Leaders are Levers with BJ Kraemer

Leadership Blueprints

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

1:08

Join us each week as celebrity guests pitch an idea for a film based on one of the SUPER niche sub-genres on Netflix. From ‘Steamy Crime Movies from the 1970s’ to ‘Australian Dysfunctional Family Comedies Starring A Strong Female Lead’, our celebrity guests will pitch their wacky plot, their dream cast, the marketing stunts, and everything in between. By the end of every episode, Jimmy Carr, Comedian by night / “Netflix Executive” by day, will decide whether the pitch is greenlit or condemned to development hell! New episodes on Wednesdays starting May 28th! Listen on all podcast platforms and watch on the Netflix is a Joke YouTube Channel . The Big Pitch is a co-production by Netflix and BBC Studios Audio.…

about a year ago 19:48

MP3•Episode home

True leadership isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about empowering others and driving meaningful impact. In this solo episode of The Leadership Blueprints Podcast, host BJ Kraemer dives into the heart of leadership transformation.

Tuning in, you’ll hear BJ unpack the concept of “leadership as leverage” and how leaders act as levers for those they are leading. He expands on this concept by sharing his insights on what the army taught him about leadership, like how to balance mission execution with taking care of the people who accomplish that mission. To end, BJ encourages listeners to reflect on their leadership style and commit to leadership in 2025.

Don’t miss out on this impactful conversation on how to become the lever your team needs!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Unpacking the concept of leadership as leverage and how leaders act as levers.

• The two objectives of leadership: accomplishing the mission and serving your team.

• Why leadership is not about you, but the people relying on you.

• How great leaders ensure their team understands the why behind their mission.

• Navigating the tension between taking care of your team and accomplishing the mission.

Quotes:

“The leadership platform is one to be taken seriously, and requires constant self-reflection, self-development, testing, reevaluating, reapplying, and this whole process of continuous improvement.” — BJ Kraemer

“Leadership is about understanding and executing the mission that you've been empowered to lead, and taking care of the people and empowering them to help you accomplish that mission.” — BJ Kraemer

“Leadership's not about me. I'm not here to become a better me for me; I'm here to become a better me for everybody that's going to be relying on me.” — BJ Kraemer

“Reflect on your leadership of 2024: Did you lean more toward focusing on your team or focusing on the mission?” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

205 episodes

#MBA #Careers #Business #BJ Kraemer #Mcfa #Leadership #Team Building #Executive #Mission Driven #High Performance From Their Teams

Leadership Blueprints

Leaders are Levers with BJ Kraemer

Leadership Blueprints

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Don’t miss out on this impactful conversation on how to become the lever your team needs!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Unpacking the concept of leadership as leverage and how leaders act as levers.

• The two objectives of leadership: accomplishing the mission and serving your team.

• Why leadership is not about you, but the people relying on you.

• How great leaders ensure their team understands the why behind their mission.

• Navigating the tension between taking care of your team and accomplishing the mission.

Quotes:

“Leadership's not about me. I'm not here to become a better me for me; I'm here to become a better me for everybody that's going to be relying on me.” — BJ Kraemer

“Reflect on your leadership of 2024: Did you lean more toward focusing on your team or focusing on the mission?” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

205 episodes

#MBA #Careers #Business #BJ Kraemer #Mcfa #Leadership #Team Building #Executive #Mission Driven #High Performance From Their Teams

All episodes

Leadership Blueprints

1
The Knock at the Door: Honoring Dennis Zilinski's Legacy of Love with Marion Zilinski 51:55

1 day ago51:55

51:55

Memorial Day isn't just the start of summer—it's a time to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom. Every Memorial Day, BJ has decided to play an episode he recorded two years ago to honor his late friend and everyone who has given their lives to service. In this tribute episode, we speak with Marion Zilinski, known as Mama Z, about the true meaning of Memorial Day through the eyes of someone who lost a loved one in service. She shares the story of her son Dennis, his journey to West Point, the impact of 9/11 on his life, and his incredible generosity. Marion reflects on the pain of losing him and the signs she still receives from him today. We also highlight Run with Dennis and the Dennis Zilinski Memorial Fund, and how you can get involved. Mama Z leaves us with a powerful reminder of what this day is really about. To hear all this and be inspired to honor the brave men and women who give you your freedom this Memorial Day, tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: • Dennis Zilinski, and his life of service. • Marion reflects on the events of 9/11 and how they impacted Dennis • The touching revelations about Dennis’ selflessness and generosity found in his will. • The motivation behind creating Run with Dennis and the Dennis Zilinski Memorial Fund. • Insights into the service dog initiative and its role in supporting veterans with PTSD. • Where to find out more about these incredible volunteer-run organizations. • A powerful reminder of the true meaning of Memorial Day and the cost of our freedom. Quotes: “[Dennis] was the protector. Always the protector.” — Marion Zilinski “[Dennis] said, ‘I would never leave West Point, especially now when my country needs me the most.’” — Marion Zilinski “I was so angry [when my son died]. I have never been so angry in my life.” — Marion Zilinski “We want people to understand the dedication of our military.” — Marion Zilinski “Freedom is not free. It’s bought and paid for only by our military – not by anybody else.” — Marion Zilinski “22 warriors a day commit suicide because of post-traumatic stress and/or TBI injuries.” — Marion Zilinski “Our freedom is bought and paid for by men and women that pledge to each of [us] their lives. And not all of them will come home. Many will be killed – or – wounded and their lives will be so impacted.” — Marion Zilinski Longer Quotes: “The worst thing that anybody could ever say to me is, ‘Happy Memorial Day’. It’s not a happy day. It’s not the first day of summer. It’s not all about the beach and the sales, it’s about your freedom. It’s about the men and women that step up, raise their right hand, and take that oath to give us our freedom.” — Marion Zilinski Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Marion Zilinski on LinkedIn Run with Dennis Zilinski Memorial Fund on Facebook Fisher House Foundation Brooke Army Medical Center The Strong Gray Line Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
Why Intellectual Curiosity Matters More Today Than Ever Before with John Abraham 38:50

9 days ago38:50

38:50

If education is executed correctly, it can be one of the best ways to inspire people to change the world! Today’s guest on Leadership Blueprints, John Abraham, is a professor of thermal sciences at the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about John’s career, what led him to academia, how he connects with this generation of students, and so much more! We delve into his focus on ocean warming before discussing his work on sustainable energy through his company LEMA. John even removes the political side of global warming and climate change and talks about what is causing it and how to solve it. Finally, our guest answers our rapid-fire questions, talks about the unimaginable power of AI, shares his advice for younger generations entering his industry, and gives us his take on the future of humankind and simulation theory. Thanks for listening in! Key Points From This Episode: • What drew John to academia and what motivates him inside the classroom. • Insight into his work on ocean warming and sustainable energy. • His company, LEMA, and what his involvement in it is. • What’s driving global warming and climate change and how to deal with it. • The wind energy debate and what John’s take on it is. Quotes: “When you can save lives and save jobs at the same time, man, that’s a win-win situation.” — John Abraham “How do we deal with climate change? – Reduce our energy use; just use energy more wisely!” — John Abraham “AI is going to absolutely change our world!” — John Abraham “We’re in an environment where future jobs are up in the air. If you are dealing in a job that has information transfer and processing as your primary job description, your job is at risk for AI.” — John Abraham Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: John Abraham John Abraham Email LEMA ChatGPT Claude AI Gemini Grok AI Meta AI Mistral DeepSeek Sapiens Homo Deus Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
Why Your Rank Doesn’t Translate—But Your Leadership Still Can with Carey Kight 45:51

16 days ago45:51

45:51

Joining us is Carey Kight, producer, advertiser, and owner of Veteran Made. He shares a series of pivotal choices that have shaped his career and his life’s journey, from the military to film school, advertising, production, and beyond. Pulling from his experiences, we discuss the frameworks that translate from the military to other fields. Carey shares how Veteran Made embodies this, highlighting key skills that veterans can bring to the working world. We touch on managing your own expectations, the ideas that underpin Carey’s leadership decisions, and reveal more about his rich background and love of the classics, as well as his life philosophy and the kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode: • The transferrable skills that veterans usually have. • Developing the skill of managing your own expectations. • The number one leadership lesson that Carey has taken into his new career. Quotes: “Resilience is very much a lifeskill. That’s something you have to develop emotionally and intellectually for yourself.” — Carey Kight “Don’t just stay connected to the military community and the veteran community, but integrate the other community that you are trying to get into.” — Carey Kight “We’re not the products of our environments only. We are the product of the choices that we make in each environment that we are in.” — Carey Kight “I’m very lucky that my vocation is an avocation for a lot of other people. That, to me, feels like a privilege and a blessing, and it’s something I get to do.” — Carey Kight Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Carey Kight Carey Kight on X Carey Kight on Instagram Carey Kight on LinkedIn Veteran Made Veteran Made Podcast Lord of the Rings Chronicles of Narnia Harry Potter To Kill a Mockingbird Farenheit 451 Stephen Pressfield A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
The CEO Behind the Software: Building Systems That Serve AEC Leaders with Matt Cooper 33:39

23 days ago33:39

33:39

What does it take to lead a software company at the forefront of the architecture and engineering (A&E) world? Joining us today is the CEO of BQE Software, Matt Cooper, to discuss his incredible career and his company’s work in the architecture and engineering space. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Matt’s time consulting, what led him to BQE Software, how he transitioned into a leadership position, and so much more! We delve into what it means to produce ‘client-worthy’ work before discussing how BQE expanded into A&E. You’ll even hear Matt’s thoughts on the A&E industry and what exciting projects his research and development team is working on. Finally, Matt answers our rapid-fire questions and shares some nuggets of wisdom about taking a leap of faith. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode • Matt shares his approach to taking on a leadership role at BQE • Matt explains what it means to produce ‘client-worthy work’ • How BQE expanded into the A&E space • What he’s seeing in the A&E industry as the company continues to grow Quotes: “When you’re working with investors, it’s important to show output with some expediency.” — Matt Cooper “My perspective doesn’t matter, what really matters for us is the perspective of our customers.” — Matt Cooper “I’m a firm believer that for companies of our size and scale, focus is really what matters.” — Matt Cooper Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Matt Cooper on LinkedIn Matt Cooper Email Address BQE Software BQE Software on LinkedIn East of Eden Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
Consistency Compounds: What 5 Years of Podcasting Taught Me with BJ Kraemer 20:51

30 days ago20:51

20:51

In celebration of our 200th episode, this conversation highlights 20 key lessons we've learned over the past five years of hosting this podcast. Join us as we take a deep dive into leadership philosophy, drawing from insights we've gathered since the very beginning. You'll hear what it means to lead from the front, why going viral isn't necessary to make an impact, and how building character shapes everything you do. We also unpack the recent drop-off rate in the real estate world and explore how a strong sense of purpose can fuel perseverance. As we reflect on the growth that comes with each new season, we invite you to consider your own journey. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or you've been with us since the start, this episode will inspire you to move from reflection to action. Thanks for being part of the journey! Key Points From This Episode: • Taking action beyond thinking and reflection. • The critical role of trust and what happens in a crisis without it. • Why curiosity is a leadership superpower. • The little things that build your character. • Understanding the role of purpose. • Taking advantage of the opportunity for growth that each new season brings. Quotes: “Start before you feel ready.” — BJ Kraemer “Repetition builds your repetition.” — BJ Kraemer “You can’t lead well if you don’t listen first.” — BJ Kraemer “People will listen to what you say but they’re going to watch what you do.” — BJ Kraemer “The best seasons are the ones where you’re growing.” — BJ Kraemer Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
The Grit Behind Growth: Career Lessons from the Ground Up with Coty Fournier 1:02:05

5 weeks ago1:02:05

1:02:05

What does real leadership transformation look like, and how do you go from managing projects to leading people? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with Coty Fournier to discuss leadership transformation and creating a company-focused impact. Coty is an industry veteran, speaker, author, and senior consultant with Well Built Construction Consulting. She is known for fast-tracking construction managers into high-impact leaders through keynote speaking, leadership training, and strategy consulting. In our conversation, we delve into scaling businesses, developing talent, and shifting from project-focused execution to company-focused impact. We unpack her lessons in leadership, the foundational importance of field experience, and how to transition from managing projects to leading people and fostering new ideas. Coty also discusses how to drive work in place, the mindset shifts required to move from a “Pistol Pete” problem-solver to a leader, the benefits of delegating risk, and why reducing fear is your secret weapon. Join us for career-building advice, valuable industry insights, and more with Coty Fournier. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: • Her early career journey from Michigan State University to Turner Construction Company. • Why company and personal growth go hand in hand in the construction industry. • Find out why field experience is essential for career advancement in construction. • Discover how to bridge the gap between the office and the field in construction. • How to transition from managing projects to managing people and fostering new ideas. Quotes: “That is one of the reasons companies need to grow, not just for growth's sake but for the leadership development and professional development opportunities it gives to all your top players.” — Coty Fournier “There is basically no such thing as having too much actual field experience as you attempt to rise [through] the ranks of any construction company.” — Coty Fournier “People and ideas are not projects.” — Coty Fournier “The higher you get up in a construction company, the more you need to lead versus manage.” — Coty Fournier “Teach people to realize that your job [as a contractor] is to make the owner less afraid.” — Coty Fournier Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Coty Fournier on LinkedIn Well Built Construction Consulting Michigan State University Turner Construction Company Miller Construction Company Chad Prinkey on LinkedIn Well Built Inside Commercial Construction's MVPs The Human Side of Construction Kyle Nitchen No Bullsh*t Project Sapiens Maya Angelou Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
Authenticity, Accountability, and the Art of Leading Well with John New 36:15

6 weeks ago36:15

36:15

There is growing concern around the post-service health of veterans and first responders as it’s easy to fall into destructive patterns when liberated from the forced discipline of being in active duty. Today we are joined by John New, an Army veteran and serial entrepreneur who’s made it his life’s purpose to help curate healthier life habits for former service members. We begin with John’s background as he explains who he is, and what he does before learning about CYTO (previously The Hub), and what the organization hopes to achieve. Then, we compare remote work to in-office obligations, the ins and outs of the 98 Octane veteran program, how to avoid falling victim to consumer marketing, and how to connect with John and his work. To end, our guest details the leadership lessons that have stuck with him in his career, the books he’d recommend in a heartbeat, why he’d love to have dinner with Mother Theresa, and his final words of encouragement for starting a group of healthy-living individuals. Key Points From This Episode: • John New describes who he is, what he does, and how he got into the work he does today. • Understanding what happened to The Hub and why it downsized and rebranded to CYTO. • The ins and outs of WorkMerk. • Unpacking the 98 Octane movement that helps veterans and first responders live healthier lives. • How to get involved with 98 Octane and John’s mission. • John’s advice for building a cohort centered on healthier living. Quotes: “At times, [I have] an abnormally high appetite for risk.” — John New “My life’s calling is a movement to help a million fellow veterans and first responders live healthier lives.” — John New “You need to be committed. If you’re not committed, just don’t start.” — John New “Kill all fears, man. Fear is a tool of the devil. Fear of loss of love; life; health; money – kill them [or else] they’ll paralyze you.” — John New Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: John New on LinkedIn WorkMerk 98 Octane CYTO | PHL Josh McCallen on LinkedIn Alex Archawski on LinkedIn Veteran Shark Tank Master of One Napoleon Hill - Mastermind Principle Dr. Peter Attia Dr. Andrew Huberman The Checklist Manifesto Mere Humanity Be the Sun, Not the Salt Grow Rich! With Peace of Mind Dr. Kenneth Hartman Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
LinkedIn Connections & Government Lessons with Shauna Weatherly 35:55

7 weeks ago35:55

35:55

In business, your aim should be to lead with your skills and let your certifications be the ‘icing on the cake’! Today, we welcome federal contracting expert and founder of Federal Subcontracting Solutions, Shauna Weatherly, to pass on her wealth of knowledge about the federal contracting space. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Shauna’s extensive career, the pendulum swing and balancing act Shauna has witnessed throughout her career, the policy side of contracting, creating efficiency in her business, and much more! We delve into one of Shauna’s professional war stories before discussing the most popular question she is asked and what her answer is. She even tells us about the products she will be offering! Finally, our guest answers our rapid-fire questions. To hear all this and even be reminded of the importance of slowing down and observing, press play now! Key Points From This Episode: • The importance of open conversation in this industry. • The balancing act between ‘risk-averse’ and ‘mission-first’. • Her experience in the policy and rule-making side of things. • How she created a culture of efficiency within her business. Quotes: “In contracting you really have to have the big picture and the small picture and I think that’s where there is some difficulty.” — Shauna Weatherly “[The contracting officers] are told what to buy, they simply decide how to buy.” — Shauna Weatherly “Veterans knew things that I couldn’t teach anybody else.” — Shauna Weatherly Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Shauna Weatherly on LinkedIn FedSubK The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
Innovating with Discipline: Balancing The Fine Line Between Risk and Reward with BJ Kraemer 20:26

8 weeks ago20:26

20:26

Innovation is an essential part of business and those who do not innovate, eventually fail. In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ is outlining the importance of innovation. Tuning in, you’ll hear about the biggest win BJ has ever had in business, the importance of discipline, what he thinks ‘the language of business is’, and more! BJ goes on to explain that the more we can understand how to communicate expected investment against expected outcomes, the better everyone will get at deploying innovation and research and development investment. We even talk about the importance of balancing creativity and innovation with the discipline needed to know what will work and what won’t. Finally, BJ discusses what empowers the entrepreneurial spirit and why it always needs a level of discipline. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode: • The biggest win BJ has ever had in the construction industry. • The danger of ‘shiny object syndrome’ and the importance of discipline. • Why you have to balance your investment with the expected outcome. • BJ shares his opinion of how to learn ‘the language of business’. • Balancing new ideas and discipline in business. • How Walt Disney managed creativity and empowered entrepreneurial spirit. Quotes: “You can’t just always be taking chances. In business, you have to have some level of predictability and process for controlling the level of investment that goes into [research and development].” — BJ Kraemer “When you say ‘yes’ to something, you are probably saying ‘no’ to a bunch of other things.” — BJ Kraemer “I think that anybody who is not innovating will die.” — BJ Kraemer Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
Why Reputation Beats Rate: Building Long-Term Success Without Advertising with David Ciurzynski 39:41

9 weeks ago39:41

39:41

Making the jump from military service to the private sector can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with project consultant and veteran David Ciurzynski, founder of Ciurzynski Consulting, to explore how veterans can leverage their hard-earned skills in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. David shares his journey from the Air Force to becoming a respected owner's representative, emphasizing the power of mentorship, adaptability, and faith-driven servant leadership. He also unpacks the importance of recognizing your self-worth, how to build a reputation that drives repeat business, and the key questions he asks his team every week to foster continuous improvement. Whether you're looking to refine your leadership skills, navigate career transitions, or improve project outcomes, this episode is full of practical insights. Tune in to discover how focusing on value, relationships, and self-improvement can open doors you never expected! Key Points From This Episode: • Insight into David’s career journey from the Air Force to the AEC industry. • The importance of recognizing your self-worth and leveraging opportunities. • Three simple but powerful questions he asks his team every week. • Why helping others become better versions of themselves is the key to success. Quotes: “When somebody else believes in you, you owe them the obligation to believe in yourself and become the best version of yourself. I’m continually trying to do that.” — David Ciurzynski “When we're more aware of our outside environment, we can adjust, adapt, and serve in a more useful way.” — David Ciurzynski “People will see your value because you're listening to them. People want to be listened to. Owners want to be listened to.” — David Ciurzynski “Not everything works out exactly how you planned it – but how you come back the next time is what defines you.” — David Ciurzynski Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ciurzynski Consulting David Ciurzynski on LinkedIn Dale Carnegie Training The Goal DoD to AEC on LinkedIn DoD to AEC SkillBridge Program Opportunities Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
Beyond Individual Growth Mindset: How Leaders Can Foster a Culture of Growth in their Organizations with Mary Murphy 42:26

