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
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
Nov 9, 2022 • 47min
Starting, Struggling, Scaling, And Succession Planning for Your Business With Judy Nitsch, Founder of Nitsch Engineering
On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Judy Nitsch, Founder of Nitsch Engineering. Judy explores her expansive career, her journey to engineering as a young woman, the founding story of Nitsch Engineering, and what she learned as a leader with a focus on serving people. “Inspiring the next generation of female engineers” TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEeTLopLkEo“Rain Making: Attract New Clients No Matter What Your Field” by Ford Harding: https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Making-Attract-Clients-Matter/dp/1598695886“La Bella Lingua: My Love Affair with Italian, the World's Most Enchanting Language” by Dianne Hales: https://www.amazon.com/Bella-Lingua-Italian-Enchanting-Language/dp/0767927702 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 4, 2022 • 28min
Leveraging your Network to Transition into the AEC Industry
On today’s episode, BJ sits down with another MCFA employee, Tom Kraemer, Project/Construction Manager at MCFA. Tom talks about his journey to MCFA, his time at The United States Coast Guard Academy, and when he knew he needed to hone in and go back to school.Resources mentioned: “A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future” by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-New-Mind-Right-Brainers-Future/dp/1594481717“Underdog” can be found at: https://www.instagram.com/underdog_phl/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 2, 2022 • 38min
Why Being A Good Client Is Smart Business In The A/E/C Industry with Dave Skuodas, Mile High Flood District
On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Dave Skuodas at Mile High Flood District. Dave talks about his journey to writing his book, “The Effective Client: Why Being a Good Client is Smart Business in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industries”, how being a good client has shifted his mentality, and the importance of sharing our knowledge with others. “The Effective Client: Why Being a Good Client is Smart Business in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industries” by David Skuodas: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1706240392/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1“Endurance” by Alfred Lansing: https://www.amazon.com/Endurance-Shackletons-Incredible-Alfred-Lansing/dp/046506288Gary Vee & Ryan Holiday Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir3_rzcEzyQInspiring 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
Oct 26, 2022 • 27min
Growing Your Soft Skills for a Successful Career with Anthony Fasano P.E. at Engineering Management Institute
On today’s episode, BJ talks with Anthony Fasano, author of “Engineer Your Own Success” and founder of The Engineering Management Institute. Anthony discusses the day to day job and mission of The Engineering Management Institute, and the content machine they use to educate SEC professionals for free.Resources mentioned: “Engineer Your Own Success” by Anthony Fasano: https://www.amazon.com/Engineer-Your-Own-Success-Extraordinary/dp/1118659643/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28PICBNYJZVFQ&keywords=Engineering+Your+Own+Success&qid=1666099826&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&s=books&sprefix=engineering+your+own+success%2Cstripbooks%2C63&sr=1-1Find The Engineering Management Institute: https://engineeringmanagementinstitute.org/“A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload” By Cal Newport: https://www.amazon.com/World-Without-Email-Reimagining-Communication/dp/0525536558/ref=asc_df_0525536558/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459680637280&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6421125995257291689&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021758&hvtargid=pla-921352016049&psc=1“Makers Time Managers Time Essay”: Seth Godin Books: https://www.amazon.com/Seth-Godin/e/B000AP9EH0%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_shareFind Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyjfasano/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
Oct 19, 2022 • 46min
Optimizing Partnerships & Teams to Develop Solutions as a Seller/Doer with Ed Chamberlayne, Vice President of Federal Programs at PRIME AE Group, Inc
On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Ed Chamberlayne, Vice President of Federal Programs. Ed discusses his journey to becoming an engineer, his military experience, and how transitioning out of the military gave him perspective he still brings to the workplace today. Resources mentioned: Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardchamberlayne/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
Oct 12, 2022 • 48min
Leadership By Example In Action with Jim Beck, Senior Program Manager at Allegheny Health Network
On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Jim Beck, Senior Program Manager at Allegheny Health Network and recently retired from the US Army Reserves. Jim breaks down his motivation to enter the construction industry, how he transitioned from the military, and the leadership lessons he learned along the way. Resources mentioned: “Finding the Space to Lead: A Practical Guide to Mindful Leadership” by Janice Marturano: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Space-Lead-Practical-Leadership/dp/1620402491Wim Hoff: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/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
Oct 5, 2022 • 20min
Growing up in the Transportation Engineering Industry with Ryan Spearing Transportation Practice Developer at MCFA
Resources mentioned: Contact Ryan at: rspearing@mcfaglobal.comCalls-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
