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5. Leading Through Change: How We Built a Culture of Innovation
59:58||Season 6, Ep. 5Behind every successful digital transformation is a human story. In this episode of Unveiled: GovCon Stories, we explore how innovation in government contracting goes far beyond technology—it starts with people, culture, and the willingness to adapt in the face of constant change. As competition intensifies across GovCon, small businesses that rethink how they operate—not just what they deliver—are shaping the future of federal modernization.Our guests pull back the curtain on how they’ve built a people-centered approach to innovation, blending change management, process discipline, and emerging technology to drive meaningful transformation across government and industry. From embedding innovation into organizational culture, to making change repeatable through frameworks and systems, to leveraging learning and collaboration as a strategic advantage, this conversation offers practical insights for leaders navigating growth, uncertainty, and modernization in GovCon.Guest Bio:Angie Sanders Angie is a seasoned change management and communications professional with over 15 years of experience across public and private sectors. She has led digital transformations and IT modernization initiatives for organizations like the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. With a strong background in strategic communications, project management, and training development, Angie excels in guiding organizations through complex changes, ensuring successful outcomes by aligning leadership and engaging teams. Angie holds certifications as a Prosci Change Management Practitioner, Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified ScrumMaster.Omari SandersWith extensive expertise in leading large-scale projects for both government and commercial clients, Omari has successfully developed web-based solutions, implemented cloud platforms, and driven digital transformation initiatives. His proficiency in software architecture, database design, and user interface development has been pivotal in delivering high-impact solutions. As COO, Omari ensures operational excellence, overseeing strategic initiatives that streamline processes and enhance organizational efficiency. He holds certifications in AWS Cloud, Google Cloud Architecture, and Change Management.Call(s) to Action: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 through our guest feedback and registration form.Links:CMGT Federal: https://www.cmgtfederal.com/Sponsors:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests, and do not reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors.Withum – Diamond Sponsor!Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, helping clients to be in a position of strength in today’s complex business environment. Go to Withum’s website to learn more about how they can help your business!
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4. Local Roots, Big Impact: What the DC SBDC Is Seeing, Solving, and Shaping
46:29||Season 6, Ep. 4In today’s small business landscape, nothing is business as usual. Economic pressures, shifting policies, and the pace of innovation are changing how entrepreneurs survive and thrive, especially those navigating the public sector.In this episode we turn to the DC Small Business Development Center to explore how they're meeting the need in this moment. With a mission rooted in hands-on guidance, deep partnerships, and real-world experience, the DC SBDC is helping local businesses move from uncertainty to action – and we’re diving into what that support really looks like today.Guest Bio:Mr. Carl Brown is the State and Executive Director of the DC Small Business Development Center at Howard University, bringing 25+ years of experience in HR, marketing, procurement, and government contracting, including roles at Verizon, Pepsi, and in federal and local government as a warranted contracting officer. He is also the creator and host of The Small Business Report on SiriusXM, with insights featured in The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC.com, and The Washington Informer, and is known for developing the financial literacy comic series Sammy the Saver. As a speaker, coach, and media voice, he brings a comprehensive, real-world perspective on how small businesses grow and thrive.Call(s) to Action:Visit dcsbdc.org to schedule a session or explore upcoming workshops. Not in DC? Find your local SBDC anywhere in the country at americassbdc.org.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 through our guest feedback and registration form.Links:DC SBDC: www.dcsbdc.orgThe Small Business Report The Small Business Report on Sirius XM Channel 141: https://www.thesmallbusinessreport.biz/ Sammy The Saver - Financial Literacy Superhero: https://www.sammythesaver.com/Sponsors:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests, and do not reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors.Withum – Diamond Sponsor!Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, helping clients to be in a position of strength in today’s complex business environment. Go to Withum’s website to learn more about how they can help your business!
3. Diversification Through Reselling
01:13:49||Season 6, Ep. 3Operating as a small business in government contracting is expensive and competitive. Everyone tells you to "stand out" and "differentiate," but when you're already stretched thin on resources, how do you decide where to invest?In this co-host episode, Tasha and Yas tackle the real costs and challenges of strategic differentiation. They explore how selling hardware and software products can create new revenue streams (and what compliance hurdles you’ll face), examine certifications like CMMC and CMMI that can unlock contract opportunities (and whether the six-figure price tags are worth it), and discuss creative diversification strategies that don’t require massive capital investments.From GSA Schedules and FedRAMP certification to strategic partnerships and niche specialization, this episode delivers an honest conversation about what it takes to compete effectively in today’s GovCon market. Whether you're considering your first product line, evaluating whether a certification makes sense for your business stage, or exploring SLED and commercial opportunities, Tasha and Yas provide a practical decision framework to help you invest strategically.Key topics covered include product sales and the compliance differences between hardware and software, how to prioritize certifications like CMMC, CMMI, ISO, and FedRAMP, and alternative differentiation strategies such as geographic expansion, partnerships, IP development, and niche specialization. They also break down real cost and timeline expectations for each option, along with a clear decision-making framework that highlights green lights and red flags for smart investments. The episode even includes accessible strategies designed specifically for businesses under $5M in revenue.Whether you're new to the GovCon space or a seasoned professional looking to grow with intention, this episode provides the honest insights you need to make smarter decisions about differentiation and investment.Call(s) to Action:Interested in learning more about or leveraging Collective’s services? Click here to schedule a call and learn more about how Collective can help power your business.Help spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories.Do 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 through our guest feedback and registration form.Sponsors:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests, and do not reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors.Withum – Diamond Sponsor!Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, helping clients to be in a position of strength in today’s complex business environment. Go to Withum’s website to learn more about how they can help your business!
2. A Business of One is Still a Business
41:38||Season 6, Ep. 2A one-person business is still a business, and in government contracting, that statement needs to be said louder. You can be GovCon ready as a business of one.Solopreneurs in government contracting face a unique set of challenges. They bring deep expertise, agility, and commitment to mission, but are often overlooked, under supported, and misjudged. You’ll hear the phrase “small business” everywhere—but when you’re a team of one, you’re often navigating the same requirements, with fewer tools, less time, and almost no tailored support.And yet, these solo operators are making real contributions to federal work, supporting national priorities, shaping policy, and delivering results.This episode is about operational legitimacy, what it takes to not just survive but position yourself for scale, even if growth isn’t the goal today. Because your compliance posture, your financial infrastructure, and your back-office operations should support your vision, not limit it.Whether you plan to stay solo or scale when the time is right, you need systems that support growth, compliance, and credibility in the eyes of the markets you serve.Today we’re talking strategy, legitimacy, and infrastructure for solopreneurs in GovCon and what it really means to build a one-person business that’s built to last.Guest Bio:Marissa Achanzar, the Strategic, Content & Education Lead @ Collective, has over eight years in public accounting and has worked closely with small business owners to navigate tax strategy and compliance. At Collective, she translates complex tax concepts for self-employed individuals into clear, practical content – supporting them on their tax journey so they feel informed, confident, and empowered to make decisions for their business.Call(s) to Action:Interested in learning more about or leveraging Collective’s services? Click here to schedule a call and learn more about how Collective can help power your business.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 through our guest feedback and registration form.Sponsors:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests, and do not reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors.Withum – Diamond Sponsor!Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, helping clients to be in a position of strength in today’s complex business environment. Go to Withum’s website to learn more about how they can help your business!
1. Bridge Season: The Pivot, The Purpose, and The Path Forward
33:34||Season 6, Ep. 1The Unveiled: GovCon Stories podcast returns for a special “bridge season”, a transitional series designed to reflect, refocus, and reimagine what’s next for small and micro businesses in the government contracting ecosystem.In this kickoff episode, hosts Tasha Jones and Yas Wynn revisit standout conversations from last season, from navigating reorgs and market volatility to leveraging AI for smarter pursuits, and unpack the lessons that continue to shape the GovCon landscape. The discussion explores how resilience, adaptability, and preparedness have become the new currency of success for small business owners navigating constant change.As Unveiled evolves, so does its mission. This season marks a strategic shift toward amplifying the voices of micro-businesses and consultants (1–5 person teams), the often overlooked but essential backbone of GovCon. The hosts share how the show is partnering with organizations, large and small, to deliver practical insights, tangible resources, and story-driven strategies that empower entrepreneurs to define and achieve success on their own terms.Whether you’re a founder, consultant, or corporate leader seeking meaningful engagement with the small-business community, this episode offers perspective, purpose, and an open invitation to collaborate on building a stronger, more inclusive ecosystem.Call(s) to Action:We want to hear and partner with you!! Are you a small or micro-business founder with a story to share?Do you provide training, funding, or technology solutions for small and micro businesses?Are you a large organization redefining how you engage small-business partners?Be a partner, guest, or recommend a topic that you would like to share, learn, or hear about on the podcast through our guest feedback and registration form.Help spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories: https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-storiesSponsors:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests, and do not reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors.Withum – Diamond Sponsor!Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, helping clients to be in a position of strength in today’s complex business environment. Go to Withum’s website to learn more about how they can help your business!
11. The GovCon Playbook: Season 4 Unpacked
31:18||Season 5, Ep. 11In this Season 4 blow‑out finale of Unveiled: GovCon Stories, we weave together powerful insights from thought‑provoking conversations to understand what it truly takes for small businesses—and especially Woman‑Owned Small Businesses—to thrive in government contracting. We unpack how some guests turned major contract losses into strategic wins, the misconceptions they faced about readiness and resilience, the role of AI and team collaboration in navigating SLED vs. federal markets, and how political shifts, contract terminations, and agency reorganizations reshaped their playbooks. We hear from those who treated strategy not as theory, but as a living, operational tool, and how clarity of purpose became their margin of advantage. Throughout, financial resilience, market diversification, and embracing innovation emerge not as luxuries, but necessities. This episode offers an unapologetically real reflection on GovCon’s triumphs, setbacks, and what lies ahead—and why preparedness is now the real differentiator for small businesses in this space.Call(s) to Action: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 through our guest feedback and registration form.Links:Withum – A forward-thinking, tech-driven advisory and accounting firm supporting businesses through the full GovCon lifecycleFollow Withum on LinkedInSponsors:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests, and do not reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors.Withum – Diamond Sponsor!Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, helping clients to be in a position of strength in today’s complex business environment. Go to Withum’s website to learn more about how they can help your business!
10. Workflow, Win Rates, and the AI Advantage in Contract Pursuits
46:12||Season 5, Ep. 10In this episode of Unveiled: GovCon Stories, Mac Liu, CEO of Vultron, and Noura Bashshur, Sr. Director of Growth, discuss how AI is transforming GovCon BD. From proposal sprints to intelligent automation, they break down what makes GovCon unique—and why now is the time to evolve. Mac shares lessons from Google and DoD innovation, while Noura offers real-world guidance on using AI to boost proposal quality and delivery. Whether you're after city, civilian, or defense contracts, this one’s for you.Guest Bio:Mac Liu is the CEO of Vultron and a seasoned engineering leader with experience at Google, Robinhood, and Anduril. He’s led major defense projects with NASA, DoD, and the U.S. Space Force—scaling contracts to $240M. At Vultron, he’s applying that cross-sector expertise to help GovCon teams win smarter with AI-powered solutions.Noura Bashshur is Vultron’s Senior Director of Growth, leading strategy, partnerships, and AI-driven innovation in GovCon. With 7+ years in federal contracting, she’s led multi-million-dollar wins, built federal health practices, and brings deep expertise in BD, capture, and tech-enabled healthcare. Noura holds a Master’s in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan.Call(s) to Action:Help spread the word about UnveilLenee: GovCon Stories: https://shows.acast.com/unveilLenee-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 through our guest feedback and registration form.Links:Learn more about Vultron, request a demoCheckout Vultron’s AI-Powered Federal Proposal Development Platforms: Evaluation Framework and FactorsSponsors:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests, and do not reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors.Withum – Diamond Sponsor!Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, helping clients to be in a position of strength in today’s complex business environment. Go to Withum’s website to learn more about how they can help your business!