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
Jul 20, 2022 • 42min
Making a Big Impact by Applying Expertise and Focusing on Communication to Protect Contract Fairness with Brian Perlberg
On this week’s episode BJ sits down with Brian Perlberg, Executive Director & Senior Counsel for ConsensusDocs, a coalition of 40 leading construction organizations. Brian is the only construction attorney in the United States certified as a CM-Lean for lean construction. Using Brian’s contracts to communicate and incorporate best practices instills fairness throughout contracts and are used by people who want to mitigate claims instead of escalating claims. Resources mentioned: CM-Lean: The AGC Certificate of Management-Lean Construction (CM-Lean) is an assessment-based certificate credential that denotes knowledge and understanding of concepts related to lean adoption, practice and process transformation outlined in AGC’s Lean Construction Education Program. Successful candidates will carry the CM-Lean designation.ConsensusDocs was founded in 2007 under the leadership of twenty organizations in the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry, with one goal in mind: to help the industry build a better way by developing contracts that protect the best interests of the project. In order to do so, the ConsensusDocs Coalition created a process dependent upon — trust, collaboration, and innovation. About The ConsensusDocs Coalition | Construction Contract Agreements The ConsensusDocs Coalition consists of 41 prominent organizations collectively represent over more than 300,000 individuals and companies 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!
Jul 13, 2022 • 33min
Falling in Love with Solving Problems for the World with Nivi Sharma, CEO of Bridges to Prosperity
On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Nivi Sharma, CEO of Bridges to Prosperity. Nivi explores her winding career, the journey from creating free Wi-Fi resources, digitizing he Kenyan Primary School curriculum content for revision and literacy, and now Bridges to Prosperity, the global leader in rural infrastructure development. Nivi and BJ also dive into the impact of one’s work, and how falling in love with what you do allows you to bring your full potential to the job. Resources mentioned: Find Nivi on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nivi-sharma-44813852/Read more about the corporate experience: https://www.bridgeweb.com/The-corporate-experience/8830Download the corporate brochure: https://bridges.box.com/s/0wfxtr1zrurq4kis2pfmwsushnmm7nj2To join one of the corporate teams and be a part of spending a day in the local community - 10 days in Rwanda and Uganda - go to bridgestoprosperity.org/bjkraemer and apply!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, MCFAMCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Jul 6, 2022 • 48min
Transitioning 30+ Years of Military Service into an Elevated Leadership Philosophy with Maj. Gen. Todd McCaffrey
On this week’s episode, BJ interviews Maj. Gen. Todd McCaffrey. While Todd’s expertise is outside of the SEC industry, he dives deep into how his over 30 years of military service guides his leadership philosophy, and how he transitioned into president of McCaffrey Consulting, where he helps clients achieve business objectives supporting U.S. national security.Resources mentioned: Find Todd on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-mccaffrey-mg-us-army-ret/Big Red Barn: https://www.thebigredbarnretreat.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
Jun 29, 2022 • 41min
Fostering Growth and Developing Strategies That Work with Doug Reed, President and CEO of Meridian Associates
On this week’s episode, BJ talks with Doug Reed, President and CEO of Meridian Associates, Author of Lead a Movement: The Insider's Guide to Powerful Strategy Execution, and coach. Doug breaks down his philosophy surrounding team development, exceeding your own expectations, and how much the day-to-day matters when growing relationships inside, and outside your company. Connect with Doug on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fostergrowth/“Lead A Movement: The Insider's Guide to Powerful Strategy Execution” by Doug Reed: https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Movement-Insiders-Powerful-Execution/dp/1949639002Find Meridian Associates at: https://www.meridianassoc.com/ 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, SECKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Jun 22, 2022 • 43min
Understanding How Education Makes a Company with Mike Meddock, Chief Development Officer/Principal at SME
On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Mike Meddock, Chief Development Officer/Principal at SME. Mike shares his journey opening offices around the country, how he has developed an educational program within SME, and how training your team is one of the most important aspects of being a leader. Find SME at: https://www.sme-usa.com/ 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
Jun 15, 2022 • 39min
The Art of Problem Solving with Barbara White Bryson, Author of Creating a Culture of Predictable Outcomes: How Leadership, Collaboration, and Decision-Making Drive Architecture and Construction
On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Barbara White Bryson, Author, Planner, Strategist, and Principal for Strategic Futures at DI Strategic Advisors. BJ breaks down Barbara’s expansive career, working under three major universities, and her unique skill set as a complex problem solver. “Creating a Culture of Predictable Outcomes”: https://tinyurl.com/5n6sc5sr“The Owner's Dilemma: Driving Success and Innovation in the Design and Construction Industry”: https://tinyurl.com/2p8mppj3“Superusers: Design Technology Specialists and the Future of Practice” by Randy Deutsch: https://tinyurl.com/52sey46uFind more of Barbara’s books here: https://tinyurl.com/yc2vjujyFind “Restruct” here: https://restruct.arizona.edu/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
Jun 8, 2022 • 38min
The Need For The Big Story and How It Can Make a Big Impact with Jan Tuchman, Executive Editor of Engineering News Record
On this week’s episode, BJ interviewed Jan Tuchman. Executive Editor of Engineering News-Record. They discuss the many different projects Jan is involved with around the globe, her style of leadership, and the importance of collaboration in the construction industry.Resources mentioned: Learn more about Engineering News Record at www.enr.comInspiring 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
Jun 1, 2022 • 37min
Falling Into Your Passion with Tim Klabunde, Principal & Director of Marketing at Timmons Group and Author of “Network Like an Introvert: A new way of thinking about business relationships”
On this week’s episode, BJ chats with Tim Klabunde, Principal & Director of Marketing at Timmons Group. They dive into how Tim “fell” into the AEC industry, the excitement of bringing creative solutions to the table, and how his book, “Network Like an Introvert: A new way of thinking about business relationships” empowers introverts in predominantly extrovert centric spaces. Resources mentioned: Find Tim’s book, “Network Like an Introvert: A new way of thinking about business relationships” here: https://tinyurl.com/bdh9f839“R.F.P. Request For Personality: Win People, Win Projects” by John D. Burke: https://tinyurl.com/2p86adf9 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
May 25, 2022 • 41min
Identifying the skill sets of your team and your role as a leader with Suzie Richert, Senior Environmental Scientist and NEPA Compliance Specialist at Wetland Studios and Solutions, Inc.
On today’s episode, BJ talks to Suzie Richert, Senior Environmental Scientist and NEPA Compliance Specialist at Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. They break down the importance of managing not only your team, but more importantly yourself through various tactics, and how the job of the leader is to uncover the skill set of each member of your team. Resources mentioned: “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business” by Geno Wickman: https://tinyurl.com/bde76t5e“Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity” by David Allen: https://tinyurl.com/ytzsw2zx“Winning: The Ultimate Business How-To Book” by Jack Welch & Suzy Welch: https://tinyurl.com/ynjmjepeCalls-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
May 18, 2022 • 39min
The Fundamentals of Elevating a Company with Brian DiSabatino, President and CEO of EDiS Company
On this week’s episode, BJ talks with Brian DiSabatino, President and CEO of EDiS Company. They discuss Brian’s family business, how he elevated EDiS with the guidance of his father and cousins, and the core values he continues to center his leadership strategy around to this day.Resources mentioned: “Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive” by Harvey Mackay: https://tinyurl.com/yzm4j8j4Find more information about EDiS Company at: https://www.ediscompany.com/Vet Fest 2022: http://vetfestdelaware.com/ 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
