Leadership Blueprints

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 shares how Veteran Made embodies this, highlighting key skills that veterans can bring to the working world. We touch on managing your own expectations, the ideas that underpin Carey’s leadership decisions, and reveal more about his rich background and love of the classics, as well as his life philosophy and the kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind.    Thanks for listening!    Key Points From This Episode: •   The transferrable skills that veterans usually have.  •   Developing the skill of managing your own expectations.  •   The number one leadership lesson that Carey has taken into his new career.    Quotes: “Resilience is very much a lifeskill. That’s something you have to develop emotionally and intellectually for yourself.” — Carey Kight   “Don’t just stay connected to the military community and the veteran community, but integrate the other community that you are trying to get into.” — Carey Kight   “We’re not the products of our environments only. We are the product of the choices that we make in each environment that we are in.” — Carey Kight   “I’m very lucky that my vocation is an avocation for a lot of other people. That, to me, feels like a privilege and a blessing, and it’s something I get to do.” — Carey Kight   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Carey Kight [https://www.careykight.com/] Carey Kight on X [https://x.com/veteranmade_ck] Carey Kight on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck] Carey Kight on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/careykight/] Veteran Made [https://www.veteranmadeproductions.com/] Veteran Made Podcast [https://www.veteranmadeproductions.com/episodes] Lord of the Rings [https://www.amazon.com/J-R-R-Tolkien-4-Book-Boxed-Set/dp/0345538374/] Chronicles of Narnia [https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Chronicles-Narnia-Boxed-Books/dp/0583331378] Harry Potter [https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Childrens-Collection-Rowling/dp/1408856778/] To Kill a Mockingbird [https://www.amazon.com/Kill-Mockingbird-Harper-Lee/dp/0446310786] Farenheit 451 [https://www.amazon.com/Fahrenheit-451-Ray-Bradbury/dp/1451673310] Stephen Pressfield [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Steven-Pressfield/author/B000AQ8R8Q] A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War [https://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-Wardrobe-Great-War-Rediscovered/dp/0718091450] Leadership Blueprints Podcast [https://mcfaglobal.com/podcast/] MCFA [https://mcfaglobal.com/] MCFA Careers [https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/] BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-kraemer-9a0855b/]

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, how he transitioned into a leadership position, and so much more!    We delve into what it means to produce ‘client-worthy’ work before discussing how BQE expanded into A&E. You’ll even hear Matt’s thoughts on the A&E industry and what exciting projects his research and development team is working on.    Finally, Matt answers our rapid-fire questions and shares some nuggets of wisdom about taking a leap of faith. Thanks for listening!    Key Points From This Episode •   Matt shares his approach to taking on a leadership role at BQE •   Matt explains what it means to produce ‘client-worthy work’ •   How BQE expanded into the A&E space •   What he’s seeing in the A&E industry as the company continues to grow   Quotes: “When you’re working with investors, it’s important to show output with some expediency.” — Matt Cooper    “My perspective doesn’t matter, what really matters for us is the perspective of our customers.” — Matt Cooper    “I’m a firm believer that for companies of our size and scale, focus is really what matters.” — Matt Cooper   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Matt Cooper on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-04b3aa4/] Matt Cooper Email Address [http://matt.cooper@bqe.com] BQE Software [https://www.bqe.com/] BQE Software on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bqe-software/] East of Eden [https://www.amazon.co.za/East-Eden-John-Steinbeck/dp/0140186395] Leadership Blueprints Podcast [https://mcfaglobal.com/podcast/] MCFA [https://mcfaglobal.com/] MCFA Careers [https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/] BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-kraemer-9a0855b/]

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 to make an impact, and how building character shapes everything you do. We also unpack the recent drop-off rate in the real estate world and explore how a strong sense of purpose can fuel perseverance.  As we reflect on the growth that comes with each new season, we invite you to consider your own journey. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or you've been with us since the start, this episode will inspire you to move from reflection to action.  Thanks for being part of the journey! Key Points From This Episode: •   Taking action beyond thinking and reflection.  •   The critical role of trust and what happens in a crisis without it. •   Why curiosity is a leadership superpower. •   The little things that build your character.  •   Understanding the role of purpose.  •   Taking advantage of the opportunity for growth that each new season brings.   Quotes: “Start before you feel ready.” — BJ Kraemer   “Repetition builds your repetition.” — BJ Kraemer   “You can’t lead well if you don’t listen first.” — BJ Kraemer   “People will listen to what you say but they’re going to watch what you do.” — BJ Kraemer   “The best seasons are the ones where you’re growing.” — BJ Kraemer   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Leadership Blueprints Podcast [https://mcfaglobal.com/podcast/] MCFA [https://mcfaglobal.com/] MCFA Careers [https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/] BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-kraemer-9a0855b/]

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 Construction Consulting. She is known for fast-tracking construction managers into high-impact leaders through keynote speaking, leadership training, and strategy consulting.   In our conversation, we delve into scaling businesses, developing talent, and shifting from project-focused execution to company-focused impact. We unpack her lessons in leadership, the foundational importance of field experience, and how to transition from managing projects to leading people and fostering new ideas. Coty also discusses how to drive work in place, the mindset shifts required to move from a “Pistol Pete” problem-solver to a leader, the benefits of delegating risk, and why reducing fear is your secret weapon.    Join us for career-building advice, valuable industry insights, and more with Coty Fournier. Tune in now!   Key Points From This Episode: •   Her early career journey from Michigan State University to Turner Construction Company. •   Why company and personal growth go hand in hand in the construction industry. •   Find out why field experience is essential for career advancement in construction. •   Discover how to bridge the gap between the office and the field in construction. •   How to transition from managing projects to managing people and fostering new ideas.   Quotes: “That is one of the reasons companies need to grow, not just for growth's sake but for the leadership development and professional development opportunities it gives to all your top players.” — Coty Fournier   “There is basically no such thing as having too much actual field experience as you attempt to rise [through] the ranks of any construction company.” — Coty Fournier   “People and ideas are not projects.” — Coty Fournier   “The higher you get up in a construction company, the more you need to lead versus manage.” — Coty Fournier   “Teach people to realize that your job [as a contractor] is to make the owner less afraid.” — Coty Fournier   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Coty Fournier on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotyfournier/] Well Built Construction Consulting [https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com] Michigan State University [https://msu.edu] Turner Construction Company [https://www.turnerconstruction.com] Miller Construction Company [https://millerconstruction.com] Chad Prinkey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-prinkey/] Well Built [https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-book] Inside Commercial Construction's MVPs [https://www.amazon.com/Inside-Commercial-Constructions-MVPs-seemingly/dp/0990858405/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6DFGREMZAUCK&keywords=inside+commercial+construction+mvps&qid=1681311531&s=books&sprefix=inside+comm,stripbooks,114&sr=1-1] The Human Side of Construction [https://www.amazon.com/Human-Side-Construction-Sustainable-Professional/dp/1394266200/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3O9UV5WVIA5K5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0ln_khwj7ZvuUSru8Mxo-YruMYXkRhsOo_DTCzg5gnSwv1QzZn26E4lEBh6lUS-5lCLZeut-gGWYSyMqYAXJHGL2MholDjGIkpxchHFA4j2OGt35HOppb845RIWMf5-S1P6DLhxRtiWc5xIHjnJ7iY9ZF0cPsHS5_NsoofdCjG1nwlmHg9xo3NpRSnhrjnW-7JcBJysrvr4LnvCdOYn4KcMmWSdgR_2bvxKRZcoFy_0.Pyz9jjKyWx3O1WjPjeWSt9BMrhQui6SiFqY_oHs_sk8&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+human+side+of+construction&qid=1744816481&s=books&sprefix=the+human+side+of+construction,stripbooks-intl-ship,297&sr=1-1] Kyle Nitchen [https://www.kylenitchen.com] No Bullsh*t Project [https://www.amazon.com/No-Bullsh-Project-Successful-Leadership/dp/B0DJ7NF4WM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V5L9VGD0HZDK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xkgI1VvvFfMzTpo-oscqZAB0YnDbzn1wZsnC1y9vpqs.q580sZXpqmL-Kkg0OEmWU_cyvh_ZIPKf8iPNlc9tWXQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=No+Bullsht+Project:+A+Project+Manager%E2%80%99s+Guide+to+Successful+Project+Leadership&qid=1744816036&s=books&sprefix=no+bullsht+project+a+project+manager+s+guide+to+successful+project+leadership,stripbooks-intl-ship,523&sr=1-1] Sapiens [https://www.amazon.com/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari/dp/0062316117/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GlrQlJmPmLZ1_NoAKt8L39Q0OX5pLZ5TzQnUYYxiheSHv9-8qQnTaYOzDc12fAtJAYg9i0eLVeecW3b5saSIDs_Os2RU7dC2Wn5QsqUIZZVyjOV_4G_YFB1Am2jtU6OJfHpRQqh0GcL_zcd60CNwikh1stClWu79ISPCilNKgykF9-Ar3SYmVJFiqpcEHbd-hMZT6uidVicW32FwW1dOhw2yNQfvDbrbRxzaXJeMtsA.pmChJt9CQKhaVaqQze7B1O42pD1gFe3osKi2Nh_tuIU&qid=1744817077&sr=1-1] Maya Angelou [https://www.mayaangelou.com] Leadership Blueprints Podcast [https://mcfaglobal.com/podcast/] MCFA [https://mcfaglobal.com/] MCFA Careers [https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/] BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-kraemer-9a0855b/]

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 former service members.    We begin with John’s background as he explains who he is, and what he does before learning about CYTO (previously The Hub), and what the organization hopes to achieve. Then, we compare remote work to in-office obligations, the ins and outs of the 98 Octane veteran program, how to avoid falling victim to consumer marketing, and how to connect with John and his work.    To end, our guest details the leadership lessons that have stuck with him in his career, the books he’d recommend in a heartbeat, why he’d love to have dinner with Mother Theresa, and his final words of encouragement for starting a group of healthy-living individuals.   Key Points From This Episode: •   John New describes who he is, what he does, and how he got into the work he does today. •   Understanding what happened to The Hub and why it downsized and rebranded to CYTO. •   The ins and outs of WorkMerk.  •   Unpacking the 98 Octane movement that helps veterans and first responders live healthier lives.  •   How to get involved with 98 Octane and John’s mission.  •   John’s advice for building a cohort centered on healthier living.   Quotes: “At times, [I have] an abnormally high appetite for risk.” — John New    “My life’s calling is a movement to help a million fellow veterans and first responders live healthier lives.” — John New   “You need to be committed. If you’re not committed, just don’t start.” — John New    “Kill all fears, man. Fear is a tool of the devil. Fear of loss of love; life; health; money – kill them [or else] they’ll paralyze you.” — John New    Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: John New on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-new-8104431/]  WorkMerk [https://www.workmerk.com/]  98 Octane [https://www.98octane.com/]  CYTO | PHL [https://www.cytophl.com/] Josh McCallen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshmccallen/]  Alex Archawski on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexarchawski/]  Veteran Shark Tank [https://veteransharktank.com/]  Master of One [https://www.amazon.co.za/Master-One-Jaida-Jones/dp/0062941445] Napoleon Hill - Mastermind Principle [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMzu0ZzyIFo]  Dr. Peter Attia [https://peterattiamd.com/] Dr. Andrew Huberman [https://www.hubermanlab.com/]  The Checklist Manifesto [https://atulgawande.com/book/the-checklist-manifesto/] Mere Humanity [https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Humanity-Chesterton-Tolkien-Condition/dp/0805440186] Be the Sun, Not the Salt [https://bethesunnotthesalt.com/book/] Grow Rich! With Peace of Mind [https://www.amazon.com/GROW-RICH-PEACE-MIND-Enrich/dp/B0016BWG2C] Dr. Kenneth Hartman [https://www.kenhartman.com/] Leadership Blueprints Podcast [https://mcfaglobal.com/podcast/] MCFA [https://mcfaglobal.com/] MCFA Careers [https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/] BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-kraemer-9a0855b/]