Leadership Blueprints

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.

Leadership Blueprints is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 274 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Leadership Blueprints, a business show with 274 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #273

  Creating Opportunities and Taking Action with Rylee Meyer

  Sep 9, 202652 min

  What can happen when you stop waiting for the right opportunity and start creating one? In this episode, BJ Kraemer sits down with Rylee Meyer, MCFA’s Office Manager and Marketing Coordinator, to talk about creativity, identity, and the courage to take action. Rylee shares how a background in radio, television, and film led her from production into a role that brings together operations, marketing, and storytelling. They discuss her upcoming Korean-language program, reconnecting with her birth family, and a documentary idea inspired by the Korean adoptee community. Rylee also explains why the trip was a win for both herself and MCFA, why she refuses to let fear of rejection close doors, and how her husband's support has helped her take meaningful risks. She also reflects on the value of curiosity, belonging, and the people and stories that continue to shape her. Tune in to discover how small acts of courage can create room for growth, connection, and a more fulfilling life. Key Points From This Episode: Meet Rylee Meyer and see how she coordinates the organized chaos behind MCFA. Learn about the unexpected career turn that carried Rylee from a film set to MCFA. Hear why a language program in Korea became an opportunity she could not ignore. Uncover the community-centered documentary she is currently working on. Find out how she turned a deeply personal opportunity into a win for herself and MCFA. Understand how Rylee transforms an idea into meaningful action. Discover where she learned to create opportunities despite the fear of rejection. The role that having a supportive partner has played in Rylee’s personal journey. Explore what Rylee enjoys most about being part of the MCFA team. Consider why the book Crying in H Mart struck such a personal chord with her. They unpack and reflect on their biggest ‘what if’ moments. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Rylee Meyer on LinkedIn Sogang University Korean Language Education Center Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link (G.O.A.’L.) Crying in H Mart Past Lives Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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  Episode #272

  Human-First Leadership and Why Caring Compounds with Justin Ricklefs

  Sep 2, 202648 min

  What if the most powerful leadership advantage is showing people that you care? In this episode, BJ sits down with Justin Ricklefs, Founder and CEO of Guild Collective and author of Give a Damn: The Catalyst for Caring Companies , to explore what human-first leadership looks like in practice. They discuss his path from sponsorship sales to building a brand storytelling agency, and how mentors shaped his belief that leaders earn commitment by knowing and caring for their people. He explains why strong systems create room for exceptional human connection, how curiosity, compassion, clarity, and consistency turn care into a daily discipline, and why brand is far more than a logo or marketing department. Justin also shares his perspective on burnout, reflects on a restorative silent retreat, and explains why the match is a powerful leadership metaphor. Tune in to learn what it means to care for yourself, to pass your flame to others, and to build companies where humanity and performance strengthen one another. Key Points From This Episode: Introducing Justin Ricklefs, Founder and CEO of Guild Collective. Justin's journey from Learfield Sports and the Kansas City Chiefs to entrepreneurship. Find out how a mentor's genuine interest showed Justin the power of human-first leadership. Explore why thoughtful systems create the conditions for exceptional human connection. Find out the origin and inspiration behind Justin's Give a Damn philosophy and book. Uncover what it means to apply effort and attitude with curiosity, compassion, and clarity. Discover why consistent action, even if it is not perfect, compounds over time. The Guild Collective's Human-First Brand Blueprint: clarity, connection, and creativity. Learn why a brand is the emotional heart of a business, not simply a visual identity. Rapid-fire questions: mentors, writers, hospitality, and meaningful books. He reflects on how a retreat helped him overcome exhaustion and burnout. Hear how Justin stays grounded in the present through a simple gratitude exercise. Quotes: “Why? Because he knew me, he cared for me. He was curious enough when I wasn't in the room to figure out who I was.” — Justin Ricklefs [0:13:37] “Effort and attitude [are] available. It’s energy, right? It does not cost us anything. If we bring those two ingredients or fuel sources to growing in our curiosity, our compassion, our clarity, and ultimately, our consistency, – good things happen.” — Justin Ricklefs [0:20:59] “The brand is the heart center; it is the embodiment of the business.” — Justin Ricklefs [0:28:25] “That’s the compounding effect of a leader. – It’s when they give their flame’s power to somebody else.” — Justin Ricklefs [0:42:21] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Justin Ricklefs Justin Ricklefs on LinkedIn Justin Ricklefs Email Guild Collective Guild Collective: Human-First Brand Assessment Give a Damn: The Catalyst for Caring Companies Giftology Closing the Trust Gap Matthew McConaughey's 2014 Oscar acceptance speech Bird by Bird The Conception Abbey Retreat Unreasonable Hospitality Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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  Episode #271

  The Human Advantage in an AI World with Jim Rogers

  Aug 26, 202636 min

  AI may transform how professional services firms deliver technical work, but it cannot replace the human qualities that build trust. In this episode, BJ welcomes back Jim Rogers, founder of Impellor Group and author of Becoming a Seller-Doer , to explore why client leadership, judgment, and empathy will become even more valuable as AI reshapes the AEC industry. Jim outlines the progression from transactional provider to embedded advisor, explains the difference between attentive, active, and empathetic listening, and shares ways emerging leaders can develop client-facing skills. They also discuss the risks of relying on AI, the leadership gap created as senior principals retire, and why paraphrasing is one of the simplest ways to prevent costly miscommunication. Tune in to discover how strengthening your human skills can protect your career, build relationships, and help you become the trusted advisor clients call first! Key Points From This Episode: Jim’s approach to progressing from a transactional provider to an embedded advisor. Discover what empathy looks like in professional settings and leadership roles. The difference between attentive, active, and empathetic listening. Find out how empathetic listening helps people feel understood and strengthens trust. Explore why project management is about people, not only schedules and metrics. Learn how young professionals can build trusted-advisor skills through content curation. Uncover the risk that AI workflows pose and why experience and context matter. Understand how leaders adapt their tactics to the client, team, culture, and situation. The client-leadership gap and why empathy and relationship-building create career security. Try a practical listening exercise: paraphrase what someone said in your own words. Quotes: “So much of leadership is about human problems.” — BJ Kraemer [0:07:58] “One of the foundations [of leadership] is caring about somebody else’s success.” — Jim Rogers [0:13:40] “Everybody needs more client leadership.” — Jim Rogers [0:22:24] “We’re taught to write, we’re taught to read, [and] we’re taught to speak [but] nobody’s ever taught to listen.” — Jim Rogers [0:27:56] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jim Rogers on LinkedIn Impellor Group Becoming a Seller-Doer Seller-Doer Academy Never Eat Alone Project Management Institute Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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  Episode #270

  Becoming Happy High Performers with Jay Abbasi

  Aug 19, 202644 min

  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

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  Episode #269

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

  Aug 12, 202629 min

  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

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