Leadership Blueprints

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 LinkedInJeff Evenson EmailScaling.comThe Science of Scaling: Grow Your Business Bigger and Faster Than You Think PossibleBill Watkins on LinkedInDan Sullivan BooksBenjamin Hardy BooksWho Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing LessFreddie Kim on LinkedInMILSPEC TALENTEntrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad OnesLeadership Blueprints PodcastLeadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTubeMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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:Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)Leadership Blueprints PodcastLeadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTubeMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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 Brian Pieplow on LinkedInThe 4-Hour WorkweekMake No Little PlansLeadership Blueprints PodcastLeadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTubeMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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 GreenleafSimon SinekStephen Covey on InstagramWest PointUS Air ForceThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change David Allen — Getting Things DoneLeadership Blueprints PodcastLeadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTubeMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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.” — @gtdguyLinks Mentioned in Today’s Episode:David Allen on LinkedInDavid Allen on XDavid Allen on Instagram Getting Things DoneGTD FocusInstallation Guide Crucial LearningGetting Things DoneHumankindMy Plan for Living to 156HitsterLeadership Blueprints PodcastLeadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTubeMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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:Jill Macauley on LinkedInBehavioral EssentialsBlindspotting: How to See What's Holding You Back as a LeaderThe Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and WinPoor Charlie’s Almanack: The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. MungerBlindspottingLeadership Blueprints PodcastLeadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTubeMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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:The Dichotomy of LeadershipLincoln on Leadership The Art of ManlinessDo Hard ThingsLeadership Blueprints PodcastLeadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTubeMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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 LinkedInPaul Donovan on InstagramJersey Wahoos Swim ClubThe Power of HabitThe Five Dysfunctions of a TeamSteve MagnessThe Sport Parent on XLeadership Blueprints PodcastLeadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTubeMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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:UnshakeableBlack Hawk DownSteve Young Interview with Tim FerrissGary GordonLeadership Blueprints PodcastLeadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTubeMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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 TeichertJohn Teichert on LinkedInJohn Teichert on YouTubeBoom!Prayers for a NationThe Dragon Who Earned His WingsInSideOut CoachingThe Infinite GameGreater Than YourselfLincoln on LeadershipAmerican GeneralshipThe Maxwell Leadership BibleGeorge Washington’s General OrdersLeadership Blueprints PodcastLeadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTubeMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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 ThingBuy Back Your TimeLeadership Blueprints PodcastLeadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTubeMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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:Daniel McCaulley on LinkedInMoonshotThe 5 Levels of Leadership Leadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)  The Speed of Trust The Infinite Game Selling the Invisible The First 90 Days A Philly Special Christmas Party Album Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn 

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:Never Eat AloneThe Miracle MorningDan SullivanLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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:Mickey's Christmas Carol (Disney+)A Christmas CarolHome AloneHome Alone 2It’s a Wonderful Life (Apple TV)The Santa Clause (Disney+)National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Netflix)Leadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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 WolfeScott Wolfe on LinkedInLevelsetMade to StickThe Power of MomentsSwitchLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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 LinkedInLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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:Malory Atkinson on LinkedInShear StructuralThe Zero CoHow to Win Friends and Influence PeopleLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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 LinkedInQuanta Services The Honor FoundationRobert E. Lee on Leadership Leadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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:Brian McGrath on LinkedInQuatrefoil Consulting LLCFounding Forward As a Man ThinkethLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn