GovCon Executive Slice

orangeslices

Welcome to GovCon Executive Slice, the podcast where we hear perspectives from leaders who’ve built, scaled, and delivered while shaping the future of government contracting. Each episode features candid conversations with those who share insights on their company’s growth, challenges they’ve overcome, and the personal milestones that drive their success. From innovation and strategy to leadership and legacy, we uncover the stories behind the titles.

Play

Open in

22 episodes
weekly
Avg 29 min
English

Episodes 22

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#49
August 20 · 45 min
Taking On the Hard Problems. MAJUS CEO Sean Brijbasi and Bracari CEO Melissa Sharp Britton on Technology, Teams, and Execution
There is no shortage of new technology entering the federal market. The harder challenge is building the companies, teams, and solutions capable of turning that technology into something agencies can actually use to solve difficult mission problems. In this latest CEO Perspectives conversation, OrangeSlices connected with Sean Brijbasi, Founder and CEO of MAJUS Consulting, and Melissa Sharp Britton, CEO of Bracari, two accomplished company builders bringing distinct perspectives on leadership, innovation, growth, and execution. Sean has spent more than 15 years building high-performing teams and shaping business and technology strategy. At MAJUS, he's building an AI-driven federal technology company around technical excellence, agility, and practical innovation, focused on applying emerging technology where it can make a meaningful difference for government customers. Melissa brings more than 20 years of experience building companies, taking products to market, and helping customers succeed. At Bracari, she's built a culture around a refreshingly direct philosophy: It's fun to do hard things. Her team combines engineering, software, and creative problem-solving with strong execution and a relentless focus on the customer's mission. Moderating the discussion is Eric Mothershead, Senior Partner at The Baldwin Group, where he advises hundreds of scaling federal contractors on employee benefits strategy, benchmarking, regulatory compliance, M&A due diligence, and payroll and HCM strategy. Together, Sean, Melissa, and Eric dig into what it takes to build great teams, invest intelligently in emerging technology, manage growth, and create companies prepared for what's next. If you want to hear how successful company builders are thinking about technology, culture, growth, and execution in today's federal market, this conversation is worth your time. To connect with Sean, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about MAJUS Consulting by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Melissa, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Bracari by visiting their webpage here. Thank you to The Baldwin Group for sponsoring this podcast.
#48
August 13 · 23 min
Forum One CEO Elisabeth Bradley on Why Digital Trust Has Become Government's Most Valuable Asset
Trust has become one of government's most valuable assets. Increasingly, it's earned, or lost, through a digital experience. For nearly three decades, Forum One has helped government agencies and mission-driven organizations navigate that reality, combining strategy, design, data, and technology to create digital experiences that strengthen public trust, improve engagement, and help organizations deliver greater mission impact. As digital expectations continue to evolve and artificial intelligence reshapes the way organizations think about service delivery, the need for thoughtful, mission-first digital strategy has never been greater. David Blackburn recently sat down with Elisabeth Bradley, CEO of Forum One, for a conversation about what nearly 30 years of helping organizations modernize has taught the firm about digital transformation, public trust, and the future of government technology. Elisabeth's leadership journey mirrors Forum One's own evolution. After helping shape the firm's strategy through a series of executive leadership roles, she now leads one of the industry's most respected digital consultancies serving government agencies and mission-driven organizations. Her perspective is informed by years spent helping organizations align strategy, technology, communications, and human-centered design to create measurable outcomes that matter. Throughout the conversation, David and Elisabeth explore why digital trust has become inseparable from public trust, how agencies can think differently about creating meaningful digital experiences, and why successful AI adoption has far less to do with chasing the latest technology than it does with solving real mission challenges. They also reflect on what has changed, and what hasn't, across nearly three decades of supporting organizations working to improve lives, strengthen communities, and deliver on some of government's most important missions. Whether you're a government leader, GovCon executive, digital strategist, technologist, or simply interested in how thoughtful innovation can create lasting impact, this conversation offers practical insights from a leader whose career has been dedicated to helping organizations turn ideas into meaningful results. To connect with Elisabeth, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Forum One by visiting their webpage here.
#47
August 6 · 36 min
DecisionPoint CEO Brian Flood and Prescient Edge CEO Alexander Granados on Leading Through Change, Innovation, and National Security
The next generation of federal leaders won't be defined by the technology they adopt. They'll be defined by how effectively they help government solve increasingly complex mission and national security challenges. OrangeSlices recently had the opportunity to sit down with Brian Flood, Founder and CEO of DecisionPoint Corporation, and Alex Granados, CEO of Prescient Edge, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, innovation, growth, and what it takes to build organizations that consistently deliver in today's evolving federal market. Brian has spent his career helping organizations anticipate change and turn complexity into opportunity, building DecisionPoint into a trusted innovation partner delivering enterprise IT, modernization, and mission support solutions that strengthen government performance. Under Alex's leadership, Prescient Edge has emerged as one of the federal market's premier intelligence and national security partners, combining operational expertise with advanced technologies to help the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and federal agencies stay ahead of rapidly evolving mission challenges. Moderating the discussion is Ryan Reiskin, Partner at The Baldwin Group. The Baldwin Group is a cohesive group of experts in business insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning, and all areas of private and personal insurance. At The Baldwin Group, they help provide the solutions clients need to have confidence and gain peace of mind as they pursue what's possible for themselves, their families, and their businesses. Throughout the discussion, these leaders share candid perspectives on leading through change, investing in innovation without losing operational discipline, building organizations prepared for what's next, and the leadership decisions they believe will define the next generation of successful federal contractors. If you're interested in how respected GovCon CEOs are thinking about growth, mission execution, national security, and long-term competitive advantage, this is a conversation well worth your time. To connect with Brian, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about DecisionPoint Corporation by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Alex, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Prescient Edge by visiting their webpage here. Thank you to The Baldwin Group for sponsoring this podcast.
#46
August 3 · 17 min
OmniTrust CEO David Sequino on Why Digital Trust Is Becoming the Next Cybersecurity Battleground
What if the biggest cybersecurity challenge facing government and industry isn't stopping the next attack, but proving who, or what, can actually be trusted? As AI, connected devices, software supply chains, and machine identities continue to expand, trust has become one of the most strategic issues organizations face. The organizations that can establish and govern trust across these increasingly complex ecosystems will be far better positioned to manage risk, accelerate innovation, and prepare for what's next. David Blackburn recently sat down with David Sequino, Co-Founder and CEO of OmniTrust, to discuss why digital trust is rapidly becoming a boardroom issue. With decades of experience securing more than two billion connected devices and enabling more than three billion secure software updates annually, David shares how OmniTrust has evolved from securing embedded systems to delivering Trust Lifecycle Management across devices, cloud environments, digital identities, cryptographic assets, software supply chains, and emerging AI ecosystems. During the conversation, they explore why post-quantum security timelines are far more urgent than many executives realize, the technical realities of migrating to quantum-safe cryptography, and why traditional security models struggle in a future where autonomous AI agents are making decisions at machine speed. If you're responsible for cybersecurity, technology strategy, digital transformation, AI, or enterprise risk, this conversation provides a practical look at where digital trust is headed and what leaders should be thinking about today. It's a timely discussion for executives who want to understand not just the technology, but the strategic decisions that will shape the next generation of secure systems. To connect with David, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about OmniTrust by visiting their webpage here.
#45
July 30 · 25 min
Exited Founder Alex Cohen on Why Statecraft Is Reimagining the Future of Government Work
For decades, we've tried to make government work better by adding more people, more processes, and more technology. But what if the next breakthrough isn't another software platform. What if it's a fundamentally different way of thinking about work itself? David Blackburn recently connected with Alex Cohen, Co-Founder and CEO of Statecraft. Alex is an exited founder who has spent years building technology for government and other highly regulated environments. After successfully building and selling his previous company, he's back with a new venture focused on a bold vision for the future of government work. Statecraft is building what it calls an AI workforce, helping agencies automate the work that slows organizations down so public servants can spend more time focused on the mission. Rather than simply making individual tasks more efficient, the company's vision is to rethink how government work gets accomplished from end to end. In this conversation, Alex shares what inspired him to launch Statecraft, why he believes the timing is right for this next evolution of AI, and how emerging technologies such as AI agents could reshape the way agencies operate. Whether you're a government leader, technology executive, or GovCon innovator, you'll come away with a better understanding of where AI is headed, what challenges still need to be solved, and why this may be one of the most important conversations taking place in the federal market today. To connect with Alex, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Statecraft by visiting their webpage here.
#44
July 20 · 25 min
Why Most SBIR Technologies Never Reach Phase III. Nicole Tripputi of Bidwell Solutions Explains Why
Most SBIR companies know how to win research funding. Far fewer know how to turn that success into a funded Phase III contract. In a recent conversation with OrangeSlices Founder David Blackburn, Nicole Tripputi, Founder of Bidwell Solutions and former Air Force Contracting Officer with an unlimited warrant, pulled back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood challenges in the federal market: transitioning innovative technologies from SBIR success to operational adoption. Drawing on more than two decades of experience across contracting, program offices, and industry, Nicole shares what she learned from sitting on the government side of the table, where promising technologies often stall, why contracting teams and industry frequently struggle to align, and what agencies risk when they wait too long to engage with innovative companies. The discussion goes beyond theory, exploring the realities of Phase III execution, stakeholder engagement, acquisition strategy, and the decisions that ultimately determine whether a technology becomes a funded capability or remains a successful prototype. For SBIR awardees, technology innovators, growth leaders, and companies trying to understand how government actually buys innovation, this conversation offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities that exist between a successful Phase I or Phase II award and a signed Phase III contract. If you've ever asked, "We have the technology, so why isn't this moving forward?" this is a podcast you'll want to hear. To connect with Nicole, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Bidwell Solutions by visiting their webpage here.
#43
July 14 · 26 min
After 15 Years Driving Acquisition Innovation in Government, Britteny Chappell Brings Her Perspective to Alpha Omega
Federal acquisition is changing fast, and few people have had a front-row seat to that transformation quite like Britteny Chappell. David Blackburn recently sat down with ⁠Britteny Chappell⁠, Vice President of Capture at Alpha Omega, to discuss the evolving landscape of federal acquisition, technology modernization, and mission delivery. Many across government and industry know Britteny from her work inside federal agencies, where she spent more than 15 years helping shape acquisition strategy and procurement innovation at organizations including NASA, GSA's Technology Transformation Services, FEDSIM, the Department of Transportation, and the Executive Office of the President. Throughout her career, she has been at the forefront of efforts to modernize procurement practices, strengthen supplier engagement, and leverage emerging technologies to improve outcomes across government. Today, Britteny brings that experience to Alpha Omega, where she is helping organizations navigate an increasingly dynamic federal market. As a company focused on digital modernization, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and mission transformation, Alpha Omega continues to support agencies as they pursue new approaches to delivering capabilities faster and more effectively. In this conversation, David and Britteny explore how the federal acquisition environment continues to evolve, what recent innovation efforts may mean for agencies and contractors alike, and how organizations can better position themselves to capitalize on changing priorities and emerging opportunities. For government leaders, industry executives, capture professionals, and anyone interested in the future of federal acquisition, this discussion offers valuable perspective from someone who has successfully navigated both sides of the federal marketplace. Listeners can expect practical insights on modernization, acquisition innovation, technology adoption, and the changing relationship between government and industry as agencies work to deliver mission outcomes in an increasingly complex environment. To connect with Britteny, follow her on LinkedIn ⁠here⁠. Learn more about Alpha Omega by visiting their webpage ⁠here⁠.
#41
July 8 · 46 min
Building the Next Generation of Federal Technology Companies. A Conversation with Beverly Beavers of ProclivIT, Brandon Muniz of HeiTech Services, and Dr. Zhensen Huang of Precise Software Solutions
Every federal contractor is investing in AI, modernization, and operational efficiency. The real differentiator isn't who adopts new technology first. It's who can successfully turn those investments into measurable mission outcomes. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, David Blackburn sits down with Beverly Beavers, CEO of ProclivIT, Brandon Muniz, CEO of HeiTech Services, and Dr. Zhensen Huang, CEO of Precise Software Solutions for a conversation about leadership, modernization, growth, and preparing organizations for what's next. ProclivIT is helping agencies execute complex enterprise modernization initiatives spanning cybersecurity, enterprise IT, electronic health records, and mission support, building on Beverly's decades of leadership across military healthcare transformation. HeiTech Services continues its 25-year legacy by helping agencies securely manage and leverage massive volumes of mission-critical information through AI, information governance, and enterprise data solutions. Precise Software Solutions has become a trusted digital transformation partner, helping agencies modernize legacy systems, accelerate cloud adoption, and build secure, scalable platforms that improve mission performance. Moderating the discussion is Tyler Stewart, Partner and Retirement Plan Advisor at The Baldwin Group. The Baldwin Group is a cohesive group of experts in business insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning, and all areas of private and personal insurance. At The Baldwin Group, they help provide the solutions clients need to have confidence and gain peace of mind as they pursue what's possible for themselves, their families, and their businesses. Along the way, the conversation explores how leaders are adapting their organizations for a changing market, balancing investment in innovation with operational discipline, rethinking workforce strategy, and preparing for the next wave of federal contracting. If you want to hear how accomplished CEOs are positioning their organizations for long-term success while continuing to deliver for government customers today, this is a conversation worth your time. To connect with Beverly, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about ProclivIT by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Brandon, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about HeiTech Services by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Zhensen, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Precise Software Solutions by visiting their webpage here. Thank you to The Baldwin Group for sponsoring this podcast.
#42
July 6 · 44 min
From Conversation to Action: APV's Manuel Miranda on the Federal AI Revolution
Artificial intelligence is moving into a new phase, and for federal agencies and government contractors alike, the implications are significant. The conversation has shifted beyond asking AI to generate content. Today, organizations are increasingly exploring how AI can execute tasks, automate workflows, and support mission-critical operations through intelligent agents. David Blackburn recently sat down with Manuel Miranda, Chief AI and Growth Officer at APV, to discuss how this evolution is changing the federal technology landscape. Drawing on APV's work developing AI, automation, and emerging technology solutions for government, the conversation explores what separates AI agents from traditional chat tools, where agencies are already putting these capabilities to work, and the governance and security considerations that come with giving AI greater autonomy. The discussion also examines what this shift means for the GovCon community, from how agencies may buy technology differently to how contractors will need to rethink the value they deliver. If you're trying to understand where AI adoption is headed next, and why the move from conversation to action may be the most important technology transition facing the federal market, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. To connect with Manuel, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about APV by visiting their webpage here.
#39
July 1 · 22 min
Automation as a Competitive Advantage: Resolute Solutions and UiPath on Winning in Today's Federal Market
Winning federal work has never been harder. Yet many contractors are still approaching recompetes, modernization efforts, and operational challenges with playbooks designed for a very different market. David Blackburn recently connected with Christopher Cadle, President of Resolute Solutions, and Hillary Anne Sheehan, Federal Strategic Engagement Executive at UiPath, for a conversation focused on the intersection of automation, modernization, and competitive advantage in today's federal marketplace. As founder and president of Resolute Solutions, Christopher has built a company focused on helping federal agencies improve mission outcomes through intelligent automation, enterprise modernization, SAP transformation, and AI-enabled solutions. Resolute's work spans defense and civilian agencies, helping organizations eliminate manual processes, modernize legacy environments, and increase operational efficiency through practical, mission-focused technology solutions. Joining the discussion is Hillary Anne Sheehan, whose background includes leadership roles across the Air Force and Space Force, where she helped drive acquisition, workforce modernization, and digital transformation initiatives. Today, she brings that government perspective to UiPath, helping agencies and industry partners better understand how automation can accelerate mission delivery and improve operational performance. Together, the group explores how agencies and contractors are adapting to an increasingly competitive environment, where modernization is no longer optional and operational efficiency has become a mission imperative. The discussion examines how automation is changing expectations across government, where organizations may be overlooking opportunities to improve outcomes, and what forward-looking contractors should be doing today to strengthen their position for future growth. For contractors preparing for upcoming recompetes, technology leaders evaluating modernization strategies, and federal executives focused on efficiency and mission delivery, this conversation provides practical insights from leaders who have seen these challenges from multiple perspectives. Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of how automation, modernization, and strategic execution can create meaningful advantages in today's federal market. To connect with Chris, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Resolute Solutions by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Hillary, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about UiPath by visiting their webpage here.
#40
June 26 · 53 min
Building High-Impact Federal Businesses. A Conversation with Greg Smallwood of Prometheus Federal Services, Suman Biswas of Niyam IT, and Denise Rainey of Rainmakers Strategic Solutions
As federal agencies push for greater efficiency, modernization, and measurable outcomes, contractors are being challenged to do more than deliver technology. They're being asked to lead change, navigate complexity, and drive mission results in an increasingly demanding environment. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, we sit down with Greg Smallwood, CEO of Prometheus Federal Services, Suman Biswas, Founder and CEO of Niyam IT, and Denise Rainey, President and CEO of Rainmakers Strategic Solutions, three leaders whose organizations are helping agencies tackle transformation from different angles, from healthcare innovation and business modernization to technology enablement, stakeholder engagement, and program execution. Prometheus Federal Services supports agencies navigating healthcare transformation, innovation, and organizational change. Niyam IT helps federal clients harness technology, data, and emerging solutions to improve mission performance. Rainmakers Strategic Solutions brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, training, program management, and operational excellence to help agencies turn strategy into action. Moderating the discussion is Ryan Reiskin of The Baldwin Group, bringing a unique perspective from working alongside federal contractors as they navigate growth, workforce challenges, and long-term business strategy. The conversation explores what it takes to lead through uncertainty, balance innovation with execution, invest in people while maintaining performance, and position organizations for long-term success in a rapidly evolving federal marketplace. If you're interested in how successful leaders are thinking about growth, transformation, and the future of government contracting, this is a conversation worth listening to. To connect with Greg, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Prometheus Federal Services (PFS) by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Suman, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Niyam IT by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Denise, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Rainmakers Strategic Solutions by visiting their webpage here. Thank you to The Baldwin Group for sponsoring this podcast.
#38
June 22 · 19 min
Sheila Duffy of Greystones Group on Moving Beyond Labor Hours to Deliver Mission Outcomes
Twenty-five years ago, the technology landscape looked completely different. The mission didn't. Dave Blackburn recently sat down with Sheila Duffy, Founder and CEO of Greystones Group, for a conversation centered on leadership, technology, innovation, and the realities of navigating constant change in the government contracting market. As the leader of a company that has supported critical defense, cybersecurity, and infrastructure missions since 2000, Sheila brings more than two decades of experience operating at the intersection of mission requirements and emerging technology. Throughout the discussion, Dave and Sheila explore how organizations evaluate commercial technologies versus mission-specific solutions, the accelerating pace of technological change, and the opportunities and challenges that come with keeping pace in an increasingly dynamic environment. The conversation also examines the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence and what that acceleration means for both government and industry. As new technologies continue to evolve faster than ever before, organizations across the federal market are facing important questions about adoption, implementation, and long-term competitiveness. Additionally, Dave and Sheila discuss the evolution from traditional services-based contracting toward products and intellectual property, and how that shift can influence business strategy, workforce development, and the ability to create differentiated value in the marketplace. For those working in government contracting, supporting federal missions, tracking technology trends, or thinking about the future of the GovCon sector, this conversation provides valuable perspective on some of the most important topics shaping the market today. From technology adoption and AI to talent strategy and business evolution, listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the forces influencing the next chapter of government and industry collaboration. To connect with Sheila, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Greystones Group by visiting their webpage here.
#37
June 12 · 16 min
From Octo and IBM to IDS. Why Sujey Edward Made the Move Now
There are very few leaders in federal technology who have helped build, scale, and modernize organizations at the level Sujey Edward has over the last decade. From helping drive Octo’s extraordinary rise and eventual acquisition by IBM in a deal reportedly valued at approximately $1.2 billion, to serving as a Senior Partner at IBM, Sujey has operated at the center of some of the most important conversations shaping the future of government technology and innovation. So when he made the move earlier this year to become Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Integrated Data Services (IDS), people across the market took notice. In this conversation, David Blackburn sits down with Sujey to talk about why IDS, why now, and what drew him to an Arlington Capital-backed company that is quietly building serious momentum across the federal landscape. Known for its deep expertise supporting defense, aerospace, intelligence, space, and civilian agencies, IDS has built a reputation delivering software and mission-focused solutions designed to improve operational visibility, financial management, and efficiency, particularly within the Office of the CFO environment. With proven success supporting complex Department of War missions, the company is now positioning itself for its next phase of growth and expansion. This discussion dives into what IDS is building, where Sujey sees opportunity in today’s market, the kinds of partnerships the company is pursuing, and how technology, AI, automation, and modernization are reshaping expectations across government. To connect with Sujey, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Integrated Data Services (IDS) by visiting their webpage here.
#36
June 9 · 27 min
Subject How Dave Zvenyach and MakeGov Are Simplifying Federal Contracting Data
Government contracting runs on data. But for years, that data has been fragmented, difficult to access, and even harder to use effectively. In this episode, OrangeSlices’ CEO David Blackburn sits down with Dave Zvenyach, CEO and co-founder of MakeGov, to discuss how his team is working to simplify access to federal procurement data through Tango, a unified API connecting sources like SAM.gov, FPDS, USAspending, Grants.gov, and more. Drawing on his experience leading innovation efforts at 18F and the GSA Technology Transformation Services, Dave shares why he believes better data infrastructure will play a critical role in the future of GovCon, how AI is changing expectations around procurement intelligence, and what builders, contractors, and technology providers should be thinking about as the market evolves. Whether you're developing GovCon software, pursuing federal opportunities, or simply trying to understand where procurement technology is headed next, this conversation offers an insightful look at the data layer powering the future of government contracting. To connect with Dave, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about MakeGov by visiting their webpage here.
#35
June 4 · 27 min
AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Transformation. Insights from Easy Dynamics CEO Poupak Afshar and CivicActions CEO Henry Poole
The conversation around AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation has moved beyond what's possible and shifted squarely to what's practical. The leaders winning today are the ones figuring out how to turn innovation into measurable mission outcomes. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, we sit down with Poupak Afshar, CEO of Easy Dynamics, and Henry Poole, CEO and Co-Founder of CivicActions, for a candid discussion on how federal contractors and agencies are navigating the next phase of modernization. Easy Dynamics has built its reputation helping agencies secure, modernize, and optimize critical systems through cybersecurity, cloud computing, and information-sharing solutions. CivicActions has spent years helping government improve lives through open-source technologies, thoughtful digital experiences, and a commitment to making public services more accessible and effective. Moderating the discussion is Tyler Stewart, Partner and Retirement Plan Advisor at The Baldwin Group. The Baldwin Group is a cohesive group of experts in business insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning, and all areas of private and personal insurance. At The Baldwin Group, they help provide the solutions clients need to have confidence and gain peace of mind as they pursue what's possible for themselves, their families, and their businesses. The conversation explores how technology leaders are thinking about AI adoption, digital transformation, cybersecurity, workforce strategy, and the realities of delivering innovation inside government. Along the way, Poupak and Henry share their perspectives on what agencies are getting right, where challenges remain, and what organizations must do to stay relevant as expectations around speed, efficiency, and mission delivery continue to rise. If you're interested in where federal technology is heading, how leading firms are approaching modernization, and what it takes to build organizations that can adapt to constant change, this is a conversation worth listening to. To connect with Poupak, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Easy Dynamics by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Henry, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about CivicActions by visiting their webpage here. Thank you to The Baldwin Group for sponsoring this podcast.
#33
June 3 · 12 min
Proposals Don’t Win Contracts. With Krystn Macomber, Summit Strategy
GovCon has a proposal problem. Not because teams are not working hard, but because too many firms still believe the proposal is where the win happens. It is not. By the time you are writing, most of the outcome has already been decided. In this episode, David Blackburn sits down with Krystn Macomber, Founder and CEO of Summit Strategy, a win studio built for growth-obsessed teams who want results. Summit Strategy focuses on helping organizations connect business development, capture, proposals, marketing, and training into one integrated system that actually drives wins. Not just submissions. With more than 20 years of experience, Krystn has built a reputation for challenging how GovCon companies approach growth. She gets inside organizations, exposes the gaps leaders do not see, and forces alignment across teams that are often operating in silos. The result is not just better proposals. It is better positioning, stronger capture, and a system that performs long before the RFP drops. This conversation takes on one of the biggest misconceptions in the market, where firms are getting growth wrong, what surprises leaders most when they bring in outside perspective, and what they should actually be doing right now to grow smarter. If you are still betting on proposals to carry the load, this one will reset how you think about winning. Most GovCon firms think they have a growth strategy. What they actually have is activity: Pipeline dashboards. Proposal volume. A lot of motion, with very little alignment behind it. To learn more about the Summit Win Academy™ click here. OrangeSlices member can use the code OSWIN at checkout to receive $1,000 off. The discount code expires 12/31/26. For more information about how you can WIN, visit our dedicated page here. To connect with Krystn, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Summit Strategy by visiting their webpage here.
#34
June 2 · 28 min
iWorks CEO Kumar Gnanamurthy on the Collision of AI, Security Compliance, and Federal Acquisition Reform
Federal contractors are being hit from every direction at once. Acquisition reform. AI acceleration. Zero trust mandates. Cloud modernization. CMMC 2.0. New compliance pressures. And for many mid-tier firms, the challenge is no longer just growth. It is figuring out how to adapt fast enough to stay competitive. In this episode of GovCon Executive Slice, Kumar Gnanamurthy, CEO of iWorks Corporation, joins the conversation to discuss how companies can navigate one of the most rapidly evolving federal markets in years. Founded in 2005, iWorks has built a reputation as a trusted federal partner across personnel security and vetting solutions, Agile, DevOps, DevSecOps, data analytics, and cloud services. With a continuous process improvement mindset, deep mission expertise, CMMI Level 4 appraisal, multiple ISO certifications, and recognition as a Washington Post Top Workplace, the company represents the type of disciplined, technically grounded organization agencies continue to rely on as modernization pressures increase. Kumar has spent more than two decades operating across both government and industry, helping architect and lead mission-critical systems and security initiatives. Under his leadership, iWorks continues to evolve alongside the market, balancing operational execution with emerging technology demands and changing acquisition realities. The conversation explores the changing acquisition landscape, including OTAs, software acquisition pathways, and evolving procurement models. It also digs into the growing pressure around AI adoption, IL5 and IL6 cloud migration, zero trust, and modernization priorities, alongside the operational realities contractors face with CMMC 2.0, DFARS requirements, SPRS scoring, and supply chain scrutiny. We also touch briefly on Kumar’s work around Tru-Vetting and the broader push to modernize security management and compliance operations in a more complex federal environment. For leaders trying to understand where the federal market is heading, and what experienced executives are doing to stay ahead of it, this is a timely conversation worth hearing. To connect with Kumar, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about iWorks Corporation by visiting their webpage here.
#32
May 27 · 35 min
How Proven Leader Len Discenza Built Vericol Around What High Performers Do Differently
Most GovCon firms still think the proposal is where the win happens. It is not. By the time teams are writing, the outcome is often already set. That gap, between effort and actual win probability, is where Len Discenza has built his career. With more than 25 years in the federal market, Len has operated inside growth, capture, and delivery roles at some of the most recognized firms in the space. He has seen firsthand what separates teams that consistently win from those that are always reacting: Not just better writing, better alignment, better systems, and better execution long before the RFP hits. As President and CEO of Vericol LLC, Len has turned that experience into a company designed to step directly into the work. Vericol helps government contractors rethink how they approach business development, capture, and proposals; not as isolated functions, but as a connected system built to drive outcomes. From reshaping BD organizations to supporting high-stakes recompetes to embedding directly into proposal teams, the focus is simple: Help clients win and become the kind of partner they want to bring back again. In this conversation, Len breaks down how he views the proposal process today, what is actually missing in how most firms approach growth, and where the market is creating real pressure on teams. He also shares hard-earned perspective on leadership in a people-driven business, including what works, what does not, and where leaders often get it wrong. If you are responsible for growth, capture, or delivery. Or if you are trying to understand why your team is working harder but not winning more. This is a conversation worth your time. To connect with Len, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Vericol by visiting their webpage here.
#31
May 21 · 46 min
AI, Efficiency, and the Next Federal Market Shift. Insights from Infotrend’s Gurpreet Singh and Evans’ Bob Etris
As agencies push harder on efficiency, modernization, and measurable mission outcomes, federal contractors are being forced to rethink how they scale, invest, and compete. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, we sit down with two leaders operating directly at the center of that shift. Gurpreet Singh, CEO of Infotrend, and Bob Etris, Managing Partner at Evans, share how their organizations are approaching AI, automation, data, modernization, and sustainable operational growth in a market that is demanding more with less. Infotrend continues to advance mission-focused AI/ML, investigative, and emerging technology capabilities for government clients through its rapidly evolving CoreSuite ecosystem, helping agencies transform complex data into actionable mission intelligence. Evans is helping organizations deploy technology solutions that not only modernize systems but create long-term operational impact through human-centered implementation and measurable execution. Moderating the discussion is Ryan Reiskin, Partner at The Baldwin Group. The Baldwin Group is a cohesive group of experts in business insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning, and all areas of private and personal insurance. At The Baldwin Group, they help provide the solutions clients need to have confidence and gain peace of mind as they pursue what’s possible for themselves, their families, and their businesses. The conversation explores how leaders are adapting to a tighter and more scrutinized market, balancing investment in AI and innovation against operational discipline, redefining leadership expectations, and reevaluating what strong strategic partnerships look like in today’s federal landscape. The group also tackles a forward-looking question many in the market are thinking about, but not discussing enough. What hard shifts will federal contractors need to make over the next two years to remain competitive? If you are trying to understand where federal technology, modernization, and operational strategy are heading next, this is a conversation worth your time. To connect with Bob, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Evans by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Gurpreet, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about CVP by visiting their webpage here. Thank you to The Baldwin Group for sponsoring this podcast.
#30
May 13 · 10 min
The Win System. Why Most GovCons Don’t Actually Have One. With Krystn Macomber, Summit Strategy
Most GovCon firms think they have a growth strategy. What they actually have is activity. Pipeline dashboards. Proposal volume. A lot of motion, with very little alignment behind it. In this first episode, David Blackburn sits down with Krystn Macomber, Founder and CEO of Summit Strategy, a win studio built for growth-obsessed teams who want results. Summit Strategy is not a traditional consulting firm. It is designed to help organizations connect business development, capture, proposals, marketing, and training into one integrated system that drives revenue. The focus is not on checking boxes. It is on building a repeatable way to win. Krystn has spent more than 20 years working across startups to enterprise organizations, helping teams identify the gaps most miss and turning disconnected efforts into disciplined execution. Through Summit Strategy, she has built a model that challenges how GovCon companies think about growth, pushing them to move beyond siloed functions and into true alignment. This conversation gets into why misalignment is the real growth killer, what it actually looks like day to day, and why so many leaders fail to see it. They also dig into the Summit Win System™, where firms tend to fall short, and the mindset shift required to stop outsourcing pieces of growth and start owning the outcome. If your pipeline is full but your win rate is not moving, this is worth your time. To learn more about the Summit Win Academy™ click here. To connect with Krystn, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Summit Strategy by visiting their webpage here. For more information about how you can WIN, visit our dedicated page here.

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes