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
Oct 29, 2021 • 26min
BJ’s Going To Walt Disney World!
BJ reflects on his upcoming family trip to Walt Disney World, as well as some leadership lessons from Walt Disney, and the importance of customer service.
Let us know what you think of today’s episode by messaging BJ on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-kraemer-9a0855b/
Tim Ferris's Interview with Eric Schmidt: https://tim.blog/2021/10/25/eric-schmidt-ai/
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
Oct 22, 2021 • 34min
DOD to DNV-An Air Force Colonels Transition From Leading The Sons And Daughters of America To Finding His Way in The Clean Energy Industry
BJ sits down with Col. Christopher Valle, USAF (Ret.) who currently serves as a Vice President at DNV, the independent expert in assurance and risk management. Driven by DNV’s and his personal purpose to safeguard life, property and the environment, Christopher discusses his transition from the military into the clean energy industry.
Learn more about DNV here: https://www.dnv.com/
Follow Col. Christopher Valle, USAF (Ret.) on Linkedin here: https://bit.ly/3GfshvJ
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
Oct 15, 2021 • 16min
Momentum is Everything
BJ’s taking back momentum on the podcast after a bit of a lay off. It feels good to be back and we look forward to hearing from you all, our loyal listeners.
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
Aug 27, 2021 • 23min
AEC Leaders And Our Responsibility for Employee Engagement
BJ discusses Leadership’s responsibility for employee engagement within the AEC Industry. He also takes a moment to acknowledge the tragic events that took place in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.
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
Aug 6, 2021 • 27min
How MCFA is utilizing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to Realign Our 10-Year Vision
On the following episode of Inspiring People and Places, BJ discusses Gino Wickman’s Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and how it’s powering MCFA’s 10 year road map.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
https://amzn.to/2Vzsd7w
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
Jul 30, 2021 • 19min
Teaching in the New World
BJ and Mike discuss the challenges of teaching in the new world, and how it's affecting the way content is delivered in classrooms and organizations.
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 nee d 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
Jul 23, 2021 • 52min
“Building for Impact and Giving Back to the Veteran Community” with Serial Entrepreneur and Philanthropist - Dana Spain
On the following episode of Inspiring People and Places, BJ sits down with Serial Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Dana Spain. The two discuss how we can do well and do good by leading, learning, and loving what you do.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level
https://amzn.to/3eQ3thT
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 nee d 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
Jul 16, 2021 • 29min
The Importance of Culture and Core Values
BJ discusses MCFA’s Core Values, the role they play in MCFA’s culture, and how to establish Core Values in your own firm.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
BE 2.0 (Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0): Turning Your Business into an Enduring Great Company by Jim Collins
https://amzn.to/3dZLgOD
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 nee d 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
Jul 2, 2021 • 21min
Building a Training and Development Program within MCFA
BJ and Mike discuss MCFA University, the firm’s approach to training and development.
Books Mentioned:
The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers Hardcover by Ben Horowitz
https://amzn.to/2Umr6XP
Fix This Next: Make the Vital Change That Will Level Up Your Business by Mike Michalowicz
https://amzn.to/3jCN2ZG
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 25, 2021 • 43min
Breaking down the origin of MCFA and Inspiring People & Places with Mike Steadman and BJ Kraemer
In this episode, Mike Steadman, producer of this podcast, interviews BJ. Exploring BJ's history in the military, and diving into the specifics of what brought him to MCFA and the show you are listening to. He provides helpful insight into how the military defined his path, the value in taking risks, and how he is still learning to lead today.
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
