

Can Infrastructure Bring Us Together? Lessons in leading with heart, advising with humility, and building trust — not just projects.

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 28 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

What happens when engineering leaders prioritize people over profit and community over convenience?

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we’re joined by Phil Wursta, a seasoned strategist with over 40 years of experience in municipal agency and private sector engineering. He’s also the founding partner of WK2 Consulting, a woman-owned civil engineering and public management firm serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

From his early days as an archaeology-obsessed teen to his leadership role building resilient infrastructure and compassionate teams, Phil shares how clear communication, community engagement, and employee-first values have guided his career and company culture. You’ll learn how to balance technical expertise with emotional intelligence, simplify infrastructure funding for stakeholders, and lead with authenticity by caring for your people.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with practical insights for building a business and a team that truly makes a difference!

Key Points from This Episode:

• What goes into launching a people-first engineering firm and scaling fast.

• Strategies for overcoming early-stage startup challenges.

• People-first leadership through community-focused problem solving.

• How engineers can build trust in politically sensitive environments.

• How to align diverse political stakeholders around shared goals.

• Building a team culture rooted in care, values, and purpose.

Quotes:

“[WK2 is] employee-oriented. We want to take care of our people. We're not in it to make a ton of money. We're just in it to do the right thing, serve clients, and feel good about ourselves with the projects that we do.” — Phil Wursta

“We try to say, ‘How can we get it done?’ Rather than why we can't get it done.” — Phil Wursta

“Involving your people and [caring for them] sets the stage for success because, at the end of the day, you're doing this for the people, whether they're the people of the country [or the] people of your company.” — Phil Wursta

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Phil Wursta on LinkedIn

WK2 Consulting

The Rifle

Marion Zilinski on LinkedIn

The Knock at the Door: Honoring Dennis Zilinski's Legacy of Love with Marion Zilinski

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 21 May 2025 17:33:36 -0400

Memorial Day isn't just the start of summer—it's a time to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom. Every Memorial Day, BJ has decided to play an episode he recorded two years ago to honor his late friend and everyone who has given their lives to service.

In this tribute episode, we speak with Marion Zilinski, known as Mama Z, about the true meaning of Memorial Day through the eyes of someone who lost a loved one in service. She shares the story of her son Dennis, his journey to West Point, the impact of 9/11 on his life, and his incredible generosity.

Marion reflects on the pain of losing him and the signs she still receives from him today. We also highlight Run with Dennis and the Dennis Zilinski Memorial Fund, and how you can get involved. Mama Z leaves us with a powerful reminder of what this day is really about.

To hear all this and be inspired to honor the brave men and women who give you your freedom this Memorial Day, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dennis Zilinski, and his life of service.

• Marion reflects on the events of 9/11 and how they impacted Dennis

• The touching revelations about Dennis’ selflessness and generosity found in his will.

• The motivation behind creating Run with Dennis and the Dennis Zilinski Memorial Fund.

• Insights into the service dog initiative and its role in supporting veterans with PTSD.

• Where to find out more about these incredible volunteer-run organizations.

• A powerful reminder of the true meaning of Memorial Day and the cost of our freedom.

Quotes:

“[Dennis] was the protector. Always the protector.” — Marion Zilinski

“[Dennis] said, ‘I would never leave West Point, especially now when my country needs me the most.’” — Marion Zilinski

“I was so angry [when my son died]. I have never been so angry in my life.” — Marion Zilinski

“We want people to understand the dedication of our military.” — Marion Zilinski

“Freedom is not free. It’s bought and paid for only by our military – not by anybody else.” — Marion Zilinski

“22 warriors a day commit suicide because of post-traumatic stress and/or TBI injuries.” — Marion Zilinski

“Our freedom is bought and paid for by men and women that pledge to each of [us] their lives. And not all of them will come home. Many will be killed – or – wounded and their lives will be so impacted.” — Marion Zilinski

Longer Quotes:

“The worst thing that anybody could ever say to me is, ‘Happy Memorial Day’. It’s not a happy day. It’s not the first day of summer. It’s not all about the beach and the sales, it’s about your freedom. It’s about the men and women that step up, raise their right hand, and take that oath to give us our freedom.” — Marion Zilinski

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Run with Dennis

Zilinski Memorial Fund on Facebook

Fisher House Foundation

Brooke Army Medical Center

The Strong Gray Line

Why Intellectual Curiosity Matters More Today Than Ever Before with John Abraham

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

If education is executed correctly, it can be one of the best ways to inspire people to change the world!

Today’s guest on Leadership Blueprints, John Abraham, is a professor of thermal sciences at the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about John’s career, what led him to academia, how he connects with this generation of students, and so much more!

We delve into his focus on ocean warming before discussing his work on sustainable energy through his company LEMA. John even removes the political side of global warming and climate change and talks about what is causing it and how to solve it.

Finally, our guest answers our rapid-fire questions, talks about the unimaginable power of AI, shares his advice for younger generations entering his industry, and gives us his take on the future of humankind and simulation theory.

Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What drew John to academia and what motivates him inside the classroom.

• Insight into his work on ocean warming and sustainable energy.

• His company, LEMA, and what his involvement in it is.

• What’s driving global warming and climate change and how to deal with it.

• The wind energy debate and what John’s take on it is.

Quotes:

“When you can save lives and save jobs at the same time, man, that’s a win-win situation.” — John Abraham

“How do we deal with climate change? – Reduce our energy use; just use energy more wisely!” — John Abraham

“AI is going to absolutely change our world!” — John Abraham

“We’re in an environment where future jobs are up in the air. If you are dealing in a job that has information transfer and processing as your primary job description, your job is at risk for AI.” — John Abraham

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Carey Kight on X
Carey Kight on Instagram
Carey Kight on LinkedIn

Why Your Rank Doesn’t Translate—But Your Leadership Still Can with Carey Kight

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 07 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Joining us is Carey Kight, producer, advertiser, and owner of Veteran Made. He shares a series of pivotal choices that have shaped his career and his life’s journey, from the military to film school, advertising, production, and beyond. Pulling from his experiences, we discuss the frameworks that translate from the military to other fields.

Carey shares how Veteran Made embodies this, highlighting key skills that veterans can bring to the working world. We touch on managing your own expectations, the ideas that underpin Carey’s leadership decisions, and reveal more about his rich background and love of the classics, as well as his life philosophy and the kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The transferrable skills that veterans usually have.

• Developing the skill of managing your own expectations.

• The number one leadership lesson that Carey has taken into his new career.

Quotes:

“Resilience is very much a lifeskill. That’s something you have to develop emotionally and intellectually for yourself.” — Carey Kight

“Don’t just stay connected to the military community and the veteran community, but integrate the other community that you are trying to get into.” — Carey Kight

“We’re not the products of our environments only. We are the product of the choices that we make in each environment that we are in.” — Carey Kight

“I’m very lucky that my vocation is an avocation for a lot of other people. That, to me, feels like a privilege and a blessing, and it’s something I get to do.” — Carey Kight

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Carey Kight

Veteran Made

Veteran Made Podcast
Lord of the Rings

Chronicles of Narnia
Harry Potter
To Kill a Mockingbird

Farenheit 451
Stephen Pressfield

A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War

Matt Cooper Email Address

The CEO Behind the Software: Building Systems That Serve AEC Leaders with Matt Cooper

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

What does it take to lead a software company at the forefront of the architecture and engineering (A&E) world?

Joining us today is the CEO of BQE Software, Matt Cooper, to discuss his incredible career and his company’s work in the architecture and engineering space. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Matt’s time consulting, what led him to BQE Software, how he transitioned into a leadership position, and so much more!

We delve into what it means to produce ‘client-worthy’ work before discussing how BQE expanded into A&E. You’ll even hear Matt’s thoughts on the A&E industry and what exciting projects his research and development team is working on.

Finally, Matt answers our rapid-fire questions and shares some nuggets of wisdom about taking a leap of faith. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode

• Matt shares his approach to taking on a leadership role at BQE

• Matt explains what it means to produce ‘client-worthy work’

• How BQE expanded into the A&E space

• What he’s seeing in the A&E industry as the company continues to grow

Quotes:

“When you’re working with investors, it’s important to show output with some expediency.” — Matt Cooper

“My perspective doesn’t matter, what really matters for us is the perspective of our customers.” — Matt Cooper

“I’m a firm believer that for companies of our size and scale, focus is really what matters.” — Matt Cooper

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Matt Cooper on LinkedIn

BQE Software

BQE Software on LinkedIn

East of Eden

Consistency Compounds: What 5 Years of Podcasting Taught Me with BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:41:00 -0400

In celebration of our 200th episode, this conversation highlights 20 key lessons we've learned over the past five years of hosting this podcast. Join us as we take a deep dive into leadership philosophy, drawing from insights we've gathered since the very beginning.

You'll hear what it means to lead from the front, why going viral isn't necessary to make an impact, and how building character shapes everything you do. We also unpack the recent drop-off rate in the real estate world and explore how a strong sense of purpose can fuel perseverance.

As we reflect on the growth that comes with each new season, we invite you to consider your own journey. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or you've been with us since the start, this episode will inspire you to move from reflection to action.

Thanks for being part of the journey!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Taking action beyond thinking and reflection.

• The critical role of trust and what happens in a crisis without it.

• Why curiosity is a leadership superpower.

• The little things that build your character.

• Understanding the role of purpose.

• Taking advantage of the opportunity for growth that each new season brings.

Quotes:

“Start before you feel ready.” — BJ Kraemer

“Repetition builds your repetition.” — BJ Kraemer

“You can’t lead well if you don’t listen first.” — BJ Kraemer

“People will listen to what you say but they’re going to watch what you do.” — BJ Kraemer

“The best seasons are the ones where you’re growing.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Coty Fournier on LinkedIn

The Grit Behind Growth: Career Lessons from the Ground Up with Coty Fournier

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:44:01 -0400

What does real leadership transformation look like, and how do you go from managing projects to leading people?

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with Coty Fournier to discuss leadership transformation and creating a company-focused impact. Coty is an industry veteran, speaker, author, and senior consultant with Well Built Construction Consulting. She is known for fast-tracking construction managers into high-impact leaders through keynote speaking, leadership training, and strategy consulting.

In our conversation, we delve into scaling businesses, developing talent, and shifting from project-focused execution to company-focused impact. We unpack her lessons in leadership, the foundational importance of field experience, and how to transition from managing projects to leading people and fostering new ideas. Coty also discusses how to drive work in place, the mindset shifts required to move from a “Pistol Pete” problem-solver to a leader, the benefits of delegating risk, and why reducing fear is your secret weapon.

Join us for career-building advice, valuable industry insights, and more with Coty Fournier. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Her early career journey from Michigan State University to Turner Construction Company.

• Why company and personal growth go hand in hand in the construction industry.

• Find out why field experience is essential for career advancement in construction.

• Discover how to bridge the gap between the office and the field in construction.

• How to transition from managing projects to managing people and fostering new ideas.

Quotes:

“That is one of the reasons companies need to grow, not just for growth's sake but for the leadership development and professional development opportunities it gives to all your top players.” — Coty Fournier

“There is basically no such thing as having too much actual field experience as you attempt to rise [through] the ranks of any construction company.” — Coty Fournier

“People and ideas are not projects.” — Coty Fournier

“The higher you get up in a construction company, the more you need to lead versus manage.” — Coty Fournier

“Teach people to realize that your job [as a contractor] is to make the owner less afraid.” — Coty Fournier

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Well Built Construction Consulting

Michigan State University

Turner Construction Company

Miller Construction Company

Chad Prinkey on LinkedIn

Well Built

Inside Commercial Construction's MVPs

The Human Side of Construction

Kyle Nitchen

No Bullsh*t Project

Sapiens

Maya Angelou

Josh McCallen on LinkedIn

Authenticity, Accountability, and the Art of Leading Well with John New

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 08:35:26 -0400

There is growing concern around the post-service health of veterans and first responders as it’s easy to fall into destructive patterns when liberated from the forced discipline of being in active duty. Today we are joined by John New, an Army veteran and serial entrepreneur who’s made it his life’s purpose to help curate healthier life habits for former service members.

We begin with John’s background as he explains who he is, and what he does before learning about CYTO (previously The Hub), and what the organization hopes to achieve. Then, we compare remote work to in-office obligations, the ins and outs of the 98 Octane veteran program, how to avoid falling victim to consumer marketing, and how to connect with John and his work.

To end, our guest details the leadership lessons that have stuck with him in his career, the books he’d recommend in a heartbeat, why he’d love to have dinner with Mother Theresa, and his final words of encouragement for starting a group of healthy-living individuals.

Key Points From This Episode:

• John New describes who he is, what he does, and how he got into the work he does today.

• Understanding what happened to The Hub and why it downsized and rebranded to CYTO.

• The ins and outs of WorkMerk.

• Unpacking the 98 Octane movement that helps veterans and first responders live healthier lives.

• How to get involved with 98 Octane and John’s mission.

• John’s advice for building a cohort centered on healthier living.

Quotes:

“At times, [I have] an abnormally high appetite for risk.” — John New

“My life’s calling is a movement to help a million fellow veterans and first responders live healthier lives.” — John New

“You need to be committed. If you’re not committed, just don’t start.” — John New

“Kill all fears, man. Fear is a tool of the devil. Fear of loss of love; life; health; money – kill them [or else] they’ll paralyze you.” — John New

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Alex Archawski on LinkedIn

Veteran Shark Tank

Master of One

Napoleon Hill - Mastermind Principle

Dr. Peter Attia

Dr. Andrew Huberman

The Checklist Manifesto

Mere Humanity

Be the Sun, Not the Salt

Grow Rich! With Peace of Mind

Dr. Kenneth Hartman

Shauna Weatherly on LinkedIn

LinkedIn Connections & Government Lessons with Shauna Weatherly

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In business, your aim should be to lead with your skills and let your certifications be the ‘icing on the cake’!

Today, we welcome federal contracting expert and founder of Federal Subcontracting Solutions, Shauna Weatherly, to pass on her wealth of knowledge about the federal contracting space.

Tuning in, you’ll hear about Shauna’s extensive career, the pendulum swing and balancing act Shauna has witnessed throughout her career, the policy side of contracting, creating efficiency in her business, and much more! We delve into one of Shauna’s professional war stories before discussing the most popular question she is asked and what her answer is. She even tells us about the products she will be offering!

Finally, our guest answers our rapid-fire questions. To hear all this and even be reminded of the importance of slowing down and observing, press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The importance of open conversation in this industry.

• The balancing act between ‘risk-averse’ and ‘mission-first’.

• Her experience in the policy and rule-making side of things.

• How she created a culture of efficiency within her business.

Quotes:

“In contracting you really have to have the big picture and the small picture and I think that’s where there is some difficulty.” — Shauna Weatherly

“[The contracting officers] are told what to buy, they simply decide how to buy.” — Shauna Weatherly

“Veterans knew things that I couldn’t teach anybody else.” — Shauna Weatherly

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

FedSubK

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

Innovating with Discipline: Balancing The Fine Line Between Risk and Reward with BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:48:00 -0400

Innovation is an essential part of business and those who do not innovate, eventually fail.

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ is outlining the importance of innovation. Tuning in, you’ll hear about the biggest win BJ has ever had in business, the importance of discipline, what he thinks ‘the language of business is’, and more!

BJ goes on to explain that the more we can understand how to communicate expected investment against expected outcomes, the better everyone will get at deploying innovation and research and development investment. We even talk about the importance of balancing creativity and innovation with the discipline needed to know what will work and what won’t.

Finally, BJ discusses what empowers the entrepreneurial spirit and why it always needs a level of discipline.

Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The biggest win BJ has ever had in the construction industry.

• The danger of ‘shiny object syndrome’ and the importance of discipline.

• Why you have to balance your investment with the expected outcome.

• BJ shares his opinion of how to learn ‘the language of business’.

• Balancing new ideas and discipline in business.

• How Walt Disney managed creativity and empowered entrepreneurial spirit.

Quotes:

“You can’t just always be taking chances. In business, you have to have some level of predictability and process for controlling the level of investment that goes into [research and development].” — BJ Kraemer

“When you say ‘yes’ to something, you are probably saying ‘no’ to a bunch of other things.” — BJ Kraemer

“I think that anybody who is not innovating will die.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

David Ciurzynski on LinkedIn

Why Reputation Beats Rate: Building Long-Term Success Without Advertising with David Ciurzynski

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Making the jump from military service to the private sector can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with project consultant and veteran David Ciurzynski, founder of Ciurzynski Consulting, to explore how veterans can leverage their hard-earned skills in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

David shares his journey from the Air Force to becoming a respected owner's representative, emphasizing the power of mentorship, adaptability, and faith-driven servant leadership. He also unpacks the importance of recognizing your self-worth, how to build a reputation that drives repeat business, and the key questions he asks his team every week to foster continuous improvement.

Whether you're looking to refine your leadership skills, navigate career transitions, or improve project outcomes, this episode is full of practical insights. Tune in to discover how focusing on value, relationships, and self-improvement can open doors you never expected!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insight into David’s career journey from the Air Force to the AEC industry.

• The importance of recognizing your self-worth and leveraging opportunities.

• Three simple but powerful questions he asks his team every week.

• Why helping others become better versions of themselves is the key to success.

Quotes:

“When somebody else believes in you, you owe them the obligation to believe in yourself and become the best version of yourself. I’m continually trying to do that.” — David Ciurzynski

“When we're more aware of our outside environment, we can adjust, adapt, and serve in a more useful way.” — David Ciurzynski

“People will see your value because you're listening to them. People want to be listened to. Owners want to be listened to.” — David Ciurzynski

“Not everything works out exactly how you planned it – but how you come back the next time is what defines you.” — David Ciurzynski

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ciurzynski Consulting

Dale Carnegie Training

The Goal

DoD to AEC on LinkedIn

DoD to AEC SkillBridge Program Opportunities

The CASBS Summer Institute on Diversity

Beyond Individual Growth Mindset: How Leaders Can Foster a Culture of Growth in their Organizations with Mary Murphy

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Culture and growth are very special topics here on the Leadership Blueprints Podcast, and today’s guest, award-winning social psychologist, author, speaker, and organizational consultant, Professor Mary Murphy, certainly speaks our love language!

Mary is a trailblazer in equity and inclusion, illuminating the dynamics of mindset and culture and empowering organizations to foster environments of growth and innovation. In this episode, Mary describes how we can distinguish a fixed mindset from a growth mindset before explaining how her multicultural background kindled her passion for academic research, particularly culture and growth.

Using Mary’s book, Cultures of Growth, as a reference point, we discover what it looks like when an organization prioritizes a growth mindset culture, how to detach yourself from a fixed mindset, how establishing a great office culture is only possible with excellent leadership, and how to cultivate a growth mindset from an early age.

Mary also explains how we can pursue a growth mindset culture at home, why we need to focus on improving basic processes rather than berating ourselves for results, and what the big-hitters are getting right regarding growth mindsets, as well as action steps for business leaders who want to improve their company’s growth mindset. Tune in today for all this and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.

• What it looks like when an organization adopts a growth mindset culture.

• How to detach yourself from a fixed mindset and forge a new identity in growth.

• Why establishing a growth mindset culture is impossible without great leadership.

• How to build a growth mindset at home with your family.

• The importance of improving rudimentary processes instead of judging ourselves on results.

• Action steps for business leaders to improve their company’s growth mindset culture.

Quotes:

“In these fixed mindset cultures, information is power. People don’t want to share the information they have access to because it is a way of holding onto power and maintaining their advantage.” — Mary Murphy

“In a growth mindset culture, collaboration is encouraged, incentivized, [and] praised. There’s a lot of support for people’s growth and development.” — Mary Murphy

“Culture matters in so many ways for our family, for our community, for our work, but it’s not just any culture. It’s a growth mindset culture that [eats] strategy for breakfast.” — Mary Murphy

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy on LinkedIn

Mary Murphy on X

Mary Murphy on Instagram

Mary Murphy on Facebook

Cultures of Growth

Equity Accelerator

Indiana University

Carol Dweck

Satya Nadella

Hit Refresh

‘Global Mindset Initiative Paper 1: Growth Mindset Cultures and Teacher Practices’

Mindset

The Ministry for the Future

Who Moved My Cheese?

Crucial Conversations

Peter Drucker

Mindset Triggers Assessment

Constructive Behaviors Podcast

Building Beyond Barriers: Women Leading the Way in Construction with Barb Allen

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

What can be done to attract more women to construction?

Today, on the Leadership Blueprints podcast, we welcome Barb Allen, a renowned construction industry keynote speaker and host of the Constructive Behaviors Podcast. In honor of Women in Construction Week, we talked with Barb about her construction career and how she is helping more women find success in the industry.

From stumbling on a degree in construction management – and immediately realizing it was what she wanted to do – to spending over twenty years in the field, Barb recounts how she moved through the ranks to where she is today.

We discuss the current level of diversity in construction, what can be done to attract more women to the field, and how The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) programs are introducing a new generation of young people to the joys of construction work. Barb also shares the story behind her 14%ers Subscription Box, designed to support and empower women in construction.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How she uses public speaking to address gender-specific challenges.

• Unpacking the variety of career paths in construction.

• What the industry can do to attract more women to construction.

• Why companies should spotlight female employees and their roles.

• How to normalize construction as a career path for women from a young age.

Quotes:

“It's important that companies are spotlighting, as much as possible, the women that work in their companies and – help people understand what it is they do. Because we have amazing women.” — Barb Allen

“There's such a stigma about the challenges that women face in the industry. And yes, we face challenges, but when we are overcoming these, it is such a rewarding career.” — Barb Allen

“The more we can work together to make a more inclusive environment for everyone in it, the more successful this industry will be.” — Barb Allen

“Safety glasses are so inexpensive. But the first time I put these safety glasses on, and they fit in my face. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. I'm 30 years into this industry, and this is the first pair of safety glasses that feel like they fit!’” — Barb Allen

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Barb Allen

Barb Allen on LinkedIn

Women In Construction Subscription Box: The 14%ers

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
Women in Construction Week

Women in Construction Midwest Region | Block Kids Building Program

Camp NAWIC | Building the Next Generation: Construction Programs for Girls (and Boys!)
GoldieBlox Superbowl commercial 2014

Plumber Paige

Plumber Paige Books

Judaline Cassidy

Judaline Cassidy Books

Talking from 9 to 5: Women and Men at Work

Building More Than Hotels: Eustace Mita on Culture, Leadership & Legacy

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

If you want to be successful in your career, you need to find your unique ability and have a maniacal focus on it!

Joining us today is the incredible CEO of ICONA Resorts and managing director of Achristavest, Eustace Mita to share his wisdom about business. In this conversation, you’ll hear all about Eustace’s incredible career, his businesses, his construction projects, and how his relationship with faith has changed him as a businessman.

We delve into our guest’s philosophy in life and business before discussing the importance of focusing on your purpose in life. Eustace even tells us how he maintains a sense of calm as a leader in hostile work environments and balances tactical and strategic leadership.

Finally, our guest shares a few of his seven favorite books and his ideal dinner guests. Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How his faith journey has informed his business decisions.

• His life philosophy and the danger of distractions.

• The importance of discovering what your unique ability is.

• Why Eustace always teaches lessons in threes.

• Maintaining composure as a leader in hostile environments.

• How Eustace balances tactical and strategic leadership.

Quotes:

“There are three things that are going to change you from who you are today to who you’re going to be tomorrow: the books you read, — the people you meet, [and] the goals you set and achieve.” — Eustace Mita

“Many men live lives of quiet desperation in jobs they hate and in relationships that are suffocating them. So I say, you’ve got to get more specific with everything you do in life.” — Eustace Mita

“You’ve got to have that curiosity, keep learning, and love what you’re doing. And the minute I lose the passion, — that’s when I’m going to retire.” — Eustace Mita

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Eustace Mita on LinkedIn

ICONA Resorts

Achristavest

The Greatest Salesman in the World

As a Man Thinketh

Think and Grow Rich

Leadership for Engineers: The Magic of Mindset (Basic Engineering Series and Tools)

Beyond Technical Skills: Why Engineers Need Leadership Training with Ron Bennett

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:39:41 -0500

Ronald J. Bennett has an impressive track record of achievements, including serving as the Founding Dean and Professor Emeritus at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He began his career in the industry, spending over 20 years in executive roles at BMC Industries, CPI (now Boston Scientific), Teltech, and several entrepreneurial organizations.

Beyond his industry experience, Ron is also a dedicated educator and author, specializing in materials engineering, innovation, strategy, technology transfer, leadership, and engineering education.

Join the conversation as BJ and Ron dive into his inspiring story and remarkable career journey, what inspired his pursuit of an MBA, and what led to the founding of the School of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas. He unpacks his hope and inspiration for writing the book Leadership for Engineers: The Magic of Mindset (Basic Engineering Series and Tools), and shares his answers to our rapid-fire questions.

To hear more from Ron Bennett, be sure to tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• We are led through Ron Bennett’s story: who he is, what he’s done, and his career journey.

• Why he started the School of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas.

• His hope for Leadership for Engineers and the inspiration to take his curriculum and turn it into a book.

• What Ron is working on currently: The innovator's dilemma issue.

Quotes:

“Part of this whole thing of leadership is use all the talent around you and recognize it [and] nurture it and help it grow.” — Ron Bennett

“You’re going to be better at what you do if you’re working on something that you’re interested in.” — Ron Bennett

“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” — Ron Bennett

“The thing that I would most like is if someone talked about it that I inspired ordinary people to do extraordinary things for the common good, and for their own good for that matter.” — Ron Bennett

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ron Bennett on LinkedIn

The Engineer's Guide to Authentic Leadership

‘EMPOWERMENT: How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs’

Leadership for Engineers

Bill George on LinkedIn

Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

'14 Grand Challenges for Engineers'

The Obligation of the Engineer

Bill Mandara | Mancini Duffy

Architecting Change: Leadership Lessons in a Shifting Industry with Bill Mandara

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Joining BJ on the show today is Bill Mandara, the CEO and Owner of Mancini Duffy. With over 25 years of experience in architectural design, Bill has applied his expertise to a wide range of projects, including industrial facilities, corporate offices, residential housing, retail spaces, and educational buildings.

Deeply involved in every stage of project development, from initial design to construction, Bill brings a comprehensive perspective to his work. His hands-on experience in the construction field has further enriched his understanding of all aspects of the building process, making him a well-rounded leader in the industry.

Join the conversation to hear the fascinating history behind his architectural career path and how he ended up in the AEC industry, what sparked his interest in becoming an owner, and Bill also sheds light on some of the leadership lessons he’s learned since taking over Mancini Duffy. For all this, and more, tune in now.

Key Points From This Episode:

• He unpacks his history, career path as an architect, and how he ended up in the AEC industry.

• His journey into the Mancini Duffy firm and reinventing the culture.

• Bill speaks to some of the leadership lessons he’s learned taking over Mancini Duffy.

• How Bill and his business partner Christian assigned roles and split duties at the company.

• Putting your ego in check, and not grabbing for recognition.

Quotes:

“[My grandfather and father] always had this narrative of elevating the family throughout the generations.” — Bill Mandara

“I think [a leadership lesson I’ve learned] is that; if you give people opportunity, they’re going to either really impress you, or not. And I think you can pretty quickly understand that.” — Bill Mandara

“Say what’s on your mind, be honest, and don’t beat around the bush — sometimes just saying what’s on your mind — [will] usually end in a much better result than you’re thinking. Get it all out there.” — Bill Mandara

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Bill Mandara on LinkedIn

Bill Mandara on X

Mancini Duffy

Christian Giordano on LinkedIn

Ego is the Enemy: The Fight to Master Our Greatest Opponent

Leaders are Levers with BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

True leadership isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about empowering others and driving meaningful impact. In this solo episode of The Leadership Blueprints Podcast, host BJ Kraemer dives into the heart of leadership transformation.

Tuning in, you’ll hear BJ unpack the concept of “leadership as leverage” and how leaders act as levers for those they are leading. He expands on this concept by sharing his insights on what the army taught him about leadership, like how to balance mission execution with taking care of the people who accomplish that mission. To end, BJ encourages listeners to reflect on their leadership style and commit to leadership in 2025.

Don’t miss out on this impactful conversation on how to become the lever your team needs!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Unpacking the concept of leadership as leverage and how leaders act as levers.

• The two objectives of leadership: accomplishing the mission and serving your team.

• Why leadership is not about you, but the people relying on you.

• How great leaders ensure their team understands the why behind their mission.

• Navigating the tension between taking care of your team and accomplishing the mission.

Quotes:

“The leadership platform is one to be taken seriously, and requires constant self-reflection, self-development, testing, reevaluating, reapplying, and this whole process of continuous improvement.” — BJ Kraemer

“Leadership is about understanding and executing the mission that you've been empowered to lead, and taking care of the people and empowering them to help you accomplish that mission.” — BJ Kraemer

“Leadership's not about me. I'm not here to become a better me for me; I'm here to become a better me for everybody that's going to be relying on me.” — BJ Kraemer

“Reflect on your leadership of 2024: Did you lean more toward focusing on your team or focusing on the mission?” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Heath Sanders on LinkedIn

Navy Football, Nuclear Energy, and Leveraging Leadership for Impact with Heath Sanders

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Some of the best examples of good leadership come from the military. Today on Leadership Blueprints we are joined by veteran and CEO of HCPA Construction, Heath Sanders.

Tuning in, you’ll hear all about who Heath is today, his career journey from the Naval Academy to construction, his vision for his business in the future, and so much more! Heath discusses some of the most important leadership lessons he learned from the military and how he’s made use of them in his construction and entrepreneurial career.

He touches on the parallels between leadership lessons in the military and in trade professions like construction. And he shares his thoughts on nuclear power and even shares advice for transitioning veterans.

Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Heath tells us about HCPA Construction and BeaverFit.

• What led him to the Naval Academy and a breakdown of his career.

• Heath shares some leadership lessons he’s learned and how he applies them to HCPA.

• What his vision is for where HCPA Construction is going in the future.

• Heath’s thoughts about nuclear power and advice for transitioning veterans.

Quotes:

“[In the military,] you have a mountain of things that need to get done and you have to be able to prioritize the most important tasks, and what I found interesting is that’s really the case in construction as well.” — Heath Sanders

“Do the right thing right and in that order.” — Heath Sanders

“I think the trades and specifically construction are well suited for military veterans.” — Heath Sanders

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

HCPA Construction

BeaverFit

The Fountainhead
A Game of Thrones

Gail W. Kosyla on LinkedIn

Inside the C-Suite: The CFO’s Role in Capital Program Investment and Decision-Making with Gail Kosyla

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Capital is the cornerstone of healthcare infrastructure, and building large-scale projects without it is impossible.

Joining us today is Gail W. Kosyla, Executive Vice President and CFO at Yale New Haven Health System, to explore the intersection of healthcare, finance, and infrastructure. With over 38 years of experience, Gail has navigated the complexities of mergers, capital allocation, and strategic planning in a not-for-profit healthcare model, overseeing $6 billion in annual operations.

In this engaging discussion, Gail shares how her team balances immediate needs with long-term investments, including a billion-dollar neurosciences tower project adapted in the wake of the pandemic. She also reflects on the challenges of fostering innovation while maintaining access and quality in a system under financial pressure.

Gail’s career path offers valuable lessons for leaders across industries. Her focus on mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong learning underscores the importance of shared knowledge and diverse perspectives in tackling today’s challenges.

Tune in for a fresh perspective on leadership in complex, dynamic systems!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Balancing quality care delivery with financial sustainability in nonprofit healthcare.

• Unpacking the role of mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare industry.

• How leadership makes decisions that balance core services and new growth opportunities.

• Gail’s experiences as a woman in finance and healthcare and how it’s shaped her leadership.

• The future of healthcare real estate, including supplementing ownership of core facilities.

• Examining the challenges and opportunities of managing large-scale projects.

• The need for strategic planning and investment in technology and growth.

Quotes:

“[As a non-profit] we don't exist to make a profit, but we need to make a profit to be able to fund important projects, to fund growth, and to have that security net of care for our community.” — Gail W. Kosyla

“Everyone should be involved in finance. We’ve all got to be stewards of our resources – I just consider myself the shepherd of that. It’s up to all of our people – down to every employee in the organization of just being good stewards of our resources.” — Gail W. Kosyla

“Building those connections and having safe spaces to have conversations is so important. – I don’t think that any one person can know everything, we’re just better when we talk to people and share.” — Gail W. Kosyla

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Yale New Haven Health

Lean In Circles
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Echelon Front Field Training Exercise (FTX)

The Power of Storytelling: How Communication Shapes the Construction Industry with Dan Briscoe

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:33:15 -0500

Ever wonder what it takes to fix the people problem in the industries that quite literally build our world?

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with Dan Briscoe, President of BuildWitt, a company on a mission to transform the "dirt world,” from heavy civil construction to infrastructure and more.

Join us as we unpack the leadership, recruitment, and retention challenges facing the construction industry and explore how BuildWitt is innovating with creative solutions like microlearning platforms and leadership summits. Dan also shares invaluable insights from his journey through the Marine Corps, healthcare, and construction, offering actionable leadership lessons that resonate beyond the dirt world, and touches on the vital importance of caring for employees.

If you want to find out how tackling these challenges can elevate your leadership, inspire your team, and secure a thriving future for the construction industry, be sure to tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• BuildWitt’s focus on improving recruitment, training, and engagement in the dirt world.

• Unique challenges and hidden opportunities in the construction industry.

• The importance of caring for employees while building sustainable business models.

• Rethinking work-life balance to attract the next generation to the construction industry.

• Addressing systemic issues like mental health, safety, and professional development.

Quotes:

“There's so much of this industry that people don't know, don't see, take for granted.” — Dan Briscoe

“You’ve got to have a good business that's profitable so that you can lead and care for people. That's got to be first.” — Dan Briscoe

“To attract the next generation [to the construction industry] and make it somewhere where people want to come work, they want to have a life and they want to work hard – We've got to think differently as leaders.” — Dan Briscoe

“We've got to be better companies to our current employees so that they don't leave and that they're fulfilled – We've got to take care of them not only with a paycheck, but look at their health and mental health.” — Dan Briscoe

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

BuildWitt

Dan Briscoe on LinkedIn

Dan Briscoe on Instagram

Ariat DirtWorldSummit

Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family

Landman

Banana Ball: The Unbelievably True Story of the Savannah Bananas

Reset: How to Change What's Not Working

United Engineering Foundation

Infrastructure and Innovation: Solving Today’s Problems Ethically with Pat Natale

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Engineers should leave the world a better place than they found it!

Today, we are joined by the executive director of the National Engineering Foundation, Pat Natale. In this conversation, you’ll hear all about Pat’s incredible career, why he always prioritizes people in business, the power of marketing and diversification, and so much more!

We go on to discuss how the public’s awareness and understanding of infrastructure investment has changed and why it should not be political. We also dive into his experience at PSEG and some leadership lessons he learned throughout his career.

Finally, our guest offers some final words of wisdom for anyone who is new to the engineering world.

Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The importance of the ‘people’ side of business.

• Which diversification programs are working according to Pat and the power of marketing.

• Pat shares how the public’s awareness and understanding of infrastructure investment.

• Why infrastructure and engineering should not be political.

• Final words of wisdom for engineering students and new engineers.

Quotes:

“[Engineers are] the doctors of infrastructure, and we’re going to advise you on what you need to do.” — Pat Natale

“I believe engineers should leave things better than we found them.” — Pat Natale

“Engineers need to be able to communicate effectively.” — Pat Natale

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Pat Natale on LinkedIn

Changing the Conversation

Messages Matter

The Tipping Point

Think Big, Act Small

Jason Jennings Books on Amazon

The O-Ring Case Study

National Academy of Construction

Melissa Smith on LinkedIn

The Innovation Equation: Overcoming Inertia and Driving Change with Melissa Smith

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 14:27:11 -0500

How can today’s leaders best empower the new generation?

Melissa Smith is a Leadership and Innovation Consultant for a boutique firm in Michigan called Innovatrium, and she joins us today to share her career journey, and key insights she has learned along the way. Join us as Melissa unpacks the four personality categories that guide her as she builds international teams.

We discuss the five things that an idea needs to succeed, which include a birthday, and Melissa shares what she loves most about the new generation and how we can best support them to harness their enthusiasm most effectively. Melissa gives us a glimpse into her interior world with the quotes she lives by, why she would like to be remembered as a try-hard, and more.

Tune in today to hear all this and more.

Key Points From This Episode:.

• The four personality categories that she builds her teams around.

• How her work is structured through the framework, experimentation, and a final step forward.

• The five things that an idea needs to succeed.

• What Melissa believes the next generation needs from us as leaders.

Quotes:

“We create teams around these four different personalities to bring about innovation and new ideas.” — Melissa Smith

“You have to overcome the inertia that is the status quo, and that’s the hardest part.” — Melissa Smith

“What we can give [the next generation] is our ears, to listen to the challenges they have [through] a lens of wisdom and lived experiences, but to have them keep [their] enthusiasm.” — Melissa Smith

“To go at all things with enthusiasm and to put your whole self behind them I think is where I’m at.” — Melissa Smith

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Innovatrium

The 6 Types of Working Genius

Moonshots

Range
Simon Sinek
The Infinite Game

The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway

2025 Would Be a Success If...: A Guide to Meaningful Goal Setting with BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In the final episode of Leadership Blueprints for 2024, BJ Kraemer focuses on Christmas gratitude, reflecting on the year, and planning for a successful 2025. The episode emphasizes the importance of annual reflection as a tool for growth, acknowledging wins and losses, and setting clear, actionable goals for the coming year.

Key Points From This Episode:

· The significance of the movie It's a Wonderful Life as a lens to understand gratitude and perspective.

· Kraemer’s personal annual reflection process, which includes reviewing his calendar and photos, identifying wins, losses, and lessons learned.

· Planning and prioritizing goals for 2025 with a focus on professional, family, and personal objectives.

· The power of habits and systems in achieving success, with advice on creating an "ideal week" and building consistency.

· A closing message on reframing challenges as lessons and expressing gratitude to those who made an impact.

Quotes:

“No year is a failure if we learn from it.” — BJ Kraemer
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” — William Arthur Ward
“The person we want to become is a direct result of the goals we set and achieve, the people we meet, and the books we read.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Architecting Success: How Andrew Lewis Built His Career at NK Architects

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:08:47 -0500

What does it take to excel in architecture and engineering leadership?

Andrew Lewis, principal architect at NK Architects and manager of their Philadelphia office, shares his journey from an ambitious architecture student to leading in one of the industry’s most respected firms. Reflecting on his formative years, Andrew highlights how serendipity and initiative shaped his career, from pivotal moments like building connections at unexpected places to spearheading large-scale projects early in his tenure.

Andrew also discusses the importance of curiosity, a willingness to step outside comfort zones, and fostering a workplace culture that embraces trust and autonomy. He provides insights into NK Architects’ entrepreneurial spirit, the feedback loops that propelled his rapid growth, and the firm’s adoption of the EOS system to guide their next phase of development.

Tune in for valuable lessons on balancing ambition with humility, creating environments for leadership to thrive, and staying curious in a fast-evolving industry!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Andrew’s journey to becoming an architect and joining NK Architects.

• Reflections on how the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is evolving.

• The importance of having a willingness to grow, especially as you start your career.

• Andrew’s insights on nurturing leadership within your organizations.

Quotes:

“Graduating into the bottom of a recession isn't really so bad, because you don't really have anything to lose. It's not like when you start working for a couple years and you get comfortable and then all of a sudden the industry just completely shuts down.” — Andrew Lewis

“The feedback loop opportunity that I was getting was so tight and so condensed that I was like, ‘I'm advancing at a really fast rate here, and if I just keep at this, who knows where it's going to go’. And 14 years later, I feel like that feedback loop is still active – I'm still really learning and growing daily.” — Andrew Lewis

“It was really rapid growth for where I [was] in my career. And I can't say that was because of me. That was really because of the environment that I was placed in.” — Andrew Lewis

“This knowledge of when to speak up and when to say something and when to take action – I can't say that anyone taught me that. I think that's that's just a thing [where] maybe there's a bit of it inside of you, and then there's a bit of nurture as well.” — Andrew Lewis

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Andrew Lewis on LinkedIn

Cherelle Parker

Dr. Led Klosky on LinkedIn

Born to Lead? The Truth About Leadership Development at West Point with Dr. Led Klosky

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

While military strategy often looks to the past, the future demands adaptability and innovation.

At West Point, the Cyber Engineering & Academic Center (CEAC) is designed to prepare cadets for the technological and military challenges of tomorrow. In this episode, Dr. Led Klosky, Professor of Civil Engineering and the Dean’s Executive Agent for Design and Construction, takes us behind the scenes of the $200 million CEAC project.

He reveals how its design balances tradition with modern needs, creating flexible, future-proof spaces that are ready for anything (even the potential for giant fighting robots! Dr. Klosky also reflects on fostering collaboration among stakeholders, managing friction with empathy, and the importance of mental resilience in high-pressure environments like construction and the military.

Tune in to uncover leadership lessons that apply to any field and discover how adaptability, vision, and clear communication can drive success in even the most complex projects.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Klosky’s journey from Virginia Tech to West Point via the oil fields and academia.

• His evolving role as the Dean’s Executive Agent for Design and Construction at West Point.

• Why collaboration and flexibility are essential for building a dynamic, future-ready US Army.

• Reasons that communication is key for resolving issues and keeping stakeholders aligned.

• Addressing mental health and resilience in military, academic, and construction settings.

• Unpacking some of the parallels between Army and construction industry cultures.

Quotes:

“We teach leadership [at West Point]. We grow leaders. It’s possible to make an excursion from where you are to where you want to be – as a leader or a human being. It’s not innate or somehow written in the stars at the time of your birth.” — Dr. Led Klosky

“Communication often suffers in times of crisis when, in fact, communication should go up. You should have more communication the bigger the crisis.” — Dr. Led Klosky

“Luck is a combination of preparation, recognition, and action.” — Dr. Led Klosky

“How do we involve [all stakeholders] in a way that acknowledges the expertise they bring, harvests their great ideas, and moves to resolution quickly when there's a conflict? That was largely my role [to facilitate] during [the CEAC design process].” — Dr. Led Klosky

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Led Klosky

US Military Academy at West Point

Cyber & Engineering Academic Center (CEAC)

USMA 2035 Modernization Plan

1776

Into Thin Air

Inspiring People & Places Is Now Leadership Blueprints; Why Rebrand With BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 14:25:01 -0500

Long-time listeners of the show may have noticed that we have a new name! Welcome to another episode of Leadership Blueprints – formerly Inspiring People and Places. Today, BJ is discussing the podcast’s recent rebrand and the exciting changes we can expect.

Tuning in, you’ll hear about why we decided to rebrand the show, why the intention and mission haven’t changed, an overview of what will be different, and why we will have a sharper focus on leadership. In closing, BJ tells listeners what he hopes this podcast will give to them and shares his desire for this change to be a breath of fresh air.

To hear all this and even be reminded of the gift that leadership responsibilities bring, press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why we rebranded the podcast.

• The purpose and intention of Inspiring People and Places.

• BJ’s definition of what leadership is.

• What is staying the same in the podcast and what is changing.

• Why BJ believes that everyone has leadership responsibilities.

Quotes:

“I’m very excited about the logo and the brand. I just think it’s more on target.” — BJ Kraemer

“I hope that we’re delivering a lot of value. That is and remains our goal.” — BJ Kraemer

“[The] name [of the podcast] has changed, the mission remains the same.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Tedd Wheeler on Research Gate

Passion, Purpose & Plan with Tedd Wheeler

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

If you want to be a leader, you have to own your career and do it with humility.

Today’s guest is self-proclaimed practitioner-scholar, Tedd Wheeler. With a background in the military and a career in AEC, Tedd uses his incredible skills to mentor and coach the next generation.

Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Tedd’s career, his time in the military, his passion for teaching, and the importance of Individual Development Planning. Tedd goes on to share how he balances his mentees’ expectations before discussing how military principles like MDMP can be used in the civilian sector.

Our guest tells us about some of his favorite books, discusses why he would love to have dinner with his late mom and brother one more time, and shares how he would like to be remembered when he passes away. Finally, he reminds us to have a passion, purpose, and plan in everything we do!

Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A breakdown of our guest’s career and passion for teaching.

• What a great Individual Development Plan process looks like.

• Examples of what makes for great mentor-mentee relationships.

• The importance of breaking down the steps towards your goals.

• Making use of military principles in the civilian sector.

Quotes:

“If you are not your own best personnel manager, no one will take care of you.” — Tedd Wheeler

“Education is about meeting the students where they are.” — Tedd Wheeler

“You can’t have a learning organization if you don’t have individuals [who] are taking charge of themselves.” — Tedd Wheeler

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Tedd Wheeler on LinkedIn

Tedd’s Individual Development Plan

MDMP

Troop Leading Procedures

The Fifth Discipline

Mao Tse-Tung on Revolution

On Fire

Major General John Gronski

Iron Sharpens Iron : The Power of Positive Leadership with John Gronski

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:33:31 -0500

There is a destructive yet persistent American culture that sees people elevated to leadership positions without the required training or coaching. Today’s guest aims to ease this particular pain point by bringing military-style leadership to the civilian world.

John Gronski is a former Major General who's pivoted to being a motivational speaker and life coach. He begins our conversation by describing everything that happens at the coaching and consulting company he founded: Leader Grove. We learn about John’s journey from rural Pennsylvania to coaching and via the Army before honing in on the challenges he faced while deployed with the Army in Ramadi, Iraq.

John also shares what he learned about being a leader from his time in active service, the ins and outs of his three leadership-centered books, the undeniable value of mentorship, and the best practices for building resilience and a never-say-die mindset.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Unpacking the American culture of raising leaders without adequate leadership training.

• From rural Pennsylvania to the Army to coaching: How it happened for John.

• Understanding the value of mentorship and practical advice for seeking the right mentors.

Quotes:

“My personal purpose is to help leaders who want to improve and become better leaders. That’s why I started Leader Grove.” — Major General John Gronski

“We need people in our life who make us stronger and we have to look for people that we could make stronger. That’s what leadership, in my mind, is all about.” — Major General John Gronski

“Mentorship is 360 degrees. Which means, I not only get mentored from people who are senior than me; I could get mentored from someone who is much junior that I am. You can learn from everybody, no matter what their level of life experience is.” — Major General John Gronski

“I believe leaders are grown and not born.” — Major General John Gronski

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Major General John Gronski on LinkedIn

Major General John Gronski on Instagram

Major General John Gronski on YouTube

Major General John Gronski on Facebook

Books by Major General John Gronski

United States Army Europe and Africa

Proverbs 27:17

The Leadership Challenge

The Leadership Moment

We Were Soldiers Once...and Young

The Miracle Morning

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

Leading Without a Uniform: Redefining Purpose After Military Service with Steve Kempa

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:22:43 -0500

What does it take to redefine leadership beyond the battlefield?

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, former CH-53E helicopter pilot, Marine Corps veteran, and MCFA Project Leader Steve Kempa sheds light on his transformative journey from Marine to mentor.

Steve shares how his time in the military helped shape his understanding of leadership and how transitioning to the civilian world pushed him to embrace empathy, emotional intelligence, and the power of collaboration. He also offers insight into the “mission first, people always” mantra that he learned during his career as a Marine, reflecting on the importance of balancing goals with compassion.

From earning his MBA while on active duty to championing veterans' mental health through November, Steve opens up about overcoming personal challenges, staying grounded through martial arts, and finding purpose in mentoring the next generation.

This conversation is essential listening for veterans, mentors, and anyone seeking to reimagine leadership beyond titles and rank!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How he found new challenges and professional growth after 10 years in the Marines.

• How he earned an MBA while on active duty, focusing on marketing, innovation, and design.

• The challenges of adapting military leadership skills to civilian environments.

• Why inclusion, emotional intelligence, and coaching rather than leading are key.

• Shifting from hierarchical, rank-based leadership to collaborative, empathy-driven leadership.

• The value of building trust and motivating teams by connecting their tasks to larger goals.

• The power of leveraging the veteran network for guidance and opportunities.

• Reasons to stay active, seek fulfilling endeavors, and focus on personal growth.

Quotes:

“Having empathy [and] understanding that you never know what someone else might be going through – is so crucial because as much as we need to get the mission done, something that I learned – during my time in the military is ‘mission first people always’.” — Steve Kempa

“As flawed as I may be, I still find purpose and value in mentoring young men and helping other people out.” — Steve Kempa

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Steve Kempa

Steve Kempa on LinkedIn

The Challenge Center

Movember

The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Education

With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by E. B. Sledge

Sons Youth

Mary Elaine Baker on LinkedIn

Leading with Heart: How VA USA Creates Community and Purposeful Work with Brett & Mary Elaine Baker

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:12:31 -0500

What if your personal challenges could inspire a business that changes lives?

In this episode, we delve into the power of transformative leadership and impact-driven entrepreneurship. We uncovered the inspiring journey of Brett and Mary Elaine Baker as they built VAUSA, a remarkable virtual assistant company dedicated to empowering military families while supporting faith- and mission-driven businesses.

Join us as Brett and Mary Elaine share their journey from military life to entrepreneurship, detailing the growth of their business, their integration of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and the unique dynamics of their leadership roles as Visionary and Integrator. From insights on balancing work, family, and mental health to practical tips for using your gifts to serve others, this conversation offers actionable strategies for anyone looking to align their work with their values.

To discover how redefining success as impact, not just profit, can transform your life, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode

• An introduction to Brett, Mary Elaine, VAUSA, and who they serve.

• The transition from military life to entrepreneurship and leadership roles.

• Reasons that vision-casting is so important in both life and business.

• Advice for overcoming the fear that often accompanies “starting something.”

Quotes:

“We have this calling – from God, saying, ‘Now that you’ve been blessed, it’s time for you to go share this blessing with other people.’ That’s where it started.” — Mary Elaine Baker

“Once we started – seeing the fruits of [our] labor and seeing the impact we could make, we just wanted to do more – It kept motivating us to push further, not to build a business that makes a huge profit but to build a business that makes a huge impact on people.” — Brett Baker

“Each one of us is born with God-given gifts. We’re meant to discover what they are and use them not for personal gain but in order to serve and help others.” — Mary Elaine Baker

“At some point, [you] have to sit down and say, ‘What do I want out of this life? What is the impact that I want to make?’ Then, go out there and try to create that for yourself.” — Brett Baker

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

VAUSA

Brett Baker on LinkedIn

Mary Elaine Baker on Instagram

Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)

Rocket Fuel

How to Be a Great Boss

Pete Anzovino on LinkedIn

Built for Success: Applying Military Leadership to the Built Environment with Pete Anzovino

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:04:53 -0500

From military precision to civilian construction, today’s guest offers a powerful blueprint for transformative leadership. Pete Anzovino recently joined MCFA after retiring from the US Army, coming to us through the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program. This program helps former service members and veterans transition into fulfilling careers in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

In this episode, Pete shares how the SkillBridge Program eased his transition and highlighted the surprising parallels between military operations and project management. He discussed the benefits of certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP) to lessons on navigating multiple stakeholders and maintaining clear communication. Pete provides invaluable insights on leveraging military experience in new, impactful ways.

Whether you’re a veteran or simply curious about project leadership, this episode is full of practical guidance and actionable advice for making a meaningful transition! To discover how to lead with purpose, manage with precision, and create impact in any field, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Key similarities between military roles and project management in construction.

• Insight into SkillBridge and Hiring Our Heroes, assisting veterans in entering civilian careers.

• The importance of certifications like OSHA-30, ESP, and PMP in the transition process.

• Leadership lessons from the military that apply to managing projects, people, and teams.

Quotes:

“The skills that we use as military officers, whether you're an engineer, [infantry officer, or an armor officer], everything you're doing relates to project management. You're managing people, time, funds, resources in general to accomplish a mission.” — Pete Anzovino

“When we were going through the [SkillBridge] program, whether we ended up employed with MCFA or not, – [it] was a great opportunity to gain exposure to industry but also walk away with three certifications that – would look great on a resume.” — Pete Anzovino

“Do the best you can with what you have right now.” — Pete Anzovino

“If you're in a [SkillBridge program], definitely leverage your fellow SkillBridge fellows because everyone's having a different experience and you can learn something from everybody.” — Pete Anzovino

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

DoD SkillBridge

Hiring Our Heroes

OSHA 30-Hour Training

Envision Sustainability Professional (ESP) Training

Project Management Professional (PMP) Training

The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living

Ryan Holiday

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE

Wally Adamchik on LinkedIn

Building Trust, Pride, and Camaraderie: The Cornerstones of Construction Leadership with Wally Adamchik

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 09:35:21 -0500

Being coached in leadership is one thing, but without actionable steps to turn those lessons into reality, that coaching becomes redundant. Welcome back to our rebranded podcast, Leadership Blueprints! Today we are very excited to introduce Wally Adamchik, former US marine, President of Firestarter Consulting, and leadership coach.

He joins us to discuss all things leadership! Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Wally’s career, what inspired him to become a leadership coach, what Firestarter Consulting does, who their target audience is, and so much more! We delve into some of the issues in the construction industry before Wally shares what he thinks makes for a great workplace.

He even talks us through some of the action steps he teaches his clients in his leadership courses; including the histories, heroes, heartaches, and hopes exercise. Finally, Wally shares his favorite quotes and books and tells us who his dream dinner guests would be. Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What led Wally to do what he does today and what Firestarter Consulting does.

• How Wally approaches the problems in the construction industry as a leader.

• The histories, heroes, heartaches, and hopes exercise Wally teaches.

Quotes:

“What is a great place to work? Well, it’s trust, pride, and camaraderie.” — Wally Adamchik

“You can tell me what your values are but you can’t tell me why your values are. And until you can tell me why your values are, you don’t have a solid foundation. And if you don’t have a solid foundation – you will not have stability.” — Wally Adamchik

“Self-awareness – may take you to some dark places, it may take you to some scary places within you but it’s worth it because you come out better on the other side.” — Wally Adamchik

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Wally Adamchik on X

Wally Adamchik on Instagram

Firestarter Speaking and Consulting

Construction Leadership

The Lost Art of Listening

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… And It's All Small Stuff

SAME Career Transition Workshop

Setting Non-Negotiables: How to Find the Right Post-Military Career Fit with Katie Kilker

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Joining BJ on the debut episode of our newly rebranded podcast, Leadership Blueprints, formerly Inspiring People & Places, is Katie Kilker, Senior Project Director for Federal Facilities in the Engineering, Design, and Infrastructure Group at AtkinsRéalis. In honor of November's Veteran Salute, DOD to AEC, we’re spotlighting Katie’s recent transition from active duty in the Air Force to her current role in the built environment.

Tune in to hear Katie discuss her journey to the Air Force, her formative experiences, what an Air Force career can look like, and her role at AtkinsRéalis. She also shares insights from “taking off the Colonel Kilker uniform” and stepping into civilian life, key elements for a smooth and successful transition, and valuable resources for those planning to transition.

Don’t miss the first episode under our new name, enjoy!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Where her career started and how she ended up in the Air Force.

• What started the process of transitioning out of active duty.

• How she started her transition early and figured out her must-haves and no-compromises.

• Key elements to a successful transition and her experience so far.

Quotes:

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Start your [transition] plan early, be inquisitive, and learn about what you want to do and don’t just feel like you need to do what other people want you to do.” — Katie Kilker

“Being a leader, you kind of need to be extroverted for people to see who you are. You can’t just hide in the shadows, assess, and write notes and stuff.” — Katie Kilker

“Civilians — are the bedrock of the Air Force.” — Katie Kilker

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Katie Kilker on LinkedIn

AtkinsRéalis

Georgia Tech

Beale Air Force Base

The COMMIT Foundation

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

Military Retirement on Google Play

Military Retirement on Apple iStore

American Corporate Partners

Theodore Roosevelt Quote

Daring Greatly

Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life

Michael Fuhrman on LinkedIn

Through the Valley of No and up the Mountain of We Can’t: A Journey in Project Development with Michael Fuhrman & Brian Pieplow

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:16:37 -0400

What does it take to turn big ideas into lasting infrastructure?

In this episode, we sit down with two MCFA team members, Michael Fuhrman and Brian Pieplow, to dig into their new book, Make No Little Plans: A Planning as a Project Development Approach to Building Infrastructure. Michael, Co-Founder of MCFA, and Brian, Chief Project Development Officer, bring a combined wealth of expertise to MCFA.

Michael’s extensive background in environmental permitting, land use planning, and regulatory compliance aligns projects with sustainable standards. Brian’s leadership is in professional growth and skill-building strategies. This combination keeps MCFA’s talent at the forefront of industry best practices.

In our conversation, we discuss what they hope readers will take away from it. Learn about their discover, navigate, accelerate (D-N-A) process described in the book and how it benefits professionals in the industry. Explore common misconceptions around urban planning, what it takes to be an agency champion, and why the time is now for public infrastructure and planning.

They also discuss the power of curiosity in urban planning, share recommendations for budding urban planners, unpack the policy shifts needed, and explore what it takes to be successful in the industry. Join us to discover how big projects and outcomes start with small plans and the steps to get there with Michael Fuhrman and Brian Pieplow.

Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The meaning behind the title 'Make No Little Plans' and what inspired it.

• Unpack the "planning as a project development approach" concept.

• Hear real-world examples of applying the D-N-A approach to planning.

• Their passion for urban planning and what got them interested in it.

• Challenging the status quo of urban planning and what needs to change.

• Brian and Michael share the impact they are hoping to achieve with the book.

Quotes:

“Big projects and big outcomes start with small plans.” — Brian Pieplow

“When you see things like a bridge, road, or building, it all started with a plan and an idea.” — Michael Fuhrman

“Every project is going to die a thousand deaths along its journey that is worthwhile and complex.” — Brian Pieplow

“I hope for young professionals to really grasp what we are saying, and there is a way to get things done. There is light at the end of the tunnel.” — Michael Fuhrman

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Michael Fuhrman

Brian Pieplow

Brian Pieplow on LinkedIn

Arlington National Cemetery

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
Thinking, Fast and Slow

Leading with Purpose: Lessons from the Navy Applied to Real Estate with Paul Garvey

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Entering a new career after your military service can be a tough transition, but there are plenty of transferrable skills that can help you on your journey. Joining us today is Paul Garvey, Executive Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield, to talk about his time in the Navy and the transition into corporate real estate.

Tuning in, you’ll learn about key skills and experiences from his military career, and how they have served him in his new business environment. We unpack what it’s like working your way up in real estate brokerage today, and how to make sure you have the right support in place so that you can give it your all and get the best possible outcome.

He also shares his advice for other veterans who want to enter a new career and how to make sure they are adequately prepared for their exit. To learn more about the fascinating world of international real estate and the path to a career transition for veterans, be sure to tune in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Development and consulting in international corporate real estate.

• Military career skills that have served him well in the corporate real estate world.

• What it’s like working your way up in real estate brokerage today.

• Everything you need to know about The Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation in Philadelphia.

• Advice on transitioning out of the military and going toward something new.

Quotes:

“[With real estate brokerage] when things get going, things get tough. You've just got to put your nose to the grindstone and work hard. That's one of the beauties of the things [is that] you can you can change that outcome.” — Paul Garvey

“We can't create peace in the Middle East. We have no ability to change that. – What we can do is make a change right around us to the people we touch every day.” — Paul Garvey

“If you're transitioning out [of the military], don’t just leave, go [toward] something.” — Paul Garvey

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Paul Garvey

Paul Garvey on LinkedIn

Cushman & Wakefield

Steven Covey Books

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

The Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation

Alex Archawski on LinkedIn

Sales as Leadership: Redefining the Art of Selling with Alex Archawaski

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 09:18:27 -0400

Many veterans struggle to find their place in a world different from the one in active service. However, many skills learned on the military base are valuable and transferable to civilian life. For sales, your military background may even serve you better than someone with a more traditional career trajectory.

Today we are joined by Navy Veteran, Alex Archawski, whose impressive business acumen led to him founding two companies—Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network and Veteran Shark Tank—including being the President of Sales Evolution.

We begin with Alex’s work and home life before learning about the three titles he currently holds and what each role entails. Then, we uncover important sales facts that every business leader needs to know, why there’s a common disconnect between sales and revenue in the industry, skills that easily transfer from military to business, and the importance of teaching the youth about leadership from a young age.

To end, Alex describes how he can maintain consistent levels of high performance, why his life is centered on helping others, and he lays down a (very doable) challenge for all veterans who want to improve their lives.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The ins and outs of the Veteran Shark Tank and the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network.

• Why a disconnect between sales and revenue is a common industry occurrence.

• Transferable skills that one should lean on when transitioning from the Military to sales.

• Sales tips and tricks to keep in your locker.

Quotes:

“[The Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network] is really about empowering the community to work collectively together in different ways.” — Alex Archawski

“Everybody likes to make more money; I would 100% agree with you. But philosophically, I run into people that are not willing to make the effort.” — Alex Archawski

“Your signature moment [in sales] is influencing somebody to change the way they do things for the better of their business. That’s powerful.” — Alex Archawski

“That’s my motto, ‘So others may live.’ When people say, ‘What do you do for a living?’ I’m always like, ‘I’m a glorified facilitator.’” — Alex Archawski

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Veteran Shark Tank

Sales Evolution

Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network

West Point Society of Philadelphia

11th Annual Veteran Shark Tank – December 9, 2024

Atomic Habits

EOS: The Quarterly Conversation

Breaking the Annual Review Cycle: Are Quarterly Conversations Missing From Your Leadership Toolbox with BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:35:54 -0400

Committing to candid quarterly conversations is one of the most powerful organizational levers you can tap into. These discussions are beneficial to everyone, driving growth for both individuals and the organization.

As we head into the fourth quarter of the year, BJ Kraemer shares his thoughts on why annual feedback isn’t enough. Why formalizing a process for these quarterly conversations is essential for successful growth. What these conversations should entail, and the impact of avoiding difficult discussions.

He also breaks down the key elements that make these conversations truly effective. To learn how to implement effective quarterly conversations, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Reasons that annual feedback is just not enough.

• Why formalizing a process into quarterly conversations is a big lever to tap into.

• What a quarterly conversation should cover.

• Processes for having effective and candid quarterly conversations.

• How finishing this year strong enables you to start next year with increased momentum.

Quotes:

“I want my employees [to understand] their role, their responsibilities, and [advocate] for how their growth is tied to our growth and our growth is tied to their growth. I want my managers to be engaged in helping them think through that.” — BJ Kraemer

“Formalizing a process into quarterly conversations is one of the biggest organizational levers you can tap.” — BJ Kraemer

“Having consistent, candid conversations with employees is to everybody’s benefit.” — BJ Kraemer

“Feedback the breakfast of champions.” — BJ Kraemer

“You cannot be afraid of having hard conversations because the more you let that hard conversation linger, the harder that conversation is to have.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jack Welch on LinkedIn

How to Win Friends & Influence People

IPD Done Right: Overcoming Challenges in Integrated Project Delivery with Jim Brill

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

What makes or breaks a multi-million-dollar capital project?

In today’s episode, we sat down with Jim Brill, Managing Director of the Construction and Real Estate Practice at EY to uncover what it takes to be successful in large-scale investment projects. With over 30 years of experience, Jim has advised a variety of stakeholders on capital projects across multiple industries. His leadership in consulting and expertise in project management have made him a key figure in the industry.

In our conversation, we find out how he got started in the industry, what his current role entails, and hear what makes EY unique in the construction and real-estate space. We also unpack how EY serves clients from the ground up to execution and its approach to integrating the entire business and owner objectives into a project.

Explore the various ways a large-scale project can fail, how EY supports the mission of its clients, and the various sectors it operates in. And discover why good leaders are vital for effective risk management, the difference between perception and perspective, the steps to fostering a healthy work culture, the importance of communication, and more.

Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Learn how to navigate the needs of the business with nuances of design and construction.

• Learn the fundamentals of setting a project up for success from its inception.

• How to gain an understanding of an entire project and the different teams involved.

Quotes:

“In my business, we have to sell internally to your account partners and then be able to get a good conversation [going] with the account themselves.” — Jim Brill

“I think that it takes good leaders to be able to execute risk management appropriately.” — Jim Brill

“Put in the hard work early and often, and it is going to pay dividends.” — Jim Brill

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jim Brill on LinkedIn

EY (Ernst & Young)

The Knock at the Door: Three Gold Star Families Bonded by Grief and Purpose

If Not Me, Then Who: The Legacy of Travis Manion with Ryan Manion

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

"If not me, then who?”

First Lt. Travis Manion, USMC, made this simple yet powerful statement before his final deployment, reflecting the profound sense of duty experienced by service members and their families.

Today on the podcast, BJ is joined by Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), one of the nation’s leading veteran service organizations. Known for her resilience after losing her brother Travis to war and her mother to cancer, Ryan is dedicated to empowering veterans and the families of fallen heroes to inspire future generations to drive change.

Join the conversation to learn more about TMF, the story behind the quote, and the powerful impact their Character Does Matter training program has on inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Ryan shares the background and mission of the Travis Manion Foundation and her role as CEO.

• Who was Travis Manion: Ryan reflects on the life and legacy of her brother.

• The story behind the quote, “If not me, then who?”

• Ryan shares details about their flagship leadership program Character Does Matter.

• What it means to live a life of character for our youth.

Quotes:

“The goal and the goal still continues to be, how can we inspire the rest of society to live by those five words, [If not me, then who?], as well” — Ryan Manion

“For us as a veteran service organization, we knew very quickly that the way to make sure that veterans thrive post their military career is to give them a continued sense of purpose and to make sure that they know that we still need them, even out of their uniform.” — Ryan Manion

“My mom started the [Travis Manion] organization — [with] three very simple goals. One was to continue providing support and resources to returning veterans. The second was to be able to do the same for families of the fallen. And the third — our mission was to help play a part in inspiring the next generation of leaders. ” — Ryan Manion

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ryan Manion

Ryan Manion on X

Ryan Manion on Instagram

Brothers Forever: The Enduring Bond between a Marine and a Navy SEAL that Transcended Their Ultimate Sacrifice

The Resilient Life Podcast

Travis Manion Foundation

Travis Manion Foundation: Join the Mission

Travis Manion Foundation on Instagram

Character Does Matter Program

Donate to the Travis Manion Foundation

Fire in the Hole Golf Outing 2024

Joey Fay on LinkedIn

The Hard Thing About Hard Things

Coaching for Success: Translating Fundamentals into Team Performance with BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:01:43 -0400

Have you ever tried leading or managing someone but struggled with communication? Effective communication is the backbone of every successful training program.

In this solo episode of Inspiring People & Places, BJ dives into how the correct communication techniques can elevate your training methods. He unpacks the concept of training in the context of leadership and how to tailor training based on each employee’s specific needs.

Discover how to establish foundational language, communicate company culture effectively, and the interplay between career progression and business growth. Learn why companies and employees must remain flexible with their expectations, the importance of catering to an employee’s learning style, and why training is crucial for startups. Explore actionable strategies for improving communication in your training sessions and tips for building cohesive and productive teams.

Whether coaching a team, teaching a class, or delivering a workshop, mastering training can be the difference between success and missed opportunities. Tune in now to take your training and employees to the next level!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why communication is a vital ingredient for proficient training and team-building.

• Tips and strategies for teaching the baseline experience of the company.

• Explore the differences between technical and business-focused career paths.

• Approaches for filling employee skill gaps while meeting a client’s needs.

• The basics of a training program and how to identify an employee’s baseline.

• Resources to enhance your training program and foster top performers.

Quotes:

“The more an individual understands how their personal growth benefits the company and how the company’s growth benefits their career, I think, the more symbiotic [the employee] relationship is.” — BJ Kraemer

“I think that we have to recognize that we are always going to have team members that are at different levels of understanding, and our job, as leaders, is to meet them where they are.” — BJ Kraemer

“You may have gaps across the enterprise and that can give you the trends of where to put your corporate resources versus where to customize for an individual manager or employee.” — BJ Kraemer

“Training to me is critical and I think everybody should be doing it.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Hunt Military Communities

Toughness as a Mindset: Why You Need to Continuously Develop It with Brian Stann

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

At its core, leadership is about inspiring and influencing behavior to help people to achieve a common goal. But how are great leaders shaped? Join us for a compelling conversation with Brian Stann, a former mixed martial artist and U.S. Marine who competed in the UFC’s middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.

In this discussion, we explore where Brian is today, his journey through the military, the lessons he learned at Hire Heroes USA, and his leap into real estate development. Brian also breaks down how specific military experiences, training programs, and the culture of mixed martial arts combine to forge exceptional leaders.

We’ll touch on how to build, develop, and maintain toughness in your life. Brian even offers valuable advice for active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses.

Thanks for tuning in.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The merging of things he loved and how he wound up at Hunt Military Communities.

• Hunt Military Communities, its portfolio, the number of employees, and where they’re located.

• He distills down what Military experience, IOBC Training, and the martial culture do to human beings to create leaders.

• How to build, develop, and maintain your toughness.

Quotes:

“What I loved about the military, at that time, the brand was elite. If you wanted to be something elite, if you wanted to go on an adventure and climb to the top of the mountain, you joined the military.” — Brian Stann

“I fell in love with how martial arts and a martial mindset can help me be a better combat leader.” — Brian Stann

“The one thing that I struggle to find now as a CEO, the number one thing that I struggle to find is people who can truly lead other people.” — Brian Stann

“I think, if you take just a very simple definition of leadership, it’s the ability to influence people’s behaviors so that they can go accomplish a goal and that’s essential.” — Brian Stann

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Brian Stann on Instagram

UFC

Hire Heroes USA

Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae

Denzel Washington Commencement Speech
Inspiring People & Places Podcast

The 4 Disciplines of Execution

Crafting a Culture of Growth: The Future of Work in Construction with Jed Richard

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Veterans have the potential to be exceptional business leaders if they can prioritize and balance their values, wellness, and financial goals. Joining us today is the founder of Richard Group LLC, Jed Richard to discuss his incredible career and the difference he is making within his company.

Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Jed’s upbringing, how his grandfather became his inspiration, his time in the army, and how he transitioned into construction. We explore the exceptional entrepreneurial qualities veterans possess before Jed highlights the most common mistakes he sees them make in career planning.

He also shares book recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs, insights gained from Peter Thiel, and why he is so passionate about supporting his employees’ families. Finally, Jed offers his perspective on the advancement of the construction industry.

Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The failures Jed has seen in veterans when career planning.

• Why veterans have dual ‘superpowers’ when it comes to entrepreneurship.

• How to make a difference in the private sector.

• Why transactional motives will not bring you fulfillment.

• How to become a great leader by following first.

Quotes:

“The people that get promoted in this world are promoted by their teammates, their peers, and the people underneath them that they’ve made successful.” — Jed Richard

“You’re going to create value in the world if you focus on being a great leader and sometimes being a great leader starts with being a great follower.” — Jed Richard

“I want to give the most noteworthy adventure to as many families as possible and to my own.” — Jed Richard

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jed Richard on LinkedIn

Richard Group LLC

Tools of Titans

The Great Game of Business

The Obstacle is the Way

Scaling with Purpose: Leadership Lessons from 7 to 300 Employees with Matt Dean

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Anyone can build an average business, but who wants to be average when you can be excellent?

Today on Inspiring People & Places, we are joined by the founder and managing partner of Scare the Bear Capital, Matthew Dean. In this conversation, we hear all about Matt’s background, what led him to his current leadership role, and where he is in his career today.

We delve into the leadership lessons he learned growing his firm, his ‘Markon 100’ principle, and how his leadership style changed as the firm grew. Matt goes on to tell us about the ‘north star’ of Scare the Bear Capital, his favorite book for entrepreneurs to read, the most inspiring quote he can think of, his ideal dinner party guests, and so much more!

Finally, Matt tells us what he wants his legacy to be and encourages people with entrepreneurial spirits (especially veterans) to start small businesses today! Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The leadership lessons he learned growing a firm, one contract at a time.

• How his leadership style changed from 100 to 300 employees.

• The ‘north star’ of Scare the Bear Capital.

• Why people in the military would make wonderful entrepreneurs.

Quotes:

“I’m unapologetic about wanting to be profitable.” — Matt Dean

“I truly believe that we can help small business owners achieve financial goals that they could not achieve on their own.” — Matt Dean

“To be good or average in the industry is not very hard. But who wants to be average?” — Matt Dean

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Matt Dean on LinkedIn

Markon Solutions

Shoe Dog

Wexford Science & Technology

Real Life Success Stories with Public Private Partnerships with John Grady

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400

In any partnership, trust is a key player; both the trust you find in your partner and the trust you knowingly have in yourself. Joining BJ on this episode of Inspiring People & Places is John Grady, who serves as the Northeast Region Executive and Senior Vice President of Development at Wexford Science & Technology in Philadelphia.

As a seasoned executive with a wealth of experience in real estate, finance, city building, and corporate and public affairs, John has a remarkable track record of leading successful public-private partnerships. He knows how to craft compelling messaging and drive inclusive investment and growth across various sectors.

John also dives into his career arc, the great story of the Philadelphia Navy Yard and its redevelopment. In addition to key leadership lessons that John has learned while working on projects that bring the public and private sectors together in partnership.

Don’t miss this episode for his thoughts on how leadership has changed, why work transforms people and communities, and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The great story of Philadelphia’s Navy Yard and its redevelopment.

• The importance of private and public partnerships.

• Key leadership lessons John has learned while bringing together the public and private sectors to accomplish projects.

• The idea that work transforms people and communities.

Quotes:

“Working with good people really [gets] me motivated.” — John Grady

“The Navy Yard is a tremendous example of Philadelphia at its best. It’s got a bright future, and at its most fundamental core, it is a day-to-day real-life public-private partnership, every day.” — John Grady

“I’m a big believer that partnerships are built on trust. You have to go into a relationship trusting your partner, trusting what they can do well, trusting them to do that, and trusting yourself, knowing what you do well, and bringing that to the table.” — John Grady

“Work transforms communities. It transforms people.” — John Grady

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

John Grady on LinkedIn

The Navy Yard Philadelphia

Arpan Patel on LinkedIn
Society of American Military Engineers

Entrepreneurial Spirit in the AEC Industry: Arpan Patel’s Insights

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 07:55:00 -0400

We are inspired by the leadership, passion, and mission-focus that veterans bring to the built environment. However, figuring out what your next steps are after serving can be challenging.

During this episode, we welcome Arpan Patel, Director of Operations at the US Air Force Reserve. He shares his story, from growing up with immigrant parents, to serving and leveraging his background in civil engineering to build a career on the other side.

You’ll also hear about the process of excavating his Ikigai, where the synergy of purpose, skills, opportunity, and passion lives. Arpan describes how he found the willingness to absorb what was available to him in order to make an informed decision about his future. We also explore the importance of favoring legacy and people over dollars and cents, before Arpan shares some of the ideas and principles that have supported him along the way.

Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Navigating the gut punch of not reaching a lifelong goal to be an aviator.

• The mindset shift required to understand that engineering supports the mission.

• Leadership lessons for the transitioning veteran: networking and more.

• Understanding that people and legacy far outweigh dollars and cents.

Quotes:

“A theme throughout my history is networks that have helped bolster opportunities or allowed me to leverage the opportunities in front of me, opened doors, and allowed me to walk through them.” — Arpan Patel

“Life is unfair and doesn’t pan out the way that you see it, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be defeated.” — Arpan Patel

“Life is tough, but tough times don’t last, tough people do.” — Arpan Patel

“Do your best, go for it, do everything you need to do, but if it doesn’t work out, keep your head up.” — Arpan Patel

“When you find communities that have shared passion and values, you’ll connect.” — Arpan Patel

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The E-Myth Revisited

Working Genius

Ikigai

The Go-Giver

Getting Naked
Inspiring People & Places Podcast

Betty Shanahan on Facebook

How Professional Societies Boost Your Career Path with Betty Shanahan

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:50:47 -0400

Being able to inspire change is key to being a good leader. But more importantly, a leader needs to have the humility to reflect on when their capacity for driving that change has expired.

Joining us today is the former CEO of the Society of Women Engineers and former AVP of admin and operations at DePaul University, Betty Shanahan to discuss her remarkable career arc.

In this conversation, you’ll hear all about what inspired Betty to get into engineering, her education, career highlights, her time at the Society of Women Engineers, and so much more! We delve into her efforts through DePaul University to bring computer sciences into high schools in Chicago before Betty tells us about the importance of working on your career outside of your job and furthering your knowledge and skills.

We discuss balancing work and life, leadership, knowing when it’s time to step down as a leader, and celebrating your achievements as an engineer. Finally, Betty answers our rapid-fire questions and shares her favorite quotes, must-read books, her ideal dinner guests if she could invite anyone (dead or alive!), and what she hopes her legacy will be.

To hear all this and be reminded that you can get through any struggles you may face, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Working on your career outside your job and balancing work/home life.

• What makes a good leader and the importance of knowing when your time is up.

• Why engineers need to celebrate their large achievements.

Quotes:

“When you struggle, you recognize [that] other people have [also] struggled and worked through it and continued to be successful.” — Betty Shanahan

“A lot of being a good leader is the humility of saying: ‘I don’t know a lot’.”— Betty Shanahan

“Engineers are responsible for our health, happiness, and safety. So all of us, as engineers, are contributing to the country, to individuals in our work. So we need to celebrate our large achievements as engineers.” — Betty Shanahan

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Society of Women Engineers

The Leadership Challenge

Wexford Science and Technology

Is Your Communication Style Creating Leadership Success with Joe Reagan

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

The built environment offers vast potential to impact those who live, work, and thrive in these spaces. Today’s guest on Inspiring People & Places is Joe Reagan, the Executive Vice President of Development at Wexford Science and Technology.

Join us as we explore the diverse aspects of his career journey, including how his understanding of deal-making and real estate within the built environment has deepened his appreciation for the financial implications of a mission. Joe also shares key leadership advice that has served him well throughout his career.

Additionally, we discuss why military veterans often occupy senior facility roles. Be sure to tune in to hear all this and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Understanding the deal-making and real estate of the built environment gave him an appreciation of the financial implications of a mission.

• The evolving economic model of healthcare and the economic drivers of the capital and real estate markets and how these two are playing out in Joe’s world.

• A leadership lesson that has served Joe throughout his career in the built environment.

Quotes:

“It’s [my] ability to communicate back and forth that has helped me adjust my career going forward.” — Joe Reagan

“There comes an appreciation of the value of knowing people you are going to be working with and why repeat business should be such a big part of everyone’s business plans.” — Joe Reagan

“[There is] potential to impact the built environment and the place that people live, work, [and] love. You really can have a profound impact on the built environment.” — Joe Reagan

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Joe Reagan on LinkedIn

Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe's Series 1 to 5 Books Set (Prey, Trafalgar, Fortress, Triumph, Tiger)

Over, Under, Around, and Through

Understanding the Importance of Infrastructure with Jill Tietjen

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:09:19 -0400

“When we value women, then we begin to value everyone.” These are the wise words of today’s guest; women’s advocate, international speaker, and author, Jill Tietjen.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about Jill’s early life and interest in math, her passion for encouraging women to pursue STEM careers, her incredible career, and so much more! We delve into the electrical engineering challenges Jill has encountered before discussing her opinions about how grids can be modernized and what the demands are.

Jill goes on to tell us about her writing career, where her love for books came from, and how she managed to persevere through writing 16 books. She even tells us how her life purpose to rewrite women into history ‘fell into her lap’ and shares one leadership lesson she has carried with her through her career.

Finally, our guest answers our rapid-fire questions and even tells us what she wants her legacy to be. Thank you for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Jill tells us about her life, career, and mission to encourage women to go into engineering.

• How we can modernize electrical grids and current electrical demands.

• Where Jill’s passion for books came from and how she persevered through writing 16 books.

• How engineering can be a more attractive industry for women.

Quotes:

“When we value women, then we begin to value everyone and when we value everyone, then everyone’s ship rises.” — Jill Tietjen

“Not only are women not encouraged to be engineers and in the STEM fields, they’re also not written into our history books.” — Jill Tietjen

“We’re going to have to figure out alternatives in order to meet [electrical] demand.” — Jill Tietjen

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jill Tietjen

Jill Tietjen on LinkedIn

Jill Tietjen on Facebook

Jill Tietjen on X

Duty Calls

Leadership Lessons from the Next Generation: A Unique Take Your Kid to Work Podcast with BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:22:14 -0400

We're going to do things a little differently and speak to the younger generation: Avery Kraemer, Trey Kraemer, and Daniel Wits - BJ's daughter, son, and nephew.

Avery, Trey, and Daniel all describe what their parents do for work before giving us their own definitions of leadership and what it means to be a good leader. We discover what they like and dislike in the people they look up to and why leaders need to be both strict and easygoing.

Be sure to listen closely for a hidden BJ Masterclass in parenting! Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Avery’s definition of a leader and her list of qualities that every good boss needs to have.

• Reminiscing on a moment when Avery saw herself as a leader.

• Daniel and Trey describe good leadership.

• What they love and dislike most about the people they look up to as leaders.

• Why good leaders are both strict and easygoing.

Quotes:

“I think everybody is drawn to help other people and building a career helping other people seems very attractive.” — BJ Kraemer

“We need to tie our work back to the people and how it serves people.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Composite Risk Management

What Great Leaders Know When It Comes To Managing Risk with BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:16:27 -0400

Great leaders are constantly making balanced decisions based on risks and rewards. Today on Inspiring People & Places, we discuss how leadership affects project outcomes.

In this solo episode, you’ll hear all about how the late Irv Richter and Hill International inspired BJ to think about what leaders do to drive successful project outcomes. We discuss the art of project management before breaking down the Army’s Composite Risk Management process and its principles. Finally, BJ explains why he believes a great leader synthesizes a risk/reward matrix in their head in order to drive project success.

You don’t want to miss this one so be sure to tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The importance of risk management and what leadership has to do with it.

• Why BJ believes that there is an art and a science to risk management.

• What risk management has to do with leadership: everything!

• Why you should avoid unnecessary risk and accept it when the benefits outweigh the costs.

• The incredible risk/reward matrix leaders balance in their heads.

Quotes:

“Risk management is a leader’s job.” — BJ Kraemer

“The art of decision making is knowing when you can accept some risk in order to maintain project momentum or project success.” — BJ Kraemer

“Great leaders have a continuous risk/reward matrix going on in their head and they know when to slow things down, they know when to call [a] halt, and they also know when to speed up even though there may be some risk associated with whatever the outcome is.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Hill International

Irv Richter – Hill International

Cady Coleman on Instagram

How Much Is Change A Part Of Leadership With Cady Coleman

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Your career path doesn’t need to be linear for you to fulfill your dreams.

Today’s guest brings an amazing journey to our conversation. Former NASA Astronaut and retired US Air Force Colonel with more than 180 days in space, Cady Coleman is a popular Public Speaker and Media Consultant, Research Affiliate to MIT’s media lab, and much more.

During this conversation, she shares some of the unexpected twists and turns that her career has taken, along with key insights on being industrious as you map out your career. We delve into her experiences in space, what it was like to fly twice with NASA, and why, given the opportunity, she would spend another six months on the international space station.

Join us as Cady talks about her leadership philosophy and reveals who she is most inspired by, why she leads from the back, and more.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The non-linear journey behind her multi-faceted career.

• The rewards of being part of a mission.

• Experiencing NASA, flying twice, and spending six months on the international space station.

• Research at NASA and understanding the marriage of humans and spacecraft.

Quotes:

“People tend to think that any job of their dreams is going to be a straight line and it’s this maze of intersections where you actually don’t really know whether to turn right or left, but you try to pick the one that seems to make the most sense.” — Cady Coleman

“Giving back to your community is important for everyone so that you understand what life is like for somebody else.” — Cady Coleman

“I think the purpose of leadership is to get stuff done, which often involves making change.” — Cady Coleman

“I wake up in the morning and I say ‘I am enough’ because it’s hard to remember that when you’ve got really big dreams and big goals.” — Cady Coleman

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Cady Coleman

Cady Coleman on Facebook

Cady Coleman on X

A Man on the Moon

The Exceptions

Christiana Cioffi on LinkedIn

Fearless On The Battlefield To CONQUERING Imposter Syndrome In The Workplace with Christiana Cioffi

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0400

We are all limitless, even in our mortal human forms, and it’s time you realize that!

Don’t miss out on this epic conversation with the one and only Christiana Cioffi, empowerment ambassador, leadership coach, and speaker. A West Point graduate and former marketing VP, Christiana brings a wealth of experience to the table.

Join us as we explore her remarkable journey, discuss being fearless in the army, unpack how she helps people reflect on their truest identity, her three-part process, and how she supports people who find themselves leading from a place of fear and insecurity.

Don’t miss out on all this, and so much more, on this episode of Inspiring People & Places. Enjoy.

Key Points From This Episode:

• We dive into a discussion about being fearless in the army and how it transpires.

• Christiana unpacks how she helps other people reflect on their true identity.

• What companies can do to support women coming into male-dominant industries.

• How Christiana supports individuals who lead and act from a place of fear and insecurity.

Quotes:

“It’s fairly basic — people need to be treated fairly and equally regardless of their gender, race, age, or any of that.” — Christiana Cioffi

“I think it’s about who’s at the top in an organization. They set the culture [of that organization].” — Christiana Cioffi

“I am of the mindset that we are limitless. Meaning, we are souls embodied in a human form but we are limitless.” — Christiana Cioffi

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

An Unapologetic Spinster: True Modern Dating Stories

Think and Grow Rich

Joe Dispenza

‘The Marshmallow Experiment and the Power of Delayed Gratification’

How to recommit (or renegotiate) your resolutions and successfully hit your 2024 goals with BJ Kraemer!

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 12:01:26 -0400

Imagine it’s New Year’s Eve; you’re toasting champagne with your friends and family, but for the first time in a long time, you’re not discussing next year’s resolutions. Instead, you’re celebrating the incredible feeling of having accomplished this year’s goals. By the end of today’s episode, you’ll be inspired to revisit your past resolutions and feel empowered to achieve them by the end of this year.

Tune in to discover invaluable insights and practical advice to help you get clear on your goals, understand what it means to “show up and do the work,” find accountability partners to keep you on track, celebrate your wins along the way, and much more. Don’t miss this opportunity to feel motivated and equipped to make the most of the rest of 2024!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What you need to do before showing up daily and doing the work to achieve your goals.

• How to assess your capacity and overcome the tendency to want to “do it all.”

• The power of discipline and delayed gratification.

• Essential elements of an effective action plan.

• Reasons that accountability partners and flexibility are key to your success.

• The importance of celebrating your daily and weekly wins.

Quotes:

“I’m not saying you can’t have multiple goals. I am saying that we all have a certain amount of capacity – to implement change, implement discipline, and put time, commitment, and dedication to accomplishing the goals we have.” — BJ Kraemer

“Stacking [successes and habits] will build the momentum and the positivity that you’re looking for.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Power of Habit

The ONE Thing

Brian Kraemer Sr on LinkedIn

My Dad’s Story: A Life of Leadership, Mentorship and Service with Brian Kraemer, Sr.

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 11:12:20 -0400

In honor of Father’s Day, BJ’s dad, Brian Kraemer Sr, joins us for this episode of Inspiring People and Places to discuss all things life and leadership!

Mr. Kraemer always knew he wanted to get married, coach, and serve his country. In this conversation, you’ll hear all about his family, his career in the military, and what inspired him to join the Air Force.

Mr. Kraemer also tells us how sports and teamwork influenced his parenting style. In addition to his Air Force unit, the kinds of missions it did, and his time at Hurricane Huntershow.

Finally, he shares some books he recommends, the lessons he’s learned from them, and why fatherhood is a man’s most important job.

Thanks for listening and happy Father’s Day!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Mr. Kraemer became interested in the military and eventually, got into the Air Force.

• What his first deployment was like and how it affected his family.

• An overview of the kinds of missions his Air Force unit did.

• Leadership lessons from sports that have served Mr. Kraemer well in life and fatherhood.

Quotes:

“Service before self!” — Brian Kraemer Sr

“Fatherhood is your main vocation. Once you become a father, that is your number one before work. God, family, country.” — Brian Kraemer Sr

“It’s a privilege to be a father, it’s even more fun to be a grandfather, and I hope I am able to stick around for another 20 years or so to maybe become a great-grandfather someday.” — Brian Kraemer Sr

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

NOAA Hurricane Hunters

The Elements of Style

Make Your Bed

Kyle Majchrowski on LinkedIn

Bringing Human Centric Focus To Work With Kyle Majchrowski

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 08:36:42 -0400

In this episode, we welcome back Kyle Majchrowski to the show as we delve into implementing a human-centric approach to workplace environments.

Kyle is a Senior Project Executive at Banner Health, where he provides support for teams managing new construction projects. He is also a founding member of Ripple Intent, a non-profit organization focused on improving workplace experiences by fostering community, reducing stress, and promoting collaborative and human-centric approaches to project delivery.

We unpack the power of Ripple Intent’s programs and how they help people feel empowered and be intentional with their actions. We also uncover the types of topics covered at Ripple Intent’s events, how group discussions help clarify workplace nuances, and why self-awareness is vital for team productivity.

Hear about why you need to bring your ‘whole self’ into work, the importance of self-awareness, and the workplace culture pitfalls Ripple Intent solves.

Explore pragmatic steps to start applying a human-centric approach at your organization and why leaders must form authentic relationships with their employees.

Join us as we unpack practical tools and strategies to enhance workplace connection, joy, and productivity with Kyle Majchrowski!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why Kyle founded Ripple Intent and the impact it aims to make.

• The value of fostering a collaborative and engaging work culture.

• What got Kyle interested in the human-centric aspect of the workplace.

• Advice for applying the Ripple Intent approach to your organization.

• Mental health trends and why loneliness has become a pandemic.

Quotes:

“[Ripple Intent] tries to formulate and facilitate the conversations that we should be having to help us better understand who we are so we can impact how we work with other people.” — Kyle Majchrowski

“When you start taking self-awareness to the level that [Banner Health] have, we see a lot less busy work [and] see a lot more empowerment.” — Kyle Majchrowski

“For me [the human-centric concept] became a very complex problem that we needed to do some work in.” — Kyle Majchrowski

“So much of what we do now is transaction-based.” — Kyle Majchrowski

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ripple Intent

Ripple Intent podcast

Banner Health

Episode 32: Understanding and Refining Your Perspective with Kyle Majchrowski, Founder of Ripple Intent

Together

Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday Reading List

Mark O’Donnell on LinkedIn

How to Change Misaligned Incentives and Behaviors In Your Business with Mark O'Donnell

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 29 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Are you looking for a way to foster focus, accountability, and discipline within your team?

Curious about implementing a process that can ultimately lead to entrepreneurial freedom?

Then don’t miss out on today’s Inspiring People & Places episode. Joining BJ today is Mark O’Donnell.

Mark is a Professional EOS® Implementer, coach, facilitator, seasoned business professional, and US Air Force Veteran. He is currently the Visionary and CEO at EOS®, and he’s here today to talk to us about his experience at the company.

We learn more about the who behind Mark O’Donnell and his career journey. He also sheds light on Gino Wickman’s original vision for EOS®, the journey since its inception, and Gino’s eventual exit.

To hear the cliff notes version of the EOS® process, his most-rated book recommendations, and more, don’t miss out.

Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Gino Wickman’s original vision for EOS®.

• EOS as being designed around entrepreneurial freedom.

• Mark details his experience taking over as Visionary, from a founder so intimately involved with the product.

Quotes:

“EOS® is really a philosophy.” — MarkO_Donnell

“EOS®, from the beginning, has been designed around entrepreneurial freedom. The value being assigned to your individual freedom over the value of a business.” — MarkO_Donnell

“Oftentimes, the best EOS® implementers are tired, burnt-out entrepreneurs.” — MarkO_Donnell

“Train resilience, grit, and perseverance and understand that your habits create your future.” — MarkO_Donnell

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mark O’Donnell on X

People: Dare to Build an Intentional Culture (The EOS Mastery Series)

EOS® World Wide

Vision Traction Organizer®

Gino Wickman

Entrepreneur’s Organization

The Strategic Coach

Dan Sullivan on LinkedIn

Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business

Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us

The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations

The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success

The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer

Flow Research Collective

Epictetus Quote

Marion Zilinski on LinkedIn

The Knock at the Door: Honoring Dennis Zilinski's Legacy of Love with Marion Zilinski

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 22 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Welcome to this Memorial Day tribute episode where we sit down with Marion Zilinski, otherwise known as Mama Z, to discuss what Memorial Day means to people who have lost their loved ones in service.

Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Marion’s late son, Dennis, why he decided to join West Point, and what 9/11 meant to him. Marion goes on to explain how it felt to find out that Dennis had died on deployment and shares her heartbreaking experience of losing her son.

She also talks about Run with Dennis, the Dennis Zilinski Memorial Fund, and how to get involved. Mama Z reminds us what Memorial Day is truly about.

Thank you for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What it feels like to find out that a deployed loved one has died.

• What inspired the Zilinski family to start Run with Dennis and the Dennis Zilinski Memorial Fund.

• What Memorial Day is truly about, and why freedom isn’t free.

• The service dog program and how service dogs assist warriors with PTSD.

Quotes:

“I was so angry [when my son died]. I have never been so angry in my life.” — Marion Zilinski

“We want people to understand the dedication of our military.” — Marion Zilinski

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Run with Dennis

Zilinski Memorial Fund on Facebook

Fisher House Foundation

Brooke Army Medical Center

The Strong Gray Line

‘KPIs Invite Smart Business Decisions’

From Metrics to Meaning: Using KPIs to Drive Team Performance and Unity with BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 15 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Are you managing a large team to reach your vision but feel like team members are not aligning correctly with the overall goal? Do you need help getting all team members on the same page?

In this solo episode, BJ unpacks the role of what we at MCFA regard as the meaning of KPI: keeping people interested. It is not your typical MBA academic term but a philosophy to help you be a better business and project leader.

Discover the role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at a project and an individual level, how KPIs can help improve performance outcomes, and why a KPI needs to be associated with the bigger picture.

Explore the fundamentals of a suitable KPI, the value of stacking success toward the bigger goal, examples of typical KPIs used in business, and more!

To uncover how KPIs can be a game-changer in your business and make you a more effective leader, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why KPIs are important for achieving business success.

• How measuring goals allows for informed decision-making

• Steps to begin picking the right KPIs for your team.

Quotes:

“Most importantly [KPIs] allows [employees] to leave the day feeling like they won the day, and if they lost the day, how they can recover the next day.” — BJ Kraemer

“I look at KPIs as meeting daily [and] weekly goals that I know if I hit them I am doing my job well.” — BJ Kraemer

“Until you know what you are measuring, it is really hard to manage.” — BJ Kraemer

“You control how to keep people interested, and when you keep people interested and have a scoreboard, everybody knows how to win.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Isabella Damasceno on LinkedIn

How Can A Co-Op/Internship Benefit Your Organization With Isabella Damasceno

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 08 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

As we continue to edge toward graduation and internship season, we felt there could not be a more fitting guest to join BJ on the podcast than our latest co-op, Isabella Damasceno.

Isabella is currently a third-year student at Drexel University, pursuing a dual major in marketing and business analytics.

Join us as we dive into details surrounding Isabella’s co-op program and how the process of matching students with co-op programs works. She shared her thoughts on how her program helped her figure out what she does and doesn’t want in her future career.

Tune in to hear what students like her are looking for from a professional environment and the differences she noticed in her expectations versus the reality of working.

Enjoy the episode!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The recruiting process works to match students with co-ops.

• How her co-op experiences have helped her figure out what she wants (and doesn't want) to do in her future career.

• Expectations versus experience: marketing in the engineering industry at MCFA.

Quotes:

“I think when you are introduced to something that you don’t know anything [about], you can either really hate it and be really intimidated or you can be inspired and motivated.” — Isabella Damasceno

“I think, a lot of what I learned [in my co-op] was hands-on. And a lot of what I learned was [from] words. From just asking questions and talking to people.” — Isabella Damasceno

“With every mistake that you make, you [also] learn from it.” — Isabella Damasceno

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Clay Studio

Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) on Spotify

Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life

The Surprising Key to Achieving Happiness and Success in Life and Business With Bill Watkins

Colin Mottola on LinkedIn

What Does The Path From Intern to Project Manager Look Like at MCFA with Colin Mottola?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 01 May 2024 09:59:31 -0400

As we continue to move closer to graduation and internship season, we delve further into the talent equation.

Today on the podcast BJ is joined by a repeat guest, Colin Mottola. Colin is one of our Construction Managers and engineers at MCFA. He also happens to be one of our very first interns.

Join the conversation as we explore Colin’s experience, from landing an internship to working on a construction project in an active hospital during a pandemic. He also gets into the various lessons he’s learned and his thoughts on the philosophy of why making mistakes is the best path to your development.

Be sure to tune in to see how someone can receive the advice they need at the right moment, with the perfect message conveyed by the ideal messenger. Enjoy.

Key Points From This Episode:

• A behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work on a construction project, in an active hospital, during a pandemic.

• Why making mistakes is the best path to your development.

• The two components of extreme ownership.

Quotes:

“With every problem, there is a solution.” — Colin Mottola

“Extreme ownership goes two ways. One is, ‘Yes I can do this and yes I’m going to own it when you volunteer’. — Extreme ownership is also raising your hand when you say, ‘Look I’m ahead of my skis and I need some help.’” — BJ Kraemer

“The level of how connected this industry is, is crazy, and I’m trying to do that for ourselves with our intern(s).” — Colin Mottola

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now

Never Eat Alone, Expanded and Updated: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time

Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown

Christopher Schaefer on LinkedIn

What is the Financial Tipping Point to Hire Just In Time Talent With BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0400

As graduation and intern season approach, we want to dive into a topic we all have faced—just-in-time talent.

Join BJ as he discusses the talent equation, including why we should always be recruiting, regardless of whether we are hiring or not.

BJ addresses the debate between sourcing external talent and developing internal talent, his perspective on on-the-job training, and where the secret sauce of growth lies.

Don’t miss out; start listening now!

Key Points From This Episode:

Why we should always be recruiting, even if we aren’t hiring at the time.
A look at the debate between sourcing external talent and developing internal talent.
What you need when you’re developing internal talent.
How do you get it to be just-in-time talent?

Quotes:

“As I’ve said before, our talent is our brand. Our people are our brand. Our people are the most important asset.” — BJ Kraemer

“The best referrals are the people who are experiencing what is going on at MCFA.” — BJ Kraemer

“Your best recruiters and your best sellers are your people.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

DoD to AEC on LinkedIn

Jesse Gemberling-Johnson on LinkedIn

Are Veterans A Solution To The Talent War, With Jesse Gemberling-Johnson, MCFA's Director of Talent Recruitment and Development

Jodi Wellman on Instagram

How Can You Create Motivation to Live Your Best Life with Jodi Wellman

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:33:27 -0400

It’s time to wake up to your life.

It’s time to count your Mondays.

Here to tell us more about it is Jodi Wellman. Jodi is a motivational speaker, author, and Founder of Four Thousand Mondays. Her upcoming book called, You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets is a “live like you mean it” book.

Join the conversation as we dive into Jodi’s story, which includes her time at Penn in the Positive Psychology Program and her thoughts on the infamous bucket list. She also unpacks the concept behind Four Thousand Mondays and delves into living wider and deeper, understanding the “give and take” ebb and flow of life.

Be sure to tune in to hear more about attacking your Mondays with insightful advice, including practical action steps and much more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• .Jodi’s thoughts on the infamous bucket list.

• The concept behind Four Thousand Mondays.

• Paradigm shift: death bed regrets as a motivation to do the hard things.

Quotes:

“My mission is for us to wake the F up to life.” — Jodi Wellman

“Challenge is built into the good life — The good life does not exist, in my mind, without having the problems and foibles that life gives us. It’s the salt that has to be there with the sweet.” — Jodi Wellman

“The number one [action] step always, always, always is to count your Mondays.” — Jodi Wellman

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jodi Wellman on LinkedIn

Jodi Wellman

Monday Morning Calculator

Jodi Wellman TEDx Talk

Jodi Wellman Linktree

Positive Psychology Center

Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness

Christopher Peterson

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets

14,000 Things to Be Happy About

Hunter S. Thompson

Inspiring People & Places Podcast
MCFA
MCFA Careers
BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

How Leadership Differs From Management with Larry Yatch

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0400

As vital as it is for peace and transformation, the importance of leadership (and leadership itself) is still widely misunderstood. When leaders fail to fulfill their roles (after not understanding what they entail in the first place), it creates a space for trauma to thrive.

Today we are joined by Larry Yatch, a Navy SEAL-turned-education and business consultant, and who explains what leadership looks like from the perspective of a Navy veteran.

We learn about Larry’s life before the SEALs, what he did during his Navy career, and why he chose to pivot the way he did after being medically discharged from the Navy. Larry also defines and explains the relationship between leadership, management, and coordinating action, and why many of us do not properly understand either term.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Exploring the hypocrisy of “freedom” in entrepreneurship.

• Redefining success, and the relationship between accomplishment and fulfillment.

• Larry’s definitions of leadership, management, and coordinating action, and how they relate to each other.

• A short lesson on trauma.

Quotes:

“In the effort of fighting for freedom – as you know from being in the military – you’re not free. There’s hardly any freedom at all. That’s really what made me say, ‘Well, maybe it’s my turn to experience some freedom.’ And that’s what led me to entrepreneurship.” — Larry Yatch

“Anywhere you have leadership, you don’t have bullying. Everywhere you have bullying, you don’t have leadership. Leadership is using your power to help people, bullying is using your power to hurt people.” — Larry Yatch

“Fulfilment can only come from acting towards an internally derived, deeply-held purpose.” — Larry Yatch

“Respect is understanding how something impacts your world and choosing to act in accordance with it.” — Larry Yatch

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Larry Yatch on LinkedIn

Larry Yatch on YouTube

Larry Yatch on Facebook

SEAL Team Leaders

How Leadership (Actually) Works

Men in Green Faces

Jimmy Vreeland on LinkedIn

Department of Military Instruction (DMI) at West Point

What Is The Secret Sauce In Leadership Training with Adam Sawyer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:04:21 -0400

We occasionally feature guests on our show who specialize in the transition from the Department of Defense to Architectural Engineering and Construction (DoD to AEC). In the industry, there are notable talent and leadership gaps that persist, and the DoD to AEC program aims to address these by tapping into the skills of military personnel who transition to civilian roles.

Joining BJ on the show today is ‘Colonel-soon-to-be-retired’ Adam Sawyer. Adam has over 23 years of experience successfully leading and transforming diverse teams in organizational development, education, program management, and strategic planning. He has achieved objectives in complex environments; both domestically and globally.

Adam is a member of our skill-bridge program. He discusses his previous active-duty assignment as the Director of the Department of Military Instruction at West Point. He also shares his thoughts on the synchronization between the leadership talent pool and the built environment and the highlights and lessons learned from the skill-bridge program.

To hear more of his viewpoint on leadership development and much more, don’t miss out on this episode of Inspiring People & Places.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why Adam thinks Cadet Leadership Development Training (CDLT) is one of the best things they do at West Point.

• Adam’s thoughts on the difference between leader development and leadership development.

• His belief on how leaders are both born and made.

Quotes:

“The special sauce of our leader development recipe, — is [that] every cadet has to serve in a leadership position in the summer.” — Adam Sawyer

“If there’s two things that the Army has prepared me to do it’s leadership and problem-solving.” — Adam Sawyer

“What’s great about the United States Army is that we empower down to the lowest level.” — Adam Sawyer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Adam Sawyer on LinkedIn

West Point

Camp Buckner

CLDT at West Point

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 15th Anniversary Infographics Edition

Center for Servant Leadership

The Veterans Who Build Show on Apple Podcasts

What Role Does Technology Play In Innovating How Construction Projects Are Delivered With Adam Stark

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:32:32 -0400

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Stark, Special Forces Veteran and Co-Founder of Jet.Build. Jet.Build is a provider of cloud-based project management solutions created specifically for real estate developers and construction professionals.

With a background in the Special Forces, Adam brings a unique perspective to the table. He combines his military expertise with his skills in project management and technology. He is also committed to holistic leadership, personal development, and making a positive impact in his industry and community.

In our conversation, we unpack transitioning from a military to a professional career, the skills that cross over, and the ways the military and construction are similar. We also dive into his path to starting a tech startup, how Jet.Build is driving innovation, and the range of services the company offers.

Join us as we explore how Adam and his company are paving the way forward in the built environment. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

Adam’s journey from construction to founding a tech startup.
Learn how the Jet.Build is revolutionizing the sector with technology.
Adam’s advice and valuable lessons for other leaders in construction.

Quotes:

“[Jet.Build] is going to provide you with modern technology that is easy to understand and easy to use.” — Adam Stark [0:14:55]

“[Jet.Build] has the ability to implement at a pace that these legacy companies cannot even fathom.” — Adam Stark [0:15:38]

“Not only does [Jet.Build’s technology] protect you as you build your project, [but] it allows productivity for all of your stakeholders and prepares you for the future.” — Adam Stark [0:18:56]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Adam Stark on LinkedIn

Jet.Build

The Veterans Who Build Show on YouTube

Never Split the Difference

The Power of Now

Leadership is a Relationship

Why Self-Awareness Should Be The First Step In Every Leaders Development Journey with Mike Erwin

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 10:05:41 -0400

To be an effective leader, you must believe that other people matter and, as a result, that leadership is a relationship.

This is the belief of today’s guest, Mike Erwin. A soldier, educator, author, non-profit founder, veteran advocate, and Executive Director at Team Red, White & Blue (RWB), America's leading health and wellness community for veterans. Mike is also CEO of the Character & Leadership Center and co-founder and president of The Positivity Project, a non-profit organization that aims to empower America’s youth to build positive relationships.

As you’ll learn in this episode, Mike is an exemplary leader who has dedicated his life to serving his nation and empowering people to become more resilient. Mike shares his perspective on leadership development, how Positive Psychology has influenced his personal and professional outlook on life, and why it’s important to not just coexist but learn to collaborate with others. (even when they have radically different personalities from you).

Mike and BJ also discuss the books that have profoundly impacted Mike’s life, the people who inspire him most, his definition of legacy, and much more! To find out why the leaders who put people first tend to be more successful (and memorable), be sure to tune in today.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Steps to cultivating a leadership mindset and a “relentless focus on other people.”

• The origin story of Team RWB and how it connects veterans with their communities.

• How The Positivity Project started and the five areas of leadership it promotes.

• Practical advice for balancing a busy calendar by doing each task to your best ability.

Quotes:

“For the most part, we go through life with other people. How we understand other people is [hugely important].” — Mike Erwin

“Understand yourself – Start there, then prioritize and be able to understand other people. In other words, leading yourself first matters because it allows you to lead other people and build relationships well.” — Mike Erwin

“I’m inspired by people who’ve got a good character and who treat other people well, regardless of their circumstance.” — Mike Erwin

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mike Erwin

Team Red, White & Blue

Lead Yourself First

Mike Erwin on LinkedIn

Mike Erwin on Instagram

Mike Erwin on Facebook

Mike Erwin on X

Character & Leadership Center

Positivity Project

United States Military Academy West Point

Atomic Habits

The Psychology of Money

The Benedict Option

The Devil and Bella Dodd

The Alchemist

The Fourth Turning

Ascension with Father Mike Schmitz

BJ Kraemer: A Building Leader on Building Leaders

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 12:23:17 -0400

During this episode, we’re turning the tables; the guest becomes the host, and the host becomes the guest!

Jon Nehlsen is the Chief Financial Officer at MCFA, and he joins us to interview BJ Kraemer. You’ll hear all about BJ’s formative experiences, from his childhood experiences to his early career in construction before joining MCFA.

Getting into his West Point journey, we explore what it was like to continue his father’s military legacy, and BJ shares how he has drawn inspiration from a veteran who didn’t make it home.

We also discuss the reading list that has shaped his thinking and unpack the methodology that keeps his reading habit alive.

We wrap the episode by delving deeper into BJ’s identity in the business world, how he launches his skill of synthesizing emotions and logic, and how he manages his deficiencies to be effective.

Join us for an inspiring conversation today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Reads that have shaped BJ’s philosophy and worldview and the cons of reading a lot and how to combat them.

• Creating a culture that allows people to become the best version of themselves.

• How to synthesize emotions and logic.

• Habits that shape BJ’s approach to life.

Quotes:

“When you’re a leader among leaders, and it is obvious, you know there’s something special there.” — BJ Kraemer

“Profits are important. People are more important.” — BJ Kraemer

“Whatever your platform is, try to do as much good with it as possible.” — BJ Kraemer

“If you read too much and don’t have a methodology for implementation, it turns into infotainment.” — BJ Kraemer

“In the professional services space, you’re an idiot if you can’t say that your people are your brand or your people are your biggest asset.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jon Nehlsen on LinkedIn

The Knock at the Door

Never Eat Alone

Think and Grow Rich

4 Hour Work Week

Skin in the Game

How to Win Friends & Influence People

The Three Most Important Skills Project Managers Need To Conquer A Challenging Project Or Client With BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 10:46:42 -0500

If you’ve ever taken on a tough project or struggled with a demanding client, then this episode is for you! In today’s episode, you’ll hear BJ Kraemer share the details of his most recent project, the challenges he encountered, and what he learned from the experience.

You’ll learn about the reservations he had regarding his most recent project, why it was so challenging (despite his good relationship with the client), and the seven key lessons any good project manager needs to know — especially if they’re responsible for a tough project or a demanding client.

Join us today to hear the full scope of BJ’s hard-won insights, what it takes to execute an excellent project, and how he helped his client navigate the impossible!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Taking on a demanding project or client, and the challenges you’ll need to navigate.

• How to manage scope creep and why it’s so difficult to navigate.

• The art and science of balancing a positive attitude with the realities of a situation.

Quotes:

“Scope Creep is the easiest thing to say yes to when you're a project manager, [but] it's the hardest thing to navigate.” — BJ Kraemer

“Sometimes we just have to take ourselves out of the emotion of trying to make the impossible happen, take a deep breath, and look realistically at the equation to say ‘Where are risks? And how can we mitigate, manage, navigate or accept them?’” — BJ Kraemer

“I challenge all of you to be the glue that keeps it together, but also be the maestro of when to use art and when to use science to maintain the spirit and the camaraderie that it takes to have a great project.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jimmy Vreeland on LinkedIn

How To Embrace the Abyss On Your Way To Success with Jimmy Vreeland

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 13:49:04 -0500

Buckle up folks because today is going to be an adventure with our guest, Jimmy Vreeland. Join in and get to know more about who Jimmy Vreeland is, what he does, and how he got there.

We delve into how he got into starting a podcast with the mission to educate people, his thoughts and definitions of achievement and fulfillment, and his compelling elevator pitch on why passive real estate investments are a wise consideration. He also shares insights on how his military background shaped some of his leadership skills.

Don’t miss his answers to our rapid-fire questions, closing thoughts, inspiration, and recommended actionable steps toward fulfillment. Thanks for listening, enjoy!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why do a podcast and educate people?

• We delve into the two Hero’s Journeys: chasing achievement and fulfillment.

• How Jimmy defines fulfillment and desired M-state.

• Leadership skills Jimmy gleaned from the army that transferred to his leadership in business.

Quotes:

“I feel like buying real estate without a certain amount of education is like running with scissors.” — Jimmy Vreeland

“Once I realized that there was no success without the abyss, I just started having fun with it.” — Jimmy Vreeland

“If you are coordinating action with others, it’s a way to be fulfilled and accomplish things with other people.” — Jimmy Vreeland

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jimmy Vreeland on X

Jimmy Vreeland on Instagram

Jimmy Vreeland on YouTube

Busting the Real Estate Investing Lies: Build Wealth the Smart Way: Through the Most Time-Tested, Least Volatile Path to Financial Freedom

Vreeland Capital

Combat, Cash Machines, and Cashflow: The Evolution of Jimmy Vreeland

Rise Up. Live Free.

Dude, Where's My House? (Jimmy Vreeland)

Opening Up The Tent Podcast

Word on Fire Podcast

Exodus90

West Point

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

The Hero's 2 Journeys

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell (1999-09-01)

Daniel Marcos

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Larry Yatch on LinkedIn

How Leadership (Actually) Works: A Navy SEAL’s Complete System for Coordinating Teams

C.S Lewis

Jordan B. Peterson

Mere Christianity

The Road Less Stupid

'The 4 Freedoms That Motivate Successful Entrepreneurs’

Why Fulfillment Is One Of MCFA's Brand Promises With BJ Kraemer

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 13:53:57 -0500

One of MCFA’s brand promises to our employees is a fulfilling career. While the responsibility for ultimately finding fulfillment is individual, today, you’ll find out how MCFA has built an environment and a culture that facilitates this brand promise and enables someone to navigate a rewarding career.

To learn what fulfillment is, why it matters, and much more, stay tuned for some thought-provoking conversations with your host BJ Kraemer!

Key Points From This Episode:

Why a meaningful career is an important part of a happy and fulfilling life.
What makes a job rewarding, including location, compensation, and vocation.
Four “freedoms” that commonly motivate entrepreneurs.
The importance of working toward something meaningful for yourself.

Quotes:

“Nobody is responsible for fulfillment except for you. – While I can’t take responsibility for anybody’s fulfillment, I can be very intentional in creating a culture, environment, and systems that enable somebody to navigate a fulfilling career.” — BJ Kraemer

“There’s no magic wand [for] creating a fulfilling career.” — BJ Kraemer

“Whether [you’re] leading somebody on their career journey or leading yourself on your career journey, fulfillment is not [something] you wake up and all of a sudden have. I think that fulfillment generally comes from working toward something meaningful for yourself.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

DoD to A/E/C: Leveraging the likeability factor with Joey Fay

What To Do When Your Project, Goals Or New Years Resolutions Fall Off Track?

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with David Allen, author of “Getting Things Done”. David breaks down his career journey, what inspired him to write “Getting Things Done”, and how the GTD process has revolutionized project management.

Resources mentioned:

Find out more about “Getting Things Done” and David at: https://gettingthingsdone.com/

“Humankind” by Rutger Bregman: https://www.amazon.com/Humankind-Hopeful-History-Rutger-Bregman/dp/0316418536

Calls-to-action:

Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter where we curate some of the top industry articles of the week and give you a dose of inspiration as you head into the weekend!

MCFA IS HIRING!! If you or anyone you know are looking to work in the Planning, Project Development, Project Management, or Construction Management field, contact us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure. Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/. We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email!

Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.com

Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFA

Keywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

When Does A Merger Make Sense With Joey Fay

BJ Kraemer, MCFA — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:44:15 -0500

While both are important to the success of a company, what is it that differentiates a leader from a manager? Today, you’ll hear from Quatrefoil Consulting founder, veteran Marine, and MCFA’s newest team leader, Joey Fay, about some of the key distinctions between managing and leading a group of people. In 2018, Joey launched Quatrefoil, a service-disabled veteran-owned project leadership company that was acquired by and merged with MCFA in February of 2024, where he continues his career as President of Diversified Markets. Before 2008, Joey served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and continues to serve in the Marine Corps Reserves. In this episode, you’ll learn about the synergy of values and cultures between Quatrefoil and MCFA and why the marriage of the two companies works so well. Joey also offers some insight into what led him to start Quatrefoil, his focus on leadership before skill, the importance of likability, what earned respect means to him, and much more. Be sure to tune in for this very special guest interview with MCFA’s President of Diversified Markets, Joey Fay!

Key Points From This Episode:

The synergy between Quatrefoil and MCFA from Joey’s perspective.
Why communication is key for successful change management.
What this merger between the two companies says to the marketplace.
How being a veteran and a reservist has reinforced Joey’s vision of leadership.
An overview of Joey’s background and why he started Quatrefoil Consulting.
Key differentiators between management and leadership.
Insight into the mergers and acquisitions process for small business owners.
Focusing on the future versus being stuck in the day-to-day.
A look at the diverse portfolios of Quatrefoil and MCFA combined.
The value of likability and its relationship to business success.
Lessons on leadership, mentorship, and recruitment from the military.
Positional respect versus earned respect and other takeaways from the merger.
The challenge of leadership capacity and reasons to invest in great leaders.
Why optimism is so powerful and Joey’s call to “be excited!”

Quotes:

“[Quatrefoil’s] mantra was don’t hire a project manager. Hire a project leader.” — @TheJoeyFay [0:12:42]

“[If you] look at the difference between management and leadership, management is important – There are a lot of things to manage. But at the tip of the spear, you want a leader; someone who is out ahead of managing problems, – looking forward at the future.” — @TheJoeyFay [0:12:52]

“Any good leader knows the difference between positional respect and earned respect.” — @TheJoeyFay [0:35:41]

“Be excited! This is exciting. I’m excited. We’re going to become a powerful company [and] we’re going to disrupt this market even more so than MCFA already has. I want you guys to be there with us!” — @TheJoeyFay [0:42:30]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Joey Fay

Joey Fay on LinkedIn

Joey Fay on X

The Likeability Factor