Beyond Technical Skills: Why Engineers Need Leadership Training with Ron Bennett

Ronald J. Bennett has an impressive track record of achievements, including serving as the Founding Dean and Professor Emeritus at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He began his career in the industry, spending over 20 years in executive roles at BMC Industries, CPI (now Boston Scientific), Teltech, and several entrepreneurial organizations. 

Beyond his industry experience, Ron is also a dedicated educator and author, specializing in materials engineering, innovation, strategy, technology transfer, leadership, and engineering education. 

 

Join the conversation as BJ and Ron dive into his inspiring story and remarkable career journey, what inspired his pursuit of an MBA, and what led to the founding of the School of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas. He unpacks his hope and inspiration for writing the book Leadership for Engineers: The Magic of Mindset (Basic Engineering Series and Tools), and shares his answers to our rapid-fire questions. 

 

To hear more from Ron Bennett, be sure to tune in now!

 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   We are led through Ron Bennett’s story: who he is, what he’s done, and his career journey.

•   Why he started the School of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas. 

•   His hope for Leadership for Engineers and the inspiration to take his curriculum and turn it into a book. 

•   What Ron is working on currently: The innovator's dilemma issue. 

 

Quotes:

“Part of this whole thing of leadership is use all the talent around you and recognize it [and] nurture it and help it grow.” — Ron Bennett

 

“You’re going to be better at what you do if you’re working on something that you’re interested in.” — Ron Bennett

 

“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” — Ron Bennett

 

“The thing that I would most like is if someone talked about it that I inspired ordinary people to do extraordinary things for the common good, and for their own good for that matter.” — Ron Bennett

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ron Bennett on LinkedIn

Leadership for Engineers: The Magic of Mindset (Basic Engineering Series and Tools)

The Engineer's Guide to Authentic Leadership

‘EMPOWERMENT: How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs’

Leadership for Engineers

Bill George on LinkedIn

Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

'14 Grand Challenges for Engineers'

The Obligation of the Engineer

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.