We occasionally feature guests on our show who specialize in the transition from the Department of Defense to Architectural Engineering and Construction (DoD to AEC). In the industry, there are notable talent and leadership gaps that persist, and the DoD to AEC program aims to address these by tapping into the skills of military personnel who transition to civilian roles. 

Joining BJ on the show today is ‘Colonel-soon-to-be-retired’ Adam Sawyer. Adam has over 23 years of experience successfully leading and transforming diverse teams in organizational development, education, program management, and strategic planning. He has achieved objectives in complex environments; both domestically and globally. 

Adam is a member of our skill-bridge program. He discusses his previous active-duty assignment as the Director of the Department of Military Instruction at West Point. He also shares his thoughts on the synchronization between the leadership talent pool and the built environment and the highlights and lessons learned from the skill-bridge program. 

To hear more of his viewpoint on leadership development and much more, don’t miss out on this episode of Inspiring People & Places. 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Why Adam thinks Cadet Leadership Development Training (CDLT) is one of the best things they do at West Point.

•   Adam’s thoughts on the difference between leader development and leadership development.

•   His belief on how leaders are both born and made. 

Quotes:

“The special sauce of our leader development recipe, — is [that] every cadet has to serve in a leadership position in the summer.” — Adam Sawyer 

“If there’s two things that the Army has prepared me to do it’s leadership and problem-solving.” — Adam Sawyer

“What’s great about the United States Army is that we empower down to the lowest level.” — Adam Sawyer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Adam Sawyer on LinkedIn

West Point

Department of Military Instruction (DMI) at West Point

Camp Buckner

CLDT at West Point

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 15th Anniversary Infographics Edition

Center for Servant Leadership

Inspiring People & Places Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn