Share
Unveiled: GovCon Stories
From Chaos to Clarity: Mastering Leadership in Government Contracting
Season 4, Ep. 2
•
Imagine this: You’re fresh into government contracting, stepping into a small business as a new managing partner. The stakes are high. Not only are you navigating a whole new market, but you also have the pressure of enabling a company’s growth on your shoulders. Sound overwhelming? You bet! But it’s also where the magic happens.
And here’s the exciting part: it’s not just about surviving those early hurdles. It’s about thriving in them—supporting growth of a company through new territory, quickly driving success, and building something with untapped potential. This is more than just a story of business management; it’s about creating breakthroughs that have a lasting impact. So, whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business leader, or just curious about how innovation can change the game, we’re about to dive into the insights that can help you lead boldly and think differently. Are you ready to lead boldly? Let’s get into it!
Guest Bio:
Seni Aguiar is the Chief Operating Officer at Digital Charter, Inc. (DCIT), where she has played a pivotal role in securing Prime contracts and driving operational excellence for nearly three years. A PMP-certified professional with over a decade of experience in government contracting and IT services, Seni is recognized for her versatile leadership across business operations, HR, business development, and marketing. She is known for streamlining processes and fostering innovation within the organization.
Seni was honored as a DCA Power Woman in GovCon for her contributions to the industry and has shared her expertise at events such as DevOps Days and CodeCamp, where she highlights networking strategies and the power of LinkedIn in advancing professional careers. As a lead organizer for the DevOps Days Tampa Bay Conference for three consecutive years, she has helped bring together tech leaders and enthusiasts from across the country.
Outside of work, Seni is an avid reader and is taking professional voice lessons to perfect her car karaoke skills. She and her husband live in Florida with their three energetic boys, whose activities—ranging from sunrise surf sessions and soccer tournaments to band performances—keep them constantly on the move. With her unique blend of professional and personal accomplishments, Seni is a leader who inspires those around her by balancing career success with a vibrant, family-focused life.
Call(s) to Action:
- Help spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories: https://shows.acast.com/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.
Links:
- Digital Charter Website: https://digitalcharter.com/
- Digital Charter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalcharter
- Seni Aguiar Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seniaguiar/
More episodes
View all episodes
12. Cash Flow Keys for GovCon Growth
50:24||Season 4, Ep. 12As we wrap up the fall season of Unveiled: GovCon Stories, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges for small businesses in government contracting (GovCon): access to funding. This season finale explores how alternative lending solutions help businesses overcome cash flow hurdles and seize new opportunities.We’re joined by Teresa Moon, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Parabilis and host of Spilling the Tea on GovCon. With her extensive experience in business development and relationship building, Teresa shares practical insights into bridging financial gaps in GovCon.This episode covers:How alternative funding differs from traditional financing.Key factors for evaluating funding options.Common mistakes in seeking funding and how to avoid them.Lessons and success stories from helping contractors thrive.Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation! Guest Bio:Teresa Moon, Director of Market Strategy at Parabilis and host of Spilling the Tea on GovCon, leverages her expertise in government procurement to drive communication strategies and expand Parabilis’ impact in the federal contracting community.Focused on fostering strategic collaborations, Teresa has built a growing network of resources to empower businesses in achieving their goals. Known for her integrity and commitment, she cultivates lasting relationships that deliver meaningful results.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:Parablis – Innovations in Business Finance: https://parabilis.com/ Spilling the Tea Podcast - https://parabilis.com/spilling-the-tea/ Latest GovCon Insights: https://parabilis.com/insights/ 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!
11. Honoring Legacy While Forging the Future
01:00:03||Season 4, Ep. 11You don’t often hear about family businesses in government contracting. However, today we’re talking with a guest from a small, family-owned company undergoing two major transitions: breaking into the federal market and passing the leadership torch from mother to daughter.This isn’t just a succession story; it’s a reinvention. With new opportunities come challenges: navigating complex procurement processes, meeting compliance requirements, and climbing a steep learning curve—all while leveraging a tight-knit team and years of expertise. But the real story lies at the intersection of family and business. How do you honor a legacy while forging a bold new path? And how do you lead through a changing political and economic landscape?Join us as we unpack this family’s journey of growth, resilience, and adaptation in an ever-evolving world. This is a story about more than just business—it’s about leadership, resilience, and the courage to evolve Guest Bio:Ynette Evans is the Operations and Marketing Director of GME Enterprises, a DMV-based management consulting firm specializing in risk and operations management. With over a decade of experience, Ynette oversees operations, marketing, and branding, driving sales and awareness. A Hampton University graduate with a B.S. in Marketing, she has worked with nonprofits, businesses, and government organizations to craft impactful messaging and visuals.Gwen Muse-Evans, GME’s President and CEO, has 27+ years of experience in financial services, including executive roles at Fortune 50 companies, where she implemented effective risk management platforms. Call(s) to Action:Help spread the word about 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:GME Enterprises Website: Follow GME Enterprises on LinkedIn!GME Enterprises Capability StatementSponsors: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. Insurance: The Hidden Superpower for GovCon Success
55:07||Season 4, Ep. 10In today’s episode of Unveiled: GovCon Stories, we’re diving into the essential operational needs that impact every GovCon business. Retaining top talent, managing business, cyber, and compliance risks, and meeting strict regulatory requirements are all critical for success in a field where competition for human capital and contracts is fierce. So, what ties all these elements together? Glad you asked! It’s a topic that might make some sigh or brace themselves: insurance. But this won’t be your typical insurance chat. This episode delivers actionable insights for GovCon leaders aiming to build a resilient, compliant, and employee-centered foundation as they grow. Stay tuned for valuable insider knowledge to elevate your business!Guest Bio:Kevin FitzPatrick is the CEO of the Government Technology Insurance Company (GovTech) and a Partner at The Baldwin Group leading their GovCon Center of Excellence. With over 25 years in the insurance industry, he has founded several companies in Washington, D.C., including The Capital Group, which was acquired by The Baldwin Group in 2021. Kevin frequently speaks to business leaders in the D.C. tech and GovCon sectors about healthcare insurance strategy and managing fringe and employee benefit costs.Before establishing The Capital Group, he held executive positions at MetLife and New York Life. Kevin serves on the boards of the Northern Virginia Tech Council, the GovConNet Council, and the Government Technology Association. Kevin resides in Chevy Chase, Maryland; and he enjoys spending time on the water, particularly in St. Michaels, Maryland. He is also a proud parent of two University of Miami students – GO CANES!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:GovTechThe Baldwin GroupThe Baldwin Group Center of ExcellenceGovCon HR ForumSponsors: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!
9. The Power of Two
45:04||Season 4, Ep. 9This episode of Unveiled: GovCon Stories dives into the Rule of Two, a vital policy ensuring federal contracts are set aside for small businesses. The SBA’s proposed updates aim to expand its application to task and delivery orders under Multiple Award Contracts (MACs), potentially adding $6 billion in small business opportunities.While promising, these changes bring challenges, including loopholes, administrative burdens, and market uncertainty. In this episode, we explore the potential impacts, strategies to stay competitive, and ways small businesses can advocate for themselves.Tune in to learn how to adapt and position your business for success.Call to ActionAdvocate for your business by submitting feedback on the proposed rule changes: SBA Public Comment Portal.Helpful Links • Small Business Act Overview - SBA • Federal Register - SBA Proposed Rule • Tolliver Group Case Summary - COFC • SBA Regulatory Impact Analysis • SBA Resources for Small Businesses • GAO Reports on Contracting • SBA Mentor-Protégé Program • InfoSquirrel • SECAF • Optimized Technical Solutions, Inc. • Women Impacting Public PolicySponsorsThe views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the endorsements of our sponsors.Thank you to Withum, our Diamond Sponsor!Withum is a technology-driven advisory and accounting firm helping clients excel in today’s complex business environment. Learn more at Withum’s website.
8. AI Solutions in GovCon: Practical Tools for Compliance and Growth
57:04||Season 4, Ep. 8In this episode of Unveiled: GovCon Stories, we’re diving into one of the most transformative technologies in government contracting today: artificial intelligence. AI is no longer just a buzzword or a tool for tech giants—it’s an accessible and powerful solution for small businesses in the GovCon space. From automating time-consuming tasks like research and proposal writing to enhancing project management with real-time data insights, AI is revolutionizing how contractors work. Imagine offloading repetitive processes to AI-driven tools while staying on top of compliance requirements. Picture leveraging these tools to streamline operations, boost capacity, and improve security protocols. The potential is immense, and today we’re unpacking how small businesses can harness AI to gain a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of government contracting. Joining us for this conversation are two experts from Withum: Lenee Lyte, Principal CPA for the Government Contractors Advisory, and Gareth Patterson, Lead AI Engineer. Together, they explore the real-world applications of AI for small businesses in GovCon, share practical advice on staying compliant in a rapidly evolving landscape, and discuss what’s next for Withum. Tune in to discover how AI can help your business work smarter, faster, and more securely.Guest Bios:Lenee Lyte is a Principal CPA at Withum, specializing in Government Contractors. With 18+ years of experience, she provides expertise in FAR/DFARS compliance, audits, and financial systems implementation.Gareth Patterson is a Lead AI Engineer at Withum Digital. Previously at Endava, he worked on fraud detection and enterprise-level AI solutions. Gareth also biked across the country for charity, raising $500K to support people with disabilities—a journey that built lasting connections.Links:Learn more about Withum on their websiteConnect with Lenee Lyte on LinkedInConnect with Gareth Patterson on LinkedInEmail Lenee LyteAI Watch - Global Regulatory Tracker: United StatesSponsorsThe 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!
7. Inside the Win: What It Takes for a WOSB to Break Into Government Contracting
58:20||Season 4, Ep. 7Rangena Hotaki, CEO of Designovation, leads a professional services firm that integrates design thinking and disruptive innovation to drive mission achievement across Grants Management & Outreach, Business Process Optimization & Transformation, Strategic Planning & Communications, Finance & Risk Management, and Portfolio, Program, and Project Management.With two decades of experience in strategy, IT, and operations consulting, she is an expert in Federal financial services and multiple industries, passionately enhancing operations to deliver customer-centric solutions for complex challenges.Rangena leverages research, analysis, and industry insights to create and implement innovative methods, frameworks, and roadmaps to solve client business issues. A mentee of the late Clayton Christensen at Harvard, she is well-versed in disruptive innovation theories. Embracing design thinking later on, she found combining both methodologies vital to organizational evolution. She inspires her team to deliver collaboratively, coaching and mentoring professionals to reach their career goals and add value.She has worked at various strategy and technology consulting firms. She holds a B.A. in Economics & Spanish with minors in Biochemistry and Religious Studies from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Harvard Business School, as well as a Design Thinking certificate from MIT.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:Designovation Website: https://www.do-strategies.com/Designovation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/designovation-strategies Rangena Hotaki LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rangenahotaki 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!
6. Calculated & Persistent: GovCon Success Beyond the Quick Wins
42:54||Season 4, Ep. 6In this episode of Unveiled: GovCon Stories, we dive into a strategic approach for success in government contracting—the “calculated and persistent” path. Move beyond the big-growth narratives; what if real GovCon success is about mastering your niche, forming authentic relationships, and laying a strong foundation?Our guest, Aubrey Gainfort from the TSA, brings 16+ years of expertise and shares her insights on steady progress in GovCon. As the founder of the podcast Breaking the Standard, she is dedicated to empowering small businesses to navigate the GovCon landscape with focus and consistency. Together, we explore how to stay informed, build meaningful networks, and balance specialization with adaptability. Tune in for practical steps to achieve sustainable, long-term success in GovCon.Guest Bio:Aubrey Gainfort, a contracting professional at TSA with 16 years of experience, is committed to enhancing communication in government contracting. She founded Breaking the Standard to advocate, educate, and empower small businesses in the industry.Calls to Action:Spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories: Podcast LinkInterested in being a guest or suggesting a topic? Fill out our Guest Form.Check out protest lessons at GAO: GAO WebsiteLinks:Breaking the Standard on FacebookLori Smith Acu-ElligentG2 ExchangeGovBrewSponsors:Withum, our Diamond Sponsor, is a technology-driven advisory and accounting firm committed to strengthening clients in today’s business environment. Learn more about their services on Withum's Website.Hive39 Community by Twenty39: Twenty39 offers resources and community support for GovCon small businesses. Join Hive39 to access valuable resources, discover networking opportunities, and find cost-effective vendor solutions. Join Today!
5. Paving New Paths: From Unconventional Beginnings to GovCon Success
42:53||Season 4, Ep. 5In this episode, we explore how breaking from a traditional career path led to the launch of a successful GovCon business and a non-profit that empowers women-owned small businesses in the government sector. Our guest, Johanna Yi, founder and CEO of For People, shares her unique journey, discussing how her background shaped her leadership style, created smart data solutions for government, and addressed the social determinants of health. We dive into her mission of expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs in GovCon.Guest Bio:Johanna Yi leads For People, a mission-driven organization transforming government services through robust data ecosystems. With significant experience in Medicaid and data initiatives, Johanna drives impactful policy and tech solutions and is also VP of the Digital WOSB Alliance, promoting women-led GovCon businesses.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:Digital WOSB Alliance: https://www.digitalwosballiance.org/ For People: https://forpeople.us/ 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!Hive39 Community by Twenty39Twenty39 – simplifying the complexity in pursuing government contracts and hosts 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!
4. Finding Stability in Uncertain Times
24:53||Season 4, Ep. 4In this episode of Unveiled: GovCon Stories, we explore the world of government contracting during a presidential election year, a time historically filled with uncertainties. While election years always stir questions about budget priorities and future policies, small businesses in GovCon continue to push forward with innovation, resilience, and optimism. We will focus on how small businesses can maintain stability and seize opportunities, regardless of the political climate, and examine key trends reshaping the market.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.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!