MCFA podcast
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.
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:
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’
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’