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
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 LinkedInWilliam D. Squires Columbia UniversitySurvival ThinkingMake Your BedSports Business JournalMetLife StadiumNew York New Jersey Host CommitteeSomething More - A Servant Leader’s Journey From Enlisted Guardsman to Electrical Tradesman to Executive o the Largest Entertainment Facilities in the WorldLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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 LinkedInMead & HuntSAMEHow to Win Friends and Influence PeopleGood to GreatService Academy Business Mastermind on Apple PodcastsLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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 KraemerLinks Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Leadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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 PetersonLinks Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Valerie Peterson, LMHCLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFABJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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 AdamsBrad Adams on LinkedInThe R4 GroupPrinciples: Life and WorkRay DalioRonald ReaganSteve PrefontaineLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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 LinkedInNotre Dame UniversityRaving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer ServiceThe 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with LessMVP (The Movie)Leadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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 Charles Thomas Jr on LinkedInCharles Thomas Jr on InstagramCharles Thomas Jr on XForged From Fire: Pieces To ProsperityBest Kept Secrets: From Invisible Walk-Ons to Life Champions Clear CloudGood To Great: Why Some Companies Make The Leap and Others Don't The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging PeopleThe Alchemist: A Modern Classic of Magic and MysticismThe Greatest Salesman in the WorldToday I Begin a New Life: Og Mandino for the 21st Century Solo: A Memoir of HopeLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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:Ward FitzgeraldExCorde CapitalEQT Real EstateHarvard MBAForbesFortune Asuka Nakahara on LinkedInThe Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux (Tan Classics)The Power BrokerMere ChristianityMother TeresaJohn F KennedyAbraham LincolnWinston ChurchillPope John Paul IIPope FrancisPope Leo XIVLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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 LinkedInJohn Cordle on EmailJohn Cordle Phone Number +1 (767) 632 – 9555Going CircadianExtreme OwnershipThe Gap and the GainOn WritingLincoln on LeadershipSix FrigatesJohn (JC) CarterLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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 LinkedInJill Jamieson on InstagramThe Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy SelfHow to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and TranscendenceThe One Big Beautiful BillJesse Welles - Horses (YouTube)Franz Ferdinand - Audacious (YouTube)Finite and Infinite GamesChasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs Leadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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 KraemerLinks Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Leadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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 JohnsonNaval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division Leviathan Wakes The Expanse Series Leadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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 LinkedInJeff Bryan on XThe Positivity ProjectDeep WorkWhy Self-Awareness Should Be the First Step in Every Leader’s Development Journey with Mike ErwinLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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:John Carter on LinkedInLeadership Bridge Institute The Bridge Builder The Gap and the GainLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
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 KraemerLinks Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Leadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn