Inspiring People & Places: Architecture, Engineering, And Construction

What makes or breaks a multi-million-dollar capital project? 

In today’s episode, we sat down with Jim Brill, Managing Director of the Construction and Real Estate Practice at EY to uncover what it takes to be successful in large-scale investment projects. With over 30 years of experience, Jim has advised a variety of stakeholders on capital projects across multiple industries. His leadership in consulting and expertise in project management have made him a key figure in the industry.

In our conversation, we find out how he got started in the industry, what his current role entails, and hear what makes EY unique in the construction and real-estate space. We also unpack how EY serves clients from the ground up to execution and its approach to integrating the entire business and owner objectives into a project. 

Explore the various ways a large-scale project can fail, how EY supports the mission of its clients, and the various sectors it operates in. And discover why good leaders are vital for effective risk management, the difference between perception and perspective, the steps to fostering a healthy work culture, the importance of communication, and more. 

Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Learn how to navigate the needs of the business with nuances of design and construction.

•   Learn the fundamentals of setting a project up for success from its inception. 

•   How to gain an understanding of an entire project and the different teams involved.

Quotes:

“In my business, we have to sell internally to your account partners and then be able to get a good conversation [going] with the account themselves.” — Jim Brill

“I think that it takes good leaders to be able to execute risk management appropriately.” — Jim Brill

“Put in the hard work early and often, and it is going to pay dividends.” — Jim Brill

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jim Brill on LinkedIn

EY (Ernst & Young)

How to Win Friends & Influence People

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"If not me, then who?” 

First Lt. Travis Manion, USMC, made this simple yet powerful statement before his final deployment, reflecting the profound sense of duty experienced by service members and their families. 

Today on the podcast, BJ is joined by Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), one of the nation’s leading veteran service organizations. Known for her resilience after losing her brother Travis to war and her mother to cancer, Ryan is dedicated to empowering veterans and the families of fallen heroes to inspire future generations to drive change. 

Join the conversation to learn more about TMF, the story behind the quote, and the powerful impact their Character Does Matter training program has on inspiring the next generation of leaders. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Ryan shares the background and mission of the Travis Manion Foundation and her role as CEO.

•   Who was Travis Manion: Ryan reflects on the life and legacy of her brother. 

•   The story behind the quote, “If not me, then who?”

•   Ryan shares details about their flagship leadership program Character Does Matter.

•   What it means to live a life of character for our youth. 

Quotes:

“The goal and the goal still continues to be, how can we inspire the rest of society to live by those five words, [If not me, then who?], as well” — Ryan Manion

“For us as a veteran service organization, we knew very quickly that the way to make sure that veterans thrive post their military career is to give them a continued sense of purpose and to make sure that they know that we still need them, even out of their uniform.” — Ryan Manion

“My mom started the [Travis Manion] organization — [with] three very simple goals. One was to continue providing support and resources to returning veterans. The second was to be able to do the same for families of the fallen. And the third — our mission was to help play a part in inspiring the next generation of leaders. ” — Ryan Manion

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ryan Manion

Ryan Manion on X

Ryan Manion on Instagram

The Knock at the Door: Three Gold Star Families Bonded by Grief and Purpose

Brothers Forever: The Enduring Bond between a Marine and a Navy SEAL that Transcended Their Ultimate Sacrifice

The Resilient Life Podcast

Travis Manion Foundation

Travis Manion Foundation: Join the Mission

Travis Manion Foundation on Instagram

Character Does Matter Program

Donate to the Travis Manion Foundation

Fire in the Hole Golf Outing 2024

Joey Fay on LinkedIn

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Have you ever tried leading or managing someone but struggled with communication? Effective communication is the backbone of every successful training program. 

In this solo episode of Inspiring People & Places, BJ dives into how the correct communication techniques can elevate your training methods. He unpacks the concept of training in the context of leadership and how to tailor training based on each employee’s specific needs. 

Discover how to establish foundational language, communicate company culture effectively, and the interplay between career progression and business growth. Learn why companies and employees must remain flexible with their expectations, the importance of catering to an employee’s learning style, and why training is crucial for startups. Explore actionable strategies for improving communication in your training sessions and tips for building cohesive and productive teams. 

Whether coaching a team, teaching a class, or delivering a workshop, mastering training can be the difference between success and missed opportunities. Tune in now to take your training and employees to the next level!

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Why communication is a vital ingredient for proficient training and team-building.

•   Tips and strategies for teaching the baseline experience of the company. 

•   Explore the differences between technical and business-focused career paths.

•   Approaches for filling employee skill gaps while meeting a client’s needs.

•   The basics of a training program and how to identify an employee’s baseline.

•   Resources to enhance your training program and foster top performers. 

Quotes:

“The more an individual understands how their personal growth benefits the company and how the company’s growth benefits their career, I think, the more symbiotic [the employee] relationship is.” — BJ Kraemer

“I think that we have to recognize that we are always going to have team members that are at different levels of understanding, and our job, as leaders, is to meet them where they are.” — BJ Kraemer

“You may have gaps across the enterprise and that can give you the trends of where to put your corporate resources versus where to customize for an individual manager or employee.” — BJ Kraemer

“Training to me is critical and I think everybody should be doing it.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Hard Thing About Hard Things

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

At its core, leadership is about inspiring and influencing behavior to help people to achieve a common goal. But how are great leaders shaped? Join us for a compelling conversation with Brian Stann, a former mixed martial artist and U.S. Marine who competed in the UFC’s middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. 

In this discussion, we explore where Brian is today, his journey through the military, the lessons he learned at Hire Heroes USA, and his leap into real estate development. Brian also breaks down how specific military experiences, training programs, and the culture of mixed martial arts combine to forge exceptional leaders. 

We’ll touch on how to build, develop, and maintain toughness in your life. Brian even offers valuable advice for active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses. 

Thanks for tuning in.

Key Points From This Episode:

•   The merging of things he loved and how he wound up at Hunt Military Communities.

•   Hunt Military Communities, its portfolio, the number of employees, and where they’re located. 

•   He distills down what Military experience, IOBC Training, and the martial culture do to human beings to create leaders.

•   How to build, develop, and maintain your toughness.

Quotes:

“What I loved about the military, at that time, the brand was elite. If you wanted to be something elite, if you wanted to go on an adventure and climb to the top of the mountain, you joined the military.” — Brian Stann

“I fell in love with how martial arts and a martial mindset can help me be a better combat leader.” — Brian Stann

“The one thing that I struggle to find now as a CEO, the number one thing that I struggle to find is people who can truly lead other people.” — Brian Stann

“I think, if you take just a very simple definition of leadership, it’s the ability to influence people’s behaviors so that they can go accomplish a goal and that’s essential.” — Brian Stann

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Brian Stann on Instagram

Hunt Military Communities 

UFC 

Hire Heroes USA

Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae

Denzel Washington Commencement Speech
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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn 

Veterans have the potential to be exceptional business leaders if they can prioritize and balance their values, wellness, and financial goals. Joining us today is the founder of Richard Group LLC, Jed Richard to discuss his incredible career and the difference he is making within his company. 

Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Jed’s upbringing, how his grandfather became his inspiration, his time in the army, and how he transitioned into construction. We explore the exceptional entrepreneurial qualities veterans possess before Jed highlights the most common mistakes he sees them make in career planning. 

He also shares book recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs, insights gained from Peter Thiel, and why he is so passionate about supporting his employees’ families. Finally, Jed offers his perspective on the advancement of the construction industry. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

•   The failures Jed has seen in veterans when career planning. 

•   Why veterans have dual ‘superpowers’ when it comes to entrepreneurship. 

•   How to make a difference in the private sector. 

•   Why transactional motives will not bring you fulfillment. 

•   How to become a great leader by following first. 

Quotes:

“The people that get promoted in this world are promoted by their teammates, their peers, and the people underneath them that they’ve made successful.” — Jed Richard

“You’re going to create value in the world if you focus on being a great leader and sometimes being a great leader starts with being a great follower.” — Jed Richard

“I want to give the most noteworthy adventure to as many families as possible and to my own.” — Jed Richard

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jed Richard on LinkedIn

Richard Group LLC

The 4 Disciplines of Execution 

Tools of Titans

The Great Game of Business

The Obstacle is the Way

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Anyone can build an average business, but who wants to be average when you can be excellent? 

Today on Inspiring People & Places, we are joined by the founder and managing partner of Scare the Bear Capital, Matthew Dean. In this conversation, we hear all about Matt’s background, what led him to his current leadership role, and where he is in his career today. 

We delve into the leadership lessons he learned growing his firm, his ‘Markon 100’ principle, and how his leadership style changed as the firm grew. Matt goes on to tell us about the ‘north star’ of Scare the Bear Capital, his favorite book for entrepreneurs to read, the most inspiring quote he can think of, his ideal dinner party guests, and so much more! 

Finally, Matt tells us what he wants his legacy to be and encourages people with entrepreneurial spirits (especially veterans) to start small businesses today! Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

•   The leadership lessons he learned growing a firm, one contract at a time. 

•   How his leadership style changed from 100 to 300 employees. 

•   The ‘north star’ of Scare the Bear Capital. 

•   Why people in the military would make wonderful entrepreneurs. 

Quotes:

“I’m unapologetic about wanting to be profitable.” — Matt Dean

“I truly believe that we can help small business owners achieve financial goals that they could not achieve on their own.” — Matt Dean

“To be good or average in the industry is not very hard. But who wants to be average?” — Matt Dean 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Matt Dean on LinkedIn

Markon Solutions

Shoe Dog

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In any partnership, trust is a key player; both the trust you find in your partner and the trust you knowingly have in yourself. Joining BJ on this episode of Inspiring People & Places is John Grady, who serves as the Northeast Region Executive and Senior Vice President of Development at Wexford Science & Technology in Philadelphia. 

As a seasoned executive with a wealth of experience in real estate, finance, city building, and corporate and public affairs, John has a remarkable track record of leading successful public-private partnerships. He knows how to craft compelling messaging and drive inclusive investment and growth across various sectors. 

John also dives into his career arc, the great story of the Philadelphia Navy Yard and its redevelopment. In addition to key leadership lessons that John has learned while working on projects that bring the public and private sectors together in partnership. 

Don’t miss this episode for his thoughts on how leadership has changed, why work transforms people and communities, and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

•   The great story of Philadelphia’s Navy Yard and its redevelopment. 

•   The importance of private and public partnerships.

•   Key leadership lessons John has learned while bringing together the public and private sectors to accomplish projects.

•   The idea that work transforms people and communities.

Quotes:

“Working with good people really [gets] me motivated.” — John Grady

“The Navy Yard is a tremendous example of Philadelphia at its best. It’s got a bright future, and at its most fundamental core, it is a day-to-day real-life public-private partnership, every day.” — John Grady

“I’m a big believer that partnerships are built on trust. You have to go into a relationship trusting your partner, trusting what they can do well, trusting them to do that, and trusting yourself, knowing what you do well, and bringing that to the table.” — John Grady

“Work transforms communities. It transforms people.” — John Grady

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

John Grady on LinkedIn

Wexford Science & Technology

The Navy Yard Philadelphia

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We are inspired by the leadership, passion, and mission-focus that veterans bring to the built environment. However, figuring out what your next steps are after serving can be challenging. 

During this episode, we welcome Arpan Patel, Director of Operations at the US Air Force Reserve. He shares his story, from growing up with immigrant parents, to serving and leveraging his background in civil engineering to build a career on the other side. 

You’ll also hear about the process of excavating his Ikigai, where the synergy of purpose, skills, opportunity, and passion lives. Arpan describes how he found the willingness to absorb what was available to him in order to make an informed decision about his future. We also explore the importance of favoring legacy and people over dollars and cents, before Arpan shares some of the ideas and principles that have supported him along the way. 

Thanks for tuning in! 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Navigating the gut punch of not reaching a lifelong goal to be an aviator.

•   The mindset shift required to understand that engineering supports the mission. 

•   Leadership lessons for the transitioning veteran: networking and more.

•   Understanding that people and legacy far outweigh dollars and cents.

Quotes:

“A theme throughout my history is networks that have helped bolster opportunities or allowed me to leverage the opportunities in front of me, opened doors, and allowed me to walk through them.” — Arpan Patel

“Life is unfair and doesn’t pan out the way that you see it, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be defeated.” — Arpan Patel

“Life is tough, but tough times don’t last, tough people do.” — Arpan Patel 

“Do your best, go for it, do everything you need to do, but if it doesn’t work out, keep your head up.” — Arpan Patel 

“When you find communities that have shared passion and values, you’ll connect.” — Arpan Patel 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Arpan Patel on LinkedIn
Society of American Military Engineers

The E-Myth Revisited

Working Genius

Ikigai

The Go-Giver

Getting Naked
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Being able to inspire change is key to being a good leader. But more importantly, a leader needs to have the humility to reflect on when their capacity for driving that change has expired. 

Joining us today is the former CEO of the Society of Women Engineers and former AVP of admin and operations at DePaul University, Betty Shanahan to discuss her remarkable career arc. 

In this conversation, you’ll hear all about what inspired Betty to get into engineering, her education, career highlights, her time at the Society of Women Engineers, and so much more! We delve into her efforts through DePaul University to bring computer sciences into high schools in Chicago before Betty tells us about the importance of working on your career outside of your job and furthering your knowledge and skills.

We discuss balancing work and life, leadership, knowing when it’s time to step down as a leader, and celebrating your achievements as an engineer. Finally, Betty answers our rapid-fire questions and shares her favorite quotes, must-read books, her ideal dinner guests if she could invite anyone (dead or alive!), and what she hopes her legacy will be. 

To hear all this and be reminded that you can get through any struggles you may face, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Working on your career outside your job and balancing work/home life. 

•   What makes a good leader and the importance of knowing when your time is up. 

•   Why engineers need to celebrate their large achievements. 

Quotes:

“When you struggle, you recognize [that] other people have [also] struggled and worked through it and continued to be successful.” — Betty Shanahan 

“A lot of being a good leader is the humility of saying: ‘I don’t know a lot’.”— Betty Shanahan 

“Engineers are responsible for our health, happiness, and safety. So all of us, as engineers, are contributing to the country, to individuals in our work. So we need to celebrate our large achievements as engineers.” — Betty Shanahan 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Betty Shanahan on Facebook

Society of Women Engineers

The Leadership Challenge

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

The built environment offers vast potential to impact those who live, work, and thrive in these spaces. Today’s guest on Inspiring People & Places is Joe Reagan, the Executive Vice President of Development at Wexford Science and Technology. 

Join us as we explore the diverse aspects of his career journey, including how his understanding of deal-making and real estate within the built environment has deepened his appreciation for the financial implications of a mission. Joe also shares key leadership advice that has served him well throughout his career. 

Additionally, we discuss why military veterans often occupy senior facility roles. Be sure to tune in to hear all this and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Understanding the deal-making and real estate of the built environment gave him an appreciation of the financial implications of a mission.

•   The evolving economic model of healthcare and the economic drivers of the capital and real estate markets and how these two are playing out in Joe’s world.

•   A leadership lesson that has served Joe throughout his career in the built environment.

Quotes:

“It’s [my] ability to communicate back and forth that has helped me adjust my career going forward.” — Joe Reagan

“There comes an appreciation of the value of knowing people you are going to be working with and why repeat business should be such a big part of everyone’s business plans.” — Joe Reagan

“[There is] potential to impact the built environment and the place that people live, work, [and] love. You really can have a profound impact on the built environment.” — Joe Reagan

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Joe Reagan on LinkedIn

Wexford Science and Technology

Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe's Series 1 to 5 Books Set (Prey, Trafalgar, Fortress, Triumph, Tiger)

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn