Leadership Blueprints

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

Explore the hidden barriers of limiting beliefs that hinder personal and professional growth. Learn how mindset and momentum play pivotal roles in overcoming self-doubt. Discover the discomfort that often accompanies true growth and why it’s essential. BJ shares practical strategies for breaking through plateaus and fostering belief in oneself. Engaging thoughts on leading with intention highlight the power of taking personal responsibility and embracing challenges in leadership!