Welcome to Leadership Blueprints Podcast

Episodes

28
March 18, 2022

How To Start Up & Follow Through With Colin Mottola

In today's interview, BJ talks with Colin Mottola, a Penn State Grad and Civil Engineer at MCFA. Colin discusses his internship at MCFA, how that landed him a job as the first ever intern to be officially hired, and the lessons he's learned along the way,
27
March 4, 2022

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

In today’s jam packed episode, BJ talks with Brent Darnell, an educator within the construction industry that stresses the importance of emotional and interpersonal skills. Focusing on peak levels of mental, physical and emotional performance, they discus
26
Feb. 4, 2022

Identifying Agency Entrepreneurs

In today’s solo episode, BJ discusses the concept of the agency entrepreneur, and how necessary effective stewardship is when working within the S/E/C industry. Let us know what you think of today’s episode by messaging BJ on Linkedin here: https://ww
25
Jan. 28, 2022

Wading in the Unfamiliar Waters of Innovation

In today’s solo episode, BJ discusses the importance of innovation in the A/E/C industry, and the roadblocks many in the public sector are facing. BJ dissects his own experiences, as well as reflecting on the trends of the industry as a whole. Let us
24
Jan. 14, 2022

How Great Leadership Shapes Culture with Army Veteran, COL (Ret.) Mike Ellicott, Founder & Professional EOS Implementer at Castle6 Group Inc.

BJ sits down with Army Veteran COL (Ret) Mike Ellicott, to discuss his journey from the Army to helping leaders shape culture in the AEC industry, as a professional EOS implementer. Let us know what you think of today’s episode by messaging BJ on Lin
23
Dec. 10, 2021

Help Everybody Everyday with Matt Handal, A/E/C Proposal and Marketing Expert

BJ sits down with Matt Handal, Proposal Expert and Founder & Editor of “Help Everybody Everyday,” where he provides A/E/C marketing, training, and support advice. Let us know what you think of today’s episode by messaging BJ on Linkedin here: htt
22
Oct. 29, 2021

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.link
21
Oct. 22, 2021

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, Chris
20
Oct. 15, 2021

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 an
19
Aug. 27, 2021

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.
18
Aug. 6, 2021

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
17
July 30, 2021

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 u
16
July 23, 2021

“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 epis
15
July 16, 2021

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
14
July 2, 2021

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
13
June 25, 2021

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
12
June 18, 2021

Planning: The Art of Possible with Phil Abramson, Founder & CEO of Topology

In the following episode, BJ sits down with Philip Abramson, Founder & CEO of Topology, a real estate consulting firm providing a full range of services in planning, development, and project management. With a focus on urban areas and downtowns, clien
11
June 11, 2021

Giving Transitioning Veterans a New Tribe, Purpose, and Voice in the AEC Industry with Brian Zickefoose, Founder & CEO of the Valiant Group

In this episode, BJ interviews fellow West Point Graduate and Army Veteran Brian Zickefoose, Founder & CEO of the Valiant Group, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small that provides general contracting and construction management services for commerci
10
June 4, 2021

Getting Transparent on Podcasting, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship with BJ Kraemer, MCFA President & CEO PT.2

In part 2 to last week's episode of Inspiring People & Places, Producer and Marine Corps Veteran “IRON” Mike Steadman, continues his interview with MCFA President & CEO, BJ Kreamer to discuss the importance of cultivating an intentional company cu
9
May 28, 2021

Getting Transparent on Podcasting, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship with BJ Kraemer, MCFA President & CEO PT.1.

In this episode, Inspiring People & Places Producer and Marine Corps Veteran “IRON” Mike Steadman, interviews MCFA President & CEO, BJ Kreamer, to shed some transparency on why he decided to start a podcast, his journey from the battlefield to MCF
8
May 21, 2021

Bringing Fun and Customer Service to the (AEC) Industry with Cristen Sheppard, MCFA’s Director of Marketing

In this episode, BJ sits down with MCFA’s Director of Marketing, Christen Sheppard. Christen shares her journey from college and working at a juice bar, to entering the A/E/C industry, where for the last six years she’s led MCFA’s marketing and customer s
7
May 14, 2021

Success Comes One Step at a Time with Mother of Two, Federal Planner, and Entrepreneur Jilian Breeden, Founder and President of Engage Federal LLC

In the following episode, BJ sits down with Jilian Breeden, the Founder and President of Engage Federal LLC (Engage), a woman-owned small business (WOSB) located in the Washington DC area specializing in data-driven, results-focused facilities planning se
6
May 7, 2021

Lessons Learned from 35 Years in Project Development and Planning with Brian Pieplow, MCFA’s Chief Operations Officer

In the following episode, BJ sits down with MCFA’s Chief Operations Officer, Brian Pieplow. In addition to serving as the COO, Brian’s the Senior Program Manager and Principal Planner, responsible for leading a team of highly collaborative and innovative
5
April 30, 2021

The World’s Most Interesting Person in Infrastructure Finance - Advisor to Presidents, Princes & Public Agencies

In the following interview, BJ sits down with Jill Jamieson, President & CEO of Illuminati Infrastructure Advisors. They discuss Jill’s amazing path to becoming an internationally recognized expert on Infrastructure Finance & Public Private Partne