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:
Quotes:
“Leadership has seasons - moments when we push, moments when we pause, and moments when we prepare for what’s next.” - BJ Kraemer“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:
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:
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:
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:
Leadership Blueprints Podcast
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:
Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service
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
Forged From Fire: Pieces To Prosperity
Best Kept Secrets: From Invisible Walk-Ons to Life Champions
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
Leadership Blueprints Podcast
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:
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:
The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux (Tan Classics)
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 Phone Number +1 (767) 632 – 9555
Leadership Blueprints Podcast
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:
The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self
Jesse Welles - Horses (YouTube)
Franz Ferdinand - Audacious (YouTube)
Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs
During this solo episode, BJ Kraemer reflects on the transition from summer to fall - a season that naturally invites change, renewal, and a re-centering of priorities. Drawing from personal experiences and leadership lessons, BJ explores how leaders can embrace shifts in rhythm, energy, and focus to better serve their teams and organizations.
Join BJ as he shares practical insights on adapting to change, building resilience, and aligning your daily actions with long-term vision. From the symbolic lessons of fall to the realities of leading in uncertain times, this episode challenges listeners to pause, reset, and prepare for what’s ahead.
In closing, BJ offers encouragement for leaders navigating their own transitions, reminding us that true leadership is found not in resisting change, but in harnessing it for growth.
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“Change isn’t something to resist; it’s an invitation to realign your purpose and energy.” — BJ Kraemer
“Fall reminds us that letting go is not the end — it’s the beginning of something new.” — BJ Kraemer
“As leaders, our responsibility is not just to weather transitions, but to guide others through them with clarity and courage.” — BJ Kraemer
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
During this episode, we're speaking with an owner who oversees a large-scale operation, managing not only the organization's mission but also its extensive facilities and infrastructure. Ashley Johnson is the Senior Manager for 2700 individuals in the command at the Naval Surface Warfare Centre, a large industrial facility with full-spectrum capabilities.
Join us as Ashley offers insights into his career path from engineering to the Navy, how he arrived in the role of Senior Executive Service and Technical Director, and what his responsibilities entail today. We also unpack political undertones and industry competition before delving into the legacy of Indian Head and why it is important.
In closing, Ashley shares why he highly recommends a career in civil service and relishes the opportunity to encourage others to pursue a similar path to his own.
Key Points From This Episode:
• The intangibles that can be learned while applying one’s self and perfecting certain skills.
• Ashley’s mission to reinvigorate the facility and workload, and how he has executed on this.
• Understanding the political undertones and the element of competition with the industry.
• The elevator pitch for Indian Head and why it is important.
• What he wants the legacy at Indian Head to be.
Quotes:
“It’s political for sure, it always is. We serve for the executive branch, and obviously, there’s been changes, but the other issue is really one of trying not to be competitive with the industry.” — Ashley Johnson
“Indian Head is important to the nation because of the adjacency issue. If we don’t do it, not a lot gets done on the front end part of the business because there’s not a lot of money to be made in coming up with innovative munitions.” — Ashley Johnson
“[Indian Head] is a national asset. We’ve worked really hard over the last ten or twelve years to recover that. My legacy, if there is one, is to make sure that we take care of it.” — Ashley Johnson
“I’ll tell anybody that will listen, you can have a fabulous and meaningful career as well as something that’s important to the nation by being part of that apparatus [in civil service].” — Ashley Johnson
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division
Leviathan Wakes
The Expanse Series
Leadership Blueprints Podcast
Do you ever wonder how we can help students become their best selves, build positive relationships, and help them see that being ‘good’ is actually cool?
In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we are joined by Jeff Bryan, co-founder of the Positivity Project, an organization that empowers students to build character, take accountability, and strengthen relationships within school. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Jeff’s experience at West Point and on deployment, how he and Mike Erwin started the Positivity Project, their mission, and how they achieve their goals.
We delve into how schools partner with them in person and online before discussing how sports coaches and teachers can make positive character traits aspirational. He even tells us how he has turned his experiences as an athlete into memorable moments of self-growth and awareness. Finally, he shares his advice on relationships, character, and making hard work fun.
To hear all this and so much more, press play now!
Key Points From This Episode:
• Helping kids cultivate positive relationships and be their best selves.
• How their partner schools engage with them and what they receive.
• Jeff explains their in-person training and digital on-demand training courses.
• Making being a good kid cool, and how coaches can do that on the sports field.
• His biggest piece of advice as an athlete who became a leader.
Quotes:
“What we lay out are daily 15-minute lessons – and we help [schools] understand, engage, and connect their character skills over the course of the week.” — Jeff Bryan
“Consistency over time is what really makes kids understand what character is.” — Jeff Bryan
“Failure isn’t final – it’s not the end. You’ve just got to keep going and keep putting in the effort.” — Jeff Bryan
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Why Self-Awareness Should Be the First Step in Every Leader’s Development Journey with Mike Erwin
Leadership Blueprints Podcast
After you retire, the most important thing you take from your career is the legacy you leave.
In this episode, we’re joined by John Carter, a retired Navy Captain and the Founder of the Leadership Bridge Institute, for a deep dive into the power of leadership and legacy, from the key skills that facilitate organizational impact to the paradox of becoming a confident leader who keeps their people both accountable and protected. Although he takes great pride in having commanded ships in the Navy, John shares that the Junior Officers he mentored coming to the pinnacle of their careers today are his greatest source of joy.
Our conversation also explores John’s approach to leadership and the practices that keep him connected to his people. Tune in for plenty of insights from a seasoned leader who continues to create a powerful legacy!
Key Points From This Episode:
• Navigating the transition from active duty to a new chapter of purpose.
• Why leadership skills are key for organizational impact.
• What the Leadership Bridge is and who it’s built for.
• How great leaders empower others by letting them make mistakes.
• Staying grounded in day-to-day operations while keeping your eyes on the future.
• Why focusing on what you stand to gain is more powerful than fixating on what's missing.
Quotes:
“After you retire, the most important part and piece is your legacy.” — John Carter
“Confidence is generated [through] action.” — John Carter
“Lead by example. You set the standard.” — John Carter
“You’ve always got to have one hand in the day-to-day operations and one hand in the future.” — John Carter
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
John Carter on LinkedIn
Leadership Bridge Institute
The Bridge Builder
The Gap and the Gain
Leadership Blueprints Podcast
Have you ever paused to consider the real reason you’re not growing- personally, professionally, or as a business?
In today’s solo episode of Leadership Blueprints, host BJ Kraemer shares a personal and powerful reflection on the limiting beliefs that often hold us back. From insecurities to self-doubt, BJ explores how these internal narratives can keep even the most capable leaders stuck- and how to break free from them.
Tune in as BJ walks through the importance of mindset, momentum, and intentional growth, drawing from real-world experience building MCFA and coaching leaders. You’ll hear candid thoughts on what it takes to become the kind of person your goals require, the risk of settling for comfort, and how to get unstuck when your vision feels bigger than your reality.
Whether you're leading a team or trying to lead yourself, this episode will challenge and inspire you to take your next step forward- because growth doesn’t happen by accident.
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“We stay stuck because we’re not willing to do the things that move us forward.” - BJ Kraemer
“Oftentimes, the biggest thing holding us back is us.”- BJ Kraemer
“You’re not behind. You’re just at the point in your story where you get to decide: Are you going to grow into the person you’re called to be?” - BJ Kraemer
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
What’s the point of reading if it doesn’t improve your life and work?
In the second installment of the Pages to Projects summer series, BJ Kraemer explores why reading alone isn't enough; true leadership development requires learning. Drawing from personal experience, business coaching insights, and frameworks like the West Point leadership development model, BJ offers a practical breakdown of how to convert ideas from books into action, habit, and growth. If you’re ready to transform your reading habit into a leadership accelerator, this episode gives you the tools to make every page you read count.
Tune in to learn how to build a learning culture for yourself and your team!
Key Points From This Episode:
• Why "leaders are learners" goes beyond passive reading or listening.
• Insight into West Point’s leadership development model.
• A 4-step learning method: absorb, apply, reflect, reinforce.
• The power of teaching what you’ve learned to others.
• Tactical, operational, and strategic ways to embed learning into your life and work.
Quotes:
“If we don't make the bridge between what we [read] and how we can apply it, we're actually not taking the action to learn or to improve ourselves.” — BJ Kraemer
“When you're looking at the world through the lens of who you're trying to become and you're looking at all of the books that you're reading from that lens, the nuggets will start coming to you: – ‘I can change this. I can get better here.’” — BJ Kraemer
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
All leaders are readers. That’s why we’re kicking off a three-part series on the books and stories that have influenced our leadership philosophy.
Whether you’re a reader or an audiobook listener, this series is packed with recommendations that contain essential wisdom you can apply to your life. To kick off our series, BJ shares his thoughts on why you should read, what you should read, and the books that have shaped his life. Tune in to learn why self-study is such a key part of personal development, how to begin with the end in mind, and how to take control of each day, starting with your morning routine.
Our conversation covers plenty of books and principles you can take from them that will revolutionize your day-to-day. In closing, BJ provides you with three action steps you can take today. Thanks for listening!
Key Points From This Episode:
• The importance of reading and stories in building a leadership philosophy.
• How Pat Croce’s work impacted BJ’s life.
• Why self-study is so important.
• How reading helped BJ to move beyond reactivity and build momentum.
• Taking reading from consumption to impact.
• Why you should initiate an uncomfortable conversation today.
Quotes:
“The ideal here is to consume wisdom and then be able to synthesize and apply it to your life. I think that’s why we read. It gives you a lot of perspective.” — BJ Kraemer
“Self-study is a very critical part of personal development.” — BJ Kraemer
“Both the morning routine at home and the morning routine at work are critical building blocks of your day.” — BJ Kraemer
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
The Obstacle Is The Way
Father Mike Schmitz on Instagram
The Miracle Morning
James Clear
Napoleon Hill on Amazon
Dale Carnegie on Amazon
Tim Ferris
Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead
Paradigm Shifting Books
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
What does it take to lead with authenticity, build a thriving business, and grow stronger through adversity, both professionally and personally?
In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kramer sits down with powerhouse duo Jim Carter of CBRE/Turner Townsend and Barbara Balongue, founder of Balongue Design, to explore the art of leadership through the lens of real-life experience, grit, and long-term vision. From Barbara’s leap into entrepreneurship during a recession to Jim’s three-decade blueprint for career growth focused on technical mastery, networking, and strategic leadership, this conversation offers a masterclass in leading with purpose.
Along the way, they share insights on the importance of vulnerability, the power of intergenerational collaboration, and why running toward problems, not away from them, is the mark of a true leader. For a fresh perspective on resilience, relationship-building, and what it means to lead a life (and business) with integrity and intention, tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“Looking back, all of the economic downturns that I've lived through since the start, all the difficult clients, all the challenges, all the project setbacks, those are the things that really informed me and taught me how to be a leader.” — Barbara Balongue
“If you see a big fire, run into it. Don't run away from it. I use that language almost on a weekly basis with my team. If you see a problem, which we equate to a big fire, run right into it and put it out.” — Barbara Balongue
“Being vulnerable, and humble, and showing empathy is core to having a relationship, both in business and in [your personal life].” — Jim Carter
“I don't see a separation between personal and professional. You have to be an authentic person. People are attracted to what they see, not what they hear.” — Barbara Balongue
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
The Likability Factor: How to Boost Your L-Factor and Achieve Your Life's Dreams
In this inspiring episode, we are joined by the one and only Allen Kopelson, visionary architect and founding principal behind NK Architects. With decades of experience and a legacy of leadership, Allen shares his remarkable journey through the world of business.
We explore why he made the decision to step down as a partner while continuing to contribute to the firm he helped build, the crucial role his support system plays in his personal growth and professional success, how he chose his successors, and so much more! He even talks about his impressive hobbies and passions outside of work and how they have helped him stay grounded in the chaos of running a business.
Allen answers our rapid-fire questions before leaving us with wonderful words of wisdom about what it means to live a full life.
Thanks for tuning in!
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“I knew what my limits were and what I was capable of, and I knew the kind of people I had around me, and I knew what their capabilities were.” — Allen Kopelson
“Forget about the money! Do what makes you happy – it’s the most important part and everything else will follow.” — Allen Kopelson
“I feel bad for people who just go to work and can’t wait to leave. I’m the other way around – I love working and I love all the other things I do.” — Allen Kopelson
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
As a special thank you for tuning in, scroll down to enjoy 20% off your first order mizzenandmain.com.
What do football, combat deployments, and dress shirts have in common? For Ryan Kent, they’ve all played a role in shaping his evolution as a leader.
In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kramer sits down with Ryan, a West Point graduate, former Army Ranger, and current CEO of menswear brand Mizzen+Main, to unpack the lessons he learned on his way from the locker room to the boardroom.
From his journey as a small-town athlete to leading in Iraq and then navigating the apparel industry with no prior experience, Ryan reflects on the power of curiosity, adaptability, and showing up with presence.
Whether you’re a veteran stepping into civilian leadership or guiding teams in construction, engineering, or development, Ryan’s story is a masterclass in leading through uncertainty, failure, and reinvention!
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“Sports have been the foundation of my leadership. My journey through sports has made me a much better leader because I've had very good highs and lows.” — Ryan Kent
“There are frequent times where I’m leading through success, leading through challenge, and leading through failure. The origin of my ability to do that has been through sports.” — Ryan Kent
“Change is inevitable. A capitalistic society allows people to innovate, to evolve. If you don’t do that in a business, in our country, you will fail.” — Ryan Kent
“It’s very hard to be a good leader consistently. It requires a lot of attention and effort. – Give it that credit. If you don’t spend time on it, you’ll likely not be a great leader.” — Ryan Kent
Discount Details
Code: LEADERSHIP20
Offer: 20% off first purchase
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Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
In this 4th of July special edition of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer sits down with Marine Corps veteran, educator, and operations leader Fred Conner for a conversation about legacy, leadership, and renewal. This episode explores the transformation of the historic 75-acre Valley Forge campus- home to Founding Forward, a national civic education nonprofit founded by the Union League of Philadelphia and Freedom’s Foundation.
Fred shares his journey from military service to international project management to teaching at Temple University. Along the way, he reveals how landscapes, memory, and mission-based leadership shape how we build -and remember- our most important places.
Whether you're a veteran transitioning into the A/E/C world, a project leader tackling deferred maintenance, or a parent wondering what civic education looks like today, this episode offers a reminder: leadership starts with service, and the built environment can inspire generations.
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“Vision is a really good thing, but it’s only aspiration if you can’t execute.” - Fred Conner
“Operations occur at the speed of trust.” — Gen. Jim Mattis (quoted by Fred Conner)
“The things we remember most about a place are often how the built environment coexists with the landscape around it.” — Fred Conner
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
What if your next big leadership breakthrough started with booking a vacation?
In this solo episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer dives into a powerful and often overlooked leadership lesson: the transformative value of R&R. With summer in full swing and the midpoint of the year approaching, BJ challenges leaders to rethink their relationship with rest, reframing time off as a strategic imperative for sustained impact, clarity, and growth.
From redefining “busy” to modeling a culture that celebrates vacation time and drawing inspiration from military leadership models and Bill Gates’s Think Week, this episode offers practical insights for leaders ready to recharge and lead with renewed purpose.
Tune in to find out why stepping away might be the most powerful move you make this year!
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“Don't confuse action with results. Don't confuse a full calendar with impact.” — BJ Kraemer
“The greatest leaders I know are always creating space for themselves.” — BJ Kraemer
“The way that we can – use R&R to grow is [to] disconnect, re-energize, and then redeploy that new energy towards something new.” — BJ Kraemer
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
