Leadership Blueprints

BJ Kraemer, MCFA
  • 5.0 (37)
  • Management
  • 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. 1d ago

    Finding Your Next Mission After Military Service with Jesse G-Johnson, Pete Anzovino, and Russ Destremps

    What comes next when you take off the uniform and begin a new chapter? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer kicks off the annual DoD-to-AEC series with fellow veterans and MCFA teammates Jesse G-Johnson, Pete Anzovino, and Russ Destremps. They share stories about their transitions into civilian life, the experiences that helped them find their place, and what they are still learning along the way. They explore how a military background can open doors in architecture, engineering, and construction, and how that experience continues to shape a career well beyond the first civilian job. They also offer their perspectives on joining a new organization, contributing to its future, and discovering opportunities they might not have considered while serving. Together, they take a closer look at what veterans bring to the workplace and how employers can create opportunities for that talent to grow. Finally, they explore belonging, a renewed sense of purpose, and building a future alongside people with different experiences. Tune in to learn about life after military service and the possibilities for veterans in the built environment. Key Points From This Episode: Meet Jesse, Pete, and Russ and hear what drew each veteran to MCFA. Discover why military planning and adaptability can translate into value in AEC. Learn how Pete used his SkillBridge fellowship to explore where he could contribute. Explore how Russ identified his non-negotiables before choosing his next role.Hear what Pete wishes he had done earlier to prepare for his military transition.Understand why leaving a shared sense of urgency was a struggle for Jesse. Consider how losing familiar technical expertise can affect an experienced leader.Find out how Russ balanced a connection to the mission with learning how a business works.Uncover why being a good teammate must be paired with understanding value creation.Recognize why learning from civilian colleagues can strengthen your next chapter. See how taking care of people provides a familiar thread in an unfamiliar industry.Examine why curiosity, ownership, and initiative matter more than rank at MCFA. Get advice on how to own your career while accepting that you are still learning.Assess why expecting a checklist for every responsibility may make MCFA a poor fit.  Quotes: “Though many veterans may not have construction or engineering experience, very high level and conceptually, they understand this industry very, very well from how things get planned for and executed.” — Jesse G-Johnson [0:11:54] “I knew I didn’t know everything about the job, but I knew I had skills.” — Pete Anzovino [0:15:27] “Being a good dude alone is actually not enough in corporate life. So you do need to build your business acumen.” — Jesse G-Johnson [0:35:33] “Find an organization, not just that has a military connection, but has people inside of it that can broaden you to become better inside of the industry that you’re entering into.” — Russ Destremps [0:37:05] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jesse G-Johnson on LinkedIn Pete Anzovino on LinkedIn Russ Destremps on LinkedIn MCFA Veterans and DoD to AEC Program Hiring Our Heroes Fellowships Veteran Transition Program FourBlock Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  2. Oct 28

    The Practice Builder Model with Joe Kaltsas

    How do you build a company where people have the freedom to be entrepreneurial while having the support to grow something they can build on their own? Today on Leadership Blueprints, BJ sits down with Joe Kaltsas, the Executive Vice President at Kimley-Horn, to discuss his company’s version of the seller-doer model called Practice Builder and more! Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Joe’s career, how he ended up at Kimley-Horn, his current role there, what makes Kimley-Horn uniquely successful, and how they train their employees in business metric units even though they don’t have a P&L (profit and loss). He goes on to break down Kimley-Horn’s training and education model before discussing how Joe’s formative experiences have shaped his career trajectory and solidified his confidence in Kimley-Horn’s methods, as well as what he finds himself coaching young practice builders on most often. We even touch on the process of becoming a practice builder at Kimley-Horn, how the company came to fruition, and how they decide who gets shares of the company and when. Finally, our guest answers our rapid-fire questions and leaves listeners with food for thought. Thanks for listening!  Key Points From This Episode: Welcoming Joe Kaltsas to the show. An overview of Joe’s career and what his role at Kimley-Horn entails. The ‘secret sauce’ inside Kimley-Horn that makes it so successful. How the company teaches business metric units without a P&L.Joe breaks down Kimley-Horn’s model for training and education. A formative experience Joe had early on that shaped his career trajectory.  What he coaches young practice builders on the most nowadays. How new employees elevate to become practice builders in the company. Joe shares a brief history of Kimley-Horn and how shares are divided. Our guest’s favorite books, quotes, and dream dinner guests. Why ownership models and innovation need more attention in the industry. Quotes: “We have a really robust training program [at Kimley-Horn] – I believe most of the best training happens in the field, on the projects. One of the things that you’ll see is that our young people are more involved in all the project components – earlier in their career.” — Joe Kaltsas [0:11:19] “I think the biggest thing people could benefit from is trying to lift their head up every once in a while and look around [to expand their career trajectory].” — Joe Kaltsas [0:16:42] “Ownership transition is sort of the silent killer in our industry.” — Joe Kaltsas [0:23:01] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Joe Kaltsas on LinkedIn Kimley-Horn The SPEED of Trust Getting Naked Freedom’s Forge Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  3. Oct 21

    Giving People the Benefit of the Question with Skot Waldron

    What if understanding your team starts with questioning your own assumptions? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer welcomes speaker, leadership consultant, and communication strategist Skot Waldron, whose work brings him into firms across architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). In their conversation, Skot shares his perspective on people at work, and BJ reflects on his own experiences as a leader. They discuss how the way we interpret everyday behavior shapes our relationships and what it means to help people do their best work. They consider how people experience the same workplace differently and why making room for those differences matters. BJ and Skot challenge familiar ideas about what a meaningful contribution looks like and how leaders can recognize it. They also discuss the importance of self-acceptance, compassion, and the legacy we leave through everyday interactions. Tune in to learn how to understand the people you lead and recognize what they bring to your team. Key Points From This Episode: Background on Skot and how referrals opened doors for him in the AEC industry.Discover why labels like “lazy” can lead you to misinterpret a team member’s behavior.Learn how noticing your triggers helps you give people the benefit of the question.Explore whether the same person can be both a fast starter and a last-minuter.Hear why feeling seen at work matters for fast starters and last-minuters.Uncover how company culture and mindset create the pressure to look busy.Recognize why you may excuse your own delays while judging someone else’s. Consider why fixing friction can be more useful than trying to fix people.Find out how remote work can fuel judgments about a colleague’s progress.BJ explains why value-based delivery challenges the logic of billing by the hour.What counts as work when thinking is central to solving a problem.Skot’s rapid-fire picks, including a book, a memorable lyric, and dinner guests. Quotes: “[A salesperson’s] job is not to necessarily have the answer. Your job is to ask a whole lot of questions.” — Skot Waldron [0:12:22] “That longing to want to be somebody else means that you’re never really in touch with who you really are.” — Skot Waldron [0:17:34] “Fundamental attribution error is a principle in psychology that says, ‘I judge you by your character; I judge me by my circumstances.’” — Skot Waldron [0:27:12] “I don’t fix people, I fix friction.” — Skot Waldron [0:30:25] “I never look at overhead as a burden. I always look at overhead as an investment.” — BJ Kraemer [0:46:50] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Skot Waldron Skot Waldron on LinkedIn Skot Waldron on YouTube Unlocked: A 52-Week Guide for the Intentional Leader American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Skot Waldron at the ACEC Fall Conference The Infinite Game Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  4. Oct 14

    Creating a More Peaceful Holiday Season with Val Peterson

    How do you want to show up for the people who matter most this holiday season? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer revisits his conversation with Val Peterson, a licensed mental health counselor at Destin Counseling Center, about making room for peace before the calendar fills up. They explore how expectations and family dynamics shape the season and why protecting your energy matters for the people you lead and love. Val introduces a simple check for feeling hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (HALT) and explains how greater self-awareness can change how we respond to stress. Along the way, BJ recognizes his own tendency to overcommit and considers what a more intentional holiday could look like. Tune in to hear how to take care of yourself and be more present at home and at work this holiday season with Val Peterson. Key Points From This Episode: Discover why pacing yourself and letting go of perfection protect peace.Learn how the HALT check helps you pause before stress shortens your fuse. Explore how a shared holiday plan helps your family prepare for what matters.Hear how setting boundaries lets you enjoy celebrations without wearing yourself out. Understand how to set boundaries with kindness, even when others are disappointed.Consider why patience and kindness at home matter just as much as they do at work.See why leaders who make time for rest can help create a calmer workplace. Uncover why finding a middle ground matters when holiday habits don’t go to plan. Reflect on how honoring loved ones and making time to grieve can bring comfort. Recognize how simple traditions can bring more peace and joy into your home.  Quotes: “We cannot control everything. We don’t need to be perfect.” — Val Peterson [0:05:47] “No one is going to take care of you but you.” — Val Peterson [0:07:24] “Your attitude during the holidays is going to influence your children, your spouse, your work associates.” — Val Peterson [0:07:43] “What starts at the top flows down to the rest of the crew or the rest of the workplace.” —  Val Peterson [0:17:16] “Grieving is a process, not an event.” —  Val Peterson [0:26:22] “It’s hard to heal if you do not feel.” — Val Peterson [0:26:53] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Val Peterson Val Peterson on LinkedIn Destin Counseling Center Boundaries  The Best Yes Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff  Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  5. Oct 7

    Leveraging AI While Managing Cybersecurity Risks with Dr. Derek Smith

    AI is a challenge that business leaders are going to have to deal with, and finding a balance between pushing innovation and managing cybersecurity risk is essential. Today on Leadership Blueprints, we are joined by former DHS Deputy Director, veteran, author, keynote speaker, and federal cybersecurity operations expert, Dr. Derek Smith, to discuss how AI makes us more efficient! Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the biggest concerns when it comes to AI and cybersecurity risk, how leaders can encourage their employees to play with tools like AI without putting the organization at risk, what leaders need to be aware of when it comes to cybersecurity attacks, and more! Derek goes on to tell us about his training company, Certify IT Academy, and what it does before discussing some of the leadership lessons Derek has learned during the course of his career that have allowed him to push innovation while managing risk. We even delve into how our guest has found balance in his impressive, busy career and personal life. Finally, we talk about Derek’s favorite books (self-written and in general), how he leverages AI in his writing, his favorite leadership quotes, and dream dinner guests. To hear all this and even be encouraged to enable people to use AI as a tool in order to be a better leader, be sure to press play now!  Key Points From This Episode: Welcoming Dr. Derek Smith to the show and introducing today’s topic. What leaders are concerned about when it comes to AI and cybersecurity risk.  How leaders can encourage the use of AI tools without putting organizations at risk. What leaders should know about cybersecurity attacks and how they can get ahead.Derek tells us a bit about his cybersecurity training company and what they do. Some lessons he’s learned that allowed him to push innovation while managing risk. How compartmentalization and AI have allowed Derek to accomplish so much.  Our guest talks about some of his favorite books that he’s written and has read. How long it takes Derek to write a book and how he leverages AI for his writing. Derek shares his favorite leadership quotes and ideal dinner guests (dead or alive). Quotes: “When you introduce anything into your environment, [or] your network, [or] whatever, it’s going to come with inherent risk, and so does AI.” — Dr. Derek Smith [0:03:03] “Your leadership experience [and] the things that you’ve been through cannot be duplicated in AI right now.” — Dr. Derek Smith [0:06:00] “AI is going to replace people. The ones [who] are going to stick around are the ones like us who learn how to use AI.” — Dr. Derek Smith [0:09:55] “If you don’t allow people to ‘fail forward’ and learn from that, they’re never going to grow.” — Dr. Derek Smith [0:15:55] “AI is helping me be smarter, helping me be able to learn faster, [and] helping me remember more.” — Dr. Derek Smith [0:20:23] “Find that one thing you can be great at and then go out and be great!” — Dr. Derek Smith [0:29:05] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Derek Smith  Dr. Derek Smith on LinkedIn Dr. Derek Smith on YouTube Dr. Derek Smith on IMDB Certify IT Academy  The AI-Powered Defender Cybersense Derek’s First Novel Zapp! Brag!  The Power of Focus Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  6. Sep 30

    Preparing Future Leaders for AI and Growth with Edward DuCoin

    How can leaders prepare the next generation for a workforce being rewritten by artificial intelligence? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer welcomes Edward DuCoin, a lifelong entrepreneur, adjunct professor, and co-founder and partner of Orpical Technology Solutions, to discuss how education and business leadership must adapt as AI reshapes employability, work, and growth. In their conversation, Edward reflects on starting his first business as a teenager, navigating significant setbacks, and turning those experiences into lessons for students and business leaders. He explains why students want to be coached hard, why college should offer a safe space to fail, and why learning to use AI is quickly becoming a foundation for employability. They discuss what it takes for a business to survive growth, and Edward shares how staying loyal too long changed his career trajectory. They also explore why leaders need to understand their limitations and how AI could revitalize business. Tune in to learn how to prepare people for change and turn hard-won lessons into stronger leadership. Key Points From This Episode: Hear about Edward’s background and his entrepreneurial journey.Explore why ‘failing forward’ is essential for building future leaders.Discover why students want to be pushed and what employers should expect. Learn why he sees a professor's job as helping students get, keep, and grow a career.Examine how AI is reshaping white-collar work and rewarding top performers. Uncover why older workers may be more prepared for AI than younger workers. Understand why companies do not fail at growth but can fail at surviving it. Consider how growth without refinement can raise sales while erasing the paycheck. Examine his biggest career failure and the cost of staying loyal for too long. See why leaders must trust, verify, and ensure they get the little things right. Edward shares the books that shaped his approach and mindset. The difference between a warrior mindset and ruthless leadership. Appreciate why AI may bring humanity back to the front and center of business.  Quotes: “I don't call it failure. I call it the opposite of success because failure means that you got nothing out of it.” — Edward DuCoin [0:03:44] “[Teachers] have one job, and that is to make you employable: get the job, keep the job, and then grow the job.” — Edward DuCoin [0:10:44] “Watch what you wish for in growth. You have to be prepared through process and constant refinement.” — Edward DuCoin [0:27:47] “I think artificial intelligence is going to bring humanity back to the front and center of business.” — Edward DuCoin [0:40:43] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Edward DuCoin  Edward DuCoin on LinkedIn Orpical Technology Solutions Montclair State University Rowan University 'Indicted Loyalty, Convicted Logic' The Hard Thing About Hard Things Chop Wood Carry Water Relentless Pound the Stone Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  7. Sep 23

