Leaders are Levers with BJ Kraemer

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 those they are leading. He expands on this concept by sharing his insights on what the army taught him about leadership, like how to balance mission execution with taking care of the people who accomplish that mission. To end, BJ encourages listeners to reflect on their leadership style and commit to leadership in 2025. 

 

Don’t miss out on this impactful conversation on how to become the lever your team needs!

 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Unpacking the concept of leadership as leverage and how leaders act as levers.

•   The two objectives of leadership: accomplishing the mission and serving your team.

•   Why leadership is not about you, but the people relying on you.

•   How great leaders ensure their team understands the why behind their mission.

•   Navigating the tension between taking care of your team and accomplishing the mission.

 

Quotes:

“The leadership platform is one to be taken seriously, and requires constant self-reflection, self-development, testing, reevaluating, reapplying, and this whole process of continuous improvement.” — BJ Kraemer

 

“Leadership is about understanding and executing the mission that you've been empowered to lead, and taking care of the people and empowering them to help you accomplish that mission.” — BJ Kraemer

 

“Leadership's not about me. I'm not here to become a better me for me; I'm here to become a better me for everybody that's going to be relying on me.” — BJ Kraemer 

 

“Reflect on your leadership of 2024: Did you lean more toward focusing on your team or focusing on the mission?” — 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.