Part of being a great leader is being self-aware and understanding the blind spots in your leadership approach.

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with Jill Macauley to unpack the concept of blind spots through the lens of Martin Dubin’s book Blindspotting. Jill is the Chief Operating Officer at Behavioral Essentials and brings over 15 years of experience in business and non-profit consulting. Her work centers around helping leaders grow, plan strategically, and communicate well with their teams. She supports leaders in analyzing behavioral patterns, navigating role transitions, and fostering healthier and more effective workplace cultures.

They discuss what a blind spot is, the misconceptions around the concept, and why being self-aware as a leader is vital. Learn how not recognizing your blind spots impacts your team, the hidden costs of blind spots for an organization, how leaders can balance empathy with accountability, and how to get the most out of your employees while keeping them happy. They also talk about why sustainable performance requires cycles of intensity and recovery, what the Blindspotting model and assessment focus on, and more. 

Tune in to learn how spotting your blind spots, building awareness, and leading with agency and dignity can help you show up stronger for your team, your organization, and yourself.

Key Points From This Episode:

• How blindspots and being self-aware act as the foundation for better leadership.
• Explore the concept of a blind spot in leadership and why it is hard to identify.
• Discover what turning self-awareness into self-reflection looks like in practice.
• Learn how fostering dignity and agency in the workplace drives performance.
• What dignity means in the workplace and how fear-based leadership impacts results.

Quotes:

“We’re not factory workers, we’re thinkers. Thinking work is the dominant work in the workplace now.” — Jill Macauley 

“The definition of business success, quarter to quarter and shareholder output, is not wholesome, it is not sustainable, and it is not how businesses actually have compounding success.” — Jill Macauley 

“I think a lot of people forget about awareness of the organization and they forget the organization is bigger than any one of us.” — Jill Macauley

“You can’t have a greater understanding unless you understand yourself first.” — Jill Macauley 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jill Macauley on LinkedIn

Behavioral Essentials

Blindspotting: How to See What's Holding You Back as a Leader

The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams 

The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win

Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger

Blindspotting

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What hard conversation are you avoiding right now?

In this solo episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ reflects on Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, and even the Winter Olympics to unpack one central leadership tension: compassion and accountability must coexist. Real leadership is not choosing between love and standards - it is holding both.

Through presidential vignettes, youth sports culture, and lessons from business and family life, BJ introduces a practical three-part framework for developing leaders: Compassion, Clarity, and Courage. This episode challenges listeners to examine whether they are truly leading with compassion - or simply avoiding discomfort.

Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why growth - for you and your team - is determined by the number of uncomfortable conversations you’re willing to have.

• The difference between compassion and comfort, and why lowering the standard helps no one.

• Lessons from presidential leadership such as Lincoln’s empathy paired with accountability, Washington’s self-discipline and moral restraint, and Roosevelt’s belief that high standards are a form of respect. 

• The three-part leadership blueprint: compassion, clarity, and courage

• What Norway’s youth sports philosophy and Olympic success reveal about balancing joy and standards in development.

Quotes:

“Love without accountability is a leadership weakness.” — BJ Kraemer

“Accountability begins with self-discipline and self-governance.” — BJ Kraemer

“I think when you have high-love, high-expectation leadership, performance will increase. The mission will get accomplished. The culture will be improved.” — BJ Kraemer 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Dichotomy of Leadership

Lincoln on Leadership 

The Art of Manliness

Do Hard Things

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What does it mean to create a safe space to fail? 

During this episode, we are going outside of the built environment to speak to a different kind of inspiring leader in his field. Paul Donovan is the CEO and Head Coach of Jersey Wahoos, a USA swimming club program located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He is a champion of self-compassion and kindness. In this conversation, Paul shares how to balance compassion with accountability, navigate parental pressure, and prevent burnout in youth sports. He reflects on quiet leadership, the real mission behind his coaching that goes far beyond the swimming pool, and why leading by example and giving generously of one’s time is essential as a youth sports coach. 

There are so many principles for life that can be learned through sports, and today’s episode is a deep dive into how, with the right coach and leadership, participating in them can really be a last bastion of discipline in challenging environments. Thanks for listening.

Key Points From This Episode:

•   What it looks like to balance compassion and accountability while leading young people.

•   Causes of burnout in youth sports.

•   Building awareness of the organization while remaining focused on celebrating internal successes.

•   Leading by example in coaching and youth sports.

•   How youth sports can be the final bastion of discipline in challenging environments.

Quotes:

“I think burnout is an emotional state of mind, not a physical state of mind.” — Paul Donovan 

“I believe in quiet leadership. You know the old saying parents had about kids is that they should be seen but not heard? I think leaders should be heard but not seen.” — Paul Donovan 

“Our actual goal for the kids isn’t for them to win a medal at the world championships. Our actual goal with them all is to open up doors that are otherwise unattainable.” — Paul Donovan 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Paul Donovan on LinkedIn

Paul Donovan on Instagram

Jersey Wahoos Swim Club

The Power of Habit

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Steve Magness

The Sport Parent on X

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Consider your funeral – what is being said in your eulogy, and what do they thank you for? Are they praising your achievements and accomplishments or memorializing your character and the relationships you nourished? 

In this solo episode, BJ challenges listeners to define the leader you are trying to become, not just at work, but at home, too! You’ll hear all about the inspirational books (and soldier) that inspired this episode, the danger of being too focused on achievement, the importance of building character, and so much more! BJ even dives into the power of approaching the world from a place of joy. 

To hear all this and be inspired to challenge the way you’re forming your character, be sure to tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The danger of getting too focused on achievement. 
• Why character is far more important than strategy. 
• The importance of being a good leader at work and at home. 
• Why achievement is really about learning and becoming. 
• Bringing a posture of joy to how you approach the world. 

Quotes:

“It’s easy to get focused on achievement.” — BJ Kraemer 

“When I talk about joy, sustainability, and – leadership effectiveness, none of them start with strategy; they all start with character.” — BJ Kraemer 

“Your character is what lasts.” — BJ Kraemer 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Unshakeable

Black Hawk Down

Steve Young Interview with Tim Ferriss

Gary Gordon

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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

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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

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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 

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn 

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 Alone
The Miracle Morning
Dan Sullivan

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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 2
It’s a Wonderful Life (Apple TV)

The Santa Clause (Disney+)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Netflix)
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