What does it mean to create a safe space to fail?

During this episode, we are going outside of the built environment to speak to a different kind of inspiring leader in his field. Paul Donovan is the CEO and Head Coach of Jersey Wahoos, a USA swimming club program located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He is a champion of self-compassion and kindness. In this conversation, Paul shares how to balance compassion with accountability, navigate parental pressure, and prevent burnout in youth sports. He reflects on quiet leadership, the real mission behind his coaching that goes far beyond the swimming pool, and why leading by example and giving generously of one’s time is essential as a youth sports coach.

There are so many principles for life that can be learned through sports, and today’s episode is a deep dive into how, with the right coach and leadership, participating in them can really be a last bastion of discipline in challenging environments. Thanks for listening.

Key Points From This Episode:

• What it looks like to balance compassion and accountability while leading young people.

• Causes of burnout in youth sports.

• Building awareness of the organization while remaining focused on celebrating internal successes.

• Leading by example in coaching and youth sports.

• How youth sports can be the final bastion of discipline in challenging environments.

Quotes:

“I think burnout is an emotional state of mind, not a physical state of mind.” — Paul Donovan

“I believe in quiet leadership. You know the old saying parents had about kids is that they should be seen but not heard? I think leaders should be heard but not seen.” — Paul Donovan

“Our actual goal for the kids isn’t for them to win a medal at the world championships. Our actual goal with them all is to open up doors that are otherwise unattainable.” — Paul Donovan

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Paul Donovan on LinkedIn

Paul Donovan on Instagram

Jersey Wahoos Swim Club

The Power of Habit

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Steve Magness

The Sport Parent on X

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Consider your funeral – what is being said in your eulogy, and what do they thank you for? Are they praising your achievements and accomplishments or memorializing your character and the relationships you nourished?

In this solo episode, BJ challenges listeners to define the leader you are trying to become, not just at work, but at home, too! You’ll hear all about the inspirational books (and soldier) that inspired this episode, the danger of being too focused on achievement, the importance of building character, and so much more! BJ even dives into the power of approaching the world from a place of joy.

To hear all this and be inspired to challenge the way you’re forming your character, be sure to tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The danger of getting too focused on achievement.
• Why character is far more important than strategy.
• The importance of being a good leader at work and at home.
• Why achievement is really about learning and becoming.
• Bringing a posture of joy to how you approach the world.

Quotes:

“It’s easy to get focused on achievement.” — BJ Kraemer

“When I talk about joy, sustainability, and – leadership effectiveness, none of them start with strategy; they all start with character.” — BJ Kraemer

“Your character is what lasts.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Unshakeable

Black Hawk Down

Steve Young Interview with Tim Ferriss

Gary Gordon

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What if the true measure of leadership is not what happens on your watch, but what happens long after you are gone?

In this episode, we speak with John Teichert, an expert in leadership, about unlocking your team's potential and achieving organizational excellence. John is a retired U.S. Air Force general, combat and test pilot, and senior defense leader with thousands of flight hours across a wide range of aircraft. He is now the founder and president of Capital Leadership LLC, where he focuses on developing innovative, integrity-driven leaders across government and industry.

In our conversation, we explore why leaders should prioritize people and the mission, why investing in people ensures long-term success, and why intentional use of time and resources is essential for organizations. John explains how leaders can demonstrate care and empathy while helping people connect to a greater purpose, and he unpacks the importance of inspiration in leadership. He also breaks down the qualities that make for an effective leader, the ways to foster connections with your team, why continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for leaders, and much more.

Tune in to learn about the significance of intentional leadership and living up to the responsibility of being a leader that people deserve with John Teichert!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Learn why leadership is about leverage and multiplying impact through other people.
• How organizations show their priorities through how they spend their time and money.
• Explore why investing in people is vital for the long-term success of an organization.
• Why leadership is not only about inspiring but also about handling tough situations.
• Discover the steps for implementing corrective action with empathy and compassion.

Quotes:

“If [leaders] are not intentional about investing our time and our money in developing people to become the best possible version of themselves, then we are fooling ourselves.” — John Teichert

“People need to be loved or cared for, and people want to be part of something greater than themselves.” — John Teichert

“The equipping, challenging, and convicting; those are all some of the bread and butter that [leaders] should be doing every day.” — John Teichert

“We’re all lifelong learners of leadership. No one has arrived.” — John Teichert

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

John Teichert

John Teichert on LinkedIn

John Teichert on YouTube

Boom!

Prayers for a Nation

The Dragon Who Earned His Wings

InSideOut Coaching

The Infinite Game

Greater Than Yourself

Lincoln on Leadership

American Generalship

The Maxwell Leadership Bible

George Washington’s General Orders

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

Leadership Blueprints Podcast on YouTube

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn