Leadership Blueprints

If education is executed correctly, it can be one of the best ways to inspire people to change the world!  Today’s guest on Leadership Blueprints, John Abraham, is a professor of thermal sciences at the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about John’s career, what led him to academia, how he connects with this generation of students, and so much more!  We delve into his focus on ocean warming before discussing his work on sustainable energy through his company LEMA. John even removes the political side of global warming and climate change and talks about what is causing it and how to solve it.  Finally, our guest answers our rapid-fire questions, talks about the unimaginable power of AI, shares his advice for younger generations entering his industry, and gives us his take on the future of humankind and simulation theory.  Thanks for listening in!  Key Points From This Episode:•   What drew John to academia and what motivates him inside the classroom. •   Insight into his work on ocean warming and sustainable energy. •   His company, LEMA, and what his involvement in it is. •   What’s driving global warming and climate change and how to deal with it.•   The wind energy debate and what John’s take on it is.  Quotes:“When you can save lives and save jobs at the same time, man, that’s a win-win situation.” — John Abraham  “How do we deal with climate change? – Reduce our energy use; just use energy more wisely!” — John Abraham “AI is going to absolutely change our world!” — John Abraham  “We’re in an environment where future jobs are up in the air. If you are dealing in a job that has information transfer and processing as your primary job description, your job is at risk for AI.” — John Abraham Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:John AbrahamJohn Abraham EmailLEMA ChatGPTClaude AIGeminiGrok AIMeta AIMistralDeepSeekSapiensHomo DeusLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Joining us is Carey Kight, producer, advertiser, and owner of Veteran Made. He shares a series of pivotal choices that have shaped his career and his life’s journey, from the military to film school, advertising, production, and beyond. Pulling from his experiences, we discuss the frameworks that translate from the military to other fields.  Carey shares how Veteran Made embodies this, highlighting key skills that veterans can bring to the working world. We touch on managing your own expectations, the ideas that underpin Carey’s leadership decisions, and reveal more about his rich background and love of the classics, as well as his life philosophy and the kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind.  Thanks for listening!  Key Points From This Episode:•   The transferrable skills that veterans usually have. •   Developing the skill of managing your own expectations. •   The number one leadership lesson that Carey has taken into his new career.  Quotes:“Resilience is very much a lifeskill. That’s something you have to develop emotionally and intellectually for yourself.” — Carey Kight “Don’t just stay connected to the military community and the veteran community, but integrate the other community that you are trying to get into.” — Carey Kight “We’re not the products of our environments only. We are the product of the choices that we make in each environment that we are in.” — Carey Kight “I’m very lucky that my vocation is an avocation for a lot of other people. That, to me, feels like a privilege and a blessing, and it’s something I get to do.” — Carey Kight Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Carey KightCarey Kight on XCarey Kight on InstagramCarey Kight on LinkedInVeteran MadeVeteran Made PodcastLord of the RingsChronicles of Narnia Harry Potter To Kill a MockingbirdFarenheit 451Stephen PressfieldA Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great WarLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What does it take to lead a software company at the forefront of the architecture and engineering (A&E) world?  Joining us today is the CEO of BQE Software, Matt Cooper, to discuss his incredible career and his company’s work in the architecture and engineering space. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Matt’s time consulting, what led him to BQE Software, how he transitioned into a leadership position, and so much more!  We delve into what it means to produce ‘client-worthy’ work before discussing how BQE expanded into A&E. You’ll even hear Matt’s thoughts on the A&E industry and what exciting projects his research and development team is working on.  Finally, Matt answers our rapid-fire questions and shares some nuggets of wisdom about taking a leap of faith. Thanks for listening!  Key Points From This Episode•   Matt shares his approach to taking on a leadership role at BQE•   Matt explains what it means to produce ‘client-worthy work’•   How BQE expanded into the A&E space•   What he’s seeing in the A&E industry as the company continues to grow Quotes:“When you’re working with investors, it’s important to show output with some expediency.” — Matt Cooper  “My perspective doesn’t matter, what really matters for us is the perspective of our customers.” — Matt Cooper  “I’m a firm believer that for companies of our size and scale, focus is really what matters.” — Matt Cooper Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Matt Cooper on LinkedInMatt Cooper Email AddressBQE SoftwareBQE Software on LinkedInEast of EdenLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

In celebration of our 200th episode, this conversation highlights 20 key lessons we've learned over the past five years of hosting this podcast. Join us as we take a deep dive into leadership philosophy, drawing from insights we've gathered since the very beginning. You'll hear what it means to lead from the front, why going viral isn't necessary to make an impact, and how building character shapes everything you do. We also unpack the recent drop-off rate in the real estate world and explore how a strong sense of purpose can fuel perseverance. As we reflect on the growth that comes with each new season, we invite you to consider your own journey. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or you've been with us since the start, this episode will inspire you to move from reflection to action. Thanks for being part of the journey!Key Points From This Episode:•   Taking action beyond thinking and reflection. •   The critical role of trust and what happens in a crisis without it.•   Why curiosity is a leadership superpower.•   The little things that build your character. •   Understanding the role of purpose. •   Taking advantage of the opportunity for growth that each new season brings. Quotes:“Start before you feel ready.” — BJ Kraemer  “Repetition builds your repetition.” — BJ Kraemer  “You can’t lead well if you don’t listen first.” — BJ Kraemer “People will listen to what you say but they’re going to watch what you do.” — BJ Kraemer “The best seasons are the ones where you’re growing.” — BJ Kraemer Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Leadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What does real leadership transformation look like, and how do you go from managing projects to leading people?  In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with Coty Fournier to discuss leadership transformation and creating a company-focused impact. Coty is an industry veteran, speaker, author, and senior consultant with Well Built Construction Consulting. She is known for fast-tracking construction managers into high-impact leaders through keynote speaking, leadership training, and strategy consulting. In our conversation, we delve into scaling businesses, developing talent, and shifting from project-focused execution to company-focused impact. We unpack her lessons in leadership, the foundational importance of field experience, and how to transition from managing projects to leading people and fostering new ideas. Coty also discusses how to drive work in place, the mindset shifts required to move from a “Pistol Pete” problem-solver to a leader, the benefits of delegating risk, and why reducing fear is your secret weapon.  Join us for career-building advice, valuable industry insights, and more with Coty Fournier. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode:•   Her early career journey from Michigan State University to Turner Construction Company.•   Why company and personal growth go hand in hand in the construction industry.•   Find out why field experience is essential for career advancement in construction.•   Discover how to bridge the gap between the office and the field in construction.•   How to transition from managing projects to managing people and fostering new ideas. Quotes:“That is one of the reasons companies need to grow, not just for growth's sake but for the leadership development and professional development opportunities it gives to all your top players.” — Coty Fournier  “There is basically no such thing as having too much actual field experience as you attempt to rise [through] the ranks of any construction company.” — Coty Fournier  “People and ideas are not projects.” — Coty Fournier  “The higher you get up in a construction company, the more you need to lead versus manage.” — Coty Fournier  “Teach people to realize that your job [as a contractor] is to make the owner less afraid.” — Coty Fournier  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Coty Fournier on LinkedInWell Built Construction ConsultingMichigan State UniversityTurner Construction CompanyMiller Construction CompanyChad Prinkey on LinkedInWell BuiltInside Commercial Construction's MVPsThe Human Side of ConstructionKyle NitchenNo Bullsh*t ProjectSapiensMaya AngelouLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

There is growing concern around the post-service health of veterans and first responders as it’s easy to fall into destructive patterns when liberated from the forced discipline of being in active duty. Today we are joined by John New, an Army veteran and serial entrepreneur who’s made it his life’s purpose to help curate healthier life habits for former service members.  We begin with John’s background as he explains who he is, and what he does before learning about CYTO (previously The Hub), and what the organization hopes to achieve. Then, we compare remote work to in-office obligations, the ins and outs of the 98 Octane veteran program, how to avoid falling victim to consumer marketing, and how to connect with John and his work.  To end, our guest details the leadership lessons that have stuck with him in his career, the books he’d recommend in a heartbeat, why he’d love to have dinner with Mother Theresa, and his final words of encouragement for starting a group of healthy-living individuals. Key Points From This Episode:•   John New describes who he is, what he does, and how he got into the work he does today.•   Understanding what happened to The Hub and why it downsized and rebranded to CYTO.•   The ins and outs of WorkMerk. •   Unpacking the 98 Octane movement that helps veterans and first responders live healthier lives. •   How to get involved with 98 Octane and John’s mission. •   John’s advice for building a cohort centered on healthier living. Quotes:“At times, [I have] an abnormally high appetite for risk.” — John New  “My life’s calling is a movement to help a million fellow veterans and first responders live healthier lives.” — John New “You need to be committed. If you’re not committed, just don’t start.” — John New  “Kill all fears, man. Fear is a tool of the devil. Fear of loss of love; life; health; money – kill them [or else] they’ll paralyze you.” — John New  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:John New on LinkedIn WorkMerk 98 Octane CYTO | PHLJosh McCallen on LinkedIn Alex Archawski on LinkedIn Veteran Shark Tank Master of OneNapoleon Hill - Mastermind Principle Dr. Peter AttiaDr. Andrew Huberman The Checklist ManifestoMere HumanityBe the Sun, Not the SaltGrow Rich! With Peace of MindDr. Kenneth HartmanLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

In business, your aim should be to lead with your skills and let your certifications be the ‘icing on the cake’!  Today, we welcome federal contracting expert and founder of Federal Subcontracting Solutions, Shauna Weatherly, to pass on her wealth of knowledge about the federal contracting space.   Tuning in, you’ll hear about Shauna’s extensive career, the pendulum swing and balancing act Shauna has witnessed throughout her career, the policy side of contracting, creating efficiency in her business, and much more! We delve into one of Shauna’s professional war stories before discussing the most popular question she is asked and what her answer is. She even tells us about the products she will be offering!  Finally, our guest answers our rapid-fire questions. To hear all this and even be reminded of the importance of slowing down and observing, press play now! Key Points From This Episode:•   The importance of open conversation in this industry. •   The balancing act between ‘risk-averse’ and ‘mission-first’.•   Her experience in the policy and rule-making side of things.•   How she created a culture of efficiency within her business. Quotes:“In contracting you really have to have the big picture and the small picture and I think that’s where there is some difficulty.” — Shauna Weatherly  “[The contracting officers] are told what to buy, they simply decide how to buy.” — Shauna Weatherly  “Veterans knew things that I couldn’t teach anybody else.” — Shauna Weatherly Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Shauna Weatherly on LinkedInFedSubKThe Ruthless Elimination of HurryLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Innovation is an essential part of business and those who do not innovate, eventually fail.  In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ is outlining the importance of innovation. Tuning in, you’ll hear about the biggest win BJ has ever had in business, the importance of discipline, what he thinks ‘the language of business is’, and more!  BJ goes on to explain that the more we can understand how to communicate expected investment against expected outcomes, the better everyone will get at deploying innovation and research and development investment. We even talk about the importance of balancing creativity and innovation with the discipline needed to know what will work and what won’t.  Finally, BJ discusses what empowers the entrepreneurial spirit and why it always needs a level of discipline.  Thanks for listening!  Key Points From This Episode:•   The biggest win BJ has ever had in the construction industry. •   The danger of ‘shiny object syndrome’ and the importance of discipline. •   Why you have to balance your investment with the expected outcome. •   BJ shares his opinion of how to learn ‘the language of business’. •   Balancing new ideas and discipline in business. •   How Walt Disney managed creativity and empowered entrepreneurial spirit.  Quotes:“You can’t just always be taking chances. In business, you have to have some level of predictability and process for controlling the level of investment that goes into [research and development].” — BJ Kraemer  “When you say ‘yes’ to something, you are probably saying ‘no’ to a bunch of other things.” — BJ Kraemer “I think that anybody who is not innovating will die.” — BJ Kraemer  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Leadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

David Ciurzynski, founder of Ciurzynski Consulting and Air Force veteran, discusses leveraging military skills for success in the AEC industry. He emphasizes mentorship and self-worth in career transitions. David shares powerful questions he asks his team for continuous improvement and highlights how building a strong reputation leads to repeat business. The conversation also delves into the importance of resilience, communication, and the role of leadership in helping others achieve their best selves.

Culture and growth are very special topics here on the Leadership Blueprints Podcast, and today’s guest, award-winning social psychologist, author, speaker, and organizational consultant, Professor Mary Murphy, certainly speaks our love language!  Mary is a trailblazer in equity and inclusion, illuminating the dynamics of mindset and culture and empowering organizations to foster environments of growth and innovation. In this episode, Mary describes how we can distinguish a fixed mindset from a growth mindset before explaining how her multicultural background kindled her passion for academic research, particularly culture and growth.  Using Mary’s book, Cultures of Growth, as a reference point, we discover what it looks like when an organization prioritizes a growth mindset culture, how to detach yourself from a fixed mindset, how establishing a great office culture is only possible with excellent leadership, and how to cultivate a growth mindset from an early age.  Mary also explains how we can pursue a growth mindset culture at home, why we need to focus on improving basic processes rather than berating ourselves for results, and what the big-hitters are getting right regarding growth mindsets, as well as action steps for business leaders who want to improve their company’s growth mindset. Tune in today for all this and more! Key Points From This Episode:•   The differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.  •   What it looks like when an organization adopts a growth mindset culture. •   How to detach yourself from a fixed mindset and forge a new identity in growth. •   Why establishing a growth mindset culture is impossible without great leadership. •   How to build a growth mindset at home with your family. •   The importance of improving rudimentary processes instead of judging ourselves on results. •   Action steps for business leaders to improve their company’s growth mindset culture.  Quotes:“In these fixed mindset cultures, information is power. People don’t want to share the information they have access to because it is a way of holding onto power and maintaining their advantage.” — Mary Murphy  “In a growth mindset culture, collaboration is encouraged, incentivized, [and] praised. There’s a lot of support for people’s growth and development.” — Mary Murphy  “Culture matters in so many ways for our family, for our community, for our work, but it’s not just any culture. It’s a growth mindset culture that [eats] strategy for breakfast.” — Mary Murphy  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Mary MurphyMary Murphy on LinkedInMary Murphy on XMary Murphy on InstagramMary Murphy on FacebookCultures of Growth Equity Accelerator Indiana UniversityThe CASBS Summer Institute on Diversity  Carol DweckSatya NadellaHit Refresh ‘Global Mindset Initiative Paper 1: Growth Mindset Cultures and Teacher Practices’Mindset The Ministry for the Future Who Moved My Cheese? Crucial Conversations Peter DruckerMindset Triggers Assessment Leadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn