Leadership Blueprints

BJ Kraemer, MCFA
  • 5.0 (35)
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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.

  1. 6D AGO

    What Youth Sports Gets Right About Leadership

    What does it mean to create a safe space to fail?  During this episode, we are going outside of the built environment to speak to a different kind of inspiring leader in his field. Paul Donovan is the CEO and Head Coach of Jersey Wahoos, a USA swimming club program located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He is a champion of self-compassion and kindness. In this conversation, Paul shares how to balance compassion with accountability, navigate parental pressure, and prevent burnout in youth sports. He reflects on quiet leadership, the real mission behind his coaching that goes far beyond the swimming pool, and why leading by example and giving generously of one’s time is essential as a youth sports coach.  There are so many principles for life that can be learned through sports, and today’s episode is a deep dive into how, with the right coach and leadership, participating in them can really be a last bastion of discipline in challenging environments. Thanks for listening.   Key Points From This Episode:   •   What it looks like to balance compassion and accountability while leading young people. •   Causes of burnout in youth sports. •   Building awareness of the organization while remaining focused on celebrating internal successes. •   Leading by example in coaching and youth sports. •   How youth sports can be the final bastion of discipline in challenging environments.     Quotes:   “I think burnout is an emotional state of mind, not a physical state of mind.” — Paul Donovan    “I believe in quiet leadership. You know the old saying parents had about kids is that they should be seen but not heard? I think leaders should be heard but not seen.” — Paul Donovan    “Our actual goal for the kids isn’t for them to win a medal at the world championships. Our actual goal with them all is to open up doors that are otherwise unattainable.” — Paul Donovan    Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Paul Donovan on LinkedIn Paul Donovan on Instagram Jersey Wahoos Swim Club The Power of Habit The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Steve Magness The Sport Parent on X Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    51 min

  2. FEB 4

    What It Really Means to Be a Leader Worth Following

    Consider your funeral – what is being said in your eulogy, and what do they thank you for? Are they praising your achievements and accomplishments or memorializing your character and the relationships you nourished?  In this solo episode, BJ challenges listeners to define the leader you are trying to become, not just at work, but at home, too! You’ll hear all about the inspirational books (and soldier) that inspired this episode, the danger of being too focused on achievement, the importance of building character, and so much more! BJ even dives into the power of approaching the world from a place of joy.  To hear all this and be inspired to challenge the way you’re forming your character, be sure to tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: The danger of getting too focused on achievement. Why character is far more important than strategy. The importance of being a good leader at work and at home. Why achievement is really about learning and becoming. Bringing a posture of joy to how you approach the world.  Quotes: “It’s easy to get focused on achievement.” — BJ Kraemer  “When I talk about joy, sustainability, and – leadership effectiveness, none of them start with strategy; they all start with character.” — BJ Kraemer  “Your character is what lasts.” — BJ Kraemer  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Unshakeable Black Hawk Down Steve Young Interview with Tim Ferriss Gary Gordon Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    19 min

  3. JAN 28

    Why Your Team Isn't Reaching Its Potential

    What if the true measure of leadership is not what happens on your watch, but what happens long after you are gone?  In this episode, we speak with John Teichert, an expert in leadership, about unlocking your team's potential and achieving organizational excellence. John is a retired U.S. Air Force general, combat and test pilot, and senior defense leader with thousands of flight hours across a wide range of aircraft. He is now the founder and president of Capital Leadership LLC, where he focuses on developing innovative, integrity-driven leaders across government and industry.  In our conversation, we explore why leaders should prioritize people and the mission, why investing in people ensures long-term success, and why intentional use of time and resources is essential for organizations. John explains how leaders can demonstrate care and empathy while helping people connect to a greater purpose, and he unpacks the importance of inspiration in leadership. He also breaks down the qualities that make for an effective leader, the ways to foster connections with your team, why continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for leaders, and much more.  Tune in to learn about the significance of intentional leadership and living up to the responsibility of being a leader that people deserve with John Teichert! Key Points From This Episode: Learn why leadership is about leverage and multiplying impact through other people.How organizations show their priorities through how they spend their time and money.Explore why investing in people is vital for the long-term success of an organization.Why leadership is not only about inspiring but also about handling tough situations.Discover the steps for implementing corrective action with empathy and compassion. Quotes: “If [leaders] are not intentional about investing our time and our money in developing people to become the best possible version of themselves, then we are fooling ourselves.” — John Teichert “People need to be loved or cared for, and people want to be part of something greater than themselves.” — John Teichert  “The equipping, challenging, and convicting; those are all some of the bread and butter that [leaders] should be doing every day.” — John Teichert  “We’re all lifelong learners of leadership. No one has arrived.” — John Teichert  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: John Teichert John Teichert on LinkedIn John Teichert on YouTube Boom! Prayers for a Nation The Dragon Who Earned His Wings InSideOut Coaching The Infinite Game Greater Than Yourself Lincoln on Leadership American Generalship The Maxwell Leadership Bible George Washington’s General Orders Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    41 min

  4. JAN 21

    Leadership is Leverage: When Leaders Become the Bottleneck

    True leverage is about multiplying leaders!  In this solo episode, BJ explores the concept of leadership and leverage and shares why he believes that leaders are actually levers. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about what to consider when thinking about leverage, the power of discerning leverage properly, and how the 80/20 rule can help leaders.  BJ delves into the importance of leveraging and protecting your time before discussing the difference between responsible and irresponsible leverage. BJ even talks about systems, why they’re imperative, and why bad systems are problematic. Finally, we touch on the idea that people aren’t leverage, their growth is.  To hear all this and even be challenged to consider how you are discerning your leverage, be sure to listen now!  Key Points From This Episode: What leadership actually is and why leaders are levers. BJ explains the 80/20 rule and what it means for leaders. Responsible leverage versus irresponsible leverage. The difference between true leverage and fake leverage. Three things to ask yourself this week to be a better leader. Quotes: “Leverage without discernment and wisdom turns into burnout, overextension, anxiety, or – using people instead of developing them.” — BJ Kraemer  “Leadership requires us to constantly ask, ‘Where am I spending time that someone else can grow into [or] – that I might be able to delegate to somebody? – Where am I holding onto work that’s preventing scalability? Where might I be confusing activity with impact or results?’” — BJ Kraemer “Time is the only resource that you can’t get more of.” — BJ Kraemer  “If your organization or family relies on your heroic effort to function, you don’t have a leadership problem, you have a systems problem.” — BJ Kraemer  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The ONE Thing Buy Back Your Time Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    21 min

  5. JAN 14

    The Cost of "We'll Fix it Later" and What To Do Instead

    Projects don’t fail in the field; they fail when leaders aren’t clear on the upfront work needed to make a project successful.  Today on Leadership Blueprints, Daniel McCaulley joins us to discuss how he ensures projects go well. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about who our guest is and what he does, how he approaches projects so they are successful, how he paces an owner so that a project gets planned properly while maintaining enthusiasm, and so much more!  We delve into some of the best leadership lessons he has learned that have contributed to his success before discussing bad hires and how to avoid them. Daniel touches on his business philosophy and why he prioritizes laser-focused communication in the world of engineering. We even discuss the importance of being open to learning and growing throughout your career. Finally, our guest tells us about his favorite leadership books, quotes, and dream dinner guests (dead or alive). Thanks for listening!  Key Points From This Episode: Daniel explains his blueprint for getting a project on the right track. How to help an owner slow down to plan a project properly. Daniel shares some leadership lessons that have served him well. An example of a bad hire that Daniel made and how he handled it. How he facilitates an environment of constant learning for his employees.  Quotes: “You really do have to go slow to go fast sometimes. Everything in construction is better done yesterday.” — Daniel McCaulley  “Hire good people and get out of their way!” — Daniel McCaulley  “People do need to be managed differently.” — Daniel McCaulley  “We’re all created to be here on a specific mission, and let’s not let that time be wasted.” — Daniel McCaulley  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Daniel McCaulley on LinkedIn Moonshot The 5 Levels of Leadership  Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    39 min

  6. JAN 7

    Your Culture Beats Your Strategy

    What does it really take to lead massive infrastructure programs at the intersection of engineering, public policy, and national security?  In today’s episode, BJ Kraemer sits down with longtime mentor, former boss, and retired two-star general in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tom Tickner, to unpack leadership, public infrastructure, and how the industry is evolving through geospatial technology.  They discuss what the Corps of Engineers actually does, what he learned about appropriations, education, and relationships from serving on Capitol Hill as a budget liaison, and why infrastructure often goes unnoticed until it fails.  They also delve into the intersection of engineering, policy, and politics, Tom’s career transition after 33 years of active duty to working at Woolpert, and how the company is leveraging geospatial data, digital twins, and “GEOAI” to help decision-makers plan, build, and maintain systems faster and smarter.  Tom also shares his thoughts on leading without rank, building culture through teamwork and communication, and why trust and collaboration are essential in both the military and private sector. Tune in now!    Key Points From This Episode:  Learn what a USACE district commander is responsible for and their role in disaster response. The USACE’s role in the Pacific and how it supports other agencies operate at scale. Unpack what Tom learned on Capitol Hill about educating decision-makers on priorities. Tom shares the differences between working in the military and the private sector. Hear the biggest leadership lessons from his career and why AI will not replace people.   Quotes:    “Within the military, we don’t lobby. We do build advocacy, and we do educate.” — Tom Tickner    “We’re all learning, leading, and going together and doing really, really well. It is a lot of fun what we have going on in Woolpert.” — Tom Tickner “I am convinced that culture in a company, in a unit, is just as important, if not more important, of getting the mission done, especially when times get tough.” — Tom Tickner   “If you have time to collaborate, do it. It serves a lot of purposes.” — Tom Tickner   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:    Tom Tickner on LinkedIn  Woolpert  US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)   The Speed of Trust  The Infinite Game  Selling the Invisible  The First 90 Days  A Philly Special Christmas Party Album  Leadership Blueprints Podcast  Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube  MCFA  MCFA Careers  BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    57 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    The Year End Review Most Leaders Skip

    You cannot become a better leader without reflecting on where you have come from. At the end of every year, we dedicate an episode to helping you reflect, reset, and recommit to your goals.  This conversation is built around one of host BJ Kraemer’s favorite annual practices. It’s a deliberate, honest review that drives real change across faith, family, fitness, finance, friends, and fun.  In this episode, BJ shares practical ways to reflect on the year gone by, from reviewing photos, time, money, and energy to identifying wins, lessons, and gaps. The conversation then looks ahead, exploring how reflection creates momentum for the year to come, informs clearer commitments, and translates into intentional planning and daily routines that support meaningful progress. If you’re looking to start 2026 off on the right foot, this episode is for you. Key Points From This Episode: Why it is powerful to reflect on what you have already achieved.Reviewing where you have spent your time, money, energy, and talents in the past year. The role of reflecting in generating excitement for the year to come. Establishing morning and wind-down routines that support your goals. What might change when you introduce a lunch routine.  Quotes: “Before you set goals, you should really reflect on what it is that you accomplished over the last year.” — BJ Kraemer “My warning to myself and to everybody is to not try to set too many goals.” — BJ Kraemer “Set your goals, set your habits, set your plans, and let’s get after 2026!” — BJ Kraemer Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Never Eat AloneThe Miracle MorningDan Sullivan Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    15 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    Leadership Lessons From Christmas Classics

    In this special Christmas-themed episode of the Leadership Blueprints podcast, host BJ Kraemer draws on some of his favorite classic Christmas films to explore the art and science of leading oneself and others.  Ebenezer Scrooge sparks a conversation around awareness and change, while Kevin McAllister offers a surprising lens on ownership and responsibility. A nod to It’s a Wonderful Life serves as a quiet reminder of the power of relationships.  The episode also explores what it means to help others grow into the roles they’re called to step into, and concludes with Clark Griswold as a timely reflection on how unchecked vision can impact those around us.  Join BJ for another episode filled with valuable leadership insights! Happy Holidays!  Key Points From This Episode: The leadership lesson from Ebenezer Scrooge: transformation after self-awareness.How Kevin McAllister shows that ownership drives creativity.It’s a Wonderful Life: “No man is a failure who has friends.”Leadership is about cultivating potential by giving people the opportunity to grow into who the role requires them to become.The lesson from Clark Griswald: vision without awareness can exhaust everyone around you.  Quotes: “Transformation is possible, but like I've talked about before, only after self-awareness.” — BJ Kraemer  “When people truly own outcomes, they rise faster than we expect.” — BJ Kraemer  “[George Bailey] teaches us that the most meaningful impact is often invisible when you're living through it.” — BJ Kraemer  “Good intentions don't excuse poor awareness.” — BJ Kraemer  “I talk a lot about the first step in leadership is leading yourself first, and the first step in leading yourself first is getting clear on who you are, who you aren't, what your strengths are, what they're not. And I think the lesson we can all take away from Scrooge McDuck is results without humanity create financial success, but no relationship success and no legacy.” — BJ Kraemer  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Mickey's Christmas Carol (Disney+)A Christmas Carol Home Alone Home Alone 2It’s a Wonderful Life (Apple TV) The Santa Clause (Disney+)National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Netflix)Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    13 min
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5
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    BJ Kraemer, MCFA
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    244
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MCFA
  • Show Website
    Leadership Blueprints