Leadership Blueprints

In business, you should always approach situations with a focus on achieving the best outcome for the circumstances, not just for yourself.

Today, we are joined by former West Point 2004 classmate and USACE market leader at Mead & Hunt, Craig Bryant. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Craig’s career and transition from active duty to Mead & Hunt, why you need to make sure the people you lead feel valued and respected, how you can do that, and so much more! 

We delve into Craig’s unique approach to finding a job after active duty and how that ultimately led him to Mead & Hunt before discussing how he got involved in the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) leadership development program and what it entails. He even talks about his favorite podcast and quotes, the books he’s been enjoying lately, and why he would love to have one more dinner with his late grandmother. Finally, our guest shares some words of wisdom for listeners. 

If you are in the army and haven’t thought about your transition out of active duty, let this conversation be your reminder to start thinking about it! Press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The importance of making sure people feel valued and how to do it as a leader. 
• Craig tells us about his career path all the way from the military to the private sector. 
• His unconventional approach to finding a job and how it led him to Mead & Hunt. 
• How Craig got into the SAME leadership development program and what it looks like. 

Quotes:

“Every company has its own individual culture.” — Craig Bryant

“It’s very important to be intentional with your gratitude [and] intentional with your respect.” — Craig Bryant

“You’ve got to be ready for firms to tell you, ‘Hey, we just don’t have an opportunity for you right now.’ That’s not personal, it’s just a reality of business.” — Craig Bryant
 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Craig Bryant on LinkedIn

Mead & Hunt

SAME

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Good to Great

Service Academy Business Mastermind on Apple Podcasts

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

As the year winds down and the pace of projects, planning, and priorities picks up, BJ takes a moment to reflect on what it means to lead through transition.

In this solo episode of Leadership Blueprints, he shares insights on recognizing the natural rhythms of leadership - the seasons of building, the pauses for reflection, and the moments when teams need to reset before accelerating forward.

BJ discusses the importance of taking inventory - not just of your workload, but of your mindset. He reminds leaders that progress isn’t only about pushing harder, but also about pacing yourself, finding clarity in the chaos, and realigning your purpose for what’s ahead. 

Whether you’re leading a team, a project, or your own personal growth, this episode offers a timely reminder: leadership is built day by day, season by season.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The parallels between the changing seasons and the cycles of leadership and growth.
• Why reflection and rest are vital to sustainable leadership performance.
• How to find balance between execution, evaluation, and evolution.
• The value of pausing to appreciate your team’s effort before sprinting into what’s next.
• Practical steps for leaders to reset intentions and priorities heading into a new season.
• How slowing down can actually help you accelerate with clarity and purpose.

Quotes:

“Progress doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it means creating space to think, to breathe, and to lead better.” - BJ Kraemer

“Great leaders don’t just build projects. They build people - and that takes reflection, rhythm, and renewal.” - BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Leadership Blueprints Podcast

• MCFA

• MCFA Careers

• BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

The final months of the year can feel like a sprint - at home, at work, and everywhere in between. For leaders, that “push to the finish line” often comes at the expense of peace, presence, and purpose. In this special re-release of a timely conversation, BJ Kraemer sits down with Valerie Peterson, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor who helps high-performing professionals find balance and resilience through self-awareness and intentional living.

Together, they explore how to lead with presence through the holidays, avoid burnout, and create rhythms of rest that sustain strong leadership year-round. From practical tips on setting boundaries to reframing your mindset when facing grief or overcommitment, Valerie offers wisdom for anyone looking to enter the holiday season with more peace and less pressure.

Tune in to discover how pacing yourself -not pushing harder -can make you a better leader, parent, and teammate.

Key Points From This Episode:

• How overcommitting leads to exhaustion — and how to redefine productivity through purpose.
• Recognizing when you’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, and what to do before burnout sets in.
• Valerie’s reminder that saying no is an act of leadership — and a gift to yourself and others.
• How to budget, prioritize, and communicate to make the holidays joyful instead of draining.
• Permission to rest, recharge, and treat peace as a professional responsibility.

Quotes:

 “Busy isn’t a sustainable practice — it’s often just being busy because you said yes.” - BJ Kraemer
“No one is going to take care of you but you. You have to put on your own oxygen mask first.” -Valerie Peterson
 “Boundaries are not walls — they’re clarity about what matters most.” -Valerie Peterson
 “It’s hard to heal if you don’t feel.” - Valerie Peterson

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Valerie Peterson, LMHC
• Leadership Blueprints Podcast
• MCFA
• BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

At first glance, business development might not appear to be part of a leader’s role. Yet it’s central to how effective leaders build trust, connect vision to operations, and align people and projects around shared purpose. In this episode of The Leadership Blueprints Podcast, BJ welcomes Brad Adams, founder and principal of The R4 Group, a specialized business development consulting firm. 

Drawing on decades of experience from Wall Street to partnerships with architects, engineers, developers, and real estate financiers, Brad shares how genuine relationships, curiosity, and empathy drive long-term success far more than transactional sales tactics. He explains why everyone, not just sales teams, plays a role in business development, and how leaders can turn everyday conversations into opportunities for growth. From nurturing connections to recognizing when partnerships align, Brad shows how genuine connection and follow-through lead to meaningful business outcomes. 

Tune in to learn how shifting from “always be selling” to “always be connecting” can transform both your leadership and your business development mindset!

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Founding the R4 Group to leverage his network and connect clients for mutual success.

•   Insights from connecting clients and partners through trusted relationships.

•   Case study: helping a global architectural firm establish roots in Philadelphia.

•   A walkthrough of what Brad’s client process looks like.

•   How empathy and authenticity strengthen business relationships.

•   Tips for nurturing networks through genuine, consistent personal connection.

Quotes:

“I never considered myself a great salesperson, but what I did well was building relationships with people, and that's really where my success came from.” — Brad Adams

“I decided to start the R4 group, which basically leverages my network. And the people [who] engage me, I introduce them to people that I know [who] can utilize their services. And that's what I've been doing for the past 20 years, and enjoying myself every day.” — Brad Adams

“Business development is something that is everyone's responsibility, not just a dedicated salesperson or BD person.” — Brad Adams

“I've had some situations where I haven't done as well as I would have liked, and that's okay. I understand that, and you learn from that. You never chalk it up as a bad experience. You chalk it up as a learning experience.” — Brad Adams

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Brad Adams

Brad Adams on LinkedIn

The R4 Group

Principles: Life and Work

Ray Dalio

Ronald Reagan

Steve Prefontaine

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Welcome back to another episode of Leadership Blueprints. Join our conversation with today's guest, Dan Cook, as he shares what his role at the University of Notre Dame entails and why he initially decided to join the Navy. 

Dan sheds light on the leadership lessons he learned in the military and how he had to adjust his leadership style for civilian life. We also dive into how he approached his transition, what life is like now, and how he balances work and life. 

For all this, plus his prediction on the upcoming Navy/Notre Dame game, be sure to tune in now! 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   He highlights the responsibilities in his role at the University of Notre Dame.

•   His journey in the Navy: what got him into it and the path forward from there.

•   A leadership lesson that has served him well in the transition.

•   Adjusting leadership styles due to changes in the work environment.

•   What life is like now, his work-life balance, and what gives him joy in this new season.

Quotes:

“The military taught me as well, when you have a big organization [and] a lot of responsibility, you’ve got to empower your leaders, you’ve got to lead with intent, [and] you’ve got to let decentralized command rule the day.” — Dan Cook

“What served me the best in transition is when I finally stopped trying to be who I thought they expected me to be and just was myself.” — Dan Cook

“Don’t underestimate how hard transition is.” — Dan Cook

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dan Cook on LinkedIn

Notre Dame University

Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service

The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less

MVP (The Movie)

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Welcome back to another episode of Leadership Blueprints. In this series, we aim to honor veterans who have transitioned from active duty into the built environment. This series is designed to help veterans transition into the built environment by offering a clear understanding of career paths and showcasing the powerful networking opportunities that can facilitate their success. 

Join our conversation with today's guest, Dan Cook, as he shares what his role at the University of Notre Dame entails and why he initially decided to join the Navy. Dan sheds light on the leadership lessons he learned in the military and how he had to adjust his leadership style for civilian life. We also dive into how he approached his transition, what life is like now, and how he balances work and life. 

For all this, plus his prediction on the upcoming Navy/Notre Dame game, be sure to tune in now! 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   He highlights the responsibilities in his role at the University of Notre Dame.

•   A leadership lesson that has served him well in the transition.

•   Adjusting leadership styles due to changes in the work environment.

•   How Dan approached his transition off of active duty. 

•   What life is like now, his work-life balance, and what gives him joy in this new season.

•   Predictions on the Navy/Notre Dame upcoming game. 

Quotes:

“The military taught me as well, when you have a big organization [and] a lot of responsibility, you’ve got to empower your leaders, you’ve got to lead with intent, [and] you’ve got to let decentralized command rule the day.” — Dan Cook

“What served me the best in transition is when I finally stopped trying to be who I thought they expected me to be and just was myself.” — Dan Cook

“Don’t underestimate how hard transition is.” — Dan Cook

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dan Cook on LinkedIn

Notre Dame University

Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service

The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less

MVP (The Movie)

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Discipline and consistency aren't just habits - they're essential virtues that fuel our guests’ leadership style, entrepreneurial triumphs, and social impact. Joining BJ on the podcast today is Dr. Charles Thomas Jr, or CT for short. CT is a multi-award-winning social entrepreneur, educator, and Amazon #1 best-selling author committed to service.

He embodies the Renaissance ideal of broad learning and full engagement, drawing on diverse experiences across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He co-founded and served as CEO of the cloud engineering organization Clear Cloud before its acquisition, and he founded Concerned Citizen™ Media. 

Tune in for their conversation as they journey through the path that led him to the defense and intel space. CT reflects on his time playing D1 basketball at Notre Dame, unpacks his natural desire and drive to lead, and explains why he consistently chooses to use the word team member over employee. He also shares the three key leadership insights he's gleaned from both the sports field and his entrepreneurial journey. In our classic wrap-up segment, CT shares his favorite book, his dream dinner party guest list, and his ultimate vision for his legacy. 

Tune in now for another episode packed with leadership insights and wisdom!

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Who CT is today, and the path that led him to where he is today. 

•   CT unpacks his natural desire and drive to lead.

•   Why CT prefers to use the term team member versus employee. 

•   The integration of the new firm: a personal journey of growth.

•   Three leadership lessons: situational leadership, lift as you build, and being disciplined and consistent. 

Quotes:

“My only distinguishing qualities are discipline and consistency. What I lack in intellectual ability, or size, or strength. I make up for it in spades with my desire to just go and get it.” — @CThomas_Jr

“I’m a workhorse. Like, if I want to go and do something, I almost have tunnel vision, like an almost religious obsession with achieving that thing.” — @CThomas_Jr

“I always say the star of the team is the team, and I truly believe that.” — @CThomas_Jr

“I may not be better than anyone, specifically, but I am going to do my very best to outwork my potential, and I will outwork you, out discipline you, and I will out-consistency you. I don’t make two mistakes in a row!” — @CThomas_Jr

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Charles Thomas Jr
Charles Thomas Jr on LinkedIn

Charles Thomas Jr on Instagram

Charles Thomas Jr on X

Forged From Fire: Pieces To Prosperity

Best Kept Secrets: From Invisible Walk-Ons to Life Champions 

Clear Cloud

Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make The Leap and Others Don't 

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People

The Alchemist: A Modern Classic of Magic and Mysticism

The Greatest Salesman in the World

Today I Begin a New Life: Og Mandino for the 21st Century 

Solo: A Memoir of Hope

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Joining BJ on the show today to discuss the finance side of real estate is Ward Fitzgerald. He is the former CEO and Senior Managing Principal of Exeter Property Group, which was acquired by EQT in 2021. Ward is now the current CEO of ExCorde Capital, a real estate investment platform that delivers unprecedented value creation with a strong focus on sharing love. Ward holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. 

Join the conversation as they delve into Ward’s journey that led him to real estate, hear as he unpacks the greatest gift he’s ever been given in the business of real estate, and how bringing old-world organizational culture has added to the innovation of the model. He also shares his leadership secret sauce, how he integrates his faith into his business life, and highlights the focus of ExCorde Capital.

For all this, and more, be sure not to miss another insightful conversation on Leadership Blueprints, the podcast!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Ward landed in the real estate industry (and the Wildwood boardwalk story).
• Ward highlights his education and career path that led him to real estate. 
• He unpacks the greatest gift he was ever given in the business of real estate. 
• Ward shares innovation inside the model: old-world organizational structure.
• Ward shares his leadership secret sauce to attack the market aggressively.
• He details what ExCorde focused on: sharing love.

Quotes:

“I think that one of the things that led to our ability to grow consistently was the ability to focus on what was important and not get caught up in things like politics, [and] things like closed-door meetings.” — Ward Fitzgerald

“A lot of the things they taught at Harvard Business School about running an organization, I didn’t do. And people would be horrified to know some of this!” — Ward Fitzgerald

“Father Johnson said — ‘Faith is not one of the pillars of your life. It’s not one of the silos of your life. Faith is all of your life.’” — Ward Fitzgerald

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ward Fitzgerald

ExCorde Capital

EQT Real Estate

Harvard MBA

Forbes

Fortune 

Asuka Nakahara on LinkedIn

The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux (Tan Classics)

The Power Broker

Mere Christianity

Mother Teresa

John F Kennedy
Abraham Lincoln

Winston Churchill

Pope John Paul II

Pope Francis
Pope Leo XIV

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Listening to people is the most powerful tool a leader has! Today on Leadership Blueprints, we head back to the high seas with another Navy guest, Dr. John Cordle. 

In this conversation, you’ll hear about John’s fascinating career from active duty in the Navy to writing to coaching other writers. We delve into John’s transition from active duty to working a regular job before he shares why that transition should simply be another part of the journey. Learn all about why John is an advocate for good sleep, the power of passion, patience, and persistence as a leader, how a government position differs from a commercial one, and so much more! 

He even tells us what retirement has looked like for him and how he plans to contribute to suicide prevention. Finally, John shares his favorite books and quotes, tells us who his dream dinner guests would be, and shares some words of wisdom on the power of listening. Thanks for tuning in! 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   His transition from active-duty Navy to a government program.

•   The importance of sleep, especially for someone in the military. 

•   John breaks down the three ‘Ps’ of leadership.

•   John shares some marriage advice for anyone in the military. 

Quotes:

“I underestimated the institutional resistance to change.” — Dr. John Cordle

“You have to have [an] open discussion with your family, with your spouse – don’t make any – decisions in a vacuum and make sure that what’s important to you is also important to your spouse or find a way to compromise.” — Dr. John Cordle

“Everything that I’ve learned, I’ve learned by shutting my trap and listening to what the other person had to say.” — Dr. John Cordle [

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

John Cordle on LinkedIn

John Cordle on Email

John Cordle Phone Number +1 (767) 632 – 9555

Going Circadian

Extreme Ownership

The Gap and the Gain

On Writing

Lincoln on Leadership

Six Frigates

John (JC) Carter

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

In the infrastructure world, uncertainty is a growth killer. When projects stall, the entire industry feels the pain. 

Today, we're diving into this issue with a special guest, Jill Jamieson. Jill, the CEO of Illuminati Infrastructure and an amateur endurance athlete, knows a thing or two about pushing through challenges. Join their conversation as they first dive into what inspired Jill’s recent 30-mile swim around Manhattan and her advice on taking those first steps to conquer physical feats. 

They pivot and then delve into her thoughts on how the One Big Beautiful Bill is influencing what’s happening in the infrastructure world, the differences between funding and financing, how bringing in the private sector is impacting the affordability of infrastructure projects, and her insights on the greatest priority across the United States from an infrastructure perspective. 

Tune in to hear her advice to the engineering community on adopting technological innovation, thoughts on other infrastructure challenges, her current reading list, and more! 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Digging into our societal comfort crisis: what inspired her 30-mile swim.

•   How the One Big Beautiful Bill headline is influencing what’s happening in the world of infrastructure.

•   Where it gets really messy: two ways to pay for infrastructure projects.

•   Bringing in the private sector: how the affordability of infrastructure projects is responding.

•   Three ways to extract value from existing assets.

•   The nation’s top infrastructure priority: getting projects done in a more timely or cost-effective manner. 

Quotes:

“You find growth when you are outside of your comfort zone. I always say, ‘If I don’t stretch myself, I never know how far I can reach.’” — Jill Jamieson

“The one lesson I have learned as I get older is to let go of fear of failure. Give it a shot! What do you have to lose?” — Jill Jamieson

“Everybody wants cutting edge, they don’t want bleeding edge.” — Jill Jamieson

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jill Jamieson on LinkedIn

Jill Jamieson on Instagram

The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self

How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

The One Big Beautiful Bill

Jesse Welles - Horses (YouTube)

Franz Ferdinand - Audacious (YouTube)

Finite and Infinite Games

Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs 

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn