The lessons learned on the sports field teach us so much about leadership on the battlefield and in life. 

This episode marks the launch of a special segment highlighting the power of youth sports in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Joining us on this episode is Head Men’s Swimming and Diving Coach at Princeton University, Matt Crispino, a key player in shaping leadership and character development through sports at the Military Academy. 

Matt shares success tactics, core team values, and why he believes that there truly is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. We also explore how college sports may change, what this means for coaches and the Ivy League, and what it looks like to develop a culture of growth within your team. Finally, we discuss what it truly means to be a coach, why it is so challenging, and why it is so rewarding.

Don’t miss this episode with an inspiring coach and leader! 

Key Points from This Episode:

•   The power of youth sports in shaping leaders in the military.

•   Developing the character of your team while training to win.

•   Tactics for team and individual success. 

•   Principles that have led his leadership over the past year. 

•   The mental health epidemic is prevalent in athletes.

Quotes:

“If I am surrounded by the right people, I am displaying and modelling and promoting the right values, there’s going to be a lot of fast swimming in that pool.” - Matt Crispino
 

“I think the team has to always trump the individual.” - Matt Crispino

“I just think everyone’s got more in them than they ever truly believe.” - Matt Crispino
 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Matt Crispino on LinkedIn

Matt Crispino on Instagram

Matt Crispino on X

Men’s Swimming and Diving

The Friendly Strife Foundation
Concussion
Trust and Inspire

Daniel Coyle

Malcolm Gladwell

The Boys in the Boat

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What happens when engineering leaders prioritize people over profit and community over convenience? 

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we’re joined by Phil Wursta, a seasoned strategist with over 40 years of experience in municipal agency and private sector engineering. He’s also the founding partner of WK2 Consulting, a woman-owned civil engineering and public management firm serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

From his early days as an archaeology-obsessed teen to his leadership role building resilient infrastructure and compassionate teams, Phil shares how clear communication, community engagement, and employee-first values have guided his career and company culture. You’ll learn how to balance technical expertise with emotional intelligence, simplify infrastructure funding for stakeholders, and lead with authenticity by caring for your people.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with practical insights for building a business and a team that truly makes a difference!

Key Points from This Episode:

•   What goes into launching a people-first engineering firm and scaling fast.

•   Strategies for overcoming early-stage startup challenges.

•   People-first leadership through community-focused problem solving.

•   How engineers can build trust in politically sensitive environments.

•   How to align diverse political stakeholders around shared goals.

•   Building a team culture rooted in care, values, and purpose.

Quotes:

“[WK2 is] employee-oriented. We want to take care of our people. We're not in it to make a ton of money. We're just in it to do the right thing, serve clients, and feel good about ourselves with the projects that we do.” — Phil Wursta 

“We try to say, ‘How can we get it done?’ Rather than why we can't get it done.” — Phil Wursta

“Involving your people and [caring for them] sets the stage for success because, at the end of the day, you're doing this for the people, whether they're the people of the country [or the] people of your company.” — Phil Wursta

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Phil Wursta on LinkedIn

WK2 Consulting

‘Inside the C-Suite: The CFO’s Role in Capital Program Investment and Decision-Making with Gail Kosyla’

The Rifle

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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

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

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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

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

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

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