Leadership Blueprints

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Wally Hise, Sr. Vice President at HDR. Wally discusses his passion for working on Federal projects, lessons learned from leaders he’s worked with, and what mistakes early in his career led him to finding what he loves to do.  Resources mentioned:     “The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results” by Gary Keller: https://www.amazon.com/O...

On today’s Veteran’s Day special episode, BJ sits down with Anthony Streletz, P.E. CHFM, CHC Chief Engineer. Anthony dives into his time in the military, how he transitioned into working for the VA, and the leadership challenges and strengths he develops every day. Anthony brings a vast knowledge of effective leadership, emphasizing flexibility and the ability to stay nimble. Resources mentioned:...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Judy Nitsch, Founder of Nitsch Engineering. Judy explores her expansive career, her journey to engineering as a young woman, the founding story of Nitsch Engineering, and what she learned as a leader with a focus on serving people.  “Inspiring the next generation of female engineers” TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEeTLopLkEo “Rain Making: Attract N...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with another MCFA employee, Tom Kraemer, Project/Construction Manager at MCFA. Tom talks about his journey to MCFA, his time at The United States Coast Guard Academy, and when he knew he needed to hone in and go back to school. Resources mentioned:     “A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future” by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-New-Mind-...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Dave Skuodas at Mile High Flood District. Dave talks about his journey to writing his book, “The Effective Client: Why Being a Good Client is Smart Business in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industries”, how being a good client has shifted his mentality, and the importance of sharing our knowledge with others.  “The Effective Client: Why Being...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Anthony Fasano, author of “Engineer Your Own Success” and founder of The Engineering Management Institute. Anthony discusses the day to day job and mission of The Engineering Management Institute, and the content machine they use to educate SEC professionals for free. Resources mentioned:   “Engineer Your Own Success” by Anthony Fasano: https://www.amazon.com/Engi...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Ed Chamberlayne, Vice President of Federal Programs. Ed discusses his journey to becoming an engineer, his military experience, and how transitioning out of the military gave him perspective he still brings to the workplace today.  Resources mentioned:   Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardchamberlayne/ Calls-to-action:    Inspiring...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Jim Beck, Senior Program Manager at Allegheny Health Network and recently retired from the US Army Reserves. Jim breaks down his motivation to enter the construction industry, how he transitioned from the military, and the leadership lessons he learned along the way.  Resources mentioned:     “Finding the Space to Lead: A Practical Guide to Mindful Leadership”...

Resources mentioned:     Contact Ryan at: rspearing@mcfaglobal.com Calls-to-action:    Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www. MCFAglobal.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter where we curate some of the top industry articles of the week and give you a dose of inspiration as you head into the weekend!     MCFA IS HIRING!!  If you or anyone you know are loo...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Mike Stauss, Project Director at Clayco. Mike breaks down his 17 year career at Clayco, his journey to Project Director, and the educational platforms he has engaged with. Further, Mike breaks down the pull planning model, and how successful projects have been derived from more efficient scheduling.  Resources mentioned:   Project Savings & Owners Article: GET...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with podcast returnee, Tim Klabunde, Director of Marketing and Principal of Timmons Group. Tim talks about his themed family vacations, his love for, and the rich history of his current city of Richmond, VA. Tim discusses the built environment of Richmond, it’s influence on the city, and beyond! Resources mentioned:   “LEGO House, Home of the Brick” Documentary: ht...

On today’s solo episode, BJ answers the question; as President of MCFA, how do you keep a firm grip on running the company, while letting it operate with an open palm? BJ explores this question, the many obstacles that arise, and provides resources alongside actionable steps you can implement in your workplace immediately.  Resources mentioned:   “Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals T...

On today’s solo episode, BJ reveals his next big project; writing a book. He lays out the goals he has set for himself, the many setbacks in the early stages, and what he hopes readers will learn from it! Resources mentioned:   The U.S. Military Academy at West Point's mission is "to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committ...

On today’s solo episode, BJ answers burning questions from the MCFA team and our listeners! He explores how to set yourself up for success in the AEC industry, how to maintain that success, and the risks that come with both opportunity and growth.  Resources mentioned:   Steve Jobs Commencement Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc Matthew McConaughey Speech: https://www.youtube.com/...

On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Luis Vildostegui, Senior Principal and Education Sector Leader at Stantec. Luis elaborates on the many turns his career has taken, the global locations he’s impacted, and how effective communication and collaboration are key to effective projects, no matter the scale or location.  Resources mentioned:   Find Luis at: https://www.stantec.com/en/people/v/vil...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with John Burke, Economic Vibrancy Manager for the City of Westminster, and author of  “RFP - Request For Personality, Win People, Win Projects.” John breaks down his journey to engineering, the importance of being able to effectively communicate a project's vision, and how the R.F.P. mindset can be implemented to become a better leader on projects of any scale.  Resou...

On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Jim Rogers, Co-Creator of Seller-Doer Academy and President of Unbridled Revenue, Inc. Jim is also the author of “Becoming a Seller-Doer: Succeed at Business Development and Take Command of Your Career”, where he teaches professionals in the SEC industry how to develop and refine the seller-doer mindset to elevate their firms. On the show, they dive deep i...

On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Dan Lester Sr., Director of Field Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture at Clayco. Dan breaks down what diversity and inclusion mean in the workforce, how inclusion brings a unique perspective to any organization, and how the communication and execution of diversity and inclusion strategies are a critical point of understanding.  Find out more about Clayco Ris...

On this episode of Inspiring People and Places, BJ sits down with Vince Campisi. Vince has over 50 years of experience in the management, design, inspection and rehabilitation of highways, railroads, and various types of bridges and buildings. Vince explores his career journey, how he learned to manage the time strain of going to night school, having a job and maintaining a family, and how the inf...

On this week’s episode BJ sits down with Brian Perlberg, Executive Director & Senior Counsel for ConsensusDocs, a coalition of 40 leading construction organizations. Brian is the only construction attorney in the United States certified as a CM-Lean for lean construction. Using Brian’s contracts to communicate and incorporate best practices instills fairness throughout contracts and are used b...

On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Nivi Sharma, CEO of Bridges to Prosperity. Nivi explores her winding career, the journey from creating free Wi-Fi resources, digitizing he Kenyan Primary School curriculum content for revision and literacy, and now Bridges to Prosperity, the global leader in rural infrastructure development. Nivi and BJ also dive into the impact of one’s work, and how fall...

On this week’s episode, BJ interviews Maj. Gen. Todd McCaffrey. While Todd’s expertise is outside of the SEC industry, he dives deep into how his over 30 years of military service guides his leadership philosophy, and how he transitioned into president of McCaffrey Consulting, where he helps clients achieve business objectives supporting U.S. national security. Resources mentioned:   Find Todd on...

On this week’s episode, BJ talks with Doug Reed, President and CEO of Meridian Associates, Author of Lead a Movement: The Insider's Guide to Powerful Strategy Execution, and coach. Doug breaks down his philosophy surrounding team development, exceeding your own expectations, and how much the day-to-day matters when growing relationships inside, and outside your company.  Connect with Doug on Linke...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Mike Meddock, Chief Development Officer/Principal at SME. Mike shares his journey opening offices around the country, how he has developed an educational program within SME, and how training your team is one of the most important aspects of being a leader. Find SME at: https://www.sme-usa.com/   Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our...

On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Barbara White Bryson, Author, Planner, Strategist, and Principal for Strategic Futures at DI Strategic Advisors. BJ breaks down Barbara’s expansive career, working under three major universities, and her unique skill set as a complex problem solver.   “Creating a Culture of Predictable Outcomes”: https://tinyurl.com/5n6sc5sr “The Owner's Dilemma: Driving S...