During this episode, we're speaking with an owner who oversees a large-scale operation, managing not only the organization's mission but also its extensive facilities and infrastructure. Ashley Johnson is the Senior Manager for 2700 individuals in the command at the Naval Surface Warfare Centre, a large industrial facility with full-spectrum capabilities.  

Join us as Ashley offers insights into his career path from engineering to the Navy, how he arrived in the role of Senior Executive Service and Technical Director, and what his responsibilities entail today. We also unpack political undertones and industry competition before delving into the legacy of Indian Head and why it is important. 

In closing, Ashley shares why he highly recommends a career in civil service and relishes the opportunity to encourage others to pursue a similar path to his own. 

Key Points From This Episode: 

•   The intangibles that can be learned while applying one’s self and perfecting certain skills. 

•   Ashley’s mission to reinvigorate the facility and workload, and how he has executed on this.

•   Understanding the political undertones and the element of competition with the industry. 

•   The elevator pitch for Indian Head and why it is important.

•   What he wants the legacy at Indian Head to be. 

Quotes:

“It’s political for sure, it always is. We serve for the executive branch, and obviously, there’s been changes, but the other issue is really one of trying not to be competitive with the industry.” — Ashley Johnson

“Indian Head is important to the nation because of the adjacency issue. If we don’t do it, not a lot gets done on the front end part of the business because there’s not a lot of money to be made in coming up with innovative munitions.” — Ashley Johnson

“[Indian Head] is a national asset. We’ve worked really hard over the last ten or twelve years to recover that. My legacy, if there is one, is to make sure that we take care of it.” — Ashley Johnson

“I’ll tell anybody that will listen, you can have a fabulous and meaningful career as well as something that’s important to the nation by being part of that apparatus [in civil service].” — Ashley Johnson 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ashley Johnson

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division
Leviathan Wakes
The Expanse Series
Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Do you ever wonder how we can help students become their best selves, build positive relationships, and help them see that being ‘good’ is actually cool? 

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we are joined by Jeff Bryan, co-founder of the Positivity Project, an organization that empowers students to build character, take accountability, and strengthen relationships within school. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Jeff’s experience at West Point and on deployment, how he and Mike Erwin started the Positivity Project, their mission, and how they achieve their goals. 

We delve into how schools partner with them in person and online before discussing how sports coaches and teachers can make positive character traits aspirational. He even tells us how he has turned his experiences as an athlete into memorable moments of self-growth and awareness. Finally, he shares his advice on relationships, character, and making hard work fun. 

To hear all this and so much more, press play now! 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Helping kids cultivate positive relationships and be their best selves. 

•   How their partner schools engage with them and what they receive. 

•   Jeff explains their in-person training and digital on-demand training courses. 

•   Making being a good kid cool, and how coaches can do that on the sports field. 

•   His biggest piece of advice as an athlete who became a leader. 

Quotes:

“What we lay out are daily 15-minute lessons – and we help [schools] understand, engage, and connect their character skills over the course of the week.” — Jeff Bryan

“Consistency over time is what really makes kids understand what character is.” — Jeff Bryan

“Failure isn’t final – it’s not the end. You’ve just got to keep going and keep putting in the effort.” — Jeff Bryan

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jeff Bryan on LinkedIn

Jeff Bryan on X

The Positivity Project

Deep Work

Why Self-Awareness Should Be the First Step in Every Leader’s Development Journey with Mike Erwin

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

After you retire, the most important thing you take from your career is the legacy you leave. 

In this episode, we’re joined by John Carter, a retired Navy Captain and the Founder of the Leadership Bridge Institute, for a deep dive into the power of leadership and legacy, from the key skills that facilitate organizational impact to the paradox of becoming a confident leader who keeps their people both accountable and protected. Although he takes great pride in having commanded ships in the Navy, John shares that the Junior Officers he mentored coming to the pinnacle of their careers today are his greatest source of joy. 

Our conversation also explores John’s approach to leadership and the practices that keep him connected to his people. Tune in for plenty of insights from a seasoned leader who continues to create a powerful legacy!

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Navigating the transition from active duty to a new chapter of purpose.

•   Why leadership skills are key for organizational impact.

•   What the Leadership Bridge is and who it’s built for.

•   How great leaders empower others by letting them make mistakes.

•   Staying grounded in day-to-day operations while keeping your eyes on the future.

•   Why focusing on what you stand to gain is more powerful than fixating on what's missing.

Quotes:

“After you retire, the most important part and piece is your legacy.” — John Carter

“Confidence is generated [through] action.” — John Carter

“Lead by example. You set the standard.” — John Carter 

“You’ve always got to have one hand in the day-to-day operations and one hand in the future.” — John Carter 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

John Carter on LinkedIn
Leadership Bridge Institute
The Bridge Builder
The Gap and the Gain

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Have you ever paused to consider the real reason you’re not growing- personally, professionally, or as a business? 

In today’s solo episode of Leadership Blueprints, host BJ Kraemer shares a personal and powerful reflection on the limiting beliefs that often hold us back. From insecurities to self-doubt, BJ explores how these internal narratives can keep even the most capable leaders stuck- and how to break free from them.

Tune in as BJ walks through the importance of mindset, momentum, and intentional growth, drawing from real-world experience building MCFA and coaching leaders. You’ll hear candid thoughts on what it takes to become the kind of person your goals require, the risk of settling for comfort, and how to get unstuck when your vision feels bigger than your reality.

Whether you're leading a team or trying to lead yourself, this episode will challenge and inspire you to take your next step forward- because growth doesn’t happen by accident.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The limiting beliefs that often hold leaders back- and how to reframe them.
• The importance of momentum: why getting stuck often starts in your mind.
• Why growth is uncomfortable, and why that’s a good thing.
• How to tell if you’ve “outgrown” your environment- or your mindset.
• Practical ways to break through a plateau and build belief in yourself.
• What it really means to “get in the arena” and lead with intention.

Quotes:

“We stay stuck because we’re not willing to do the things that move us forward.” - BJ Kraemer 

“Oftentimes, the biggest thing holding us back is us.”- BJ Kraemer

“You’re not behind. You’re just at the point in your story where you get to decide: Are you going to grow into the person you’re called to be?” - BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Leadership Blueprints Podcast
• MCFA
• MCFA Careers
• BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What’s the point of reading if it doesn’t improve your life and work?

In the second installment of the Pages to Projects summer series, BJ Kraemer explores why reading alone isn't enough; true leadership development requires learning. Drawing from personal experience, business coaching insights, and frameworks like the West Point leadership development model, BJ offers a practical breakdown of how to convert ideas from books into action, habit, and growth. If you’re ready to transform your reading habit into a leadership accelerator, this episode gives you the tools to make every page you read count. 

Tune in to learn how to build a learning culture for yourself and your team!

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Why "leaders are learners" goes beyond passive reading or listening.

•   Insight into West Point’s leadership development model.

•   A 4-step learning method: absorb, apply, reflect, reinforce.

•   The power of teaching what you’ve learned to others.

•   Tactical, operational, and strategic ways to embed learning into your life and work.

Quotes:

“If we don't make the bridge between what we [read] and how we can apply it, we're actually not taking the action to learn or to improve ourselves.” — BJ Kraemer 

“When you're looking at the world through the lens of who you're trying to become and you're looking at all of the books that you're reading from that lens, the nuggets will start coming to you: – ‘I can change this. I can get better here.’” — BJ Kraemer 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

E214: Leaders are Readers

Who Not How

10x is Easier Than 2x

The Science of Scaling

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

All leaders are readers. That’s why we’re kicking off a three-part series on the books and stories that have influenced our leadership philosophy.

Whether you’re a reader or an audiobook listener, this series is packed with recommendations that contain essential wisdom you can apply to your life. To kick off our series, BJ shares his thoughts on why you should read, what you should read, and the books that have shaped his life. Tune in to learn why self-study is such a key part of personal development, how to begin with the end in mind, and how to take control of each day, starting with your morning routine. 

Our conversation covers plenty of books and principles you can take from them that will revolutionize your day-to-day. In closing, BJ provides you with three action steps you can take today. Thanks for listening! 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   The importance of reading and stories in building a leadership philosophy.

•   How Pat Croce’s work impacted BJ’s life.

•   Why self-study is so important. 

•   How reading helped BJ to move beyond reactivity and build momentum. 

•   Taking reading from consumption to impact.

•   Why you should initiate an uncomfortable conversation today.  

Quotes:

“The ideal here is to consume wisdom and then be able to synthesize and apply it to your life. I think that’s why we read. It gives you a lot of perspective.” — BJ Kraemer

“Self-study is a very critical part of personal development.” — BJ Kraemer
 

“Both the morning routine at home and the morning routine at work are critical building blocks of your day.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Obstacle Is The Way
Father Mike Schmitz on Instagram
The Miracle Morning
James Clear
Napoleon Hill on Amazon

Dale Carnegie on Amazon
Tim Ferris
Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead
Paradigm Shifting Books
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Pat Croce on Amazon
Slaying the Dragon

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What does it take to lead with authenticity, build a thriving business, and grow stronger through adversity, both professionally and personally? 

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kramer sits down with powerhouse duo Jim Carter of CBRE/Turner Townsend and Barbara Balongue, founder of Balongue Design, to explore the art of leadership through the lens of real-life experience, grit, and long-term vision. From Barbara’s leap into entrepreneurship during a recession to Jim’s three-decade blueprint for career growth focused on technical mastery, networking, and strategic leadership, this conversation offers a masterclass in leading with purpose.  

Along the way, they share insights on the importance of vulnerability, the power of intergenerational collaboration, and why running toward problems, not away from them, is the mark of a true leader. For a fresh perspective on resilience, relationship-building, and what it means to lead a life (and business) with integrity and intention, tune in today! 

Key Points From This Episode: 

• A three-phase career strategy: competence, network, strategy. 
• Overcoming adversity to build true leadership strength. 
• Reasons to run toward the fire, not away from it. 
• The importance of listening and learning across generations. 
• Embracing risk, leading with vision, and other traits of successful leaders. 
• The likability factor: why charisma is a secret weapon in leadership. 

Quotes: 

“Looking back, all of the economic downturns that I've lived through since the start, all the difficult clients, all the challenges, all the project setbacks, those are the things that really informed me and taught me how to be a leader.” — Barbara Balongue  

“If you see a big fire, run into it. Don't run away from it. I use that language almost on a weekly basis with my team. If you see a problem, which we equate to a big fire, run right into it and put it out.” — Barbara Balongue

“Being vulnerable, and humble, and showing empathy is core to having a relationship, both in business and in [your personal life].” — Jim Carter

“I don't see a separation between personal and professional. You have to be an authentic person. People are attracted to what they see, not what they hear.” — Barbara Balongue

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

Jim Carter on LinkedIn 

Turner & Townsend 

CBRE 

Barbara Balongue on LinkedIn 

Balongue Design 

The Likability Factor: How to Boost Your L-Factor and Achieve Your Life's Dreams 

Leadership Blueprints Podcast 

MCFA 

MCFA Careers 

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn 

In this inspiring episode, we are joined by the one and only Allen Kopelson, visionary architect and founding principal behind NK Architects. With decades of experience and a legacy of leadership, Allen shares his remarkable journey through the world of business. 

We explore why he made the decision to step down as a partner while continuing to contribute to the firm he helped build, the crucial role his support system plays in his personal growth and professional success, how he chose his successors, and so much more! He even talks about his impressive hobbies and passions outside of work and how they have helped him stay grounded in the chaos of running a business. 

Allen answers our rapid-fire questions before leaving us with wonderful words of wisdom about what it means to live a full life. 

Thanks for tuning in!  

Key Points From This Episode: 

• What made Allen step away from the firm as a partner even though he’s still working there. 
• The support system that guided him and how that contributed to his success.    
• How he selected his successors and a few of his greatest success stories.  
• Allen tells us about how his hobbies helped him find peace in the chaos of business. 
• Allen leaves us with his closing thoughts about having a full life.  

Quotes: 

“I knew what my limits were and what I was capable of, and I knew the kind of people I had around me, and I knew what their capabilities were.” — Allen Kopelson

“Forget about the money! Do what makes you happy – it’s the most important part and everything else will follow.” — Allen Kopelson

“I feel bad for people who just go to work and can’t wait to leave. I’m the other way around – I love working and I love all the other things I do.” — Allen Kopelson
 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

Allen Kopelson on LinkedIn 

NK Architects  

A Confederacy of Dunces 

How to Read a Book  

Leadership Blueprints Podcast 

MCFA 

MCFA Careers 

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn 

As a special thank you for tuning in, scroll down to enjoy 20% off your first order mizzenandmain.com.

What do football, combat deployments, and dress shirts have in common? For Ryan Kent, they’ve all played a role in shaping his evolution as a leader.

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kramer sits down with Ryan, a West Point graduate, former Army Ranger, and current CEO of menswear brand Mizzen+Main, to unpack the lessons he learned on his way from the locker room to the boardroom. 

From his journey as a small-town athlete to leading in Iraq and then navigating the apparel industry with no prior experience, Ryan reflects on the power of curiosity, adaptability, and showing up with presence. 

Whether you’re a veteran stepping into civilian leadership or guiding teams in construction, engineering, or development, Ryan’s story is a masterclass in leading through uncertainty, failure, and reinvention!

Key Points From This Episode:

• From option quarterback to linebacker and adapting to team needs.
• Asking better questions to become a more competent and connected leader.
• Ways that winning and losing both shape leadership.
• Leading through presence, not just position.
• Parting wisdom on the connection between sport and leadership.

Quotes:

“Sports have been the foundation of my leadership. My journey through sports has made me a much better leader because I've had very good highs and lows.” — Ryan Kent

“There are frequent times where I’m leading through success, leading through challenge, and leading through failure. The origin of my ability to do that has been through sports.” — Ryan Kent

“Change is inevitable. A capitalistic society allows people to innovate, to evolve. If you don’t do that in a business, in our country, you will fail.” — Ryan Kent 

“It’s very hard to be a good leader consistently. It requires a lot of attention and effort. – Give it that credit. If you don’t spend time on it, you’ll likely not be a great leader.” — Ryan Kent 

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Offer: 20% off first purchase 

Expiration: 9/30/25

www.mizzenandmain.com

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ryan Kent on LinkedIn

Mizzen+Main

Good Profit

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Mastery

12 Rules for Life

Sapiens

Team of Teams

Shoe Dog

Air

Dune

Friendly Strife

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

In this 4th of July special edition of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer sits down with Marine Corps veteran, educator, and operations leader Fred Conner for a conversation about legacy, leadership, and renewal. This episode explores the transformation of the historic 75-acre Valley Forge campus- home to Founding Forward, a national civic education nonprofit founded by the Union League of Philadelphia and Freedom’s Foundation.

Fred shares his journey from military service to international project management to teaching at Temple University. Along the way, he reveals how landscapes, memory, and mission-based leadership shape how we build -and remember- our most important places. 

Whether you're a veteran transitioning into the A/E/C world, a project leader tackling deferred maintenance, or a parent wondering what civic education looks like today, this episode offers a reminder: leadership starts with service, and the built environment can inspire generations.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why project management is a natural fit for transitioning veterans.
• Lessons from building military camps in Kosovo and Afghanistan.
• The power of servant leadership- sometimes that means doing dishes and landscaping.
• Why trust and execution are foundational to any successful project.

Quotes:

 “Vision is a really good thing, but it’s only aspiration if you can’t execute.” - Fred Conner 
 “Operations occur at the speed of trust.” — Gen. Jim Mattis (quoted by Fred Conner) 
 “The things we remember most about a place are often how the built environment coexists with the landscape around it.” — Fred Conner

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Founding Forward
• Union League of Philadelphia
• Leadership Blueprints Podcast
• MCFA
• MCFA Careers
• BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn