GovCon After Hours

Grit on the Rocks: Sarcasm, set-asides, and surviving the new era of GovCon

In this powerful episode of GovCon After Hours, hosts Dr. Robin Desmore and Caitlin Ruiz sit down with Colonel (Retired) Irene V. Glaeser, CEO of Spahr, an SBA certified SDVOSB and WOSB small business. Irene brings 31 years of military service as a Military Police Officer, federal leadership experience, and hard-won entrepreneurship wisdom to discuss what it really takes to survive and thrive as a veteran and woman-owned business in today's complex federal contracting environment. Key Takeaways * Grit, Resilience & The Three Ps * Leadership Through Crisis * The Reality of Set-Asides * Community Over Competition * Barriers for Emerging Small Businesses Timestamped Chapters * 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction * 00:03:15 - What We're Drinking * 00:08:42 - Disruption Isn't New * 00:14:20 - The Three Ps: Pivoting, Perseverance & Pinot Grigio * 00:19:56 - The Fork in the Road * 00:26:33 - The Human Cost of DOGE * 00:33:18 - Humor as Leadership Strategy * 00:42:30 - The Politics Pause * 00:51:12 - Set-Asides: Leverage or Liability? * 00:58:29 - Cultural Lessons from Kuwait * 01:06:45 - What's Not Being Talked About What Veteran & Women-Owned Founders Face vs. What They're Told The Reality We Face * DOGE cuts decimating contracts overnight * Employees with families to support being laid off * CMMC, FAR Part 2, and compliance costs piling up simultaneously * Zero past performance but expected to compete with established firms * Absorbing pressure from every direction as leaders * Being told "don't rest on your categories" while needing every advantage What We're Told to Do * "Just pivot to commercial" * "Don't rely on your socioeconomic categories" * "Get DCAA compliant, hire HR, get CMMC certified" * "Join a team" (but have no past performance to offer) * "Stay positive and keep networking" * "It's not because you're a woman" Guest Information Colonel (Retired) Irene V. Glaeser CEO of Spahr, an SBA certified SDVOSB and WOSB small business delivering IT services including cyber strategy, software enterprise solutions, and cloud migration to DOD and federal customers. Irene served 31 years in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer in Cold War Germany, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After military retirement, she held federal leadership roles at the DOD Office of Inspector General and U.S. AbilityOne Commission. She holds degrees from George Mason University, Webster University, and the U.S. Army War College. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Veteran Small Business Coalition and recently authored "Choose Your Battles," chronicling her journey as a woman in the armed forces. * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenevglaeser/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenevglaeser/] * Website: https://www.SpahrLLC.com [https://www.spahrllc.com] * Book: "Choose Your Battles" by Irene V. Glaeser Call to Action * Connect With Your Tribe * Help Other Small Businesses * Use Humor as a Survival Tool * Don't Rest on Categories Alone * Shore Up Your Resources * Stay in the Fight

The GovCon Martini: 1 Part Access, 2 Parts Timing, Served with a Twist of Power

Welcome to GovCon After Hours. In this episode, hosts Caitlin Ruiz and Dr. Robin Desmore engage in a meaningful discussion on government contracting. Joining them is Cherylyn Harley LeBon, co-chair of the Government Contracting group at Cohen Seglias, bringing over 25 years of expertise in legal, government, and strategic advisory services for small business contractors. Together, they explore the critical factors that determine success in GovCon. Cherylyn highlights the importance of timing and strategic intelligence, identifies common mistakes small businesses encounter in long-term growth planning and acquisition preparation, and offers actionable advice. The conversation covers building robust company foundations, managing complex transactions, selecting appropriate legal partners, and leveraging the federal budget for business expansion. The episode also addresses significant challenges, including the upcoming FAR rewrite and its implications for small businesses, as well as the complexities of mergers and acquisitions. For a straightforward and insightful perspective on navigating the government contracting landscape, join us for this enlightening episode of GovCon After Hours. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:09 - "Govcon Expert and Advocate" 05:02 - Defining Client Business Goals 07:19 - GovCon Strategy: Follow the Budget 13:03 - "Preparing Small Businesses for Acquisition" 17:05 - Valuation Expertise in Professional Services 19:13 - Valuing Unique Business Ventures 23:20 - "Follow the Plan, Not Feelings" 27:36 - Strategic Business Planning for Profitability 31:02 - Navigating New Opportunities 34:08 - "CMMC Impact on Small Businesses" 36:16 - Confidential Legislative Rewrite Concerns 39:23 - Outro Quotes: "Build and scale your business—the path is clear and success awaits."- Cherylyn Harley LeBon "Trust your plan over your feelings. That's how you win in GovCon."- Caitlin Ruiz "Resilience lets you pivot, survive, and emerge stronger from any storm."- Dr. Robin Desmore Key Takeaways: Timing is Tied to Intel—Stop Throwing Darts Start With a Goal—Not Just a Plan Deviating from the Plan? Get Back On Track Fast Invest, Reinvest, and Find Real Strategic Partners Follow the Money—Budgets Leave Clues Legal Problems? Be Proactive, Not Reactive Thinking About Selling Your Business? Clean House NOW Valuation is a Science—Find the Right Experts Emotional Intelligence—Check Your Feelings at the Door The FAR Rewrite: Advocate, Don’t Stay Silent Connect with the Guest Mrs. Cherylyn Harley LeBon, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylyn-harley-lebon/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylyn-harley-lebon/] Connect with the Hosts Caitlin Ruiz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-ruiz-m-s-cir-65a8962b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-ruiz-m-s-cir-65a8962b/] Robin Desmore LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robindesmore/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robindesmore/] Call To Action: Listen or watch more episodes on our other platforms Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/31jlhc2mmefwdlnf7il4inxlzgue?si=d12f5108888f4dbd [https://open.spotify.com/user/31jlhc2mmefwdlnf7il4inxlzgue?si=d12f5108888f4dbd] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/govcon-after-hours-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/govcon-after-hours-podcast/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConAfterHours [https://www.youtube.com/@GovConAfterHours]

Behind the Bar: Mixing ROI-Driven Investments for GovCon

Welcome to another episode of GovCon After Hours! Host Caitlin Ruiz and co-host Robin Desmore explore "Behind the Bar: Mixing ROI-Driven Investments for GovCon." They discuss strategies for maximizing return on investment in government contracting with guest Lisa Shea Mundt, co-founder of The Pulse of GovCon. The episode addresses the financial implications of event participation, effective follow-up systems, and innovative marketing techniques. They also highlight the importance of strong industry relationships and the challenges small businesses face in GovCon. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating ROI complexities and optimizing your investments in government contracting in this engaging conversation! Connect with Lisa Shea Mundt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasheamundt/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasheamundt/] Website: Maintenance Page - The Pulse™ [https://thepulsegovcon.com/] Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 05:39 - Aligning with Like-Minded People for ROI 08:30 - Balancing Life ROI and Networking 10:49 - Optimistic Networking for Future Relationships 13:11 - ROI on Affordable Travel Options 19:22 - Importance of Organic Referrals 22:35 - Approval and Referrals in Business 26:12 - Client Dynamics and Competition 28:21 - Veterans' Networking Challenges 33:11 - Letting Go of Difficult Prospects 36:17 - Strategic Engagement for Events 37:19 - Email Follow-Up for Marketing 40:30 - Managing Booth Costs 45:26 - Outro Quote of the Episode "Inspiring engagement is crucial for turning interactions into lasting relationships." - Lisa Shea Mundt "Effective networking in government contracting fosters growth and innovation." - Lisa Shea Mundt Powered by: Heartcast Media,http://www.heartcastmedia.co [http://www.heartcastmedia.com]m

AI Happy Hour: Taking Shots at AI in GovCon

Welcome to another episode of Govcon! Host Caitlin Ruiz and Dr. Robin Desmore explore AI Discussing compliance, innovation, and the challenging nature of AI in the industry. They touch on executive orders, Responsible AI Toolkits, and Avangard's evolving policies, highlighting AI's impact on processes, biases, and decision-making. From AI-generated resumes to the importance of clean data, human oversight, and industry dialogue, the conversation uncovers the nuances of AI in GovCon. Dive into the world of AI with valuable insights and perspectives in this engaging episode Connect with Dr. Robin Desmore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robindesmore/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robindesmore/] Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 03:28 - AI: Impact on Knowledge and Efficiency 05:34 - Avangard's AI Policy and Client Focus 06:32 - AI Conversations Amid Regulation Gaps 11:34 - Setting AI Standards: Human Responsibility 14:33 - Companies and Data Analytics Models 16:14 - Oral Presentations in Proposal Processes 20:07 - Operating Systems, Browsers, and AI Model 23:17 - User Engagement in AI Integration 27:59 - Secrecy for Competitive Advantage 29:35 - Outro Quotes of the Episode "Learn from others who share insights and guide deeper exploration based on their experiences."-Dr. Robin Desmore "In AI, secrecy is crucial. Sharing details can fuel competition or hinder innovation, based on the approach." -Dr. Robin Desmore

Stacey Piper Defines Marketing

Welcome back to another episode of GovCon, Today, we'll discuss effective marketing techniques for reaching and educating target audiences, especially in new markets. Stacey will emphasize the importance of showcasing your company's capabilities and the necessity of nurturing relationships for ongoing success. We'll also explore pilot programs, thought leadership, and account-based marketing. Plus, we'll enjoy some lighter moments discussing our Mini Cooper adventures and pet anecdotes, underscoring the value of genuine professional relationships. Tune in for actionable tips and stories that help navigate the complexities of the GovCon world with expert Stacey Piper. Connect with Stacey Piper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-moon-060b9611b/https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceypiper/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceypiper/] Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 05:41 - Marketing's Impact on Small Business Expansion 07:51 - Using Marketing and Demos to Attract Prospects 12:25 - Leveraging Thought Leadership to Showcase Expertise 14:12 - Evaluating Different Outreach Strategies for Recruitment 20:05 - Discussing Typical Budgets and Cost Assessments for Projects 23:23 - When People Turn to Me: Website Troubleshooting 25:51 - The Rapid Response Advantage of Non-Traditional Marketing Agencies 29:27 - Enhancing Retention through a Strong Talent Brand 31:50 - The Full Circle Effect: From Clients to Candidates and Back 33:51 - Closing Remarks and Gratitude with Stacy 34:09 - Outro Quote of the Episode "Use marketing to reach your audience when entering new areas without connections—it helps build new partnerships."-Stacey Piper "Keep the train on the tracks—focus on what you know, deliver your best, and let the results speak before we discuss further." -Stacey Piper Powered by: Heartcast Media http://www.heartcastmedia.com [http://www.heartcastmedia.com]