What It Really Means to Be a Leader Worth Following
Wed Feb 04 2026
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
More
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