Best Mcfa Podcasts (2025)

1
Can Infrastructure Bring Us Together? Lessons in leading with heart, advising with humility, and building trust — not just projects. 28:38

3d ago28:38

28:38

What happens when engineering leaders prioritize people over profit and community over convenience? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we’re joined by Phil Wursta, a seasoned strategist with over 40 years of experience in municipal agency and private sector engineering. He’s also the founding partner of WK2 Consulting, a woman-owned civil en…

1
The Knock at the Door: Honoring Dennis Zilinski's Legacy of Love with Marion Zilinski 51:55

10d ago51:55

51:55

Memorial Day isn't just the start of summer—it's a time to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom. Every Memorial Day, BJ has decided to play an episode he recorded two years ago to honor his late friend and everyone who has given their lives to service. In this tribute episode, we speak with Marion Zilinski, known as Mama Z, about the tr…

1
Why Intellectual Curiosity Matters More Today Than Ever Before with John Abraham 38:50

17d ago38:50

38:50

If education is executed correctly, it can be one of the best ways to inspire people to change the world! Today’s guest on Leadership Blueprints, John Abraham, is a professor of thermal sciences at the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about John’s career, what led him to academia, how he connects with this …

1
Why Your Rank Doesn’t Translate—But Your Leadership Still Can with Carey Kight 45:51

24d ago45:51

45:51

Joining us is Carey Kight, producer, advertiser, and owner of Veteran Made. He shares a series of pivotal choices that have shaped his career and his life’s journey, from the military to film school, advertising, production, and beyond. Pulling from his experiences, we discuss the frameworks that translate from the military to other fields. Carey s…

1
The CEO Behind the Software: Building Systems That Serve AEC Leaders with Matt Cooper 33:39

1M ago33:39

33:39

What does it take to lead a software company at the forefront of the architecture and engineering (A&E) world? Joining us today is the CEO of BQE Software, Matt Cooper, to discuss his incredible career and his company’s work in the architecture and engineering space. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Matt’s time consulting, what led him to BQE Software,…

1
Consistency Compounds: What 5 Years of Podcasting Taught Me with BJ Kraemer 20:51

1M ago20:51

20:51

In celebration of our 200th episode, this conversation highlights 20 key lessons we've learned over the past five years of hosting this podcast. Join us as we take a deep dive into leadership philosophy, drawing from insights we've gathered since the very beginning. You'll hear what it means to lead from the front, why going viral isn't necessary t…

1
The Grit Behind Growth: Career Lessons from the Ground Up with Coty Fournier 1:02:05

1M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

What does real leadership transformation look like, and how do you go from managing projects to leading people? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with Coty Fournier to discuss leadership transformation and creating a company-focused impact. Coty is an industry veteran, speaker, author, and senior consultant with Well Built Const…

1
Authenticity, Accountability, and the Art of Leading Well with John New 36:15

2M ago36:15

36:15

There is growing concern around the post-service health of veterans and first responders as it’s easy to fall into destructive patterns when liberated from the forced discipline of being in active duty. Today we are joined by John New, an Army veteran and serial entrepreneur who’s made it his life’s purpose to help curate healthier life habits for …

1
LinkedIn Connections & Government Lessons with Shauna Weatherly 35:55

2M ago35:55

35:55

In business, your aim should be to lead with your skills and let your certifications be the ‘icing on the cake’! Today, we welcome federal contracting expert and founder of Federal Subcontracting Solutions, Shauna Weatherly, to pass on her wealth of knowledge about the federal contracting space. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Shauna’s extensive caree…

1
Innovating with Discipline: Balancing The Fine Line Between Risk and Reward with BJ Kraemer 20:26

2M ago20:26

20:26

Innovation is an essential part of business and those who do not innovate, eventually fail. In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ is outlining the importance of innovation. Tuning in, you’ll hear about the biggest win BJ has ever had in business, the importance of discipline, what he thinks ‘the language of business is’, and more! BJ goes on…

1
Why Reputation Beats Rate: Building Long-Term Success Without Advertising with David Ciurzynski 39:41

2M ago39:41

39:41

Making the jump from military service to the private sector can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with project consultant and veteran David Ciurzynski, founder of Ciurzynski Consulting, to explore how veterans can leverage their hard-earned skills in the Architecture, Engineering, an…

1
Beyond Individual Growth Mindset: How Leaders Can Foster a Culture of Growth in their Organizations with Mary Murphy 42:26

3M ago42:26

42:26

Culture and growth are very special topics here on the Leadership Blueprints Podcast, and today’s guest, award-winning social psychologist, author, speaker, and organizational consultant, Professor Mary Murphy, certainly speaks our love language! Mary is a trailblazer in equity and inclusion, illuminating the dynamics of mindset and culture and emp…

1
Building Beyond Barriers: Women Leading the Way in Construction with Barb Allen 35:09

3M ago35:09

35:09

What can be done to attract more women to construction? Today, on the Leadership Blueprints podcast, we welcome Barb Allen, a renowned construction industry keynote speaker and host of the Constructive Behaviors Podcast. In honor of Women in Construction Week, we talked with Barb about her construction career and how she is helping more women find …

1
Building More Than Hotels: Eustace Mita on Culture, Leadership & Legacy 55:19

3M ago55:19

55:19

If you want to be successful in your career, you need to find your unique ability and have a maniacal focus on it! Joining us today is the incredible CEO of ICONA Resorts and managing director of Achristavest, Eustace Mita to share his wisdom about business. In this conversation, you’ll hear all about Eustace’s incredible career, his businesses, hi…

1
Beyond Technical Skills: Why Engineers Need Leadership Training with Ron Bennett 46:16

3M ago46:16

46:16

Ronald J. Bennett has an impressive track record of achievements, including serving as the Founding Dean and Professor Emeritus at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He began his career in the industry, spending over 20 years in executive roles at BMC Industries, CPI (now Boston Scientific), Teltech, and several entrepreneurial or…

1
Architecting Change: Leadership Lessons in a Shifting Industry with Bill Mandara 33:21

4M ago33:21

33:21

Joining BJ on the show today is Bill Mandara, the CEO and Owner of Mancini Duffy. With over 25 years of experience in architectural design, Bill has applied his expertise to a wide range of projects, including industrial facilities, corporate offices, residential housing, retail spaces, and educational buildings. Deeply involved in every stage of p…

1
Leaders are Levers with BJ Kraemer 19:48

4M ago19:48

19:48

True leadership isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about empowering others and driving meaningful impact. In this solo episode of The Leadership Blueprints Podcast, host BJ Kraemer dives into the heart of leadership transformation. Tuning in, you’ll hear BJ unpack the concept of “leadership as leverage” and how leaders act as levers for th…

1
Navy Football, Nuclear Energy, and Leveraging Leadership for Impact with Heath Sanders 27:29

4M ago27:29

27:29

Some of the best examples of good leadership come from the military. Today on Leadership Blueprints we are joined by veteran and CEO of HCPA Construction, Heath Sanders. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about who Heath is today, his career journey from the Naval Academy to construction, his vision for his business in the future, and so much more! Heath d…

1
Inside the C-Suite: The CFO’s Role in Capital Program Investment and Decision-Making with Gail Kosyla 41:10

4M ago41:10

41:10

Capital is the cornerstone of healthcare infrastructure, and building large-scale projects without it is impossible. Joining us today is Gail W. Kosyla, Executive Vice President and CFO at Yale New Haven Health System, to explore the intersection of healthcare, finance, and infrastructure. With over 38 years of experience, Gail has navigated the co…

1
The Power of Storytelling: How Communication Shapes the Construction Industry with Dan Briscoe 32:23

5M ago32:23

32:23

Ever wonder what it takes to fix the people problem in the industries that quite literally build our world? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with Dan Briscoe, President of BuildWitt, a company on a mission to transform the "dirt world,” from heavy civil construction to infrastructure and more. Join us as we unpack the leadershi…

1
Infrastructure and Innovation: Solving Today’s Problems Ethically with Pat Natale 37:07

5M ago37:07

37:07

Engineers should leave the world a better place than they found it! Today, we are joined by the executive director of the National Engineering Foundation, Pat Natale. In this conversation, you’ll hear all about Pat’s incredible career, why he always prioritizes people in business, the power of marketing and diversification, and so much more! We go …

1
The Innovation Equation: Overcoming Inertia and Driving Change with Melissa Smith 27:07

5M ago27:07

27:07

How can today’s leaders best empower the new generation? Melissa Smith is a Leadership and Innovation Consultant for a boutique firm in Michigan called Innovatrium, and she joins us today to share her career journey, and key insights she has learned along the way. Join us as Melissa unpacks the four personality categories that guide her as she buil…

1
2025 Would Be a Success If...: A Guide to Meaningful Goal Setting with BJ Kraemer 22:45

5M ago22:45

22:45

In the final episode of Leadership Blueprints for 2024, BJ Kraemer focuses on Christmas gratitude, reflecting on the year, and planning for a successful 2025. The episode emphasizes the importance of annual reflection as a tool for growth, acknowledging wins and losses, and setting clear, actionable goals for the coming year. Key Points From This E…

1
Architecting Success: How Andrew Lewis Built His Career at NK Architects 33:28

5M ago33:28

33:28

What does it take to excel in architecture and engineering leadership? Andrew Lewis, principal architect at NK Architects and manager of their Philadelphia office, shares his journey from an ambitious architecture student to leading in one of the industry’s most respected firms. Reflecting on his formative years, Andrew highlights how serendipity a…

1
Born to Lead? The Truth About Leadership Development at West Point with Dr. Led Klosky 37:11

6M ago37:11

37:11

While military strategy often looks to the past, the future demands adaptability and innovation. At West Point, the Cyber Engineering & Academic Center (CEAC) is designed to prepare cadets for the technological and military challenges of tomorrow. In this episode, Dr. Led Klosky, Professor of Civil Engineering and the Dean’s Executive Agent for Des…

1
Inspiring People & Places Is Now Leadership Blueprints; Why Rebrand With BJ Kraemer 14:47

6M ago14:47

14:47

Long-time listeners of the show may have noticed that we have a new name! Welcome to another episode of Leadership Blueprints – formerly Inspiring People and Places. Today, BJ is discussing the podcast’s recent rebrand and the exciting changes we can expect. Tuning in, you’ll hear about why we decided to rebrand the show, why the intention and miss…

1
Passion, Purpose & Plan with Tedd Wheeler 49:18

6M ago49:18

49:18

If you want to be a leader, you have to own your career and do it with humility. Today’s guest is self-proclaimed practitioner-scholar, Tedd Wheeler. With a background in the military and a career in AEC, Tedd uses his incredible skills to mentor and coach the next generation. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Tedd’s career, his time in the military…

1
Iron Sharpens Iron : The Power of Positive Leadership with John Gronski 37:09

6M ago37:09

37:09

There is a destructive yet persistent American culture that sees people elevated to leadership positions without the required training or coaching. Today’s guest aims to ease this particular pain point by bringing military-style leadership to the civilian world. John Gronski is a former Major General who's pivoted to being a motivational speaker an…

1
Leading Without a Uniform: Redefining Purpose After Military Service with Steve Kempa 29:07

6M ago29:07

29:07

What does it take to redefine leadership beyond the battlefield? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, former CH-53E helicopter pilot, Marine Corps veteran, and MCFA Project Leader Steve Kempa sheds light on his transformative journey from Marine to mentor. Steve shares how his time in the military helped shape his understanding of leadership a…

1
Leading with Heart: How VA USA Creates Community and Purposeful Work with Brett & Mary Elaine Baker 37:57

6M ago37:57

37:57

What if your personal challenges could inspire a business that changes lives? In this episode, we delve into the power of transformative leadership and impact-driven entrepreneurship. We uncovered the inspiring journey of Brett and Mary Elaine Baker as they built VAUSA, a remarkable virtual assistant company dedicated to empowering military familie…