    Always Be Collecting Dots

    If you are in sales, you have probably heard the phrase: Always Be Closing, or ABC! But if you walk through life trying to ‘close’ every person you meet, you are likely to miss far more valuable things. In today’s solo episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ offers a new version of this phrase and inspiring listeners to place their focus on more important things such as relationships, generosity, curiosity, and service. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about what it means to collect dots and why it’s essential. BJ delves into why showing up in the world with a spirit of curiosity and service is so valuable before he encourages listeners to consider the last time they helped someone who had nothing to offer them. He also talks about ‘collecting dots’ intentionally without forcing connections and enlightens listeners on when dots actually start to connect. Finally, BJ leaves us with his ABCD challenge. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode: The phrase Always Be Closing (ABC) and why it could be problematic.Why BJ prefers the ABCD (Always Be Collecting Dots) term.The importance of walking through life trying to be genuinely helpful to people.A breakdown of what a ‘dot’ represents in this scenario. BJ challenges listeners to question when they last helped someone with no agenda. Why you should ‘collect dots’ with intention without forcing connections. When dots start to connect: when opportunity meets capability and trust. BJ breaks down this week’s ABCD challenge for listeners.  Quotes: “Always be collecting dots because you can’t connect dots if you haven’t collected dots.” — BJ Kraemer [0:01:44] “You want to be intentional, but you don’t want to keep score, and I think there’s a balance there.” — BJ Kraemer [0:14:12] “There’s no contradiction between setting goals and being open to the unexpected.” — BJ Kraemer [0:14:35] “Dots connect when opportunity meets capability and trust.” — BJ Kraemer [0:17:12] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

  8. Sep 16

    Operationalizing Leadership with Kevin Chemidlin

    What does it take to turn leadership values into repeatable action? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer welcomes Kevin Chemidlin, MCFA’s new Director of Client Activation. In a twist, Kevin takes the interviewer’s chair to ask BJ how systems thinking can coexist with the human realities of leadership. They discuss how structure and empathy work together, why growth depends on choosing the right challenges, and how leaders create clarity around expectations and shared responsibility. BJ and Kevin also unpack MCFA’s values of love, entrepreneurial spirit, accountability, and how culture becomes visible through decisions, habits, and relationships. BJ also reflects on the importance of connecting employees’ life plans to professional growth. Tune in to learn how thoughtful leaders turn values from words into consistent action and meaningful career growth. Key Points From This Episode: Find out where BJ first learned to turn goals into repeatable systems.Hear how to pair systems thinking with the challenges of leading people.Discover where BJ developed the emotional intelligence to meet people where they are. Learn how trust helps leaders know when to push and when to support. Explore why MCFA embraces hard things without making difficulty the goal.Consider when leaders should persevere, simplify, or cut their losses.Uncover why love is an MCFA value and a deliberate choice.Understand how entrepreneurial spirit creates shared value. Distinguish individual accountability from the protection teamwork can provide.Recognize when leaders take on too much accountability.Advice on how teams can delight clients by creating a white-glove experience.Gain insights into operationalizing the MCFA concept of stretch.Reframe discipline as restraint when success creates too many opportunities. Quotes: “When you are working together with other people, hard becomes a little more fun and a little easier.” — BJ Kraemer [0:17:45] “Balance occurs in the macro, not the micro.” — Kevin Chemidlin [0:23:17] “Love is hard. Love is an investment. Love is a choice.” — BJ Kraemer [0:30:08] “Teamwork can also be the thing that disguises individual accountability.” — BJ Kraemer [0:37:25] “When I always think of discipline, I think of exertion and getting yourself to do hard things, when really these days it sounds like it’s about what you don’t do.” — Kevin Chemidlin [0:54:13] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Kevin Chemidlin on LinkedIn Do Hard Things The 4-Hour Workweek The ONE Thing What Got You Here Won’t Get You There Four Thousand Weeks Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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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
    282
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © MCFA
  • Show Website
    Leadership Blueprints

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