10 weeks ago42:26

42:26

Culture and growth are very special topics here on the Leadership Blueprints Podcast, and today’s guest, award-winning social psychologist, author, speaker, and organizational consultant, Professor Mary Murphy, certainly speaks our love language! Mary is a trailblazer in equity and inclusion, illuminating the dynamics of mindset and culture and empowering organizations to foster environments of growth and innovation. In this episode, Mary describes how we can distinguish a fixed mindset from a growth mindset before explaining how her multicultural background kindled her passion for academic research, particularly culture and growth. Using Mary’s book, Cultures of Growth, as a reference point, we discover what it looks like when an organization prioritizes a growth mindset culture, how to detach yourself from a fixed mindset, how establishing a great office culture is only possible with excellent leadership, and how to cultivate a growth mindset from an early age. Mary also explains how we can pursue a growth mindset culture at home, why we need to focus on improving basic processes rather than berating ourselves for results, and what the big-hitters are getting right regarding growth mindsets, as well as action steps for business leaders who want to improve their company’s growth mindset. Tune in today for all this and more! Key Points From This Episode: • The differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. • What it looks like when an organization adopts a growth mindset culture. • How to detach yourself from a fixed mindset and forge a new identity in growth. • Why establishing a growth mindset culture is impossible without great leadership. • How to build a growth mindset at home with your family. • The importance of improving rudimentary processes instead of judging ourselves on results. • Action steps for business leaders to improve their company’s growth mindset culture. Quotes: “In these fixed mindset cultures, information is power. People don’t want to share the information they have access to because it is a way of holding onto power and maintaining their advantage.” — Mary Murphy “In a growth mindset culture, collaboration is encouraged, incentivized, [and] praised. There’s a lot of support for people’s growth and development.” — Mary Murphy “Culture matters in so many ways for our family, for our community, for our work, but it’s not just any culture. It’s a growth mindset culture that [eats] strategy for breakfast.” — Mary Murphy Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Mary Murphy Mary Murphy on LinkedIn Mary Murphy on X Mary Murphy on Instagram Mary Murphy on Facebook Cultures of Growth Equity Accelerator Indiana University The CASBS Summer Institute on Diversity Carol Dweck Satya Nadella Hit Refresh ‘Global Mindset Initiative Paper 1: Growth Mindset Cultures and Teacher Practices’ Mindset The Ministry for the Future Who Moved My Cheese? Crucial Conversations Peter Drucker Mindset Triggers Assessment Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
Building Beyond Barriers: Women Leading the Way in Construction with Barb Allen 35:09

11 weeks ago35:09

35:09

What can be done to attract more women to construction? Today, on the Leadership Blueprints podcast, we welcome Barb Allen, a renowned construction industry keynote speaker and host of the Constructive Behaviors Podcast. In honor of Women in Construction Week, we talked with Barb about her construction career and how she is helping more women find success in the industry. From stumbling on a degree in construction management – and immediately realizing it was what she wanted to do – to spending over twenty years in the field, Barb recounts how she moved through the ranks to where she is today. We discuss the current level of diversity in construction, what can be done to attract more women to the field, and how The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) programs are introducing a new generation of young people to the joys of construction work. Barb also shares the story behind her 14%ers Subscription Box, designed to support and empower women in construction. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future! Key Points From This Episode: • How she uses public speaking to address gender-specific challenges. • Unpacking the variety of career paths in construction. • What the industry can do to attract more women to construction. • Why companies should spotlight female employees and their roles. • How to normalize construction as a career path for women from a young age. Quotes: “It's important that companies are spotlighting, as much as possible, the women that work in their companies and – help people understand what it is they do. Because we have amazing women.” — Barb Allen “There's such a stigma about the challenges that women face in the industry. And yes, we face challenges, but when we are overcoming these, it is such a rewarding career.” — Barb Allen “ The more we can work together to make a more inclusive environment for everyone in it, the more successful this industry will be.” — Barb Allen “Safety glasses are so inexpensive. But the first time I put these safety glasses on, and they fit in my face. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. I'm 30 years into this industry, and this is the first pair of safety glasses that feel like they fit!’” — Barb Allen Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Barb Allen Barb Allen on LinkedIn Constructive Behaviors Podcast Women In Construction Subscription Box: The 14%ers The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Women in Construction Week Women in Construction Midwest Region | Block Kids Building Program Camp NAWIC | Building the Next Generation: Construction Programs for Girls (and Boys!) GoldieBlox Superbowl commercial 2014 Plumber Paige Plumber Paige Books Judaline Cassidy Judaline Cassidy Books Talking from 9 to 5: Women and Men at Work Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
Building More Than Hotels: Eustace Mita on Culture, Leadership & Legacy 55:19

12 weeks ago55:19

55:19

If you want to be successful in your career, you need to find your unique ability and have a maniacal focus on it! Joining us today is the incredible CEO of ICONA Resorts and managing director of Achristavest, Eustace Mita to share his wisdom about business. In this conversation, you’ll hear all about Eustace’s incredible career, his businesses, his construction projects, and how his relationship with faith has changed him as a businessman. We delve into our guest’s philosophy in life and business before discussing the importance of focusing on your purpose in life. Eustace even tells us how he maintains a sense of calm as a leader in hostile work environments and balances tactical and strategic leadership. Finally, our guest shares a few of his seven favorite books and his ideal dinner guests. Thanks for tuning in! Key Points From This Episode: • How his faith journey has informed his business decisions. • His life philosophy and the danger of distractions. • The importance of discovering what your unique ability is. • Why Eustace always teaches lessons in threes. • Maintaining composure as a leader in hostile environments. • How Eustace balances tactical and strategic leadership. Quotes: “There are three things that are going to change you from who you are today to who you’re going to be tomorrow: the books you read, — the people you meet, [and] the goals you set and achieve.” — Eustace Mita “Many men live lives of quiet desperation in jobs they hate and in relationships that are suffocating them. So I say, you’ve got to get more specific with everything you do in life.” — Eustace Mita “You’ve got to have that curiosity, keep learning, and love what you’re doing. And the minute I lose the passion, — that’s when I’m going to retire.” — Eustace Mita Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Eustace Mita on LinkedIn ICONA Resorts Achristavest How to Win Friends and Influence People As a Man Thinketh Think and Grow Rich The Greatest Salesman in the World Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
Beyond Technical Skills: Why Engineers Need Leadership Training with Ron Bennett 46:16

13 weeks ago46:16

46:16

Ronald J. Bennett has an impressive track record of achievements, including serving as the Founding Dean and Professor Emeritus at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He began his career in the industry, spending over 20 years in executive roles at BMC Industries, CPI (now Boston Scientific), Teltech, and several entrepreneurial organizations. Beyond his industry experience, Ron is also a dedicated educator and author, specializing in materials engineering, innovation, strategy, technology transfer, leadership, and engineering education. Join the conversation as BJ and Ron dive into his inspiring story and remarkable career journey, what inspired his pursuit of an MBA, and what led to the founding of the School of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas. He unpacks his hope and inspiration for writing the book Leadership for Engineers: The Magic of Mindset (Basic Engineering Series and Tools), and shares his answers to our rapid-fire questions. To hear more from Ron Bennett, be sure to tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: • We are led through Ron Bennett’s story: who he is, what he’s done, and his career journey. • Why he started the School of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas. • His hope for Leadership for Engineers and the inspiration to take his curriculum and turn it into a book. • What Ron is working on currently: The innovator's dilemma issue. Quotes: “Part of this whole thing of leadership is use all the talent around you and recognize it [and] nurture it and help it grow.” — Ron Bennett “You’re going to be better at what you do if you’re working on something that you’re interested in.” — Ron Bennett “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” — Ron Bennett “The thing that I would most like is if someone talked about it that I inspired ordinary people to do extraordinary things for the common good, and for their own good for that matter.” — Ron Bennett Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ron Bennett on LinkedIn Leadership for Engineers: The Magic of Mindset (Basic Engineering Series and Tools) The Engineer's Guide to Authentic Leadership ‘EMPOWERMENT: How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs’ Leadership for Engineers Bill George on LinkedIn Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma '14 Grand Challenges for Engineers' The Obligation of the Engineer Leadership Blueprints Podcast MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn…

Leadership Blueprints

1
Architecting Change: Leadership Lessons in a Shifting Industry with Bill Mandara 33:21

14 weeks ago33:21