Humble Beginnings

Humbled Early, Grounded Always: Warren Kohm on Work Ethics, Loss & Leadership

Warren Kohm didn’t grow up with a silver spoon — he grew up learning how to make things work, and how not to take anything for granted.  In this episode of "Humble Beginnings," we sit down with Warren, CEO of Aurex Defense, to trace the formative experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy, from growing up as the youngest of five in a modest Long Island home to leading a private equity–backed defense company. Raised by two teachers, Warren learned early the value of independence, discipline and learning by doing. He started working at age 12, paid his own way through college, balanced academics with collegiate athletics and took on multiple jobs to stay afloat. Through it all, he gained lessons that would later inform his approach to leadership and finance, and define his values. Warren shares candid stories from the early stages of his career, including his grind in commission-only sales at John Hancock, a humbling rejection from a movie theater job, and the pivotal moments that led him from IT programming to finance leadership roles at Accenture, American Management Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and CGI. Along the way, mentorship, curiosity and a willingness to say “yes” opened unexpected doors and ultimately led him to the C-suite. Now a CEO, Warren reflects on what it takes to lead people well: knowing when to push, when to step back and why results matter — but people matter more. He also opens up about the deeply personal impact of mental health on his life, the loss of two sisters and why supporting employee well-being is essential. Tune in for an honest look at work ethic, resilience, leadership, humanity, and a reminder that long-term success is built one decision, one mentor and one lesson at a time.

No Glass Ceiling: Deb Alderson’s Journey from a Norfolk Farm to CEO and a Defining Comeback

In this episode of "Humble Beginnings," we sit down with Deb Alderson, CEO of ViaPath Technologies, as she shares of her upbringing in Norfolk, Virginia; and how she'd later turn every challenge into an opportunity. Deb was raised by her mother and grandmother in a farming community near a military area, where she learned early lessons in hard work, giving back and breaking barriers. She was the first woman in her family to earn a college and graduate degree. From starting her career as a GS4 clerk typist (without knowing how to type!) to navigating male-dominated defense and tech industries, Deb shares candid stories of early career setbacks, lessons from mentors and pivotal moments that shaped her leadership philosophy. Today, she leads Viapath with a mission to drive meaningful change in the lives of incarcerated individuals and their families, proving that empathy, transparency,and grit can create lasting impact. Tune in to hear how Deb’s upbringing, family values and unshakable resilience propelled her from humble beginnings to the C-suite — and why she believes there truly is no glass ceiling.

From Bombay, to Founder & CEO: Rohit Gupta's Journey to Leadership

In this episode of "Humble Beginnings," host Amanda Ziadeh sits down with Rohit Gupta, CEO of Aretum, as he shares his extraordinary journey leading a major GovCon company in the U.S. Before the executive title, before the acquisitions and AI strategies, Gupta's journey began in a one-bedroom apartment in Bombay — and a one-way ticket to the U.S. with just enough money to support him during his master’s degree program. Gupta discusses his upbringing in India, educational and career path that took him all over the States and internationally, significant life transitions, as well as his experience with computer engineering, branching out on his own, commercial consulting and his shift to federal contracting. Learn about his challenges, triumphs, and what drives him to give back to the community. Tune in for an inspiring story of curiosity, resilience and creating your own path to success.

From Infantry to Innovation: The Story of Parsons Corp.'s Scott Goldstein

In this episode of "Humble Beginnings," WashingtonExec's Amanda Ziadeh interviews Scott Goldstein, senior vice president and fellow at Parsons Corp. Goldstein shares his unique journey from an Army infantryman to a major general in the Air Force, and finally to his current role in the private sector. Goldstein's story is marked by academic achievements, significant pivots in his career and impactful mentorships. He discusses his upbringing in Silver Spring, Maryland, the influence of his father's World War II service, and his deep-seated passion for history and technology. Goldstein also reflects on the challenges and accomplishments that shaped his non-linear career path, including his time at the National Reconnaissance Office during 9/11 and his roles at SAIC and Parsons.

From Newspaper Delivery Boy to CEO: The Story of Freedom Technology Solutions Group’s Vernon Saunders

In this episode of “Humble Beginnings,” we sit down with Vernon Saunders, CEO of Freedom Technology Solutions Group, as he shares how he journeyed from grappling with a nearly paralyzing fear of public speaking to communicating boldly and effectively while leading with intention. His story is one marked by life in the military, navigating the transition to civilian life, and now bringing all of his experiences together in the world of GovCon. None of his successes happened overnight. From his first job delivering newspapers on a bicycle to relying on college mentors to help him navigate greater learning and success, Saunders recounts key moments in his life and shares how he arrived at his current position.  Tune in to hear the complete story.