1
Built for Success: Applying Military Leadership to the Built Environment with Pete Anzovino 26:14

7M ago26:14

26:14

From military precision to civilian construction, today’s guest offers a powerful blueprint for transformative leadership. Pete Anzovino recently joined MCFA after retiring from the US Army, coming to us through the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program. This program helps former service members and veterans transition into fulfilling careers i…

1
Building Trust, Pride, and Camaraderie: The Cornerstones of Construction Leadership with Wally Adamchik 25:39

7M ago25:39

25:39

Being coached in leadership is one thing, but without actionable steps to turn those lessons into reality, that coaching becomes redundant. Welcome back to our rebranded podcast, Leadership Blueprints! Today we are very excited to introduce Wally Adamchik, former US marine, President of Firestarter Consulting, and leadership coach. He joins us to d…

1
Setting Non-Negotiables: How to Find the Right Post-Military Career Fit with Katie Kilker 47:01

7M ago47:01

47:01

Joining BJ on the debut episode of our newly rebranded podcast, Leadership Blueprints, formerly Inspiring People & Places, is Katie Kilker, Senior Project Director for Federal Facilities in the Engineering, Design, and Infrastructure Group at AtkinsRéalis. In honor of November's Veteran Salute, DOD to AEC, we’re spotlighting Katie’s recent transiti…

1
Through the Valley of No and up the Mountain of We Can’t: A Journey in Project Development with Michael Fuhrman & Brian Pieplow 37:10

7M ago37:10

37:10

What does it take to turn big ideas into lasting infrastructure? In this episode, we sit down with two MCFA team members, Michael Fuhrman and Brian Pieplow, to dig into their new book, Make No Little Plans: A Planning as a Project Development Approach to Building Infrastructure. Michael, Co-Founder of MCFA, and Brian, Chief Project Development Offi…

1
Leading with Purpose: Lessons from the Navy Applied to Real Estate with Paul Garvey 24:09

7M ago24:09

24:09

Entering a new career after your military service can be a tough transition, but there are plenty of transferrable skills that can help you on your journey. Joining us today is Paul Garvey, Executive Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield, to talk about his time in the Navy and the transition into corporate real estate. Tuning in, you’ll learn ab…

1
Sales as Leadership: Redefining the Art of Selling with Alex Archawaski 31:14

8M ago31:14

31:14

Many veterans struggle to find their place in a world different from the one in active service. However, many skills learned on the military base are valuable and transferable to civilian life. For sales, your military background may even serve you better than someone with a more traditional career trajectory. Today we are joined by Navy Veteran, A…

1
Breaking the Annual Review Cycle: Are Quarterly Conversations Missing From Your Leadership Toolbox with BJ Kraemer 14:10

8M ago14:10

14:10

Committing to candid quarterly conversations is one of the most powerful organizational levers you can tap into. These discussions are beneficial to everyone, driving growth for both individuals and the organization. As we head into the fourth quarter of the year, BJ Kraemer shares his thoughts on why annual feedback isn’t enough. Why formalizing a…

1
IPD Done Right: Overcoming Challenges in Integrated Project Delivery with Jim Brill 26:30

8M ago26:30

26:30

What makes or breaks a multi-million-dollar capital project? In today’s episode, we sat down with Jim Brill, Managing Director of the Construction and Real Estate Practice at EY to uncover what it takes to be successful in large-scale investment projects. With over 30 years of experience, Jim has advised a variety of stakeholders on capital project…

1
If Not Me, Then Who: The Legacy of Travis Manion with Ryan Manion 34:56

8M ago34:56

34:56

"If not me, then who?” First Lt. Travis Manion, USMC, made this simple yet powerful statement before his final deployment, reflecting the profound sense of duty experienced by service members and their families. Today on the podcast, BJ is joined by Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), one of the nation’s leading veteran service …

1
Coaching for Success: Translating Fundamentals into Team Performance with BJ Kraemer 22:44

8M ago22:44

22:44

Have you ever tried leading or managing someone but struggled with communication? Effective communication is the backbone of every successful training program. In this solo episode of Inspiring People & Places, BJ dives into how the correct communication techniques can elevate your training methods. He unpacks the concept of training in the context…

1
Toughness as a Mindset: Why You Need to Continuously Develop It with Brian Stann 41:32

9M ago41:32

41:32

At its core, leadership is about inspiring and influencing behavior to help people to achieve a common goal. But how are great leaders shaped? Join us for a compelling conversation with Brian Stann, a former mixed martial artist and U.S. Marine who competed in the UFC’s middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. In this discussion, we explore wh…

1
Crafting a Culture of Growth: The Future of Work in Construction with Jed Richard 49:31

9M ago49:31

49:31

Veterans have the potential to be exceptional business leaders if they can prioritize and balance their values, wellness, and financial goals. Joining us today is the founder of Richard Group LLC, Jed Richard to discuss his incredible career and the difference he is making within his company. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Jed’s upbringing, how h…

1
Scaling with Purpose: Leadership Lessons from 7 to 300 Employees with Matt Dean 37:37

9M ago37:37

37:37

Anyone can build an average business, but who wants to be average when you can be excellent? Today on Inspiring People & Places, we are joined by the founder and managing partner of Scare the Bear Capital, Matthew Dean. In this conversation, we hear all about Matt’s background, what led him to his current leadership role, and where he is in his car…

1
Real Life Success Stories with Public Private Partnerships with John Grady 41:28

9M ago41:28

41:28

In any partnership, trust is a key player; both the trust you find in your partner and the trust you knowingly have in yourself. Joining BJ on this episode of Inspiring People & Places is John Grady, who serves as the Northeast Region Executive and Senior Vice President of Development at Wexford Science & Technology in Philadelphia. As a seasoned e…

1
Entrepreneurial Spirit in the AEC Industry: Arpan Patel’s Insights 37:35

10M ago37:35

37:35

We are inspired by the leadership, passion, and mission-focus that veterans bring to the built environment. However, figuring out what your next steps are after serving can be challenging. During this episode, we welcome Arpan Patel, Director of Operations at the US Air Force Reserve. He shares his story, from growing up with immigrant parents, to …

1
How Professional Societies Boost Your Career Path with Betty Shanahan 35:59

10M ago35:59

35:59

Being able to inspire change is key to being a good leader. But more importantly, a leader needs to have the humility to reflect on when their capacity for driving that change has expired. Joining us today is the former CEO of the Society of Women Engineers and former AVP of admin and operations at DePaul University, Betty Shanahan to discuss her r…

1
Is Your Communication Style Creating Leadership Success with Joe Reagan 30:43

10M ago30:43

30:43

The built environment offers vast potential to impact those who live, work, and thrive in these spaces. Today’s guest on Inspiring People & Places is Joe Reagan, the Executive Vice President of Development at Wexford Science and Technology. Join us as we explore the diverse aspects of his career journey, including how his understanding of deal-maki…

1
Understanding the Importance of Infrastructure with Jill Tietjen 49:46

10M ago49:46

49:46

“When we value women, then we begin to value everyone.” These are the wise words of today’s guest; women’s advocate, international speaker, and author, Jill Tietjen. In this conversation, you’ll hear about Jill’s early life and interest in math, her passion for encouraging women to pursue STEM careers, her incredible career, and so much more! We de…

1
Leadership Lessons from the Next Generation: A Unique Take Your Kid to Work Podcast with BJ Kraemer 11:29

11M ago11:29

11:29

We're going to do things a little differently and speak to the younger generation: Avery Kraemer, Trey Kraemer, and Daniel Wits - BJ's daughter, son, and nephew. Avery, Trey, and Daniel all describe what their parents do for work before giving us their own definitions of leadership and what it means to be a good leader. We discover what they like a…

1
What Great Leaders Know When It Comes To Managing Risk with BJ Kraemer 25:19

11M ago25:19

25:19

Great leaders are constantly making balanced decisions based on risks and rewards. Today on Inspiring People & Places, we discuss how leadership affects project outcomes. In this solo episode, you’ll hear all about how the late Irv Richter and Hill International inspired BJ to think about what leaders do to drive successful project outcomes. We dis…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Mcfa Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen