All leaders are readers. That’s why we’re kicking off a three-part series on the books and stories that have influenced our leadership philosophy.

Whether you’re a reader or an audiobook listener, this series is packed with recommendations that contain essential wisdom you can apply to your life. To kick off our series, BJ shares his thoughts on why you should read, what you should read, and the books that have shaped his life. Tune in to learn why self-study is such a key part of personal development, how to begin with the end in mind, and how to take control of each day, starting with your morning routine.

Our conversation covers plenty of books and principles you can take from them that will revolutionize your day-to-day. In closing, BJ provides you with three action steps you can take today. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The importance of reading and stories in building a leadership philosophy.

• How Pat Croce’s work impacted BJ’s life.

• Why self-study is so important.

• How reading helped BJ to move beyond reactivity and build momentum.

• Taking reading from consumption to impact.

• Why you should initiate an uncomfortable conversation today.

Quotes:

“The ideal here is to consume wisdom and then be able to synthesize and apply it to your life. I think that’s why we read. It gives you a lot of perspective.” — BJ Kraemer

“Self-study is a very critical part of personal development.” — BJ Kraemer

“Both the morning routine at home and the morning routine at work are critical building blocks of your day.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Obstacle Is The Way
Father Mike Schmitz on Instagram
The Miracle Morning
James Clear
Napoleon Hill on Amazon

Dale Carnegie on Amazon
Tim Ferris
Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead
Paradigm Shifting Books
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Pat Croce on Amazon
Slaying the Dragon

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What does it take to lead with authenticity, build a thriving business, and grow stronger through adversity, both professionally and personally?

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kramer sits down with powerhouse duo Jim Carter of CBRE/Turner Townsend and Barbara Balongue, founder of Balongue Design, to explore the art of leadership through the lens of real-life experience, grit, and long-term vision. From Barbara’s leap into entrepreneurship during a recession to Jim’s three-decade blueprint for career growth focused on technical mastery, networking, and strategic leadership, this conversation offers a masterclass in leading with purpose.

Along the way, they share insights on the importance of vulnerability, the power of intergenerational collaboration, and why running toward problems, not away from them, is the mark of a true leader. For a fresh perspective on resilience, relationship-building, and what it means to lead a life (and business) with integrity and intention, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A three-phase career strategy: competence, network, strategy.
• Overcoming adversity to build true leadership strength.
• Reasons to run toward the fire, not away from it.
• The importance of listening and learning across generations.
• Embracing risk, leading with vision, and other traits of successful leaders.
• The likability factor: why charisma is a secret weapon in leadership.

Quotes:

“Looking back, all of the economic downturns that I've lived through since the start, all the difficult clients, all the challenges, all the project setbacks, those are the things that really informed me and taught me how to be a leader.” — Barbara Balongue

“If you see a big fire, run into it. Don't run away from it. I use that language almost on a weekly basis with my team. If you see a problem, which we equate to a big fire, run right into it and put it out.” — Barbara Balongue

“Being vulnerable, and humble, and showing empathy is core to having a relationship, both in business and in [your personal life].” — Jim Carter

“I don't see a separation between personal and professional. You have to be an authentic person. People are attracted to what they see, not what they hear.” — Barbara Balongue

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jim Carter on LinkedIn

Turner & Townsend

CBRE

Barbara Balongue on LinkedIn

Balongue Design

The Likability Factor: How to Boost Your L-Factor and Achieve Your Life's Dreams

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

In this inspiring episode, we are joined by the one and only Allen Kopelson, visionary architect and founding principal behind NK Architects. With decades of experience and a legacy of leadership, Allen shares his remarkable journey through the world of business.

We explore why he made the decision to step down as a partner while continuing to contribute to the firm he helped build, the crucial role his support system plays in his personal growth and professional success, how he chose his successors, and so much more! He even talks about his impressive hobbies and passions outside of work and how they have helped him stay grounded in the chaos of running a business.

Allen answers our rapid-fire questions before leaving us with wonderful words of wisdom about what it means to live a full life.

Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What made Allen step away from the firm as a partner even though he’s still working there.
• The support system that guided him and how that contributed to his success.
• How he selected his successors and a few of his greatest success stories.
• Allen tells us about how his hobbies helped him find peace in the chaos of business.
• Allen leaves us with his closing thoughts about having a full life.

Quotes:

“I knew what my limits were and what I was capable of, and I knew the kind of people I had around me, and I knew what their capabilities were.” — Allen Kopelson

“Forget about the money! Do what makes you happy – it’s the most important part and everything else will follow.” — Allen Kopelson

“I feel bad for people who just go to work and can’t wait to leave. I’m the other way around – I love working and I love all the other things I do.” — Allen Kopelson

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Allen Kopelson on LinkedIn

NK Architects

A Confederacy of Dunces

How to Read a Book

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn