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 discuss the art of project management before breaking down the Army’s Composite Risk Management process and its principles. Finally, BJ explains why he believes a great leader synthesizes a risk/reward matrix in their head in order to drive project success.
You don’t want to miss this one so be sure to tune in now!
Key Points From This Episode:
• The importance of risk management and what leadership has to do with it.
• Why BJ believes that there is an art and a science to risk management.
• What risk management has to do with leadership: everything!
• Why you should avoid unnecessary risk and accept it when the benefits outweigh the costs.
• The incredible risk/reward matrix leaders balance in their heads.
Quotes:
“Risk management is a leader’s job.” — BJ Kraemer
“The art of decision making is knowing when you can accept some risk in order to maintain project momentum or project success.” — BJ Kraemer
“Great leaders have a continuous risk/reward matrix going on in their head and they know when to slow things down, they know when to call [a] halt, and they also know when to speed up even though there may be some risk associated with whatever the outcome is.” — BJ Kraemer
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
What is Leadership Blueprints?
Leadership Blueprints is a podcast dedicated to helping leaders align teams, navigate chaos, and accomplish the mission. Hosted by BJ Kraemer—West Point graduate, combat veteran, and President & CEO of MCFA—this show dives into the principles, stories, and strategies behind effective leadership.
With a background in military service and experience leading teams in business, infrastructure, and complex projects, BJ understands that success comes down to execution, adaptability, and leading people well. Through in-depth interviews with accomplished leaders across business, sports, the military, and beyond, Leadership Blueprints will help you bring your vision to reality on projects that shape communities and industries.
Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, on the field, in the military, or within your own organization, this podcast is designed to provide the tools and mindset needed to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Subscribe now and start building your Leadership Blueprint.