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

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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

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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

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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 

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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

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Joining BJ on the show today is Bill Mandara, the CEO and Owner of Mancini Duffy. With over 25 years of experience in architectural design, Bill has applied his expertise to a wide range of projects, including industrial facilities, corporate offices, residential housing, retail spaces, and educational buildings. 

 Deeply involved in every stage of project development, from initial design to construction, Bill brings a comprehensive perspective to his work. His hands-on experience in the construction field has further enriched his understanding of all aspects of the building process, making him a well-rounded leader in the industry. 

Join the conversation to hear the fascinating history behind his architectural career path and how he ended up in the AEC industry, what sparked his interest in becoming an owner, and Bill also sheds light on some of the leadership lessons he’s learned since taking over Mancini Duffy. For all this, and more, tune in now. 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   He unpacks his history, career path as an architect, and how he ended up in the AEC industry.

•   His journey into the Mancini Duffy firm and reinventing the culture. 

•   Bill speaks to some of the leadership lessons he’s learned taking over Mancini Duffy.

•   How Bill and his business partner Christian assigned roles and split duties at the company. 

•   Putting your ego in check, and not grabbing for recognition.

Quotes:

“[My grandfather and father] always had this narrative of elevating the family throughout the generations.” — Bill Mandara

“I think [a leadership lesson I’ve learned] is that; if you give people opportunity, they’re going to either really impress you, or not. And I think you can pretty quickly understand that.” — Bill Mandara

“Say what’s on your mind, be honest, and don’t beat around the bush — sometimes just saying what’s on your mind — [will] usually end in a much better result than you’re thinking. Get it all out there.” — Bill Mandara

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Bill Mandara on LinkedIn

Bill Mandara on X

Bill Mandara | Mancini Duffy

Mancini Duffy

Christian Giordano on LinkedIn

Ego is the Enemy: The Fight to Master Our Greatest Opponent

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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:

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Some of the best examples of good leadership come from the military. Today on Leadership Blueprints we are joined by veteran and CEO of HCPA Construction, Heath Sanders. 

Tuning in, you’ll hear all about who Heath is today, his career journey from the Naval Academy to construction, his vision for his business in the future, and so much more! Heath discusses some of the most important leadership lessons he learned from the military and how he’s made use of them in his construction and entrepreneurial career. 

He touches on the parallels between leadership lessons in the military and in trade professions like construction. And he shares his thoughts on nuclear power and even shares advice for transitioning veterans. 

Thanks for listening in! 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Heath tells us about HCPA Construction and BeaverFit. 

•   What led him to the Naval Academy and a breakdown of his career. 

•   Heath shares some leadership lessons he’s learned and how he applies them to HCPA. 

•   What his vision is for where HCPA Construction is going in the future. 

•   Heath’s thoughts about nuclear power and advice for transitioning veterans. 

Quotes:

“[In the military,] you have a mountain of things that need to get done and you have to be able to prioritize the most important tasks, and what I found interesting is that’s really the case in construction as well.” — Heath Sanders
 

“Do the right thing right and in that order.” — Heath Sanders

“I think the trades and specifically construction are well suited for military veterans.” — Heath Sanders

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Heath Sanders on LinkedIn

HCPA Construction

BeaverFit

The Fountainhead
A Game of Thrones

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

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BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn