# govcon (podcasts) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 3 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover govcon. Page: Feed: --- ## [The Sources Sought Response That Legally Narrows Federal Competition (Step-by-Step)](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/the-sources-sought-response-that-legally-narrows-federal-competition-step-by-step) _2026-08-21 · Govcon Giants_ A sources sought response is a small business's chance to recommend specific past-performance and PWS requirements that the government can place directly into the solicitation, legally narrowing who can compete. Eric Coffie walks through how to shape those recommendations, from citing a five-year VA janitorial contract to requiring three years of prime performance on a 50,000 square foot facility,… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/18-12_Clip_1__Whisper_in_the_Governments_Ear_Legally_with_Ryan_Atencio_121825_.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [From Marine Sharpshooter to Landing a Government Contract With Zero Experience](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/david-rambhajan) _2026-08-20 · Govcon Giants_ Landing a job you have no experience for feels impossible, but David Rambhajan did it with zero degree, zero experience, and no MBA, and in this episode he breaks down the exact "sharpshooter strategy" that got him hired. If you are starting from scratch with no past performance or connections, this is the mindset and step-by-step approach that turns a flat rejection into an opportunity nobody… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/18-9_Clip_1__Sharpshooter_Strategy_Building_a_Foundation_for_Success_-_David_Rambhajan_091825_.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [338: 20-Year GovCon Lawyer: Why Your $10 Billion IDIQ Is Worth Nothing | Isaias "Cy" Alba](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/338-20-year-govcon-lawyer-why-your-10-billion-idiq-is-worth-nothing-isaias-cy-alba) _2026-08-19 · Govcon Giants_ Selling a government contracting business triggers a 180-day eligibility rule that can void a set-aside bid if the buyer is not eligible on the day of award, wiping out the time and cost of the proposal. Isaias "Cy" Alba, a partner at the law firm PilieroMazza with 20 years in government contracting M&A, walks through the specific rules that quietly strip value from a small business before a sale,… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/Isaias__Cy__Alba__IV_1.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [Bid Federal Contracts You Can't Win, on Purpose (Here's Why)](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/bid-federal-contracts-you-cant-win-on-purpose-heres-why) _2026-08-18 · Govcon Giants_ Army Corps of Engineers roofing and construction contracts are often written against Unified Facilities Criteria that date back decades, and the person who defines whether the job is complete is the same person who releases your payment. West Edwards breaks down the questions a contractor should ask before bidding a federal job, how to get the scope and success criteria signed off in writing, and… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/11-7__Clip_1__Be_Patient_Protect_Yourself_FHC_Training_-_West_Edwards_071125_.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [Ep 433: The Loyalty Trap: When a Long-Time Employee Can't Scale With You](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-433-the-loyalty-trap-when-a-long-time-employee-cant-scale-with-you) _2026-08-17 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ What do you do with the employee who was perfect for the company you used to run? In this episode, I get into what I call the loyalty trap, the thing that catches a lot of owners between $5M and $10M. The business grew, the skill the job needs grew, and the person you hired on day one stayed right where they were. Most owners read that as an employee problem. It is usually a company problem. I… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/0940bcbf-e06f-40ef-9848-7bee88e9ddd0.mp3) ## [The 8(a) Program Is the Easy Button for Your First Federal Contract in 2026](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/the-8a-program-is-the-easy-button-for-your-first-federal-contract-in-2026) _2026-08-17 · Govcon Giants_ The number of new small businesses winning federal contracts each year has fallen from 58,000 to roughly 12,000, even as total small business awards doubled to 183 billion dollars, which means larger awards are going to far fewer firms. Eric Coffie breaks down why the 8(a) program is the fastest on-ramp into that thinning field in 2026, how one contractor turned a quiet six-year build into a 57… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/30-12__Clip_1__Teaming_Hacks_Borrow_8a_Power_-_Eric_Coffie_123025_.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [The GSA Schedule Partnership That Builds Your Past Performance (Full Guide)](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/the-gsa-schedule-partnership-that-builds-your-past-performance-full-guide) _2026-08-16 · Govcon Giants_ The GSA Multiple Award Schedule is a 20-year contract vehicle, and a business with no past performance can still get on it by subcontracting first to build a track record as a prime. Colin Nchako breaks down how to sub under an established schedule holder, convert that experience into your own prime awards, and then add new SIN numbers later through a modification instead of at the onset. What… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/11-9_Clip_2__GSA_MAS_Schedule_QA_-_Colin_Nchako_091125_.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [The 8(a) Joint Venture Move That Builds Your Company on Someone Else's Bonding | David Rambhajan](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/the-8a-joint-venture-move-that-builds-your-company-on-someone-elses-bonding-david-rambhajan) _2026-08-15 · Govcon Giants_ Two small businesses can form an 8(a) joint venture to pursue federal contracts neither could win alone, splitting accounting, bonding, and delivery responsibilities under the program rules. David Rambhajan, a contractor who grew through joint ventures and mentor-protege agreements before selling his company, walks through how he used partnering to gain past performance, limit his bonding… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/11-9__Clip_3__Joint_Ventures_Partnering__Teaming_-_David_Rambhajan_091125_.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [6 Things First-Time Contractors Forget to Put in a Federal Construction](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/6-things-first-time-contractors-forget-to-put-in-a-federal-construction) _2026-08-14 · Govcon Giants_ Federal construction bids are won or lost in the estimate, where a single omitted line item like roof tubing can cost a quarter of a million dollars on a $19 million project. Eric Coffie breaks down the estimating checklist that captures the full scope of work, why every subcontractor bid must be signed and turnkey to hold up in court, and how one missing clause let a sub cover five items when the… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/19-5_Clip_1__From_Small_to_Large_Scaling_using_SBA_-_Eric_Coffie_051926_.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [The Requirement Trick That Wins a Federal Contract Before It Posts](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/the-requirement-trick-that-wins-a-federal-contract-before-it-posts) _2026-08-13 · Govcon Giants_ Federal buyers control only one part of a contract, the requirement, and most program staff have never been trained to write a performance work statement, so the document that decides the winner is often written before a solicitation ever posts. Ryan breaks down how a small vendor shapes that requirement through market research and a sources sought response, so the eventual bid is scoped so… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/7-11__Clip_3_Capture_500K_Deals_Before_the_RFP_Drops__Ryan_110725_.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [Non-custodial Crypto Payments & Escrow (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/LKSDt7XYb6j6) _2026-08-13 · **Sponsored**_ Accept multi-chain crypto with trustless escrow, instant confirmations, and no KYC ## [337: Former GSA Acquisitions Chief: We Knew What Agencies Would Buy Before Anyone Bid | Tracy Marcinowski](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/337-former-gsa-acquisitions-chief-we-knew-what-agencies-would-buy-before-anyone-bid-tracy-marcinowski) _2026-08-12 · Govcon Giants_ Federal agencies signal upcoming contract dollars through the president's budget months before a solicitation ever posts, and the FY2027 budget was published just weeks ago. Tracy Marcinowski, a former Air Force contracting officer who rose to Assistant Commissioner for Acquisitions at GSA's Public Building Service, a $4 billion organization, walks through how a small business reads that budget to… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/315_Tracy_M_and_Eric_C.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [The SAM.gov Data Trick That Shows Where Every Agency Spends (Full Guide) | Zack Golden](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/the-samgov-data-trick-that-shows-where-every-agency-spends-full-guide-zack-golden) _2026-08-11 · Govcon Giants_ Federal agencies publish every contract they award, and that spending data reveals which offices buy your service and how much they paid last year, including one region where the Army alone obligated $27 million. ack Golden walks through pulling agency spending into a pivot table to find the offices actively buying, the recipients already winning, and the NAICS codes that point a small vendor… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/4-12_Clip_1__50M_Agency_Buying_Pattern_Exposed_Zack_Golden_120425_.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [Ep 432: What Would You Do With 8 Hours Back This Week?](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-432-what-would-you-do-with-8-hours-back-this-week) _2026-08-10 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ What would you do with eight hours back this week? In this episode, I interview Luke Thompson from The Operations Guide about the work he has been doing to implement AI in organizations. One of his favorite implementations is an AI agent that wakes up periodically, checks your systems, and then makes decisions and takes action based on your rules.He also talks about how this can all be managed… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/19506863-1c4f-4680-865b-7d66573b0a94.mp3) ## [3 Ways to Partner on a Federal Contract Without Losing Your Small Business Status | David Rambhajan](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/3-ways-to-partner-on-a-federal-contract-without-losing-your-small-business-status-david-rambhajan) _2026-08-10 · Govcon Giants_ On a federal prime-sub relationship, a scope review is a short document a prime walks through line by line so a subcontractor commits to payment terms, performance, and deliverables before work starts. David Rambhajan, a service-disabled veteran-owned construction contractor who built and sold his firm after 15 years, explains how that one habit prevents the price increases and missed expectations… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/11-9__Clip_1__Joint_Ventures_Partnering__Teaming_-_David_Rambhajan_091125_.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [Getting Paid Upfront on a Government Contract Before You Finish the Work | West Edwards](https://govcongiants.libsyn.com/getting-paid-upfront-on-a-government-contract-before-you-finish-the-work-west-edwards) _2026-08-09 · Govcon Giants_ On a federal construction job the government pays the general contractor within about 30 days, but the subcontractor gets paid only after hitting a milestone and floats the materials and labor in the meantime. West Edwards, a construction and roofing contractor who works Army Corps of Engineers projects, walks through how a subcontractor gets money on the ground early, uses supplier terms to push… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/govcongiants/12-6_Clip_3__Be_Patient_Protect_Yourself_FHC_Training_-_West_Edwards_061225_.mp3?dest-id=1224122) ## [Ep 431: Stop Selling Services. Start Creating Experiences.](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-431-stop-selling-services-start-creating-experiences) _2026-07-27 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ If I printed 10 capability statements, yours and nine competitors', then cut off every logo, could you pick yours out of the stack? Most contractors say yes. Most contractors are wrong. In this episode I break down why "we're different" is the most common claim in government contracting and the least believable one. Quality work, on time, under budget, great customer service. Those are not… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/2a909ae5-81f8-40e5-9004-4693c3826138.mp3) ## [How Businesses' Best Sellers Aren't in Business Development](https://breakingthestandard.libsyn.com/how-businesses-best-sellers-arent-in-business-development) _2026-07-24 · Breaking the Standard_ In this episode, we have Krystn Macomber, CEO and Founder of Summit Strategy with us to discuss how businesses' best sellers aren't in business development. Listen in as Krystn shares how small businesses should be thinking about and approaching growth and who should serve to help drive that within the business. To connect with Krystn, find here on LinkedIn. To learn more about Summit Strategy,… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/breakingthestandard/Episode_149_master_ads_Unanet_Bank_of_Clarke_BOOST_LLC_Pulse_of_GovCon.mp3?dest-id=2034710) ## [Ep 430: The Customer is Usually Right (Even When You Hate the Answer)](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-430-the-customer-is-usually-right-even-when-you-hate-the-answer) _2026-07-20 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors , Michael LeJeune sits down with Dean Wegner, founder and CEO of Authentically American, to explore the leadership lessons, branding strategies, and entrepreneurial mindset behind building a fast-growing American-made apparel company. Dean shares how his experiences at West Point, Ranger School, and leading soldiers shaped his approach to… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/8d36ba64-09ca-4fac-b9d0-3d512b66f1e5.mp3) ## [Ep 429: The Leadership Vacuum Killing Your Company's Growth](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-429-the-leadership-vacuum-killing-your-companys-growth) _2026-07-13 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this episode, Michael LeJeune explains why businesses often stall between $1 million and $5 million in revenue, not because the opportunity disappears, but because the founder is still leading like it’s a startup. He breaks down the differences between leading in the military, corporate America, and a growing small business, and why those leadership styles don’t always translate. You’ll also… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4c00210e-9e59-4cbf-9a54-81ff18f56886.mp3) ## [Ep 428: How Smart CEOs Use AI](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-428-how-smart-ceos-use-ai) _2026-07-06 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this episode, Michael sits down with Ben Thompson from The Operations Guide to explore what AI looks like when it becomes part of your business instead of just another chatbot. They discuss building an AI productivity headquarters, connecting tools like Google Drive and Read.ai, using Claude Code and Codex to automate real work, and identifying the repetitive business problems AI can solve… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/1c015a3a-e2ac-44e7-9c54-67ed9c029639.mp3) ## [Real SIMs for AI Agents (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/OyUB4uiPsW4l) _2026-07-06 · **Sponsored**_ Pass 2FA and verifications with real carrier numbers via our API. ## [Ep 427: The BD Lie of Busyness](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-427-the-bd-lie-of-busyness) _2026-06-29 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Most government contractors are measuring the wrong things. They celebrate phone calls made, emails sent, and capability