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. 3D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 12/17/2025

    The Industry That Pays You Last But Expects You to Risk Everything First

    Real innovation often starts with a problem you just can't stop thinking about. In this episode of The Leadership Blueprints Podcast, BJ Kraemer welcomes Scott Wolfe, founder and former CEO of Levelset, to unpack how a small but persistent frustration with construction payment practices led him to build one of the most influential platforms in the industry.  Scott shares how Hurricane Katrina pulled him into the world of restoration work, construction law, and software development, ultimately revealing the systemic barriers that keep contractors from getting paid for the work they complete. He traces Levelset’s evolution from a lien rights tool to a suite of products that reduce friction, increase transparency, and help stakeholders protect the value they put into a job.  Scott also reflects on the culture that shaped Levelset’s rapid growth, the leadership habits that held the team together through the scaling process, and why true innovation starts with deep familiarity with the problem you’re trying to solve.  Tune in to hear how genuine leadership and commitment to the customer can transform a key sector of the AEC industry!   Key Points From This Episode: •   How Hurricane Katrina redirected his path into restoration work and construction law. •   Launching Levelset as a lien-rights solution before expanding its scope. •   Growing the platform into risk, finance, and insurance tools for the industry. •   How payment delays and retaining employees strain small contractors and suppliers. •   Scaling the company to hundreds of employees through clear, consistent communication. Quotes: “When you do work on a job, or you put materials into a job, you deserve to get paid, and we want to make sure you're always in an empowered position to do it.” — Scott Wolfe   “We really didn't have true venture money. It was a little more like friends and family, seed money, and cash flow. – But what that allowed our culture to do, and I think this is a little underappreciated by companies, [is] to get a lot of institutional knowledge about the problem.” — Scott Wolfe   “You have to be in the stream of something from my standpoint, to be able to understand where the problem is and really care about the problem.” — Scott Wolfe   “I still think that the crown jewels of any super successful company is in the affinity that you develop around the problem you're solving and how well you know it. All the technology becomes a tool for it. AI is great, it does some interesting things, but it doesn't build a business.” — Scott Wolfe   “People follow people who have that true enthusiasm and that true authenticity.” — Scott Wolfe Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Scott Wolfe Scott Wolfe on LinkedIn Levelset Made to Stick The Power of Moments Switch Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    42 min

  8. 12/10/2025

    From Competition to Collaboration: Leadership Lessons from America’s Greatest Rivalry

    Sport is an incredible tool in developing leaders. Welcome to a very special episode of Leadership Blueprints, where BJ and Joey Fay are diving into the Army-Navy rivalry ahead of Army-Navy Week next week!  In this conversation, you’ll hear all about the history of the Army-Navy games, what it feels like to participate, the rivalry of both love and hate, and so much more! We delve into some leadership lessons we’ve learned on the field of friendly strife before discussing the power of working as a team. Finally, you’ll hear about Joey and BJ’s Army-Navy bet for this year.  Thanks for tuning in and go Army! Beat Navy!  Key Points From This Episode: •   How sports help develop good leaders.  •   The history of wins in the Army-Navy games.  •   What it’s like to be part of the Army-Navy game.  •   The love/hate relationship this rivalry creates.  •   Leadership lessons we learned on the field.  •   The special trust between these teammates.  •   Joey and BJ tell us about their Army-Navy bet.    Quotes:  “The power of sports in the development of leaders is unmatched.” — BJ Kraemer   “I think that this is an unpredictable game!” — Joey Fay   “The experience at the Army-Navy game as an athlete is one of the most exciting things I think you could ever experience.” — Joey Fay   “The [Army-Navy] rivalry is one of both love and hate.” — BJ Kraemer  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Joey Fay on LinkedIn Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    20 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
    242
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MCFA
  • Show Website
    Leadership Blueprints