While military strategy often looks to the past, the future demands adaptability and innovation.
At West Point, the Cyber Engineering & Academic Center (CEAC) is designed to prepare cadets for the technological and military challenges of tomorrow. In this episode, Dr. Led Klosky, Professor of Civil Engineering and the Dean’s Executive Agent for Design and Construction, takes us behind the scenes of the $200 million CEAC project.
He reveals how its design balances tradition with modern needs, creating flexible, future-proof spaces that are ready for anything (even the potential for giant fighting robots! Dr. Klosky also reflects on fostering collaboration among stakeholders, managing friction with empathy, and the importance of mental resilience in high-pressure environments like construction and the military.
Tune in to uncover leadership lessons that apply to any field and discover how adaptability, vision, and clear communication can drive success in even the most complex projects.
Key Points From This Episode:
• Dr. Klosky’s journey from Virginia Tech to West Point via the oil fields and academia.
• His evolving role as the Dean’s Executive Agent for Design and Construction at West Point.
• Why collaboration and flexibility are essential for building a dynamic, future-ready US Army.
• Reasons that communication is key for resolving issues and keeping stakeholders aligned.
• Addressing mental health and resilience in military, academic, and construction settings.
• Unpacking some of the parallels between Army and construction industry cultures.
Quotes:
“We teach leadership [at West Point]. We grow leaders. It’s possible to make an excursion from where you are to where you want to be – as a leader or a human being. It’s not innate or somehow written in the stars at the time of your birth.” — Dr. Led Klosky
“Communication often suffers in times of crisis when, in fact, communication should go up. You should have more communication the bigger the crisis.” — Dr. Led Klosky
“Luck is a combination of preparation, recognition, and action.” — Dr. Led Klosky
“How do we involve [all stakeholders] in a way that acknowledges the expertise they bring, harvests their great ideas, and moves to resolution quickly when there's a conflict? That was largely my role [to facilitate] during [the CEAC design process].” — Dr. Led Klosky
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
What is Leadership Blueprints?
Leadership Blueprints is the podcast where leaders in the built environment learn to disrupt the status quo, improve their project teams, and steward public and private investments more effectively. Your host is BJ Kraemer. As the President and CEO of MCFA, BJ has navigated the complexities of the architecture, engineering, construction, and development industry. With a blend of interviews with national industry leaders and solo episodes filled with stories, tips, and lessons, Leadership Blueprints is your weekly source of inspiration and practical advice. By tuning in, you will learn how to challenge conventional processes, enhance team performance, and manage projects more effectively, paving the way for innovation and success in the built environment. Join BJ each week for a deep dive into the strategies and mindsets that drive real change and lead to real results.