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

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 to explain that the more we can understand how to communicate expected investment against expected outcomes, the better everyone will get at deploying innovation and research and development investment. We even talk about the importance of balancing creativity and innovation with the discipline needed to know what will work and what won’t. 

 

Finally, BJ discusses what empowers the entrepreneurial spirit and why it always needs a level of discipline. 

 

Thanks for listening! 

 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   The biggest win BJ has ever had in the construction industry. 

•   The danger of ‘shiny object syndrome’ and the importance of discipline. 

•   Why you have to balance your investment with the expected outcome. 

•   BJ shares his opinion of how to learn ‘the language of business’. 

•   Balancing new ideas and discipline in business. 

•   How Walt Disney managed creativity and empowered entrepreneurial spirit. 

 

Quotes:

“You can’t just always be taking chances. In business, you have to have some level of predictability and process for controlling the level of investment that goes into [research and development].” — BJ Kraemer

 

“When you say ‘yes’ to something, you are probably saying ‘no’ to a bunch of other things.” — BJ Kraemer

 

“I think that anybody who is not innovating will die.” — BJ Kraemer

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

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.