What does it really take to lead massive infrastructure programs at the intersection of engineering, public policy, and national security?
In today’s episode, BJ Kraemer sits down with longtime mentor, former boss, and retired two-star general in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tom Tickner, to unpack leadership, public infrastructure, and how the industry is evolving through geospatial technology.
They discuss what the Corps of Engineers actually does, what he learned about appropriations, education, and relationships from serving on Capitol Hill as a budget liaison, and why infrastructure often goes unnoticed until it fails.
They also delve into the intersection of engineering, policy, and politics, Tom’s career transition after 33 years of active duty to working at Woolpert, and how the company is leveraging geospatial data, digital twins, and “GEOAI” to help decision-makers plan, build, and maintain systems faster and smarter.
Tom also shares his thoughts on leading without rank, building culture through teamwork and communication, and why trust and collaboration are essential in both the military and private sector. Tune in now!
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“Within the military, we don’t lobby. We do build advocacy, and we do educate.” — Tom Tickner
“We’re all learning, leading, and going together and doing really, really well. It is a lot of fun what we have going on in Woolpert.” — Tom Tickner
“I am convinced that culture in a company, in a unit, is just as important, if not more important, of getting the mission done, especially when times get tough.” — Tom Tickner
“If you have time to collaborate, do it. It serves a lot of purposes.” — Tom Tickner
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
A Philly Special Christmas Party Album
You cannot become a better leader without reflecting on where you have come from. At the end of every year, we dedicate an episode to helping you reflect, reset, and recommit to your goals.
This conversation is built around one of host BJ Kraemer’s favorite annual practices. It’s a deliberate, honest review that drives real change across faith, family, fitness, finance, friends, and fun.
In this episode, BJ shares practical ways to reflect on the year gone by, from reviewing photos, time, money, and energy to identifying wins, lessons, and gaps. The conversation then looks ahead, exploring how reflection creates momentum for the year to come, informs clearer commitments, and translates into intentional planning and daily routines that support meaningful progress.
If you’re looking to start 2026 off on the right foot, this episode is for you.
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“Before you set goals, you should really reflect on what it is that you accomplished over the last year.” — BJ Kraemer
“My warning to myself and to everybody is to not try to set too many goals.” — BJ Kraemer
“Set your goals, set your habits, set your plans, and let’s get after 2026!” — BJ Kraemer
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
In this special Christmas-themed episode of the Leadership Blueprints podcast, host BJ Kraemer draws on some of his favorite classic Christmas films to explore the art and science of leading oneself and others.
Ebenezer Scrooge sparks a conversation around awareness and change, while Kevin McAllister offers a surprising lens on ownership and responsibility. A nod to It’s a Wonderful Life serves as a quiet reminder of the power of relationships.
The episode also explores what it means to help others grow into the roles they’re called to step into, and concludes with Clark Griswold as a timely reflection on how unchecked vision can impact those around us.
Join BJ for another episode filled with valuable leadership insights! Happy Holidays!
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“Transformation is possible, but like I've talked about before, only after self-awareness.” — BJ Kraemer
“When people truly own outcomes, they rise faster than we expect.” — BJ Kraemer
“[George Bailey] teaches us that the most meaningful impact is often invisible when you're living through it.” — BJ Kraemer
“Good intentions don't excuse poor awareness.” — BJ Kraemer
“I talk a lot about the first step in leadership is leading yourself first, and the first step in leading yourself first is getting clear on who you are, who you aren't, what your strengths are, what they're not. And I think the lesson we can all take away from Scrooge McDuck is results without humanity create financial success, but no relationship success and no legacy.” — BJ Kraemer
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Mickey's Christmas Carol (Disney+)
A Christmas Carol
Home Alone 2
It’s a Wonderful Life (Apple TV)
The Santa Clause (Disney+)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Netflix)
Leadership Blueprints Podcast
Real innovation often starts with a problem you just can't stop thinking about. In this episode of The Leadership Blueprints Podcast, BJ Kraemer welcomes Scott Wolfe, founder and former CEO of Levelset, to unpack how a small but persistent frustration with construction payment practices led him to build one of the most influential platforms in the industry.
Scott shares how Hurricane Katrina pulled him into the world of restoration work, construction law, and software development, ultimately revealing the systemic barriers that keep contractors from getting paid for the work they complete. He traces Levelset’s evolution from a lien rights tool to a suite of products that reduce friction, increase transparency, and help stakeholders protect the value they put into a job.
Scott also reflects on the culture that shaped Levelset’s rapid growth, the leadership habits that held the team together through the scaling process, and why true innovation starts with deep familiarity with the problem you’re trying to solve.
Tune in to hear how genuine leadership and commitment to the customer can transform a key sector of the AEC industry!
Key Points From This Episode:
• How Hurricane Katrina redirected his path into restoration work and construction law.
• Launching Levelset as a lien-rights solution before expanding its scope.
• Growing the platform into risk, finance, and insurance tools for the industry.
• How payment delays and retaining employees strain small contractors and suppliers.
• Scaling the company to hundreds of employees through clear, consistent communication.
Quotes:
“When you do work on a job, or you put materials into a job, you deserve to get paid, and we want to make sure you're always in an empowered position to do it.” — Scott Wolfe
“We really didn't have true venture money. It was a little more like friends and family, seed money, and cash flow. – But what that allowed our culture to do, and I think this is a little underappreciated by companies, [is] to get a lot of institutional knowledge about the problem.” — Scott Wolfe
“You have to be in the stream of something from my standpoint, to be able to understand where the problem is and really care about the problem.” — Scott Wolfe
“I still think that the crown jewels of any super successful company is in the affinity that you develop around the problem you're solving and how well you know it. All the technology becomes a tool for it. AI is great, it does some interesting things, but it doesn't build a business.” — Scott Wolfe
“People follow people who have that true enthusiasm and that true authenticity.” — Scott Wolfe
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Sport is an incredible tool in developing leaders. Welcome to a very special episode of Leadership Blueprints, where BJ and Joey Fay are diving into the Army-Navy rivalry ahead of Army-Navy Week next week!
In this conversation, you’ll hear all about the history of the Army-Navy games, what it feels like to participate, the rivalry of both love and hate, and so much more! We delve into some leadership lessons we’ve learned on the field of friendly strife before discussing the power of working as a team. Finally, you’ll hear about Joey and BJ’s Army-Navy bet for this year.
Thanks for tuning in and go Army! Beat Navy!
Key Points From This Episode:
• How sports help develop good leaders.
• The history of wins in the Army-Navy games.
• What it’s like to be part of the Army-Navy game.
• The love/hate relationship this rivalry creates.
• Leadership lessons we learned on the field.
• The special trust between these teammates.
• Joey and BJ tell us about their Army-Navy bet.
Quotes:
“The power of sports in the development of leaders is unmatched.” — BJ Kraemer
“I think that this is an unpredictable game!” — Joey Fay
“The experience at the Army-Navy game as an athlete is one of the most exciting things I think you could ever experience.” — Joey Fay
“The [Army-Navy] rivalry is one of both love and hate.” — BJ Kraemer
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Entrepreneurship often starts with a spark of curiosity and the courage to follow it.
In this episode of The Leadership Blueprints Podcast, BJ Kraemer sits down with Malory Atkinson, co-founder and managing partner of Shear Structural, Georgia’s only all-women-owned structural engineering firm. Malory shares how growing up with an entrepreneurial father and starting her career during the 2008 recession shaped her approach to leadership, relationships, and resilience. She reflects on her time in tech startups, her return to the built environment, and what it means to create a company that grows sustainably while empowering employees to lead.
From the lessons of working directly under CEOs to launching a firm focused on adaptive reuse, healthcare, and education projects, Malory underscores that engineering is ultimately a business of people, and that success depends on relationships built before you need them.
Tune in to hear her insights on networking, storytelling, and leading with authenticity in a changing industry!
Key Points From This Episode:
• How her father’s example sparked her entrepreneurial drive.
• Insights gained from a stint in tech and returning to the built environment.
• Founding Georgia’s only all-women-owned structural engineering firm.
• Creating a resilient company that grows sustainably and supports employee growth.
• Building leadership at every level of your company.
• The importance of making relationships before you need them.
Quotes:
“I started my career in 2008, which is the absolute worst time anybody could have ever started in this industry. But I learned a lot about the value of client relationships and winning business when there was no business to be had.” — Malory Atkinson
“Engineering is not just a business of design: it’s a business of people and trust.” — Malory Atkinson
“Shear Structural is Georgia's only all-women-owned structural engineering firm. We're focused on adaptive reuse, health care, education, and municipal projects across the southeast.” — Malory Atkinson
“Somebody told me, early on in my career, to make relationships before you need them.” — Malory Atkinson
“I approach networking as, ‘How can I help you?’ So, if I'm meeting somebody, I'm not like, ‘How can you help me by giving me work?’ I'm like, ‘How can I help you?’” — Malory Atkinson
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Malory Atkinson on LinkedIn
Shear Structural
A leader’s success is directly tied to their ability to set an example to those they’re leading and manage their own sense of discipline.
Today on Leadership Blueprints, we wrap up our DOD series with a special guest, Dan Bailey. Dan is a former naval officer and the current vice president of commercial operations at Quanta Services. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Dan’s time in the Navy, moving from active duty to Quanta Services, what the company does, and why leaders need to be enablers.
We delve into Dan’s role at Quanta Services and how he brings value to the business as a whole, before discussing the biggest lessons he learned from his transition from active duty, what led him to decide to leave, and how he determined what he wanted to focus on next. Dan discusses the leadership lessons he has learned from his military experience, how they have benefited him in his new career path, and what he hopes to achieve.
As always, Dan answers our rapid-fire questions and, to close, leaves listeners with some pearls of wisdom and tells us all about the Honor Foundation.
Be sure to press play now!
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“As a leader in any company, you have the opportunity to be an enabler to the degree that you want to be.” — Dan Bailey
“If I’m doing my job right, we’re able to move faster, bring more value, and help the customer succeed in their projects and their goals.” — Dan Bailey
“A leader doesn’t succeed by using force, they succeed by using example.” — Dan Bailey
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Welcome back to another episode of Leadership Blueprints as we continue our special DoD to AEC series for November, honoring veterans who have transitioned from active duty into the built environment.
In this episode, BJ Kraemer sits down with MCFA senior project leader and former Marine Corps infantry officer Brian McGrath to explore his journey from platoon commander in Afghanistan to leading complex construction and development projects across diverse markets. Brian shares the realities of counterinsurgency operations in Helmand Province, what he learned from his time in the Marines, and how those lessons translate directly into project leadership and day-to-day decision-making around scope, schedule, and budget. Brian unpacks how he uses structure, communication, and AI tools to stay ahead of the chaos, why teamwork and humility sit at the core of his leadership philosophy, and how books and mentors continue to shape his mindset.
Whether you’re a transitioning veteran or a leader in the built environment, this episode offers powerful insights into what is possible when discipline, thought, and purpose collide. Tune in now!
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“Thinking means planning better and making sure that you're getting up and you're going to projects knowing what you're talking about, what they need to know, [and] the documentation, the information is all set and prepped.” — Brian McGrath
“I always loved construction. I always thought there was a connection between military and construction.” — Brian McGrath
“I'm not successful in anything without the people around me.” — Brian McGrath
“Until thought is linked to purpose. There's no intelligent accomplishment.” — Brian McGrath
“Obstacles in your life are your life.” — Brian McGrath
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Bill Squires, now serving as Chief Venues and Operations Manager for the New York, New Jersey Host Committee for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, has built a remarkable career shaped by discipline, service, and an enduring passion for leadership. His journey began when he found his calling as a Navy pilot, a foundation that continues to influence his approach to managing complex operations and teams.
Today, he remains connected to the Naval Academy, mentoring the next generation of leaders and carrying forward lessons in accountability, teamwork, and resilience. Transitioning from employee to consultant and later founding his own company, Bill has leveraged a powerful professional network to take on some of the largest events of his career. His insights on leadership draw deeply from both his military service and his time in sports, where the field has taught him as much about character and composure as it has about competition.
After surviving a near-death experience with COVID, Bill’s perspective on life and leadership has deepened even further, now guided by gratitude, purpose, and a desire to help others step into the best version of themselves.
Key Points From This Episode:
Quotes:
“Being decisive is a great leadership quality that I wish more people had.” — Bill Squires
“Get a job, but still continue to chase your passion. Don’t give up on it!” — Bill Squires
“I’m a leader by example. It’s not so much about what I say, but it’s more about what I do.” — Bill Squires
“Be grateful for everything. Even the tough times in your life, because the tough times in your life make the good times in your life even better.” — Bill Squires
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
William D. Squires Columbia University
New York New Jersey Host Committee
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:
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:
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Service Academy Business Mastermind on Apple Podcasts
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