Leadership Blueprints

BJ Kraemer, MCFA
  • 5.0 (37)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

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. 5d ago

    Creating Opportunities and Taking Action with Rylee Meyer

    What can happen when you stop waiting for the right opportunity and start creating one? In this episode, BJ Kraemer sits down with Rylee Meyer, MCFA’s Office Manager and Marketing Coordinator, to talk about creativity, identity, and the courage to take action. Rylee shares how a background in radio, television, and film led her from production into a role that brings together operations, marketing, and storytelling. They discuss her upcoming Korean-language program, reconnecting with her birth family, and a documentary idea inspired by the Korean adoptee community. Rylee also explains why the trip was a win for both herself and MCFA, why she refuses to let fear of rejection close doors, and how her husband's support has helped her take meaningful risks. She also reflects on the value of curiosity, belonging, and the people and stories that continue to shape her. Tune in to discover how small acts of courage can create room for growth, connection, and a more fulfilling life. Key Points From This Episode: Meet Rylee Meyer and see how she coordinates the organized chaos behind MCFA.Learn about the unexpected career turn that carried Rylee from a film set to MCFA.Hear why a language program in Korea became an opportunity she could not ignore. Uncover the community-centered documentary she is currently working on.Find out how she turned a deeply personal opportunity into a win for herself and MCFA.Understand how Rylee transforms an idea into meaningful action.Discover where she learned to create opportunities despite the fear of rejection.The role that having a supportive partner has played in Rylee’s personal journey.Explore what Rylee enjoys most about being part of the MCFA team.Consider why the book Crying in H Mart struck such a personal chord with her.They unpack and reflect on their biggest ‘what if’ moments.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Rylee Meyer on LinkedIn Sogang University Korean Language Education Center Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link (G.O.A.’L.) Crying in H Mart Past Lives Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  2. Sep 2

    Human-First Leadership and Why Caring Compounds with Justin Ricklefs

    What if the most powerful leadership advantage is showing people that you care? In this episode, BJ sits down with Justin Ricklefs, Founder and CEO of Guild Collective and author of Give a Damn: The Catalyst for Caring Companies, to explore what human-first leadership looks like in practice. They discuss his path from sponsorship sales to building a brand storytelling agency, and how mentors shaped his belief that leaders earn commitment by knowing and caring for their people. He explains why strong systems create room for exceptional human connection, how curiosity, compassion, clarity, and consistency turn care into a daily discipline, and why brand is far more than a logo or marketing department. Justin also shares his perspective on burnout, reflects on a restorative silent retreat, and explains why the match is a powerful leadership metaphor. Tune in to learn what it means to care for yourself, to pass your flame to others, and to build companies where humanity and performance strengthen one another. Key Points From This Episode: Introducing Justin Ricklefs, Founder and CEO of Guild Collective.Justin's journey from Learfield Sports and the Kansas City Chiefs to entrepreneurship.Find out how a mentor's genuine interest showed Justin the power of human-first leadership.Explore why thoughtful systems create the conditions for exceptional human connection.Find out the origin and inspiration behind Justin's Give a Damn philosophy and book.Uncover what it means to apply effort and attitude with curiosity, compassion, and clarity.Discover why consistent action, even if it is not perfect, compounds over time.The Guild Collective's Human-First Brand Blueprint: clarity, connection, and creativity.Learn why a brand is the emotional heart of a business, not simply a visual identity.Rapid-fire questions: mentors, writers, hospitality, and meaningful books.He reflects on how a retreat helped him overcome exhaustion and burnout.Hear how Justin stays grounded in the present through a simple gratitude exercise. Quotes: “Why? Because he knew me, he cared for me. He was curious enough when I wasn't in the room to figure out who I was.” — Justin Ricklefs [0:13:37] “Effort and attitude [are] available. It’s energy, right? It does not cost us anything. If we bring those two ingredients or fuel sources to growing in our curiosity, our compassion, our clarity, and ultimately, our consistency, – good things happen.” — Justin Ricklefs [0:20:59] “The brand is the heart center; it is the embodiment of the business.” — Justin Ricklefs [0:28:25] “That’s the compounding effect of a leader. – It’s when they give their flame’s power to somebody else.” — Justin Ricklefs [0:42:21] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Justin Ricklefs Justin Ricklefs on LinkedIn Justin Ricklefs Email Guild Collective Guild Collective: Human-First Brand Assessment Give a Damn: The Catalyst for Caring Companies Giftology Closing the Trust Gap Matthew McConaughey's 2014 Oscar acceptance speech Bird by Bird The Conception Abbey Retreat Unreasonable Hospitality Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  3. Aug 26

    The Human Advantage in an AI World with Jim Rogers

    AI may transform how professional services firms deliver technical work, but it cannot replace the human qualities that build trust. In this episode, BJ welcomes back Jim Rogers, founder of Impellor Group and author of Becoming a Seller-Doer, to explore why client leadership, judgment, and empathy will become even more valuable as AI reshapes the AEC industry. Jim outlines the progression from transactional provider to embedded advisor, explains the difference between attentive, active, and empathetic listening, and shares ways emerging leaders can develop client-facing skills. They also discuss the risks of relying on AI, the leadership gap created as senior principals retire, and why paraphrasing is one of the simplest ways to prevent costly miscommunication. Tune in to discover how strengthening your human skills can protect your career, build relationships, and help you become the trusted advisor clients call first! Key Points From This Episode: Jim’s approach to progressing from a transactional provider to an embedded advisor.Discover what empathy looks like in professional settings and leadership roles.The difference between attentive, active, and empathetic listening.Find out how empathetic listening helps people feel understood and strengthens trust.Explore why project management is about people, not only schedules and metrics.Learn how young professionals can build trusted-advisor skills through content curation.Uncover the risk that AI workflows pose and why experience and context matter.Understand how leaders adapt their tactics to the client, team, culture, and situation.The client-leadership gap and why empathy and relationship-building create career security.Try a practical listening exercise: paraphrase what someone said in your own words. Quotes: “So much of leadership is about human problems.” — BJ Kraemer [0:07:58] “One of the foundations [of leadership] is caring about somebody else’s success.” — Jim Rogers [0:13:40] “Everybody needs more client leadership.” — Jim Rogers [0:22:24] “We’re taught to write, we’re taught to read, [and] we’re taught to speak [but] nobody’s ever taught to listen.” — Jim Rogers [0:27:56] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jim Rogers on LinkedIn Impellor Group Becoming a Seller-Doer Seller-Doer Academy Never Eat Alone Project Management Institute Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  4. Aug 19

    Becoming Happy High Performers with Jay Abbasi

    Becoming Happy High Performers with Jay Abbasi Episode 270: Show Notes What if burnout isn’t a sign that you need less ambition but rather that you need a different way to pursue it? Today we welcome Tesla leader turned professional speaker, Jay Abbasi, to discuss how leaders can help people achieve at a high level without sacrificing personal life along the way. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Jay’s work in burnout, how he helps people become more adaptable through mindfulness and ‘mind-free-ness’, how mindfulness helped him thrive in a stressful environment at Tesla, and more! We delve into the importance of dedicating time to allowing your mind to be free before discussing Jay’s Resistance Formula (energy, space, and choice) and how to take the first step toward solving burnout. Jay even touches on the illusion of control, why our power lies in our choices, and why delayed gratification is far more fulfilling than instant gratification. Finally, our guest shares his thoughts on what makes a great leader and answers our rapid-fire questions. Thanks for listening!  Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today’s guest, Jay Abbasi.Jay’s work in burnout and the power of adaptability.How Jay helps people become more adaptable.Starting the practice and building the habit of mindfulness.How mindfulness helped him in a chaotic environment.Jay shares how he teaches people ‘mind-free-ness’.The first step to handling burnout: Jay’s Resistance Formula.Shattering the illusion of control and where your power truly lies.Jay tells us about his one-on-one coaching and public speaking.Why instant gratification won’t bring you real fulfillment.What makes a great leader, according to our guest.Jay’s favorite books, quotes, and dream dinner guests. Quotes: “You will see results if you just consistently [practice mindfulness].” — Jay Abbasi [0:10:59] “‘Mind-free-ness’ is intentionally freeing your mind to explore new ideas.” — Jay Abbasi [0:17:42] “Choice is different than control. [What] I often want to talk to people about is this illusion of control. People think that they can control things, – the reality is, most things are out of your control. – What you have power in is your choice: choosing your response.” — Jay Abbasi [0:24:48] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jay Abbasi Jay Abbasi on LinkedIn Jay Abbasi on Instagram Jay Abbasi on Facebook  Unstuck with Jay Abbasi on Apple Podcasts Man’s Search for Meaning The Alchemist Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  5. Aug 12

    Building Leaders Through Trust, Commitment, and Love with Jeff Monken

    What does it take to build leaders who can perform when the stakes are much higher than winning a football game? In this episode, BJ Kraemer sits down with Army West Point Head Football Coach Jeff Monken to explore how football can become a blueprint for leadership, character, and service. Jeff shares the philosophy he brought to West Point, the lessons he learned from other coaches and leaders, and how he rebuilt Army Football by changing attitudes, establishing standards, and creating belief within the program. They discuss the value of delayed gratification, how doing hard things prepares people, and the three core values that guide Jeff’s leadership style. He also reflects on the influence of former West Point Superintendent Bob Caslen, explains his three simple rules for the program, and shares what coaches can do to develop character in young athletes. Tune in to discover why leadership never happens by accident and how to help people become the very best version of themselves. Key Points From This Episode: Discover how sport at West Point helps prepare cadets for leadership roles.Learn about the coaching principles that guide Jeff and who helped shape them.Explore what he focused on first when rebuilding the culture of Army Football.Understand why West Point offers recruits something more than immediate rewards.Hear how circumstances and struggle can prepare people to lead under pressure.Uncover the role of trust, commitment, and love in his leadership philosophy.Find out how Bob Caslen influenced Jeff’s understanding of honorable leadership.The three rules that guide the program: do right, do your best, and show people you care.Consider how coaches can intentionally develop character and leadership in young athletes.Jeff’s final takeaways on discipline, delayed gratification, and a willingness to suffer. Quotes: “The first thing that we had to do was to change attitudes about who [West Point is] as a program and where we wanted to go.” — Jeff Monken [0:07:51] “There are a lot of things in life where if you seek immediate reward it can be found, but that doesn’t mean that reward is going to be lasting.” — Jeff Monken [0:10:48] “There’s not a classroom, there’s not a laboratory, there’s not an exercise that a human being can do or take part in that is going to replicate what they are going to experience on the battlefield.” — Jeff Monken [0:13:29] “I think one of the things that drives competitors is challenges.” — Jeff Monken [0:19:59] “Every coach is a teacher, and every teacher has an opportunity to influence young men and women around the world.” — Jeff Monken [0:23:41] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jeff Monken Army West Point Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  6. Aug 5

    The Leadership Behind the FIFA 2026 World Cup with Bill Squires

    Bill Squires has spent decades managing some of the world's biggest sporting events, but the FIFA 2026 World Cup raised the bar even higher. In this episode, BJ sits down with Bill Squires, Chief Venues and Operations Manager for the New York, New Jersey Host Committee for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, to explore what it takes to deliver an event of unprecedented scale. Reflecting on his experience leading venue operations, Bill shares how thousands of people, hundreds of organizations, and years of planning came together behind the scenes to create a safe, seamless experience for fans from around the world. Bill explains how trust and collaboration made it possible to coordinate more than 400 stakeholders, adapt to unexpected challenges, and keep everyone focused on a shared mission. He also discusses the importance of empowering frontline staff, conducting after-action reviews, and viewing every event as an opportunity to learn and improve. Tune in for valuable leadership lessons that extend far beyond the world of sports! Key Points From This Episode: Introduction to Bill Squires and the scale of the FIFA 2026 World Cup.The years of planning behind hosting the FIFA 2026 World Cup.Building partnerships across more than 400 stakeholders.Why mobility planning became one of the event's biggest challenges.Preparing for the unexpected with contingency planning.Scaling staffing, security, and volunteer operations for the World Cup.Why every frontline employee plays a critical role in the fan experience.Lessons learned and the lasting legacy of the World Cup.Helping young professionals build careers through major projects.Looking ahead to future global sporting events and opportunities.Bill's commitment to lifelong learning through teaching and mentoring.How the 1994 and 2026 World Cups shaped Bill's leadership.Why great events succeed through teamwork, not just individual leaders. Quotes: “There were 400-plus stakeholders involved in the planning and execution of the World Cup at MetLife Stadium.” — Bill Squires [0:08:12] “Mobility planning was probably the most interesting thing for me.” — Bill Squires [0:10:28] “I think that's why the retention rate at MetLife Stadium is so good because the leadership treats their staff with the ultimate respect and care, and they actually love these people because they know they are difference makers.” — Bill Squires [0:22:45] "It takes a village. There's no one person that can sit there and pat themselves on the back." — Bill Squires [0:37:42] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Bill Squires on LinkedIn William D. Squires, Columbia University FIFA World Cup 2026 MetLife Stadium Episode 230: The Secret To Leading 100's is Remembering One Name Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  7. Jul 29

    Leading Through Adversity with DJ Eliot

    What does leadership look like when life delivers its hardest challenge? In this deeply moving episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer welcomes NC State defensive coordinator DJ Eliot to talk about coaching, mentorship, and resilience both on and off the football field. DJ explains the philosophy behind his renowned "Skill Drill Time" approach to player development, building winning cultures in today's ever-changing college football landscape, and the invaluable role mentorship has played throughout his career. DJ also shares his family's extraordinary journey through his daughter’s courageous six-year battle with cancer, and the role of courage, presence, and gratitude when life doesn't go according to plan. Tune in to hear why you should always choose to fight, embrace each day with purpose, and inspire others through the way we live, with DJ Eliot. Key Points From This Episode: Discover the philosophy behind DJ’s approach to coaching. Find out who inspired DJ to develop his coaching framework. Uncover the value of mentorship and a lifelong growth mindset.Hear how DJ got into coaching football as a profession. The differences between coaching professional and college football.Explore how situational preparation separates winning teams from the rest.Get an update on the Wolf Pack, including key players. Learn how today's college football landscape has impacted leadership styles.Understand what it takes to be a leader and build a winning culture.Unpack why effective leaders must earn trust before expecting others to follow.DJ shares how his family overcame the loss of his daughter through leadership.Reflect on his daughter’s inspiring message: always choose to fight.Why being fully present is one of life's greatest leadership skills.Quotes: “Players don’t do what you tell them to do; players do what you train them to do.” — @CoachEliot [0:03:26] “You can’t perform a job if you don’t know what the job description is.” — @CoachEliot [0:07:34] “If you don’t continue to figure out how to get better – and if you don’t continue to try to learn, then you won’t make it in [the coaching] profession, because it’s constantly changing.” — @CoachEliot [0:08:42] “If you have a hungry roster, then you got a chance.” — @CoachEliot [0:15:41] “You’re not leading if nobody is following you.” — @CoachEliot [0:19:53] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: DJ Eliot DJ Eliot on X North Carolina State University Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) ‘How DJ Eliot's daughter continues to inspire him and his family’ Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  8. Jul 22

    Build a Career, Not a Job: 36 Years of Leadership Lessons

    After spending 36 years at EwingCole, John Capelli has officially stepped into the role of CEO. But his story isn't just about reaching the top. It's about a company that has spent decades intentionally developing leaders, planning for succession, and building an ownership model designed to outlast any one individual. In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer sits down with John to discuss EwingCole's unique approach to leadership, the lessons John learned throughout his career, and why earning respect comes from contribution rather than title. They explore succession planning, mentorship, company culture, and how organizations can create opportunities for future generations while continuing to grow. Whether you're an executive, a manager, or an emerging leader, this conversation offers practical insights on building a career, developing others, and creating organizations that stand the test of time. Key Topics:  The history behind EwingCole's unique ownership and succession model  John's 36-year journey from architect to CEO  Why leadership transitions should be intentional, not reactive  The importance of mentorship and earning influence through contribution  Preparing the next generation of leaders while continuing to grow  How innovation, AI, and technology are shaping the future of design firms Memorable Quotes:John Capelli: "You built something, and you want to see it go on."John Capelli: "You have to figure out who you want to work with—and make sure it's the right person."John Capelli: "If I did that successfully, I would actually get more respect than I ever had when I was wearing the director of operations position."John Capelli: "People can't advance in their careers if you're not growing."John Capelli: "Our door is always open." Connect with John Capelli & EwingCole: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ewingcole/ Website: https://www.ewingcole.com/ Connect with BJ Kraemer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-kraemer-9a0855b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bj_kraemer/ Website: https://mcfaglobal.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bcvcAw0rigwymZCwZgfgN?si=45fc1e07c82742ee Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-blueprints/id1561090224

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5
out of 5
37 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
    274
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © MCFA
  • Show Website
    Leadership Blueprints

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