In this special Christmas-themed episode of the Leadership Blueprints podcast, host BJ Kraemer draws on some of his favorite classic Christmas films to explore the art and science of leading oneself and others.

Ebenezer Scrooge sparks a conversation around awareness and change, while Kevin McAllister offers a surprising lens on ownership and responsibility. A nod to It’s a Wonderful Life serves as a quiet reminder of the power of relationships.

The episode also explores what it means to help others grow into the roles they’re called to step into, and concludes with Clark Griswold as a timely reflection on how unchecked vision can impact those around us.

Join BJ for another episode filled with valuable leadership insights! Happy Holidays!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The leadership lesson from Ebenezer Scrooge: transformation after self-awareness.
• How Kevin McAllister shows that ownership drives creativity.
• It’s a Wonderful Life: “No man is a failure who has friends.”
• Leadership is about cultivating potential by giving people the opportunity to grow into who the role requires them to become.
• The lesson from Clark Griswald: vision without awareness can exhaust everyone around you.

Quotes:

“Transformation is possible, but like I've talked about before, only after self-awareness.” — BJ Kraemer

“When people truly own outcomes, they rise faster than we expect.” — BJ Kraemer

“[George Bailey] teaches us that the most meaningful impact is often invisible when you're living through it.” — BJ Kraemer

“Good intentions don't excuse poor awareness.” — BJ Kraemer

“I talk a lot about the first step in leadership is leading yourself first, and the first step in leading yourself first is getting clear on who you are, who you aren't, what your strengths are, what they're not. And I think the lesson we can all take away from Scrooge McDuck is results without humanity create financial success, but no relationship success and no legacy.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mickey's Christmas Carol (Disney+)
A Christmas Carol

Home Alone

Home Alone 2
It’s a Wonderful Life (Apple TV)

The Santa Clause (Disney+)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Netflix)
Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn