When Purpose Calls You to LEAP: Robin Portman’s Story of Reinvention & Renewal

Maria Proestou, DASN (AP&B): GovCon Entrepreneur, Intentional Philanthropist, Meritorious Civilian

From founding and leading the award-winning defense firm Delta Resources to shaping the future of acquisition reform as the Navy’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition Policy and Budget, Maria Proestou’s journey is a powerful example of purpose driven leadership across industry and government. In this inspiring Leap Today episode, she shares how early curiosity in international affairs, multidisciplinary problem-solving, and a relentless focus on people powered her success. These strengths enabled her to build high-performing cultures, lead complex transformations, and now drive innovation and industrial-base growth for the Navy. Packed with practical wisdom on transparency, agility, mentorship, and servant leadership, along with her powerful commitment to supporting military families through Fisher House, this episode delivers actionable insights for any leader ready to leap forward and lead with purpose.

When Purpose Calls You to LEAP: Robin Portman’s Story of Reinvention & Renewal

In this inspiring episode of LEAP, Robin Portman — former Executive Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton, President & CEO of Atlas Research, and current Board Chair at Westat — shares her extraordinary career journey from high school teacher to Navy scientific & technical intelligence analyst, corporate growth leader, academic innovator, and nonprofit champion. Drawing on the LEAP principles (lifelong learning, personal mastery, motivational mastery, and organizational mastery), Robin offers practical wisdom on resilience, systems thinking, calculated risk-taking, innovation in mission-critical environments, evidence-based decision-making, and leading with purpose through her board service at Easterseals and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

The Growth Mindset in Law and Life: Insights from Declan Leonard

Welcome to LEAP Today, the show where we talk to leaders, luminaries, and lifelong learners about how they make big things happen. LEAP, which stands for Leadership, Effectiveness and Potential, is a groundbreaking framework from the LEAP Enterprise. That's transforming how professionals build high performing teams. I'm your host, Bill Farmer, and today I'm thrilled to welcome Declan Leonard as my guest. Declan is a top tier employment attorney and managing partner at Berenzweig Leonard LLP. He advises executives, entrepreneurs and HR professionals on legal strategy to address legal issues impacting their businesses, helping them scale with confidence while minimizing risk. Declan also serves on the LEAP Enterprise Advisory Board, where his insights help guide the evolution of our leadership development platform.

Summon Your Inner Leader: Unleashing Potential with The LEAP Framework

Host Bill Farmer is joined by special guest Shawn James. By equipping them with essential skills and mindsets, we help your team achieve extraordinary results. With a focus on practical application and measurable outcomes, LEAP delivers the transformative experience you need to drive your organization forward.