Leadership Blueprints

Hosted by BJ Kraemer, MCFA

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271

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Leadership Blueprints is a podcast dedicated to helping leaders align teams, navigate chaos, and accomplish the mission. Hosted by BJ Kraemer—West Point graduate, combat veteran, and President & CEO of MCFA—this show dives into the principles, stories, and strategies behind effective leadership. With a background in military service and experience leading teams in business, infrastructure, and complex projects, BJ understands that success comes down to execution, adaptability, and leading people well. Through in-depth interviews with accomplished leaders across business, sports, the military, and beyond, Leadership Blueprints will help you bring your vision to reality on projects that shape communities and industries. Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, on the field, in the military, or within your own organization, this podcast is designed to provide the tools and mindset needed to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Subscribe now and start building your Leadership Blueprint.

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August 19, 2026Episode 27044 min

Becoming Happy High Performers with Jay Abbasi

Becoming Happy High Performers with Jay Abbasi Episode 270: Show Notes What if burnout isn’t a sign that you need less ambition but rather that you need a different way to pursue it? Today we welcome Tesla leader turned professional speaker, Jay Abbasi, to discuss how leaders can help people achieve at a high level without sacrificing personal life along the way. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Jay’s work in burnout, how he helps people become more adaptable through mindfulness and ‘mind-free-ness’, how mindfulness helped him thrive in a stressful environment at Tesla, and more! We delve into the importance of dedicating time to allowing your mind to be free before discussing Jay’s Resistance Formula (energy, space, and choice) and how to take the first step toward solving burnout. Jay even touches on the illusion of control, why our power lies in our choices, and why delayed gratification is far more fulfilling than instant gratification. Finally, our guest shares his thoughts on what makes a great leader and answers our rapid-fire questions. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today’s guest, Jay Abbasi. Jay’s work in burnout and the power of adaptability. How Jay helps people become more adaptable. Starting the practice and building the habit of mindfulness. How mindfulness helped him in a chaotic environment. Jay shares how he teaches people ‘mind-free-ness’. The first step to handling burnout: Jay’s Resistance Formula. Shattering the illusion of control and where your power truly lies. Jay tells us about his one-on-one coaching and public speaking. Why instant gratification won’t bring you real fulfillment. What makes a great leader, according to our guest. Jay’s favorite books, quotes, and dream dinner guests. Quotes: “You will see results if you just consistently [practice mindfulness].” — Jay Abbasi [0:10:59] “‘Mind-free-ness’ is intentionally freeing your mind to explore new ideas.” — Jay Abbasi [0:17:42] “Choice is different than control. [What] I often want to talk to people about is this illusion of control. People think that they can control things, – the reality is, most things are out of your control. – What you have power in is your choice: choosing your response.” — Jay Abbasi [0:24:48] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jay Abbasi Jay Abbasi on LinkedIn Jay Abbasi on Instagram Jay Abbasi on Facebook Unstuck with Jay Abbasi on Apple Podcasts Man’s Search for Meaning The Alchemist Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

August 12, 2026Episode 26928 min

Building Leaders Through Trust, Commitment, and Love with Jeff Monken

What does it take to build leaders who can perform when the stakes are much higher than winning a football game? In this episode, BJ Kraemer sits down with Army West Point Head Football Coach Jeff Monken to explore how football can become a blueprint for leadership, character, and service. Jeff shares the philosophy he brought to West Point, the lessons he learned from other coaches and leaders, and how he rebuilt Army Football by changing attitudes, establishing standards, and creating belief within the program. They discuss the value of delayed gratification, how doing hard things prepares people, and the three core values that guide Jeff’s leadership style. He also reflects on the influence of former West Point Superintendent Bob Caslen, explains his three simple rules for the program, and shares what coaches can do to develop character in young athletes. Tune in to discover why leadership never happens by accident and how to help people become the very best version of themselves. Key Points From This Episode: Discover how sport at West Point helps prepare cadets for leadership roles. Learn about the coaching principles that guide Jeff and who helped shape them. Explore what he focused on first when rebuilding the culture of Army Football. Understand why West Point offers recruits something more than immediate rewards. Hear how circumstances and struggle can prepare people to lead under pressure. Uncover the role of trust, commitment, and love in his leadership philosophy. Find out how Bob Caslen influenced Jeff’s understanding of honorable leadership. The three rules that guide the program: do right, do your best, and show people you care. Consider how coaches can intentionally develop character and leadership in young athletes. Jeff’s final takeaways on discipline, delayed gratification, and a willingness to suffer. Quotes: “The first thing that we had to do was to change attitudes about who [West Point is] as a program and where we wanted to go.” — Jeff Monken [0:07:51] “There are a lot of things in life where if you seek immediate reward it can be found, but that doesn’t mean that reward is going to be lasting.” — Jeff Monken [0:10:48] “There’s not a classroom, there’s not a laboratory, there’s not an exercise that a human being can do or take part in that is going to replicate what they are going to experience on the battlefield.” — Jeff Monken [0:13:29] “I think one of the things that drives competitors is challenges.” — Jeff Monken [0:19:59] “Every coach is a teacher, and every teacher has an opportunity to influence young men and women around the world.” — Jeff Monken [0:23:41] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jeff Monken Army West Point Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

August 5, 2026Episode 26840 min

The Leadership Behind the FIFA 2026 World Cup with Bill Squires

Bill Squires has spent decades managing some of the world's biggest sporting events, but the FIFA 2026 World Cup raised the bar even higher. In this episode, BJ sits down with Bill Squires, Chief Venues and Operations Manager for the New York, New Jersey Host Committee for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, to explore what it takes to deliver an event of unprecedented scale. Reflecting on his experience leading venue operations, Bill shares how thousands of people, hundreds of organizations, and years of planning came together behind the scenes to create a safe, seamless experience for fans from around the world. Bill explains how trust and collaboration made it possible to coordinate more than 400 stakeholders, adapt to unexpected challenges, and keep everyone focused on a shared mission. He also discusses the importance of empowering frontline staff, conducting after-action reviews, and viewing every event as an opportunity to learn and improve. Tune in for valuable leadership lessons that extend far beyond the world of sports! Key Points From This Episode: Introduction to Bill Squires and the scale of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The years of planning behind hosting the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Building partnerships across more than 400 stakeholders. Why mobility planning became one of the event's biggest challenges. Preparing for the unexpected with contingency planning. Scaling staffing, security, and volunteer operations for the World Cup. Why every frontline employee plays a critical role in the fan experience. Lessons learned and the lasting legacy of the World Cup. Helping young professionals build careers through major projects. Looking ahead to future global sporting events and opportunities. Bill's commitment to lifelong learning through teaching and mentoring. How the 1994 and 2026 World Cups shaped Bill's leadership. Why great events succeed through teamwork, not just individual leaders. Quotes: “There were 400-plus stakeholders involved in the planning and execution of the World Cup at MetLife Stadium.” — Bill Squires [0:08:12] “Mobility planning was probably the most interesting thing for me.” — Bill Squires [0:10:28] “I think that's why the retention rate at MetLife Stadium is so good because the leadership treats their staff with the ultimate respect and care, and they actually love these people because they know they are difference makers.” — Bill Squires [0:22:45] "It takes a village. There's no one person that can sit there and pat themselves on the back." — Bill Squires [0:37:42] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Bill Squires on LinkedIn William D. Squires, Columbia University FIFA World Cup 2026 MetLife Stadium Episode 230: The Secret To Leading 100's is Remembering One Name Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

July 29, 2026Episode 26739 min

Leading Through Adversity with DJ Eliot

What does leadership look like when life delivers its hardest challenge? In this deeply moving episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer welcomes NC State defensive coordinator DJ Eliot to talk about coaching, mentorship, and resilience both on and off the football field. DJ explains the philosophy behind his renowned "Skill Drill Time" approach to player development, building winning cultures in today's ever-changing college football landscape, and the invaluable role mentorship has played throughout his career. DJ also shares his family's extraordinary journey through his daughter’s courageous six-year battle with cancer, and the role of courage, presence, and gratitude when life doesn't go according to plan. Tune in to hear why you should always choose to fight, embrace each day with purpose, and inspire others through the way we live, with DJ Eliot. Key Points From This Episode: Discover the philosophy behind DJ’s approach to coaching. Find out who inspired DJ to develop his coaching framework. Uncover the value of mentorship and a lifelong growth mindset. Hear how DJ got into coaching football as a profession. The differences between coaching professional and college football. Explore how situational preparation separates winning teams from the rest. Get an update on the Wolf Pack, including key players. Learn how today's college football landscape has impacted leadership styles. Understand what it takes to be a leader and build a winning culture. Unpack why effective leaders must earn trust before expecting others to follow. DJ shares how his family overcame the loss of his daughter through leadership. Reflect on his daughter’s inspiring message: always choose to fight. Why being fully present is one of life's greatest leadership skills. Quotes: “Players don’t do what you tell them to do; players do what you train them to do.” — @CoachEliot [0:03:26] “You can’t perform a job if you don’t know what the job description is.” — @CoachEliot [0:07:34] “If you don’t continue to figure out how to get better – and if you don’t continue to try to learn, then you won’t make it in [the coaching] profession, because it’s constantly changing.” — @CoachEliot [0:08:42] “If you have a hungry roster, then you got a chance.” — @CoachEliot [0:15:41] “You’re not leading if nobody is following you.” — @CoachEliot [0:19:53] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: DJ Eliot DJ Eliot on X North Carolina State University Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) ‘How DJ Eliot's daughter continues to inspire him and his family’ Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

July 22, 2026Episode 26649 min

Build a Career, Not a Job: 36 Years of Leadership Lessons

After spending 36 years at EwingCole, John Capelli has officially stepped into the role of CEO. But his story isn't just about reaching the top. It's about a company that has spent decades intentionally developing leaders, planning for succession, and building an ownership model designed to outlast any one individual. In this episode of Leadership Blueprints , BJ Kraemer sits down with John to discuss EwingCole's unique approach to leadership, the lessons John learned throughout his career, and why earning respect comes from contribution rather than title. They explore succession planning, mentorship, company culture, and how organizations can create opportunities for future generations while continuing to grow. Whether you're an executive, a manager, or an emerging leader, this conversation offers practical insights on building a career, developing others, and creating organizations that stand the test of time. Key Topics: The history behind EwingCole's unique ownership and succession model John's 36-year journey from architect to CEO Why leadership transitions should be intentional, not reactive The importance of mentorship and earning influence through contribution Preparing the next generation of leaders while continuing to grow How innovation, AI, and technology are shaping the future of design firms Memorable Quotes: John Capelli: "You built something, and you want to see it go on." John Capelli: "You have to figure out who you want to work with—and make sure it's the right person." John Capelli: "If I did that successfully, I would actually get more respect than I ever had when I was wearing the director of operations position." John Capelli: "People can't advance in their careers if you're not growing." John Capelli: "Our door is always open." Connect with John Capelli & EwingCole: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ewingcole/ Website: https://www.ewingcole.com/ Connect with BJ Kraemer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-kraemer-9a0855b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bj_kraemer/ Website: https://mcfaglobal.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bcvcAw0rigwymZCwZgfgN?si=45fc1e07c82742ee Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-blueprints/id1561090224

July 15, 2026Episode 26541 min

Why Cybersecurity Is a Leadership Responsibility—not an IT Problem

A lot of people are talking about how AI is changing the landscape of professional services, but there’s one really important consideration that often gets overlooked — cyber threats. As CEO of Ridgeback Network Defense Inc., today’s guest, Scott Fogarty, helps organisations defend against cyber attacks. We begin by unpacking the importance of being prepared for battle as a business leader with the understanding that cybersecurity is a real fight against other human beings who pose a threat to the safety of our resources. Next, Scott reveals more about his leadership and founder journey, with insights on how to manage and nurture successful teams. We also explore Scott’s mission to get business leaders to take ownership of cyber safety rather than deferring only to their IT professionals. Our conversation dissects two major strategies for online safety, and how Ridgeback’s system uses game theory to prevent attacks before they even begin. Join us for an important discussion about an issue that impacts us all. Key Points From This Episode: Why the topic of cyber defense is so important for business leaders. How to build a culture of industriousness among teams. Founding Ridgeback Network Defense Inc. Scott’s mission to enlist the time and attention of business leaders to focus on cyber safety. What keeps users from understanding cybersecurity needs. Quotes: “[Cybersecurity] is a fight against other human beings who wish to harm us or steal our resources, not a bad weather system.” — Scott Fogarty “The reward is not from sitting in your desk and writing emails that command people to do this or that — it’s by drawing on diverse talents and diverse experience and enlisting everybody in a bigger objective.” — Scott Fogarty “Composing a mix of folks who get pleasure out of working with one another is a key part of inspiring industriousness.” — Scott Fogarty “Cyber is the pervasive undercurrent to geopolitical instability because it’s everywhere and it’s out of public view, but it’s a key method by which criminals, nation states who aren’t freedom-loving, are exercising influence.” — Scott Fogarty Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Scott Fogarty on LinkedIn Scott Fogarty Email Ridgeback Network Defense The Sword of Damocles: A Cybersecurity Paradigm Shift for the Defense Episode 254 The Sun Also Rises The Aeneid The Infinite Game Leadership Blueprints Links: Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn Sign up for our Leadership Blueprint Newsletter

July 8, 2026Episode 26453 min

What a National Champion Learned About the Victories That Mattered Most

Most people think winning builds confidence. But this former Princeton National Champion says it's the other way around. For Lauren, the championship isn't the first thing she remembers when she reflects on how sports shaped her. It's the moments that taught her to believe in herself. Now, as a high school lacrosse coach and parent of three athletes, she's helping young people discover a different kind of victory—one that has nothing to do with the scoreboard and everything to do with who they're becoming. In this episode, Lauren and BJ explore why the mental side of sports deserves as much attention as physical talent, how great coaches learn to see every player differently, why confidence can't be given but can be cultivated, and how redefining victory changes the way we lead, coach, parent, and live. The line that stuck: it’s about climbing the mountain and finding our own victories. TOPICS DISCUSSED: The Pivotal Moment That Shaped Her Athletic Career Why the Mental Game Deserves Equal Attention Why Failure Matters Why Hard Things Help Kids The Invisible Connection Between Coaches, Parents, and Players

July 1, 2026Episode 26337 min

The Leadership Lesson Hidden in America's Story

Get Weekly Leadership Blueprints in your inbox: https://mailchi.mp/mcfaglobal/leadership-blueprints-newsletter The story of America is the story of getting punched in the face and choosing to come back stronger. That is not just history. That is leadership. As the country turns 250, BJ sits down with Army Colonel Steve Messenger to unpack what that actually demands of you. Steve teaches a class called Failing with the Stoics and has spent his career building leaders inside the military's deliberate, hierarchical, brutal development system. In this episode, Steve and BJ get into the BRAG framework for servant leadership, why solid citizens and learners need totally different things from you, the three ropes every leader has to bounce off of, the moment a major stepped into a combatives ring and got slammed in the face, and the identity lie most leaders quietly believe. The line that stuck with BJ: chase people, not badges. Topics discussed: 00:00 - Reagan, freedom, and the 250th birthday setup 01:13 - Why America's story is the story of getting back up 07:25 - Doing your best when life has split priorities 10:07 - The Failing with the Stoics class 11:04 - Solid citizens vs learners and what each one needs 14:01 - The BRAG framework for servant leadership 19:00 - The major who stepped into the combatives ring 24:29 - Jack Hughes and the gold medal goal that says it all 27:11 - The three ropes every leader needs to bounce off of 35:02 - The identity lie most leaders quietly believe Connect with Stephen Messenger: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-messenger-866136a5/ Website: https://themaximumstandard.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenmessenger19/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069227347214&locale=es_LA Connect with BJ Kraemer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-kraemer-9a0855b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bj_kraemer/ Website: https://mcfaglobal.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bcvcAw0rigwymZCwZgfgN?si=45fc1e07c82742ee Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-blueprints/id1561090224 Books mentioned: Why Not the Best by Jimmy Carter Meditations by Marcus Aurelius No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings Antifragile by Nassim Taleb This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique: https://www.podcastboutique.com

June 24, 2026Episode 26226 min

Your Project Managers Are CEOs in Training. Are You Developing Them Like It?

Get Weekly Leadership Blueprints in your inbox: https://mailchi.mp/mcfaglobal/leadership-blueprints-newsletter Most firms send their project managers to a bootcamp once a year, hand them a certificate, and call it development. Anthony Fasano says that's not even close. PMs are running your client relationships, your budgets, your teams. They are CEOs of their projects. If you are not building them like CEOs, you are capping your own growth. Anthony just released Beyond PM Training, and his ecosystem approach is a wake up call for any firm that thinks a seminar is a strategy. In this episode, Anthony and BJ break down the four phases of real PM development, why 90 percent of firms cannot even tell you how many PMs they have, the abundance mindset most of the industry is missing, and the line BJ keeps coming back to. Systems beat seminars. If you run a firm or you are a PM trying to develop yourself, this one is the blueprint. Topics discussed: 00:00 - Why PM development is the real growth lever 02:33 - PM development is an ecosystem, not a class 04:01 - The four phases of the development ecosystem 05:07 - Why 90 percent of firms cannot even count their PMs 06:18 - Why you have to assess PMs before you train them 10:14 - Getting senior PMs speaking the same language 17:14 - PMs have to advocate for themselves too 19:10 - The abundance mindset that lifts the whole industry 21:19 - Why systems beat seminars 23:11 - How to micro dose PM development Connect with Anthony Fasano: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyjfasano/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EngineeringManagementInstitute/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/engineeringmanagementinstitute/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@engmgtinstitute X: https://x.com/EngMgtInstitute Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EngineeringManagement Website:https://engineeringmanagementinstitute.org/ Connect with BJ Kraemer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-kraemer-9a0855b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bj_kraemer/ Website: https://mcfaglobal.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bcvcAw0rigwymZCwZgfgN?si=45fc1e07c82742ee Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-blueprints/id1561090224 This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique: https://www.podcastboutique.com

June 17, 2026Episode 26137 min

How to Be the Parent Your Young Athlete Actually Needs

Get Weekly Leadership Blueprints in your inbox: https://mailchi.mp/mcfaglobal/leadership-blueprints-newsletter Most parents think they're doing right by their kid in youth sports. They show up. They invest. They mean well. But Jonathan Carone says two hidden emotions are quietly driving most of the bad sideline calls. Self love and self glory. Once you can name them, the whole thing changes. Jonathan runs Healthy Sports Parents and helps moms, dads, and coaches build the kind of relationship with their kid that makes the sport actually mean something. In this episode, Jonathan and BJ get into the youth sports arms race, why kids are quitting before high school, the fun map study that puts winning at 40th on the list of things kids actually find fun, and the 5 to 10 ratio every parent and coach should know. The line that stuck: methods are many, principles are few. Topics discussed: 00:00 - Welcome and why this topic matters 01:17 - What kids actually need from the adults around them 03:33 - The two hidden emotions driving every sports parent 06:15 - BJ's real time dilemma with his nine year old 11:20 - If you're meant to get there, you're going to get there 22:20 - The fun map study and where winning actually ranks 23:01 - The 5 to 10 ratio every parent and coach should know 26:34 - Why you need love deposits before criticism 28:52 - The Kobe Bryant moment that reframes coaching kids 31:09 - I'm dad. Then I'm coach. Connect with Jonathan Carone: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-carone-52145778/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthySportsParents/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparents\ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HealthySportsParents Website: https://healthysportsparents.com/ Connect with BJ Kraemer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-kraemer-9a0855b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bj_kraemer/ Website: https://mcfaglobal.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bcvcAw0rigwymZCwZgfgN?si=45fc1e07c82742ee Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-blueprints/id1561090224 This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique: https://www.podcastboutique.com