The Country Intelligence Report

A Continued Conversation about Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) with Dr. Susan Yoshihara

What drives a US Navy helicopter pilot to champion women's roles in global peacebuilding? Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Susan Yoshihara, founder and president of the American Council on Women, Peace, and Security (ACWPS). With 20 years of active-duty service, including combat logistics and humanitarian missions, Dr. Yoshihara transitioned to international advocacy, advising the Defense Department and UN diplomats. She shares the foundational principles of ACWPS, emphasizing the vital role of women in peace efforts and the importance of assembling dedicated teams for impactful results. In this episode, Dr. Yoshihara highlights the power of strategic partnerships, particularly the collaboration with CountryIntel, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in international collaborations. She discusses the unique challenges of recruiting reliable talent for global initiatives and how small businesses can contribute to significant Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) projects. Tune in to gain valuable insights into advancing gender equality, capturing lessons learned, and creating career paths for women in peace and security. * Hosted by: Terrell Cummings & Devon Florczak * www.countryintel.com [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032726/www.countryintel.com%20] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/CountryIntel] * Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/countryintel] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CountryIntel/]

From the Air Force to Federal Contracts: A Leader's Guide to Success

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Sobel, a retired Air Force Colonel and seasoned program manager, to explore his remarkable journey from leading acquisition operations in the military to becoming a key player in the federal contracting space. Jeff opens up about his distinguished career in the Air Force, where he commanded at various levels, culminating as the Senior Materiel Leader at AFLCMC/EB, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to business development on the contractor side. Our conversation delves into Jeff's current efforts with CountryIntel, where he shares key strategies for sourcing leads, identifying contracting opportunities, and the critical role of networking in building successful client relationships. Jeff also addresses the common challenges faced by small businesses in the contracting industry and offers practical advice on how to overcome them. Looking ahead, Jeff discusses emerging trends in federal contracting, the technologies that will be essential for future business development, and how small businesses can adapt to stay competitive. For those transitioning from active duty, Jeff provides valuable insights on pursuing work that aligns with personal interests rather than rushing back into civilian or contractor roles. Join us for an insightful discussion with Jeff Sobel as we explore the nuances of federal contracting, the importance of continuous learning, and the future of business development in this dynamic field. * Hosted by: Terrell Cummings & Devon Florczak * www.countryintel.com [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032726/www.countryintel.com%20] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/CountryIntel] * Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/countryintel] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CountryIntel/]

Navigating the Job Market: A Recruiter's Perspective Part 2

In today's episode, we welcome back Antonio Gamble, a recruiting manager at Country Intelligence Group. Antonio reveals how data-driven decision-making and innovative data mining techniques are transforming the way recruiters source top talent. You'll learn the power of platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn and discover how timing and method can enhance your outreach efforts. Antonio shares insider tips on gathering comprehensive candidate information and engaging potential recruits effectively, even when dealing with specialized roles and security clearances. Stand out in today's fiercely competitive job market with actionable strategies from our discussion. We dive into the art of showcasing your unique skills and experiences through quantifiable data and effective networking. Antonio emphasizes the critical importance of tailoring your resumes and cover letters to company values to bypass applicant tracking systems. We'll also guide you through professional development opportunities on LinkedIn Learning and Coursera and offer expert tips for mastering virtual interviews. Whether you're a recruiter seeking to optimize your process or a job seeker eager to make an impact, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and practical advice. * Hosted by: Terrell Cummings & Devon Florczak * www.countryintel.com [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032726/www.countryintel.com%20] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/CountryIntel] * Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/countryintel] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CountryIntel/]

Navigating the Job Market: A Recruiter's Perspective

What drives a person to shift from handling mortuary affairs in the Army to becoming a passionate recruiter? In this episode, we sit down with Antonio Gamble, our recruiting manager at CountryIntel, to uncover this compelling journey. Antonio recounts his early days in the military, where he started at the age of 19 and quickly rose to become a non-commissioned officer. He shares the pivotal moment when he was "voluntold" to transition into recruiting, his rigorous training at Fort Knox, and his educational pursuits in Florida. His passion for the recruitment field didn't wane—leading him to reclassify as a career recruiter and eventually join us at CountryIntel. Our conversation with Antonio dives into the intricacies of the recruitment and onboarding process at CountryIntel. Learn why adaptability is key and how we efficiently conduct initial screenings, meet-and-greets, and final offers. Antonio also sheds light on the importance of diverse talent and the unique skill sets that candidates bring. He provides valuable insights into common interview pitfalls, such as candidates being overly modest, and the significance of reviewing social media profiles for a comprehensive understanding of potential hires. The world of recruitment is rapidly changing, and Antonio shares his perspective on the impact of remote work on this dynamic landscape. Discover the economic and mental health benefits of working from home, and the hurdles faced in filling on-site roles. We explore the booming demand for roles in technology and healthcare, particularly for traveling nurses post-COVID. Antonio also highlights how modern technology, such as applicant tracking systems and virtual communication tools, is revolutionizing the recruiting process, making it more efficient and effective. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of recruiting and the evolving job market. * Hosted by: Terrell Cummings & Devon Florczak * www.countryintel.com [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032726/www.countryintel.com%20] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/CountryIntel] * Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/countryintel] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CountryIntel/]

Navigating the Surge in Government Contracts: Strategies for Fiscal Success in 2024

Discover what the fourth-quarter surge in government contracts could mean for the fiscal landscape of 2024. Here, we embark on a journey through the intricacies of federal spending and its ripple effects on small businesses. This episode peels back the layers of budgetary patterns and provides actionable insights for those with set-aside contracts, ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge to thrive in the ever-shifting terrain of government contracting. Gear up for an engaging conversation on aligning your business strategy with the federal government's fiscal maneuvers. We share expert tips on forging valuable connections with prime contractors and dive into the ways the upcoming election might shape the contracting climate. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or looking to break into the market, our analysis offers a roadmap to successfully navigate the complexities of government budgets and contracts, setting the stage for your success as the fiscal year unfolds. * Hosted by: Terrell Cummings & Devon Florczak * www.countryintel.com [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032726/www.countryintel.com%20] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/CountryIntel] * Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/countryintel] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CountryIntel/]