statements distributed, while completely ignoring the only metrics that actually predict contract wins. In this episode, Michael breaks down why activity is one of the biggest lies in business development. He explains the difference between being busy and making progress, why… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/7653bf16-4c88-4292-8760-a79cc11274ff.mp3) ## [Ep 426: The Biggest CMMC Mistakes Contractors Are Making](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-426-the-biggest-cmmc-mistakes-contractors-are-making) _2026-06-22 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ CMMC is no longer a future problem. It’s becoming a requirement for contractors that want to compete for Department of Defense work. In this episode, Michael sits down with Ed Terensky of DTS to break down what contractors need to know about cybersecurity, compliance, and protecting sensitive government information. They discuss CUI, common misconceptions about CMMC, how to evaluate cybersecurity… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/25f81a82-104e-4c04-9ca1-42d3d5a6b1de.mp3) ## [Ep 425: Founder to CEO: The Shift That Changes Everything](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-425-founder-to-ceo-the-shift-that-changes-everything) _2026-06-08 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Most business owners never actually become CEOs. They stay stuck in founder mode, doing sales, delivery, operations, customer service, problem solving, and putting out fires every single day. The business grows, but eventually the chaos grows faster than the company. In this episode, Michael LeJeune breaks down the critical transition from founder to CEO and explains why this shift usually needs… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/83db238b-b211-43ee-b49f-32927bd0864f.mp3) ## [Ep 424: Why Most Government Contractors Suck at Business Development](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-424-why-most-government-contractors-suck-at-business-development) _2026-06-01 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Most government contractors are approaching business development completely backwards. They chase random opportunities, bid on contracts they have no business pursuing, overload their pipeline with garbage, and then wonder why growth feels impossible. In this episode, Michael LeJeune sits down with GovCon BD strategist Brian Long to break down what actually creates momentum in government… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/9d85c309-1768-4862-8e9a-81a8733b69eb.mp3) ## [Ep 423: Your Employees Are a Mirror of Your Leadership](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/your-employees-are-a-mirror-of-your-leadership) _2026-05-18 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Your employees are a mirror of your leadership. That’s the uncomfortable reality most business owners spend years trying to avoid. In this episode, Michael sits down with Darryl Anderson, founder of Tr33 LLC, for a deep conversation about leadership, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, and the hidden “people problems” quietly damaging businesses from the inside out. They unpack why… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/0262f443-b502-41fe-bfbf-75cbd51ddab9.mp3) ## [Bridging the Gap Between Knowing and Deciding in GovCon](https://breakingthestandard.libsyn.com/abc) _2026-05-14 · Breaking the Standard_ In this episode, we have Judy Bradt back with us to discuss the gap between knowing and deciding in govcon and how to bridge it. Judy shares how to avoid hiding behind research, how to pursue small strategic wins without losing long-term direction, and why real, in-person connection still creates a competitive advantage in an AI-saturated world. If you care about building confidence, credibility,… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/breakingthestandard/Episode_148_master_ads_Unanet_Summit_Strategy_Bank_of_Clarke_Pulse_of_GovCon.mp3?dest-id=2034710) ## [Ep 422: How Smart Companies Win Government Contracts](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-422-how-smart-companies-win-government-contracts) _2026-05-11 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Most government contractors aren’t losing because they lack effort. They’re losing because they’re doing the wrong work and calling it progress. In this episode, Michael sits down with Rich Earnest to break down what actually drives success in government contracting. After 20+ years in the game, Rich pulls back the curtain on why most companies get stuck chasing bids while a small group… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/3f626c09-e48a-4c44-b399-389a0bf74d56.mp3) ## [Ep 421: The Ego Tax Destroying Government Contractors](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-421-the-ego-tax-destroying-government-contractors) _2026-05-04 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Most government contractors aren’t losing because they lack capability. They’re losing because they’re paying an invisible price, the ego tax. In this episode, I break down how trying to look bigger, more polished, or more “professional” is actually costing you deals. From overcomplicated messaging to unnecessary overhead, I walk through where ego shows up and how it quietly kills your ability to… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/8b3d9a49-10a3-4738-b704-8bb3745777de.mp3) ## [Ep 420: Stop Outsourcing Your Brain - The Real Problem with AI Content](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-420-stop-outsourcing-your-brain-the-real-problem-with-ai-content) _2026-04-27 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ AI has made content faster, easier, and more scalable than ever. It has also made a lot of people lazy. In this episode, Michael sits down with Sheena from Wonderluster Co. to break down what is actually happening when marketers and business owners start outsourcing their thinking to AI. This is not about avoiding AI. It is about using it the right way. They unpack why so much AI-generated content… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4ab4f208-1944-438a-bfae-461bce42522f.mp3) ## [Ep 419: Victim Language is Destroying Your GovCon Growth](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/victim-language-is-destroying-your-govcon-growth) _2026-04-20 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Most government contractors think they have a pipeline problem. They don’t. They have an identity problem. In this episode, Michael breaks down how your language is programming your future. Every time you say “We’re just a small business,” “It was political,” or “We can’t win as a prime,” you are installing a growth ceiling inside your company. Language shapes belief. Belief shapes behavior.… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/6e943454-603e-4902-8f71-be0c8717dbea.mp3) ## [CLI-first decentralized compute (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/Yssorl6mNrcl) _2026-04-20 · **Sponsored**_ Run and pay spare GPUs from the CLI — transcode, coinpay (DID+escrow), infernet (AI). ## [Ep 418: How Smart Entrepreneurs Are Actually Using AI](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/how-smart-entrepreneurs-are-actually-using-ai) _2026-04-13 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Smith to talk about how we’re actually integrating AI into real businesses. Not hype. Not fear. Not shortcuts. We cover using AI for research, refining your voice instead of replacing it, building efficiency into contracts and client work, and why AI should enhance your expertise, not mask the absence of it. We also talk about workflow systems, project… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/19ba67a1-3220-48df-b6a8-524e648aa43e.mp3) ## [Ep 417: Stop Networking. Start Hunting!](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/stop-networking-start-hunting) _2026-04-06 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Most government contractors confuse activity with strategy. They attend events. Collect business cards. Monitor SAM.gov. Wait for RFPs to drop. That’s movement. It’s not momentum. In this episode, Michael explains why networking without intention creates random revenue, and why true growth requires a hunter mindset. Hunters target agencies. They study budgets, contract vehicles, incumbents,… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/46519eb3-fe8c-4ee1-bcf0-ddb9686296aa.mp3) ## [Ep 416: What the 2026 NDAA Really Means for Government Contractors](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/what-the-2026-ndaa-really-means-for-government-contractors) _2026-03-30 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ The 2026 NDAA is out, and most contractors won’t read it. That’s a mistake. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Dolores Kuchina-Musina to break down what actually matters. We cover changes to Commercial Solutions Openings, the gray areas around developmental work, what’s happening with SBIR reauthorization, and why OTAs are once again being pushed as a priority tool. More importantly, we talk… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/eff1375f-052e-466c-a0b4-fe1ea7dcebe2.mp3) ## [Ep 415: The Safety Trap, How Playing it Safe is Creating Weak Leaders](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/the-safety-trap-how-playing-it-safe-is-creating-weak-leaders) _2026-03-23 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ We are living in an era of over-optimization for comfort. Safe spaces, avoided confrontation, emotional outsourcing, and leaders who think protecting their teams from pressure is kindness. It is not. In this episode, Michael breaks down the safety trap and explains why hard times create strong leaders, and why soft times create weakness. He challenges the belief that discomfort is danger and shows… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/43d34873-3be6-40ed-895a-6b83a0768c68.mp3) ## [Ep 414: Why Most 7-Figure Businesses Stall at $1M](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-414-why-most-7-figure-businesses-stall-at-1m) _2026-03-16 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this episode, I sit down with Scott Jensen, CEO of NVSBC and author of The Owner’s Playbook, to unpack what actually breaks when a business grows. We talk about why brute force gets you to seven figures but won’t get you past it, how fractured systems quietly bleed money, why most owners misunderstand the role of accountants, and the mental discipline required to level up. We also dig into team… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/546b6cfa-29f1-4045-b812-d57b461bf3af.mp3) ## [Ep 413: If 1+1 Equals 2, You Chose the Wrong Partner](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-413-if-11-equals-2-you-chose-the-wrong-partner) _2026-03-09 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Most entrepreneurs think growth is about adding people. Add a partner. Add an employee. Add a tool. But if 1+1 equals 2, you did not create leverage. You created maintenance. In this episode, Michael explains why real growth requires multiplication, not addition. He breaks down how to evaluate business partners, employees, and romantic partners through the lens of exponential return. Then he… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/19e9d902-0da9-4db0-ac36-7b0a27a838b6.mp3) ## [Ep 412: Brand Confusion Is Costing You Revenue](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-412-brand-confusion-is-costing-you-revenue) _2026-03-02 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Most businesses don’t have a marketing problem. They have a clarity problem. In this episode, I sit down with Tori Humphreys of Cumberland Marketing to talk about why so many companies struggle to explain what makes them different. We dive into why logos aren’t brands, why “on time and under budget” isn’t differentiation, and why it feels illegal to pause long enough to get clear. If you’ve ever… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/8d66a7f5-65a8-4099-bd80-9f5c85fab495.mp3) ## [Ep 411: How to Protect Your Time Without Becoming a Jerk](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-411-how-to-protect-your-time-without-becoming-a-jerk) _2026-02-23 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ “Got a minute?” Those three words are quietly draining your business. In this episode, I break down why five minute meetings are the most expensive thing on your calendar. They fragment your focus, destroy strategic thinking, and send you into what I call the productivity death spiral. You’ll learn how context switching kills performance, how interruptions secretly cost you revenue, and how to… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4bfd9bed-04d8-4235-a873-505923b5fb9b.mp3) ## [Ep 410: Building a Startup in a Small Town Why You Don't Need a Big City to Win](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-410-building-a-startup-in-a-small-town-why-you-dont-need-a-big-city-to-win) _2026-02-16 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ What if building your business in a small town is actually an advantage? In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Mullins, co-founder of Personality Pool, to talk about what startup life really looks like outside of big cities and venture-capital hype. We unpack the real pros and cons of building a company in a smaller community, from cost of living and mental health to networking challenges and… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/e80feb3d-96b1-43ab-a929-8b867f8570fa.mp3) ## [Misuse of Generative AI (GenAI) in Reporting a Protest](https://breakingthestandard.libsyn.com/misuse-of-generative-ai-genai-in-reporting-a-protest) _2026-02-09 · Breaking the Standard_ On this episode, we have David Timm with us to discuss the misuse of Generative AI (GenAI) in reporting a protest. David, a bid protest attorney, walks us through how GenAI is impacting and changing the protest process, what issues arise when companies use GenAI and things to consider when using GenAI for a bid protest. Do not miss this conversation. To connect with David, find him on LinkedIn [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/breakingthestandard/Episode_147_master_ads_Unanet_Summit_Strategy_Bank_of_Clarke_BOOST_LLC_Pulse_of_GovCon.mp3?dest-id=2034710) ## [Ep 409: Cups and Chaos Why Every Dream Deserves a Fair Fight](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-409-cups-and-chaos-why-every-dream-deserves-a-fair-fight) _2026-02-09 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ What do you do when everyone around you tells you your idea is ridiculous? In this episode, Michael LeJeune shares a hilarious but powerful story from a recent small business conference that sparked the unexpected creation of “Cups and Chaos,” a fictional drive-through coffee shop featuring baby raccoons. What started as a joke quickly turned into a lesson about vision, courage, and why most… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/ad718488-f565-4b87-b9dd-3f16c80b87be.mp3) ## [Ep 408: Why Your Best Technical People Hate Proposals (And How to Fix It)](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-408-why-your-best-technical-people-hate-proposals-and-how-to-fix-it) _2026-02-02 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Technical SMEs are critical to winning government contracts, yet many dread proposal work. In this episode, Michael LeJeune sits down with Dawn Ward, former technical lead on $100M contracts and founder of Trusted Insight, to unpack why engineers resist proposals and how leaders can change that. You’ll learn how poor onboarding, unclear expectations, and lack of feedback create frustration, and… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/08f71061-c5bd-45fe-80f0-59945ee08799.mp3) ## [Ep 407: Own the Room Before You Say a Word](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-407-own-the-room-before-you-say-a-word) _2026-01-26 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Public speaking isn’t just for keynote stages, it’s a foundational life skill. In this episode, Michael LeJeune breaks down practical, real-world strategies to become a more confident and effective speaker, whether you’re presenting on stage, leading a meeting, selling, or simply communicating ideas clearly. You’ll learn how to own the room before you say a word, why stories outperform data, how… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/45ba6714-7b23-47a8-8d66-f6f3c5fb68f1.mp3) ## [Creating a Common Language Across GovCon: Government, Industry and Academia](https://breakingthestandard.libsyn.com/creating-a-common-language-within-govcon) _2026-01-22 · Breaking the Standard_ In this episode, we have Mike Derrios with us, the new Executive Director of the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting within the Costello College of Business at George Mason University. Mike discusses with us the concept to create a common culture within GovCon across Government, Industry and Academia and the benefits associated. To connect with Mike, find him on LinkedIn .… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/breakingthestandard/Episode_146_master_ads_Unanet_Summit_Strategy_Bank_of_Clarke_BOOST_LLC_Pulse_of_GovCon.mp3?dest-id=2034710) ## [Ep 406: How the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program Really Works (From People Who Run It)](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-406-how-the-dod-mentor-protege-program-really-works-from-people-who-run-it) _2026-01-19 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program is one of the most powerful and misunderstood growth tools in government contracting. In this episode, Michael LeJeune sits down with Lisa Mays and Victoria Tripiano from the Catalyst Center to break down how the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program actually works, how it differs from the SBA version, and why it’s not the right fit for early-stage companies. They explain where… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/611a0746-86b3-4fe3-8e96-5647de597291.mp3) ## [Ep 405: The psychology behind the goals you never achieve](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-405-the-psychology-behind-the-goals-you-never-achieve) _2026-01-12 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Most people think they’re failing at their goals because of discipline, strategy, or time. That’s rarely the truth. In this episode, Michael LeJeune breaks down the real reason high performers still miss their biggest goals: they haven’t assigned enough value to them. Drawing from personal experience, psychology, and real-world examples, Michael explains why vague goals don’t demand action, how… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/03de92db-8fc5-4447-82da-59a6e3a9b253.mp3) ## [Ep 404: The Hidden Rules of SLED Proposals and How to Win Anyway](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-404-the-hidden-rules-of-sled-proposals-and-how-to-win-anyway) _2026-01-05 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Many federal contractors are looking to diversify into state and local markets, but most approach SLED proposals the wrong way. They approach it just like Federal proposal and that's a recipe for disaster. In this episode, Michael LeJeune sits down with proposal expert Michele Atkinson to break down the real differences between federal and state/local contracting. From vague scoring criteria and… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/43a7a1dc-d5f4-4dcc-b5b1-520fb8c0a530.mp3) ## [All things CMMC and What's Involved](https://breakingthestandard.libsyn.com/all-things-cmmc-and-whats-involved) _2025-12-29 · Breaking the Standard_ On this episode, we have Zach Walker with us to discuss all things CMMC. Zach walks us through what CMMC is, the process to be certified and approved, any costs associated and what the audit process looks like. Do not miss out on this conversation as CMMC will be a main topic of conversation for a long time to come! To connect with Zach, find him on LinkedIn To learn more about Zach's company and… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/breakingthestandard/Episode_145_master_ads_Unanet_Summit_Strategy_Thompson_Hine_Pulse_of_GovCon.mp3?dest-id=2034710) ## [Ep 403: The Invisible Cage: Why Most Government Contractors Never Break Through](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-403-the-invisible-cage-why-most-government-contractors-never-break-through) _2025-12-29 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Most government contractors aren’t limited by the market, certifications, or competition. They’re limited by an invisible cage they’ve built around their business. In this episode, inspired by a powerful moment from The Equalizer, Michael breaks down the mindset shift that separates reactive contractors from strategic builders. You’ll learn the four “worlds” most contractors operate in, why… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/43e48f62-13b2-40b2-b44f-d7e99fd378af.mp3) ## [Ep 402: Rebranding for Growth How to Attract Commercial Clients Without Destroying Your GovCon Brand](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-402-rebranding-for-growth-how-to-attract-commercial-clients-without-destroying-your-govcon-brand) _2025-12-22 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ If you think rebranding means “new logo, new website, done”… this episode will convince you otherwise. Michael sits down with Erica Dobbs, CEO of Dobson Solutions, to break down why a company with a strong reputation chose to rebrand and why timing matters when your business matures. Erica shares how her team shifted from speaking pure DoD language to building a more universal message that… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/622a9553-9f4b-41d8-b5dc-58a718b45de5.mp3)