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7. OSDBU Unveiled: Beyond Policies
47:43Small business program offices play a pivotal role in fostering connections with small businesses and maximizing their impact across federal acquisitions. And in this world, policies play second fiddle to the people who are driving them. Today’s episode explores the human side of government contracting. We are thrilled to be joined by the Program Specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Unit (OSDBU), Wendy Bray. By hosting small business development training and many other initiatives, Wendy’s work involves transforming mission statements into world-class opportunities and she walks us through her GovCon story today. We discuss the mission of OSDBU, why it serves both army affiliates and civilians, how it prioritizes its projects, the standard lifecycle of a business’s relationship with OSBDU, and how Wendy’s role as a program specialist plays out differently at the organization. We also dive deep into the VA’s approach to communication, how local collaborations and larger initiatives differ, the drawbacks of working with multiple departments at the same time, and everything small business owners need to know to optimize their relationship with the VA’s OSDBU. To end, Wendy explains what the VA has planned for the near future and why we should all be excited about it! Key Points From This Episode:Welcoming Wendy Bray from VA OSDBU as she shares her GovCon story. The mission of OSBDU and why it serves both veterans and civilians. A brief exploration of “the rule of two”; how the VA prioritizes its projects and partners. Wendy’s role as a program specialist and how it plays out differently at the VA. The life-cycle of a small business’s relationship with OSBDU and what owners need to know.How the VA approaches feedback and communication in general. The differences between local collaborations and larger, national initiatives. Assessing the highs and lows of working with multiple departments simultaneously. Important VA-specific considerations for new small business entrants. How to get the most out of Wendy and the team at OSBDU. Noteworthy takeaways about working with the VA and what it has planned for the future.Sponsors:Withum: https://www.withum.com/Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.Twenty39 – helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: https://www.twenty39.comIf your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support we are here to help. We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.Hive39 Community: https://twenty39.com/hive39-community/An inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts; and meet new partners, identify small business relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small business, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!
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6. Coming Full Circle: Returning to Small Business Leadership
48:19Today’s guest is one of those rare individuals who has excelled in leadership positions that include not just public sector government service but the private sector as well. We are joined by Rob Brown, the current Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Systalex, a company providing commercial and federal agencies with contemporary solutions. Prior to his roles at Systalex, Rob worked at several private companies and spent seven years at the US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS), first as Division Chief and then as CTO. He has a strong background in IT and business and has extensive experience in the field, from managing technical teams and corporate IT strategies to completing large-scale IT deployments. In this conversation with Rob, we discuss his experience of navigating both the public and private sectors, what it’s been like returning to small business leadership, and his advice for others considering this type of transition. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the challenges of transitioning between these worlds, the regulations and dynamics that govern each sphere, valuable lessons that can help agencies be better small business partners, and much more!Key Points From This Episode:An overview of Rob’s experience as CTO at USCIS.What made him return to the private sector.A rundown of the various roles that he occupies at Systalex.Navigating the transition between the public and private sectors.Rob’s reflections on contracts, networking, timing, and re-establishing connections.Top takeaways on cultivating a growth strategy and getting buy-in from your team.How Rob managed his relationships during his transition to the private sector.Finding balance: the demands of occupying an executive role and delivering resources.Rob’s advice for federal employees looking to transition into the private sector.Human-centered design, AI products for government, and what’s next for Rob and Systalex.A recap and summary of what we covered today.Sponsors:Withum: withum.comWithum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.Twenty39 — Helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: twenty39.comIf your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support, we are here to help! We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.Hive39 Community: twenty39.com/hive39-communityAn inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts, meet new partners, identify small business-relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small businesses, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!
5. Insider Tips: Thriving In Uncertainty
44:47Are you looking to master the art of the unexpected? Then look no further, as today we dive into proven strategies to help you succeed in ambiguous situations, gain insights into effective communication, and learn how to turn adversity into an advantage. Joining us is Shenell Glover, dynamic leader and CEO of Ambitious Strategies. Shenell has extensive experience in public policy, business development, project management, and financial management. With this episode, we aim to share expert advice and real-world anecdotes that will empower you to lead confidently, even when the journey ahead seems uncertain. Tune in to discover what makes Shenell Glover unique, hear exclusive tips for thriving amidst uncertainty, and more!Key Points From This Episode:Who Shenell Glover is and insight into her GovCon story.The challenges of government contracting: anticipating unexpected opportunities.Specific scenarios in which Shenell worked to actively mitigate anticipated risks.Her recommendations for companies on how to mitigate similar risks.How to build relationships with clients to get support: the most effective communication strategies and consideration for regulation.Critical behind-the-scenes steps to take to overcome hurdles with customers.Useful considerations for accepting a contract or submitting a response.What’s over the horizon for Shenell and Ambitious Strategies.A quick recap of our key takeaways from today’s conversation!Call(s) to Action:Request to join the Hive39 Community on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12645189/Help spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories:https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-storiesDo you want to be a guest or recommend a topic that you would like to learn or hear about on the podcast? Let us know at our Guest Feedback and Registration Form!Sponsors:Withum: https://www.withum.com/Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.Twenty39 – Helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: https://www.twenty39.comIf your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support, we are here to help. We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.Hive39 Community: https://twenty39.com/hive39-community/An inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts, meet new partners, identify small business relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small businesses, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!
4. CEO’s Journey: Adversity to GovCon
53:45Today on Unveiled: GovCon Stories, we explore the incredible journey of Joseph Lee, a business owner who came from the 9th Ward in New Orleans and navigated through adversity to succeed in government contracting. As the President and CEO of JLGOV LLC, a commercial and government contracting firm specializing in IT and cybersecurity solutions, Joe knows a thing or two about hard work! This remarkable CEO story highlights the resilience needed to overcome foundational obstacles, build diverse relationships, and succeed against all odds. In this episode, we explore the challenges of transitioning from humble beginnings to the complex world of government contracting, shedding light on the value of having a hustle mentality, the importance of diversifying your opportunities, and key strategies to help you scale, win more contracts, and find business development support. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to expand into the lucrative world of government contracts, this episode is for you!Key Points From This Episode:The defining moment that allowed Joe to navigate through adversity and find success.What led him in the direction of cybersecurity in the government contracting space.Navigating foundational challenges that many small businesses encounter along the way.Why it’s important to stay open to opportunities outside of the federal arena.How building relationships with diverse individuals has contributed to Joe’s success.Strategies he used to scale his business, including complementary partnerships.Why good business development support costs more than you think!Insight into what the future holds for Joe and JLGOV LLC.An overview of the key takeaways from today’s conversation.Call(s) to Action:Request to join the Hive39 Community on Linkedin: linkedin.com/groups/12645189Help spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories: shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-storiesSponsors:Withum: withum.comWithum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.Twenty39 — Helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: twenty39.comIf your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support, we are here to help! We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.Hive39 Community: twenty39.com/hive39-communityAn inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts, meet new partners, identify small business-relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small businesses, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!
3. Partner Up, Level Up: Recruiting Strategies
45:27Today we are exploring inspiring tales of small businesses navigating the challenging landscape of national security. It’s a game where the stakes are high and the challenges of recruiting are downright daunting, but today’s guest, Katie Helbling, has nailed it down to a science! Katie is the Content Marketing Manager at ClearanceJobs – the largest career network for professionals with federal government security clearance – and she shares how working with multiple contractors in the DOD for over a decade has helped her in the work she does today. For Katie, work ethic is everything, and she describes how work ethic fits into “the best athlete” recruiting strategy before explaining the HR differences between the private sector and public sector, how she navigates the recruiting challenges that are specific to national security, how to enter the world of government contracts and how to manage those relationships, and the importance of building a compelling recruiting brand (and how to do it). We also learn about maintaining the equilibrium between competitors and strategic partners, the value of having adequate resources, and how Katie Helbling has turned tough recruiting odds into strategic advantages to thrive as a subcontractor in national security. Key Points From This Episode:Welcoming ClearanceJobs’ Katie Helbling as she walks us through her GovCon story. Interesting facts and data points about the national security landscape. Katie’s origins in recruiting and how she transitioned to national security. Her summation of “the best athlete” staffing strategy – a personal journey. How working in HR differs between the private sector and public sector. Navigating the recruiting challenges that are specific to national security.Getting into government contracts as a recruiter, and how to manage those relationships.Katie’s advice for cultivating a compelling brand, and why it’s important to do so. Why resources matter, and finding the balance between competitors and strategic partners.What the good people at ClearanceJobs are currently focused on. Sponsors:Withum: https://www.withum.com/Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.Twenty39 – helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: https://www.twenty39.comIf your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support we are here to help. We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.Hive39 Community: https://twenty39.com/hive39-community/An inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts; and meet new partners, identify small business relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small business, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!
2. Part 2: Zen Solutions’ Resurrection Story: Thriving Despite Adversity
40:10In this episode, we welcome back Sokha Kim, the President and Founder of Zen Solutions, to continue the conversation about his company’s resurrection story and unpack how the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) impacted the company’s recovery. Zen Solutions is a leading IT services company specializing in a holistic approach to innovative and precise solutions. Kim is a seasoned professional, boasting an extensive background in systems engineering, e-discovery, IT infrastructure, data governance, and analytics. As a trusted advisor, Kim builds and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders and offers technical expertise and strategic guidance across the IT landscape. Previously, we talked about the pros and cons of the program, and this time, we delve into further detail and hear more about Zen Solutions’ resurrection story. We discuss navigating the aftermath of the implementation issues, dealing with the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations, and overcoming predatory business practices from larger companies. We explore the company’s approach to building its client base and why fostering relationships is imperative in government contracting. Discover what it takes to bring a company back from the brink, the role of self-care in dealing with mental and emotional stress, why you cannot do it all yourself, and much more. Join us as we continue the unfolding Zen Solutions’ story of resilience, survival, and triumph while facing adversity. Tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:An update on Zen Solutions and how the company has grown.Strategies the company is leveraging to build deeper relationships.Why authentic relationships are essential for small companies to grow.Navigating the DOJ investigations and consolidating the company’s debt.How he was able to stabilize Zen Solutions while planning to scale.The role his support network played in the recovery of the company.Managing the mental and emotional stress of running a small business.The different work opportunities and services the company has on offer.Sponsors:Withum: https://www.withum.com/Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.Twenty39 – helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: https://www.twenty39.comIf your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support we are here to help. We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.Hive39 Community: https://twenty39.com/hive39-community/An inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts; and meet new partners, identify small business relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small business, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!
1. Season Kick-Off: We're Back in Action!
26:10Welcome back to Unveiled: GovCon Stories, where we unpack the unfiltered narratives and real-life experiences of small businesses navigating the complex landscape of government contracting. In this season's premiere episode, we recap our biggest takeaways from the previous season, highlighting the amazing guests we had on the show and the incredible stories they shared. We talk about why we have chosen to focus on the various business development programs available and their intended goals this season and discuss our shift to augmenting our small business stories with industry insights. We also delve into the latest policy trends and the various small business development programs currently available before sharing valuable resources to help stay ahead of the dynamic policy landscape. Join us as we begin our journey into the business of doing business with Tasha Jones and Yas Wynn!Key Points From This Episode:A recap of the guests and the biggest takeaways from the previous season.Reasons why Tasha and Yas took a short break from the podcast.Updates on the controversy surrounding the Business Development Program.The various people and businesses the Business Development Program impacts.Invaluable resources to help you stay up-to-date on the latest policy changes.Why small business owners need to stay ahead of the latest policy changes.What listeners can expect from this season of the podcast.Insider details about a special returning guest.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Business Development ProgramThe HUBZone programThe Federal RegisterG2XchangeSponsors:Withum: https://www.withum.com/Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.Twenty39 – Helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: https://www.twenty39.comIf your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support, we are here to help. We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.Hive39 Community: https://twenty39.com/hive39-community/An inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts; meet new partners, identify small business relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small businesses, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!