Leadership is a never-ending journey with infinite checkpoints for growth and self-discovery. Today, we are joined by Greg Kelly, the CEO of STV, a national, infrastructure-focused professional services firm that exists to make communities better through innovative solutions that connect people, places, and the present to the future.

Greg begins by meticulously detailing his professional journey and how he found his feet in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) before explaining why learning never stops for anyone, specifically as a leader. We learn about his role as STV CEO, the work the company is currently engaged in, the best practices for leading with trust, and the leadership characteristics that are non-negotiable for effective leadership. This episode also unpacks plans for STV’s future, how it solves common and pressing industry pain points, how crisis begets great leaders, and the books that have influenced Greg Kelly’s leadership style.

To end, our guest shares the quotes that have carried him through difficult times, and he offers noteworthy advice for anyone with similar career aspirations.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why learning never ends as a leader.
• How to spend time with your team while also giving them enough space to operate.
• The importance of self-discovery and humility in leadership.
• How to identify leadership characteristics in others.
• Why disasters (like COVID) are also great opportunities for breeding leaders.

Quotes:

“What I learned at that point in my career, BJ, was the cultural appreciation that goes with working globally and knowing that there’s different cultural norms, and you have to be very respectful of that.” — Greg Kelly

“Let’s meet the moment and solve the problem, not hold it to some standard. So, the leadership piece, there’s no playbook. It’s about self-discovery and humility.” — Greg Kelly

“I’m a big fan of betting on people. We grew up betting on ourselves, so let’s bet on others.” — Greg Kelly

“Create your own comfort crisis – your greatest learning comes in the greatest periods of discomfort.” — Greg Kelly

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Greg Kelly on LinkedIn

STV

ASCE Opal Awards Gala

Daily Stoic
Trust Matters More Than Ever

The Comfort Crisis

The End of the World Is Just the Beginning

Strength in Stillness

Life After Power
ACECNY

National Academy of Construction

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

The lessons learned on the sports field teach us so much about leadership on the battlefield and in life.

This episode marks the launch of a special segment highlighting the power of youth sports in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Joining us on this episode is Head Men’s Swimming and Diving Coach at Princeton University, Matt Crispino, a key player in shaping leadership and character development through sports at the Military Academy.

Matt shares success tactics, core team values, and why he believes that there truly is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. We also explore how college sports may change, what this means for coaches and the Ivy League, and what it looks like to develop a culture of growth within your team. Finally, we discuss what it truly means to be a coach, why it is so challenging, and why it is so rewarding.

Don’t miss this episode with an inspiring coach and leader!

Key Points from This Episode:

• The power of youth sports in shaping leaders in the military.

• Developing the character of your team while training to win.

• Tactics for team and individual success.

• Principles that have led his leadership over the past year.

• The mental health epidemic is prevalent in athletes.

Quotes:

“If I am surrounded by the right people, I am displaying and modelling and promoting the right values, there’s going to be a lot of fast swimming in that pool.” - Matt Crispino

“I think the team has to always trump the individual.” - Matt Crispino

“I just think everyone’s got more in them than they ever truly believe.” - Matt Crispino

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Matt Crispino on LinkedIn

Matt Crispino on Instagram

Matt Crispino on X

Men’s Swimming and Diving

The Friendly Strife Foundation
Concussion
Trust and Inspire

Daniel Coyle

Malcolm Gladwell

The Boys in the Boat

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What happens when engineering leaders prioritize people over profit and community over convenience?

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we’re joined by Phil Wursta, a seasoned strategist with over 40 years of experience in municipal agency and private sector engineering. He’s also the founding partner of WK2 Consulting, a woman-owned civil engineering and public management firm serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

From his early days as an archaeology-obsessed teen to his leadership role building resilient infrastructure and compassionate teams, Phil shares how clear communication, community engagement, and employee-first values have guided his career and company culture. You’ll learn how to balance technical expertise with emotional intelligence, simplify infrastructure funding for stakeholders, and lead with authenticity by caring for your people.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with practical insights for building a business and a team that truly makes a difference!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What goes into launching a people-first engineering firm and scaling fast.

• Strategies for overcoming early-stage startup challenges.

• People-first leadership through community-focused problem solving.

• How engineers can build trust in politically sensitive environments.

• How to align diverse political stakeholders around shared goals.

• Building a team culture rooted in care, values, and purpose.

Quotes:

“[WK2 is] employee-oriented. We want to take care of our people. We're not in it to make a ton of money. We're just in it to do the right thing, serve clients, and feel good about ourselves with the projects that we do.” — Phil Wursta

“We try to say, ‘How can we get it done?’ Rather than why we can't get it done.” — Phil Wursta

“Involving your people and [caring for them] sets the stage for success because, at the end of the day, you're doing this for the people, whether they're the people of the country [or the] people of your company.” — Phil Wursta

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Phil Wursta on LinkedIn

WK2 Consulting

‘Inside the C-Suite: The CFO’s Role in Capital Program Investment and Decision-Making with Gail Kosyla’

The Rifle

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn