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AI is a challenge that business leaders are going to have to deal with, and finding a balance between pushing innovation and managing cybersecurity risk is essential. Today on Leadership Blueprints, we are joined by former DHS Deputy Director, veteran, author, keynote speaker, and federal cybersecurity operations expert, Dr. Derek Smith, to discuss how AI makes us more efficient! Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the biggest concerns when it comes to AI and cybersecurity risk, how leaders can encourage their employees to play with tools like AI without putting the organization at risk, what leaders need to be aware of when it comes to cybersecurity attacks, and more! Derek goes on to tell us about his training company, Certify IT Academy, and what it does before discussing some of the leadership lessons Derek has learned during the course of his career that have allowed him to push innovation while managing risk. We even delve into how our guest has found balance in his impressive, busy career and personal life. Finally, we talk about Derek’s favorite books (self-written and in general), how he leverages AI in his writing, his favorite leadership quotes, and dream dinner guests. To hear all this and even be encouraged to enable people to use AI as a tool in order to be a better leader, be sure to press play now!  Key Points From This Episode: Welcoming Dr. Derek Smith to the show and introducing today’s topic. What leaders are concerned about when it comes to AI and cybersecurity risk.  How leaders can encourage the use of AI tools without putting organizations at risk. What leaders should know about cybersecurity attacks and how they can get ahead.Derek tells us a bit about his cybersecurity training company and what they do. Some lessons he’s learned that allowed him to push innovation while managing risk. How compartmentalization and AI have allowed Derek to accomplish so much.  Our guest talks about some of his favorite books that he’s written and has read. How long it takes Derek to write a book and how he leverages AI for his writing. Derek shares his favorite leadership quotes and ideal dinner guests (dead or alive). Quotes: “When you introduce anything into your environment, [or] your network, [or] whatever, it’s going to come with inherent risk, and so does AI.” — Dr. Derek Smith [0:03:03] “Your leadership experience [and] the things that you’ve been through cannot be duplicated in AI right now.” — Dr. Derek Smith [0:06:00] “AI is going to replace people. The ones [who] are going to stick around are the ones like us who learn how to use AI.” — Dr. Derek Smith [0:09:55] “If you don’t allow people to ‘fail forward’ and learn from that, they’re never going to grow.” — Dr. Derek Smith [0:15:55] “AI is helping me be smarter, helping me be able to learn faster, [and] helping me remember more.” — Dr. Derek Smith [0:20:23] “Find that one thing you can be great at and then go out and be great!” — Dr. Derek Smith [0:29:05] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Derek Smith  Dr. Derek Smith on LinkedIn Dr. Derek Smith on YouTube Dr. Derek Smith on IMDB Certify IT Academy  The AI-Powered Defender Cybersense Derek’s First Novel Zapp! Brag!  The Power of Focus Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

How can leaders prepare the next generation for a workforce being rewritten by artificial intelligence? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer welcomes Edward DuCoin, a lifelong entrepreneur, adjunct professor, and co-founder and partner of Orpical Technology Solutions, to discuss how education and business leadership must adapt as AI reshapes employability, work, and growth. In their conversation, Edward reflects on starting his first business as a teenager, navigating significant setbacks, and turning those experiences into lessons for students and business leaders. He explains why students want to be coached hard, why college should offer a safe space to fail, and why learning to use AI is quickly becoming a foundation for employability. They discuss what it takes for a business to survive growth, and Edward shares how staying loyal too long changed his career trajectory. They also explore why leaders need to understand their limitations and how AI could revitalize business. Tune in to learn how to prepare people for change and turn hard-won lessons into stronger leadership. Key Points From This Episode: Hear about Edward’s background and his entrepreneurial journey.Explore why ‘failing forward’ is essential for building future leaders.Discover why students want to be pushed and what employers should expect. Learn why he sees a professor's job as helping students get, keep, and grow a career.Examine how AI is reshaping white-collar work and rewarding top performers. Uncover why older workers may be more prepared for AI than younger workers. Understand why companies do not fail at growth but can fail at surviving it. Consider how growth without refinement can raise sales while erasing the paycheck. Examine his biggest career failure and the cost of staying loyal for too long. See why leaders must trust, verify, and ensure they get the little things right. Edward shares the books that shaped his approach and mindset. The difference between a warrior mindset and ruthless leadership. Appreciate why AI may bring humanity back to the front and center of business.  Quotes: “I don't call it failure. I call it the opposite of success because failure means that you got nothing out of it.” — Edward DuCoin [0:03:44] “[Teachers] have one job, and that is to make you employable: get the job, keep the job, and then grow the job.” — Edward DuCoin [0:10:44] “Watch what you wish for in growth. You have to be prepared through process and constant refinement.” — Edward DuCoin [0:27:47] “I think artificial intelligence is going to bring humanity back to the front and center of business.” — Edward DuCoin [0:40:43] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Edward DuCoin  Edward DuCoin on LinkedIn Orpical Technology Solutions Montclair State University Rowan University 'Indicted Loyalty, Convicted Logic' The Hard Thing About Hard Things Chop Wood Carry Water Relentless Pound the Stone Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

If you are in sales, you have probably heard the phrase: Always Be Closing, or ABC! But if you walk through life trying to ‘close’ every person you meet, you are likely to miss far more valuable things. In today’s solo episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ offers a new version of this phrase and inspiring listeners to place their focus on more important things such as relationships, generosity, curiosity, and service. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about what it means to collect dots and why it’s essential. BJ delves into why showing up in the world with a spirit of curiosity and service is so valuable before he encourages listeners to consider the last time they helped someone who had nothing to offer them. He also talks about ‘collecting dots’ intentionally without forcing connections and enlightens listeners on when dots actually start to connect. Finally, BJ leaves us with his ABCD challenge. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode: The phrase Always Be Closing (ABC) and why it could be problematic.Why BJ prefers the ABCD (Always Be Collecting Dots) term.The importance of walking through life trying to be genuinely helpful to people.A breakdown of what a ‘dot’ represents in this scenario. BJ challenges listeners to question when they last helped someone with no agenda. Why you should ‘collect dots’ with intention without forcing connections. When dots start to connect: when opportunity meets capability and trust. BJ breaks down this week’s ABCD challenge for listeners.  Quotes: “Always be collecting dots because you can’t connect dots if you haven’t collected dots.” — BJ Kraemer [0:01:44] “You want to be intentional, but you don’t want to keep score, and I think there’s a balance there.” — BJ Kraemer [0:14:12] “There’s no contradiction between setting goals and being open to the unexpected.” — BJ Kraemer [0:14:35] “Dots connect when opportunity meets capability and trust.” — BJ Kraemer [0:17:12] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What does it take to turn leadership values into repeatable action? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer welcomes Kevin Chemidlin, MCFA’s new Director of Client Activation. In a twist, Kevin takes the interviewer’s chair to ask BJ how systems thinking can coexist with the human realities of leadership. They discuss how structure and empathy work together, why growth depends on choosing the right challenges, and how leaders create clarity around expectations and shared responsibility. BJ and Kevin also unpack MCFA’s values of love, entrepreneurial spirit, accountability, and how culture becomes visible through decisions, habits, and relationships. BJ also reflects on the importance of connecting employees’ life plans to professional growth. Tune in to learn how thoughtful leaders turn values from words into consistent action and meaningful career growth. Key Points From This Episode: Find out where BJ first learned to turn goals into repeatable systems.Hear how to pair systems thinking with the challenges of leading people.Discover where BJ developed the emotional intelligence to meet people where they are. Learn how trust helps leaders know when to push and when to support. Explore why MCFA embraces hard things without making difficulty the goal.Consider when leaders should persevere, simplify, or cut their losses.Uncover why love is an MCFA value and a deliberate choice.Understand how entrepreneurial spirit creates shared value. Distinguish individual accountability from the protection teamwork can provide.Recognize when leaders take on too much accountability.Advice on how teams can delight clients by creating a white-glove experience.Gain insights into operationalizing the MCFA concept of stretch.Reframe discipline as restraint when success creates too many opportunities. Quotes: “When you are working together with other people, hard becomes a little more fun and a little easier.” — BJ Kraemer [0:17:45] “Balance occurs in the macro, not the micro.” — Kevin Chemidlin [0:23:17] “Love is hard. Love is an investment. Love is a choice.” — BJ Kraemer [0:30:08] “Teamwork can also be the thing that disguises individual accountability.” — BJ Kraemer [0:37:25] “When I always think of discipline, I think of exertion and getting yourself to do hard things, when really these days it sounds like it’s about what you don’t do.” — Kevin Chemidlin [0:54:13] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Kevin Chemidlin on LinkedIn Do Hard Things The 4-Hour Workweek The ONE Thing What Got You Here Won’t Get You There Four Thousand Weeks Leadership Blueprints Podcast Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube MCFA MCFA Careers BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 LinkedInSign up for our Leadership Blueprint Newsletter

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

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 CarterMeditations by Marcus AureliusNo Rules Rules by Reed HastingsAntifragile by Nassim Taleb This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique: https://www.podcastboutique.com