# government contractors (audio feeds) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 2 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover government contractors. Page: Feed: --- ## [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) ## [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) ## [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) ## [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) ## [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) ## [Point a Domain, Start a Pit (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/sllYXezcY0h5) _2026-06-01 · **Sponsored**_ Point any domain to a blacked-out, poison-green coming-soon page with an email waitlist. ## [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) ## [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) ## [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) ## [Snapshot Showdown on Google Play (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/1U4bQC6hOVXQ) _2026-03-16 · **Sponsored**_ Available on Google Play for Android devices. ## [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) ## [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) ## [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) ## [Home Internet From Space (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/kUoahnqNte3i) _2026-01-05 · **Sponsored**_ Residential satellite internet that brings connectivity to homes beyond conventional networks ## [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) ## [Ep 401: Tell Me the Rules and I Will Find a Way to Win](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-401-tell-me-the-rules-and-i-will-find-a-way-to-win) _2025-12-15 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this episode, Michael calls out a growing problem in the government contracting space, too many people are whining about FAR changes, small business rules, and politics, and not enough people are focused on winning. He breaks down why winners do not obsess over whether the rules are fair, they simply ask, “What is the new play, coach” and adapt. You will hear why your only real job is to… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/f086a659-a3f2-49e8-bcc9-af038d41e34e.mp3) ## [Ep 400: A Look Back at the Last Decade in GovCon and a Look Ahead](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-400-a-look-back-at-the-last-decade-in-govcon-and-a-look-ahead) _2025-12-08 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Over 400 episodes and a decade in, we step back and ask a big question: how has government contracting really changed, and what is coming next? In this special fireside chat, Michael LeJeune, Joshua Frank, Rich Earnest, and Tom Prokop break down the shifts that matter. We talk about rising simplified acquisition and micro-purchase thresholds, the VA and contract vehicle strategies, market… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/e5d9e866-fba0-41a0-b7ae-0c7f0cac23c3.mp3) ## [Ep 399: Winter is Coming for Your GovCon Strategy](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-399-winter-is-coming-for-your-govcon-strategy) _2025-12-01 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Ep 399: Winter is Coming for Your GovCon Strategy by RSM Federal [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/443cd535-ecbc-4af4-886a-70a153134b40.mp3) ## [Ep 398-Target, Tell, Win- A Practical Guide to GovCon Go-to-Market](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-398-target-tell-win-a-practical-guide-to-govcon-go-to-market) _2025-11-24 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune speaks with Alexa Tsui about the industry shift from traditional business development and capture toward disciplined go-to-market (GTM) strategies. Alexa explains why top tech entrants (Palantir, OpenAI, etc.) hire “go-to-market” leaders, not old-school BD roles, and why GovCon companies must stop piling up tools and… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/f5092bea-5690-49a9-b8f5-1ffa137b3f49.mp3) ## [Ep 397: The Current State of AI How It’s About to Reshape Your Entire Workflow](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-397-the-current-state-of-ai-how-its-about-to-reshape-your-entire-workflow) _2025-11-17 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ AI is no longer a buzzword, it is quietly reshaping how companies work, hire, and compete. In this episode, I sit down with AI and automation expert (and repeat founder) Luke Thompson to unpack the real state of AI and what it means for business leaders. We talk about why free AI tools give you a false sense of security, why executives must lean in instead of banning AI, and how to build simple… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/d5a751da-15f9-4678-9a5d-e86a8d12cc74.mp3) ## [EP 396: 2025 GAGE Report: What GovCons Must Know About Growth & Efficiency](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-396-2025-gage-report-what-govcons-must-know-about-growth-efficiency) _2025-11-10 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune is joined by Kim Koster (VP of GovCon Strategy at Unanet) and John Sisson (EVP of CRM at Unanet) to discuss the newly released 2025 GAGE Report. Built from the input of over 1,200 GovCon leaders, the report benchmarks government contracting performance across compliance, accounting, utilization, growth, and efficiency.… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/dee5d578-525a-4d49-b09e-a82895481872.mp3) ## [Ep 395: OneGov Explained: The Death of the Middleman Strategy](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-395-onegov-explained-the-death-of-the-middleman-strategy) _2025-11-03 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this solo episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune breaks down the federal government’s OneGov strategy, a move that centralizes enterprise agreements with giants like Microsoft, Oracle, AWS, and Google. For years, many contractors relied on the “middleman” model, making margins by simply reselling software and hardware licenses. But those days are coming to an end.… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/ce966958-3616-441d-8bf7-2a5e9f977098.mp3) ## [Ep 394: Hiring Top Tech Talent in GovCon with Ninja Recruiting Strategies](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-394-hiring-top-tech-talent-in-govcon-with-ninja-recruiting-strategies) _2025-10-27 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Struggling to hire elite, often-cleared technical talent in GovCon? In this episode, Jessica Oliver shares practical ways to source beyond the usual platforms and cut through the noise. Learn where top engineers actually hang out online, how to personalize outreach with transparent offers and real-life perks, and how to assess both technical skill and culture fit. We also cover managing remote… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/31abd20e-e13b-48e4-bcf5-b5a60aea8e23.mp3) ## [Ep 393: Adapting to Change: FAR Overhauls, NDAA Updates, and the Future of GovCon](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-393-adapting-to-change-far-overhauls-ndaa-updates-and-the-future-of-govcon) _2025-10-20 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune welcomes back legal expert Steven Koprince to dissect the latest wave of proposed federal contracting changes. From GSA’s push to raise thresholds and alter the “Rule of Two,” to the potential expansion of veteran-owned small business opportunities under the NDAA, this conversation dives deep into what these changes… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/f1581a59-eb9e-40bc-bb30-5c252da711f8.mp3) ## [Ep 392: How to Thrive at GovCon's Premier Conference of the Year](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-392-how-to-thrive-at-govcons-premier-conference-of-the-year) _2025-10-13 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune welcomes back Lori Revely, CEO of Cavalry Consulting and chair of SAME’s Small Business Council, to preview the upcoming SAME Small Business Conference in Phoenix, AZ. With more than 6,000 attendees last year, SAME SBC has become the premier government contracting event for the AEC industry and beyond drawing small… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/31f38c82-1fea-4eff-84c5-852e55eee05d.mp3) ## [Ep 391: CMMC is Final: Deadlines, Levels, and How to Stay Competitive](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-391-cmmc-is-final-deadlines-levels-and-how-to-stay-competitive) _2025-10-06 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ CMMC is officially here. The DoD finalized the DFARS rule on September 10, with CMMC clauses eligible in solicitations by November 10 and a three-year phase-in through November 10, 2028. We break down Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, the 180-day conditional grace period, prime flowdowns, and COTS exemptions. The headline: Level 2 can be a self-assessment on some programs, dramatically lowering cost… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/c136d676-afe9-4578-aa5f-9fc366a720ea.mp3) ## [Ep 390: Non-Traditional Contracting 101 OTAs, BAAs, CSOs, and SBIRs](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-390-non-traditional-contracting-101-otas-baas-csos-and-sbirs) _2025-09-29 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ Non-traditional contracting is exploding in government contracting, and small businesses can win faster by learning the rules. In this episode, Michael LeJeune and guest expert Angela Webb break down BAAs, CSOs, OTAs, and SBIR/STTR, when to use each, and where to find them on SAM.gov. You will learn the typical cadence from five-page white paper to full proposal, realistic timelines to award, how… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/be09303c-10ff-427f-9ba0-ff1781ef78d5.mp3) ## [Breaking News: The FAR Part 19 Deviation Has Been Released](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/breaking-news-the-far-part-19-deviation-has-been-released) _2025-09-28 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ The FAR Part 19 deviation is here, and the world is not on fire. In this episode, I break down why “small business first” largely formalizes how agencies already operate, and why overreliance on 8(a), WOSB, and SDVOSB status is a risky strategy going forward. We talk about legal headwinds to socioeconomic programs, the SBA’s shrinking role, and what contractors should do right now. The punchline… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/81609682-25ce-47fd-a9be-c4eaf6eb3846.mp3) ## [Ep 389: Stop Trying to be Superman: Build Systems, Not Burnout](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-389-stop-trying-to-be-superman-build-systems-not-burnout) _2025-09-22 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this solo episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune dismantles the “invincible leader” myth and makes the case for sustainable leadership. Your real job isn’t doing everything, it’s setting the temperature (be a thermostat, not a thermometer), building systems that work without you, and modeling healthy boundaries. Hear a candid client story: after years of… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/72581e96-5c76-45e8-891b-13646df85ce2.mp3) ## [Ep 388: From AI to Google How Wikipedia Defines Your Digital First Impression](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-388-from-ai-to-google-how-wikipedia-defines-your-digital-first-impression) _2025-09-15 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune is joined by Jenny Karn and Rhi Ruff of Lumino to explore the surprising role Wikipedia plays in your government contracting success. Far from being “just an online encyclopedia,” Wikipedia feeds into Google, Siri, Alexa, social media verification, and even AI tools like ChatGPT. That means what’s written on Wikipedia… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/a622fe16-1bfd-4da3-9df6-18ef2c8ac9f1.mp3) ## CMMC Compliance Under 48 CFR Rollout _2025-09-15 · Cherry Bekaert: Government Contractors Guidance_ In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon podcast, Neal Beggan is joined by cybersecurity professionals Steven Ursillo and Brian Kirk for a comprehensive deep dive into the current state of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance. They discuss how 48 CFR will reshape the enforcement of cybersecurity requirements in government contracts. This episode breaks down what the 48… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/750110/episodes/17845505-cmmc-compliance-under-48-cfr-rollout.mp3) ## [Ep 387: I’m the Problem - Radical Ownership for GovCon Leaders](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-387-im-the-problem-radical-ownership-for-govcon-leaders) _2025-09-08 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ If your results are flat, it might be time to look in the mirror. In this episode, Michael breaks down “radical ownership” for GovCon leaders and shows how to fix what’s left of the equal sign, and the behaviors that drive outcomes. We unpack common scapegoats like politics, FAR changes, and slow agencies, and replace them with actions that actually move revenue: better BD cadence, smarter keyword… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/530faef3-79d7-40bd-a83c-4d99b9ecaa61.mp3) ## [Ep 386: Surviving Executive Orders - Pivoting Through Chaos](https://rsmfederal.com/game-changers-podcast/ep-386-surviving-executive-orders-pivoting-through-chaos) _2025-09-01 · Game Changers for Government Contractors_ In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune talks with Kim Ali of Kim Ali Consulting about her remarkable comeback after losing 80% of her revenue in early 2025 due to sweeping executive orders. Kim shares how she used equitable adjustments to create a financial cushion, analyzed shifting federal priorities, and rebuilt her pipeline to $40M in just months. They… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/b75c7842-01d3-4651-a39a-d0a28a2f2409.mp3)