Diving into government contracting is no small feat—it’s a bold undertaking requiring courage and a deep grasp of the intricate landscape of policy making and implementation. As this challenging yet rewarding path unfolds, Jennifer Hanks, CEO of MMC Consulting and Co-Founder of Fed Propel Institute, seizes the opportunity with determination. In this episode, Jennifer shares strategies for building and managing cost-effective teams, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the unexpected twists of starting MMC Consulting amid pregnancy and parenting during the pandemic. Discover her c ..read more

“Freedom lies in being bold." – Robert Frost My guest this week has mastered the art of leveraging entrepreneurship as a path to freedom. From growing up in an entrepreneurial family to leveraging corporate experiences to prepare for business ownership, Dr. Kimberly West has taken every opportunity to build the life of her dreams. The gears of an entrepreneurial mind should always be turning, ticking, and constantly on the lookout for new business perspectives and opportunities.  As entrepreneurs, we should make the most of our time by shaping the future of our businesses, based on our ex ..read more

A different result requires a different approach. Aspirations of growth often require a change in methodology in order to achieve new goals. But the mere thought of change scares us. Even when others are willing to give advice or share their experiences, we often cling to the familiar.  Our old ways can serve as a comfort blanket. While it can be uncomfortable to be in a new environment or unfamiliar situation, I want to remind you: “Don't automatically discount that new way just because it's new or unfamiliar to you.” Trust the wisdom of those who've walked the path before. Their guid ..read more

The beauty of the human experience lies in how its meaning evolves over time. For Ronnette Meyers, it all began with her grandmother's front porch beauty salon, where she learned the art of braiding as a young girl. This was her first taste of earning through her skill – the spark that ignited her entrepreneurial journey. From these humble beginnings, Ronnette became a senior leader in the federal government, which eventually led to her joining her mother's government contracting firm. From there, she forged her own path, founding an IT consulting company, and continuing to blaze trails in go ..read more

Revamping your career is no small feat; it requires strategic thinking and unwavering determination. In a journey marked by calculated risks and meticulous planning, Tasha Jones serves as a role model for transforming apprehension into achievements. She isn't just building a business; she's crafting her legacy through an intentional approach to achieve her envisioned future. After dedicating more than two decades to government consulting following her service in the US Navy, Tasha made a defining choice to seize control of her career and embark on an independent professional path. This bold de ..read more

It may seem like the worlds of aerospace systems design and organizational development exist in entirely separate realms. But what if we told you they actually are connected in a fascinating way? Well, they are, and in this episode we're diving deep into this convergence with Sonya Hopson. Sonya is an expert at working within systems, and she sees the world through that lens. Whether at NASA engineering rockets, or assisting various government agencies and commercial clients with strategic planning, she's all about putting the pieces together to develop a cohesive solution. Join us as we emb ..read more

How do you transition from working in the corporate to finally starting and leading your own business? While it’s not entirely impossible—I know a lot of people who took a leap of faith and started their own entrepreneurial journey—it takes a special kind of courage, especially for women and women of color to transition from the corporate setting to leading their own companies. So really, how do you do this? For Lesa Adeboye, CEO of Alliance Group, it’s a matter of presenting your authentic self and building genuine relationships. With her mantra of “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Le ..read more

What does it mean to tell your story? Your audience or brand will be greatly influenced by the story you tell. Your story is a way to connect with and impact those who hear it. It is a privilege to share your story with others and it's essential to understand and think about what story (or stories) you want to tell the world and how you want it told. Telling a story can be challenging at times, especially when you don't feel like you have the perfect words to express yourself. So ask yourself, "Is what I'm trying to tell a story or just an experience I'm still going through?" Remember that the ..read more

What happens when you pursue your dreams?  What if we all embraced an intentional approach to life and went after our goals?  Well, you may end up living around the world, working within different cultures, and impacting hundreds, maybe thousands of people across the globe!  My guest this week dreamed of being a diplomat at age 15 and she has worked to make that dream a reality, as a career foreign commercial service officer. Camille Richardson is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle East and Africa for the International Trade Administration.  Camille describes her job ..read more

Studies tell us that on average, humans spend more than 30% of their lives at work. Given that work is such a significant aspect of our lives, it is important that we work in an environment where we feel valued and appreciated. But how can we ensure that we work in a healthy environment where we can thrive? In episode 810, we discuss this topic with our guest, Dr. Melba Nicholson Sullivan, CEO of Freedom Flow Solutions. Melba believes that creating a culture where individuals feel seen and heard is the first step toward achieving a healthy work environment. With her clinical psychology back ..read more