Leadership Blueprints - podcast cover

Leadership Blueprints

BJ Kraemer, MCFAleadership-blueprints.com
Leadership Blueprints is a podcast dedicated to helping leaders align teams, navigate chaos, and accomplish the mission. Hosted by BJ Kraemer—West Point graduate, combat veteran, and President & CEO of MCFA—this show dives into the principles, stories, and strategies behind effective leadership. With a background in military service and experience leading teams in business, infrastructure, and complex projects, BJ understands that success comes down to execution, adaptability, and leading people well. Through in-depth interviews with accomplished leaders across business, sports, the military, and beyond, Leadership Blueprints will help you bring your vision to reality on projects that shape communities and industries. Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, on the field, in the military, or within your own organization, this podcast is designed to provide the tools and mindset needed to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Subscribe now and start building your Leadership Blueprint.
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Episodes

Diving deep into the art of stress free productivity

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 ...

Feb 01, 202353 minEp. 77

Why you should bring your marketing team to your clients and projects

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Gabe Lett, Sr. Marketing Specialist at ALLGEIER, MARTIN and ASSOCIATES, INC. and author of “The AEC Professional’s Guidebook”. Gabe discusses his journey becoming an effective marketer, and the importance of synergy between marketing and your clients' teams and projects. Resources mentioned: Find Gabe’s book, “The AEC Professional’s Guidebook” at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/057830452X “Rain Making” by Ford Harding: https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Making-Attract-Clien...

Jan 25, 202337 minEp. 76

Falling in love with your work in the construction industry

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Scott Lowe, Principal at Trauner Consulting Services, Inc. Scott discusses his military career, his journey to Trauner Consulting, and how he ended up buying the company. He also details the importance of your team, how much the people matter to a consulting firm, and how falling in love with both the work, and the company, has aided his abilities as a leader. Resources mentioned: “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell: https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Power-Thinking-Without/d...

Jan 18, 202343 minEp. 75

Taking Smart Risk’s and Overcoming Bureaucracy to Save Time and Taxpayer Dollars

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Chris Archer, Deputy Base Civil Engineer at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Chris discusses his career as a young engineer, what makes a Joint Base unique in the services they provide, and how he organizes and executes the amazing capabilities of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Resources mentioned: “One Second After” by William R. Forstchen: https://www.amazon.com/Second-After-John-Matherson-Novel/dp/0765327252 Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Place...

Jan 11, 20231 hr 2 minEp. 74

State of the infrastructure industry., Part 2

Today’s episode is the second part of the podcast we released last week, with guests Jill Jamieson, President of Illuminati Infrastructure Advisors, and Duke DeLuca, President of ACULED Global Consulting. Jill, Duke & BJ take an even closer look at where they predict the infrastructure industry will have to change in the new year, and what efforts they are taking as leaders to adapt. Resources mentioned: Office of Innovative Program Delivery: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovativeprograms/ Call...

Jan 04, 202338 minEp. 73

State of the infrastructure industry., Part 1

On today’s episode, BJ talks with friends of the show, Jill Jamieson, President of Illuminati Infrastructure Advisors, and Duke DeLuca, President of ACULED Global Consulting. In this jam-packed free flowing conversation, Jill and Duke explore the current state of the infrastructure industry, considering new movements in the government and how organizations can best respond. Resources mentioned: Jill Jamieson: www.linkedin.com/in/jill-jamieson-51751792/ https://globalresilience.northeastern.edu/ ...

Dec 28, 202243 minEp. 72

How to reflect on this year and knock next year out of the park

On today’s solo episode, BJ talks about goal setting, the strategy he recommends and is using, and the most effective ways to set yourself up for success in the new year Resources mentioned: “Organize Tomorrow Today: 8 Ways to Retrain Your Mind to Optimize Performance at Work and in Life” by Jason Selk & Tom Bartow: https://www.amazon.com/Organize-Tomorrow-Today-Optimize-Performance/dp/0738219533 Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MC...

Dec 21, 202221 minEp. 71

Are Veterans A Solution To The Talent War, With Jesse Gemberling-Johnson, MCFA's Director of Talent Recruitment and Development

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Jesse Gemberling-Johnson, MCFA's Director of Talent Recruitment and Development. Jesse explores his career journey from finance to the Marines, and into the construction world. Jesse is passionate about building teams and helping people find their purpose, with a fine lens on leveraging and recruiting veteran talent into the engineering and construction industries. Resources mentioned: Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessegj-lever...

Dec 14, 202252 minEp. 70

How are government agencies navigating the current inflation environment on construction projects - leadership lessons in managing expectations

On today’s episode, BJ went into uncharted waters with our first Naval Academy guest (except for our beloved producer Mike Steadman). Captain Eric Hawn gives us a sneak peek into the mission of NAVFAC, navigating the current cost/supply chain environment and some of his lessons learned in leadership. 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 gi...

Dec 07, 202245 minEp. 69

How One Woman is Finding Fulfillment and Building Community in the Construction Industry

On today’s episode, BJ chats with Darci Spiteri, Co-Owner of Women on Site. Darci discusses her transition into a trade from marketing, the experience of a woman on site, and how her and other women have built a network of support. Resources mentioned: Women On Site Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women.on.site/ “Never ever accept ‘Because You Are A Woman’ as a reason for doing or not doing anything.” — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie “Journeywoman: Swinging a Hammer in a Man's World” by Kate Brai...

Nov 30, 202226 minEp. 68

Why Ex-Military Are Drawn To Small Firms

On today’s Veteran’s Day special episode, BJ talks with MCFA’s own, Sam Cubberley. Sam explores his time at West Point, working as the Associate Athletic Director for Facilities, his transition into the private sector, and what his time in the military taught him about project management. Resources mentioned: “Joshua” by Joseph F. Girzone: https://www.amazon.com/Joshua-Parable-Joseph-F-Girzone/dp/B0013L2ENG “War Is a Force that Gives Us Meaning” by Chris Hedges: https://www.amazon.com/War-Force-...

Nov 25, 202229 minEp. 67

How To Build Winning Partnerships

On today’s episode, BJ interviewed 3 individuals in the AEC space, Jilian Breeden, Principal/Pres of Engage Federal. Stephanie Heibel, BD at RFL & April Sweet, BD at OCMI. The four discuss the most important pieces of finding, building and maintaining winning partnerships, red flags to look out for, and how collaboration is the key element to success. Resources mentioned: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A652d5b00-5a01-3bc9-b0ed-09767fc37109&viewer%21megaV...

Nov 23, 202247 minEp. 66

Something More - A servant leader's journey from enlisted coast guardsman to electrical tradesman to executive of the largest entertainment facilities in the world.

On this week’s Veteran’s Day special, BJ talks with Adam Straight, Vice President of Operations at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Adam discusses his career in the Coast Guard, his transition to becoming an electrical tradesman, and how his passion for service led him to becoming an executive of one of the largest entertainment facilities in the world. Resources mentioned: “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.workinggenius.com/book Calls-to-action: Ins...

Nov 18, 202248 minEp. 65

Costly Mistakes Can Grow Great Leaders with Wally Hise, HDR

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Wally Hise, Sr. Vice President at HDR. Wally discusses his passion for working on Federal projects, lessons learned from leaders he’s worked with, and what mistakes early in his career led him to finding what he loves to do. Resources mentioned: “The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results” by Gary Keller: https://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776 “Essentialism” by Greg McKeown: https://www.ama...

Nov 16, 202243 minEp. 64

What does Engineering have to do with the Veteran Patient Experience with Anthony Streletz, US Department of Veteran's Affairs

On today’s Veteran’s Day special episode, BJ sits down with Anthony Streletz, P.E. CHFM, CHC Chief Engineer. Anthony dives into his time in the military, how he transitioned into working for the VA, and the leadership challenges and strengths he develops every day. Anthony brings a vast knowledge of effective leadership, emphasizing flexibility and the ability to stay nimble. Resources mentioned: It was Mayor Michael A. Nutter. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Nutter ; Deputy Mayor Andrew A...

Nov 11, 202252 minEp. 63

Starting, Struggling, Scaling, And Succession Planning for Your Business With Judy Nitsch, Founder of Nitsch Engineering

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Judy Nitsch, Founder of Nitsch Engineering. Judy explores her expansive career, her journey to engineering as a young woman, the founding story of Nitsch Engineering, and what she learned as a leader with a focus on serving people. “Inspiring the next generation of female engineers” TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEeTLopLkEo “Rain Making: Attract New Clients No Matter What Your Field” by Ford Harding: https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Making-Attract-Cli...

Nov 09, 202247 minEp. 62

Leveraging your Network to Transition into the AEC Industry

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with another MCFA employee, Tom Kraemer, Project/Construction Manager at MCFA. Tom talks about his journey to MCFA, his time at The United States Coast Guard Academy, and when he knew he needed to hone in and go back to school. Resources mentioned: “A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future” by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-New-Mind-Right-Brainers-Future/dp/1594481717 “Underdog” can be found at: https://www.instagram.com/underdog_phl/ ...

Nov 04, 202228 minEp. 61

Why Being A Good Client Is Smart Business In The A/E/C Industry with Dave Skuodas, Mile High Flood District

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Dave Skuodas at Mile High Flood District. Dave talks about his journey to writing his book, “The Effective Client: Why Being a Good Client is Smart Business in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industries”, how being a good client has shifted his mentality, and the importance of sharing our knowledge with others. “The Effective Client: Why Being a Good Client is Smart Business in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industries” by Da...

Nov 02, 202238 minEp. 60

Growing Your Soft Skills for a Successful Career with Anthony Fasano P.E. at Engineering Management Institute

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Anthony Fasano, author of “Engineer Your Own Success” and founder of The Engineering Management Institute. Anthony discusses the day to day job and mission of The Engineering Management Institute, and the content machine they use to educate SEC professionals for free. Resources mentioned: “Engineer Your Own Success” by Anthony Fasano: https://www.amazon.com/Engineer-Your-Own-Success-Extraordinary/dp/1118659643/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28PICBNYJZVFQ&keywords=Engineeri...

Oct 26, 202227 minEp. 59

Optimizing Partnerships & Teams to Develop Solutions as a Seller/Doer with Ed Chamberlayne, Vice President of Federal Programs at PRIME AE Group, Inc

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Ed Chamberlayne, Vice President of Federal Programs. Ed discusses his journey to becoming an engineer, his military experience, and how transitioning out of the military gave him perspective he still brings to the workplace today. Resources mentioned: Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardchamberlayne/ Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sign up for our week...

Oct 19, 202246 minEp. 58

Leadership By Example In Action with Jim Beck, Senior Program Manager at Allegheny Health Network

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Jim Beck, Senior Program Manager at Allegheny Health Network and recently retired from the US Army Reserves. Jim breaks down his motivation to enter the construction industry, how he transitioned from the military, and the leadership lessons he learned along the way. Resources mentioned: “Finding the Space to Lead: A Practical Guide to Mindful Leadership” by Janice Marturano: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Space-Lead-Practical-Leadership/dp/1620402491 Wim Ho...

Oct 12, 202248 minEp. 57

Growing up in the Transportation Engineering Industry with Ryan Spearing Transportation Practice Developer at MCFA

Resources mentioned: Contact Ryan at: rspearing@mcfaglobal.com 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 ...

Oct 05, 202220 minEp. 56

Is pull planning a solution to better project outcomes with Mike Stauss, Project Director at Clayco

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Mike Stauss, Project Director at Clayco. Mike breaks down his 17 year career at Clayco, his journey to Project Director, and the educational platforms he has engaged with. Further, Mike breaks down the pull planning model, and how successful projects have been derived from more efficient scheduling. Resources mentioned: Project Savings & Owners Article: GET FROM BJ (mentioned in episode that research would need to be done to find this article) “The Lean Buil...

Sep 28, 202224 minEp. 55

Inspiring Places: Richmond, Virginia with Tim Klabunde

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with podcast returnee, Tim Klabunde, Director of Marketing and Principal of Timmons Group. Tim talks about his themed family vacations, his love for, and the rich history of his current city of Richmond, VA. Tim discusses the built environment of Richmond, it’s influence on the city, and beyond! Resources mentioned: “LEGO House, Home of the Brick” Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKC9CEk-aUI Find Timmons Group at: https://www.timmons.com/ Connect with...

Sep 21, 202232 minEp. 54

Who not How: Empowering others to Help Grow your Company

On today’s solo episode, BJ answers the question; as President of MCFA, how do you keep a firm grip on running the company, while letting it operate with an open palm? BJ explores this question, the many obstacles that arise, and provides resources alongside actionable steps you can implement in your workplace immediately. Resources mentioned: “Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork” by Dan Sullivan: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Not-How-Accelerating-Teamwork...

Sep 14, 202227 minEp. 53

Mission and Meaning: BJ’s writing a book

On today’s solo episode, BJ reveals his next big project; writing a book. He lays out the goals he has set for himself, the many setbacks in the early stages, and what he hopes readers will learn from it! Resources mentioned: The U.S. Military Academy at West Point's mission is "to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and serv...

Sep 07, 202213 minEp. 52

Start and Sustain a Successful Career in the AEC Industry

On today’s solo episode, BJ answers burning questions from the MCFA team and our listeners! He explores how to set yourself up for success in the AEC industry, how to maintain that success, and the risks that come with both opportunity and growth. Resources mentioned: Steve Jobs Commencement Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc Matthew McConaughey Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD2cVhC-63I Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAgl...

Aug 31, 202218 minEp. 51

Understanding the Infrastructure of Education with Luis Vildostegui, Senior Principal and Education Sector Leader at Stantec

On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Luis Vildostegui, Senior Principal and Education Sector Leader at Stantec. Luis elaborates on the many turns his career has taken, the global locations he’s impacted, and how effective communication and collaboration are key to effective projects, no matter the scale or location. Resources mentioned: Find Luis at: https://www.stantec.com/en/people/v/vildostegui-luis Connect with Luis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-vildostegui-1103299/ Call...

Aug 24, 202237 minEp. 50

How to Connect with the Community You’re Serving with John Burke, Economic Vibrancy Manager for the City of Westminster, and Author of “RFP - Request For Personality, Win People, Win Projects.”

On today’s episode, BJ talks with John Burke, Economic Vibrancy Manager for the City of Westminster, and author of “RFP - Request For Personality, Win People, Win Projects.” John breaks down his journey to engineering, the importance of being able to effectively communicate a project's vision, and how the R.F.P. mindset can be implemented to become a better leader on projects of any scale. Resources mentioned: Connect with John at: www.JohnDBurke.com Find out more about the City of Westminster: ...

Aug 17, 202240 minEp. 49

How To Get More Sellers Selling with Jim Rogers, Co-Creator of Seller-Doer Academy and President of Unbridled Revenue, Inc.

On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Jim Rogers, Co-Creator of Seller-Doer Academy and President of Unbridled Revenue, Inc. Jim is also the author of “Becoming a Seller-Doer: Succeed at Business Development and Take Command of Your Career”, where he teaches professionals in the SEC industry how to develop and refine the seller-doer mindset to elevate their firms. On the show, they dive deep into not only the value of offering education to your team, but how to do it successfully, and how ma...

Aug 10, 202255 minEp. 48
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