Leadership Blueprints

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