Leadership Blueprints

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