Leadership Blueprints
BJ Kraemer, MCFA
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 28, 2022 • 43min
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/ http://act.alz.org/goto/Memory_JoggersDuke Deluca: https://aim.visionhttps://rooseveltdc.com https://www.ida.org 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 us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure. Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/. We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email! Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Dec 21, 2022 • 21min
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 yearResources 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/0738219533Calls-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 us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure. Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/. We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email! Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Dec 14, 2022 • 52min
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-leveraginghumancapital/Email Jesse at: jgjohnson@mcfaglobal.com Kolbe Test: https://www.kolbe.com/kolbe-a-index/“Mindfulness” by Ellen Langer: https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-25th-anniversary-Merloyd-Lawrence/dp/0738217999/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=CjwKCAiAs8acBhA1EiwAgRFdw-tczTOXU835YKIpYcgYcXif5eGPBPUP9lixQ9Njw5zRq_HIx2PBfhoCEXIQAvD_BwE&hvadid=241608831263&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9021758&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4699508192143557885&hvtargid=kwd-6247912173&hydadcr=15527_10340956&keywords=mindfulness+by+ellen+langer&qid=1670528301&s=books&sr=1-1&tag=googhydr-20Find more info about Fish For Life at: https://www.fishforlife.org/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 us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure. Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/. We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email! Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Dec 7, 2022 • 45min
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 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 us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure. Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/. We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email! Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Nov 30, 2022 • 26min
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 Braid: https://www.amazon.com/Journeywoman-Swinging-Hammer-Mans-World/dp/1894759877Calls-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 us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure. Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/. We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email! Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Nov 25, 2022 • 29min
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-that-Gives-Meaning/dp/1400034639Travis Manion Foundation: https://www.travismanion.org/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 us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure. Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/. We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email! Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Nov 23, 2022 • 47min
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%21megaVerb=group-discoverCalls-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 us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure. Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/. We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email! Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Nov 18, 2022 • 48min
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/bookCalls-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 us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure. Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/. We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email! Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Nov 16, 2022 • 43min
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.amazon.com/Essentialism-Greg-McKeown-audiobook/dp/B00IWYP5NI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A938M3GCKBS7&keywords=essentialism&qid=1665514788&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjAzIiwicXNhIjoiMS41NiIsInFzcCI6IjEuNjQifQ%3D%3D&s=books&sprefix=essentialism%2Cstripbooks%2C96&sr=1-1“Atomic Habits” by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits“The Power of Strangers: The Benefits of Connecting in a Suspicious World” by Joe Keohane: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Strangers-Benefits-Connecting-Suspicious/dp/1984855778Calls-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 us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure. Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/. We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email! Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Nov 11, 2022 • 52min
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 Altman https://www.phillytrib.com/news/philly-planner-builds-legacy-for-london-olympics/article_c23a85fe-e678-5083-9097-8099107c8f7e.html“A Soldier's Story” by Omar N. Bradley: https://www.amazon.com/Soldiers-Story-Modern-Library-War/dp/0375754210Calls-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 us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure. Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/. We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email! Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
