What's Working in Washington: Recent Episodes

Federal News Network | Hubbard Radio

A weekly podcast examining the relationship between entrepreneurship, innovation and policy in the Washington D.C. region. They are stories explaining why local innovation often influences the federal government and are told by a wide variety of voices across demographics and industries.

Samantha McKenna is the founder and CEO of #samsales Consulting, an agency she founded after a storied, 13-time record-breaking career in corporate sales and at LinkedIn. On today's episode, Sam describes how she and her all-female team are reinventing the narrative on sales, departing from the tactics of yesteryear's car salesmen to a relationship-driven, manners-centric, authentic method of selling. From avoiding the dreaded "pitch slap" to creating a compelling executive brand, Sam reveals the secrets of her playbook that have earned transformational results for 10-person teams all the way up to Fortune 500 companies.

Allison Siegel is the CEO of Culta, a Maryland-based, vertically integrated cannabis company that cultivates, extracts, processes, distributes and retails cannabis and cannabis-related products. Allison divulges the fascinating peculiarities of the marijuana industry, such as how marijuana is the last cash-only business, and how it quickly transitioned from an illegal, underground street business to one of the fastest growing (and most highly taxed) industries in America. Listen in to hear how Allison has cultivated a community of like-minded souls with a passion for cannabis perfection, and don't miss her outlook on the future of legal marijuana.

Mary Schwarz is a Managing Partner of ICF Next, a global advisory and technology services provider, and leads the company's Government, federal digital and engagement practices. Mary has over 20 years of experience providing strategic guidance for health, education, and social programs, including smokefree.gov, hiv.gov, opioid prevention and prescription drug abuse prevention campaigns. On this episode of What's Working in Washington, Mary comments on various healthcare trends and offers a macro perspective on America's overall health, and describes how generative AI is both a danger and enhancement to jobs in the healthcare sector and beyond.

Jamie Fiore-Higgins, one of the Financial Times' Top 25 Most Influential Women of 2022, is the author of Bully Market: My Story of Money and Misogyny at Goldman Sachs. After quickly climbing the ranks to Managing Partner, a position that only 8% of employees ever achieve, Jamie became privy to a shocking culture of misogyny, sexism, threats, and silencing at an institution often thought as the gold standard of the financial services industry. On this episode, Jamie chronicles what she endured, describes what she learned from it, and reveals the unfortunate commonality of her experience.

Wayne Bovier is the cofounder and CEO of Higher Digital, a consulting firm that helps higher education executives assess, plan, and measure their strategic change. Wayne explains the monumental ways that higher education is transforming, including its cost structure, the meaning and value of a college degree, the popularity of online colleges and online certifications, and the fascinating phenomenon of the Great Unbundling—the idea of taking a 4-year degree and breaking it apart. It isn't easy helping colleges navigate this change, but Higher Digital's software-driven approach gives them the best possible tools to execute and operationalize their strategy.

Barry Glassman is the founder and president of Glassman Wealth Services, a wealth management firm that takes a client-centered approach to asset management. Barry describes the opportunities and challenges associated with managing family wealth over individual assets, offers insightful predictions on the economy and the impact of AI, and opens up about his personal passion: he's a photographer who's colorblind!

Here at What's Working in Washington, we spotlight the unsung heroes of the D.C. region. At the conclusion of each episode, we ask our guests a simple question: if they could make any change in the world, what would it be? Part two of this special holiday series features more of our favorite answers from our guests. We hope you enjoy listening, and we wish you and your family a happy holiday from all of us here at What's Working in Washington!

Here at What's Working in Washington, we spotlight the unsung heroes of the D.C. region. At the conclusion of each episode, we ask our guests a simple question: if they could make any change in the world, what would it be? For part one of this special holiday series, we’ve compiled some of our favorite answers from our guests. We hope you enjoy listening, and we wish you and your family a happy holiday from all of us here at What's Working in Washington!

Dan Reed is the regional policy director for Greater Greater Washington, a nonprofit organization that discusses, organizes, and advocates for issues impacting the D.C. region. From building codes to crime stats, to sports and entertainment venues to the future of public transportation, you won't want to miss this lively discussion on how Greater Greater Washington is advocating for a more accessible, vibrant community.

Mark Drapeau is a founding partner and chief research officer at RXN Group, a data-driven consultancy providing counsel to public policy teams and c-suites on public affairs issues and strategic challenges. RXN gathers data to make a case for things that matter to legislators and lobbyists, and sometimes, the results are quite surprising. In this insightful conversation, Mark explains how RXN is moving the needle and dismantling the dominant narrative on the federal and state levels.

Shubhi Mishra is the founder and CEO of Raft, a data-intensive digital engineering consultancy that serves, among others, our Department of Defense. Shubhi is passionate about Raft's commitment to diversity and mindset of intentional disruption, and believes these have underscored the company's success.. On today's episode, Shubhi shares Raft's origin story, sheds light on the challenges of being a female tech entrepreneur, and chats with Mark about all things tech and national security in Washington, D.C.

You've probably heard of — or at least heard — today's guest, Wes Johnson. Wes is an actor, cartoonist, comedian, voice artist, and announcer for the Washington Capitals and the Washington Kastles. A self described "fan with a mic," Wes chronicles his 22-year-career shouting for the Caps, voicing over 70 video game characters, and taking voiceovers to the next level. You won't want to miss this conversation!

Corinne Cannon is the founder and executive director of the Greater DC Diaper Bank, a nonprofit organization that provides diapers, baby care items and personal hygiene products to low-income families across the DMV. The Diaper Bank's reach is astonishing — over 10 million diapers were distributed across the region this past year — but the DMV's need is far greater. You won't want to miss this inspirational conversation about a nonprofit startup and the incredible work it is doing in our DC community.

Jenny Abramson is the Founder & Managing Partner of Rethink Impact, the largest gender-focused venture capital fund that discovers, invests in, and nurtures female-owned companies. Despite data demonstrating higher ROI and increased capital efficiency in women-led businesses, only 3% of venture capital currently goes to female CEOs. Jenny shares how Rethink Impact is solving this problem, and chats with Mark about the current environment for raising capital, how to deploy capital, and how COVID has both helped and hurt the VC industry.

David Plotz is the CEO of City Cast, a media company that produces daily local newsletters and news podcasts in cities across the country. Proudly operating in 10 cities and counting, including our very own Washington, D.C., City Cast is a smart and easy way for citizens to connect with what's happening in the place they live and love. On today's episode, David and Mark discuss the economics of local news, its decline and resurgence, and how City Cast is filling the void.

April Ryan has been the sole African-American female White House correspondent for 25 years, serving five presidential administrations and reporting on critical urban issues. She is also the author of a new book called "Black Women Will Save The World," an homage to Black women's unrivaled contributions to America in the past, present, and future. On today's episode, April shares with Mark her history of political coverage, why she decided to write her book, highlights and lowlights of the Trump administration, and where our nation currently stands from her unique and vital vantage point.

Frances Reimers is the CEO of Firestarter Communications, a sports marketing and public relations agency that helps athletes and coaches build their personal brand. On this episode, Frances joins Mark for a conversation about the changing economics of the sports world, including a major development that allows college athletes to monetize their name, image and likeness - something that in the past would disqualify them from being in the NCAA or joining a pro team. If you like sports, we think you'll love this conversation.

Jamie Edwards is the author of a travel blog called "I Am Lost and Found," site that grew from a personal record of her favorite adventures into an inspirational hub for other travelers. She explains how her blog encourages readers to explore the intersection of adventure and luxury through stories on where she's wandered, stayed, and feasted throughout the world. From stories of fantastic adventures to tips on surviving jet lag, you're sure to catch the travel bug from today's conversation!

Doug Anderson is the CEO and founder of DCA Live, a company that hosts engaging in-person and virtual events for the people and companies that are driving growth in the D.C. economy. His company has served the private equity, venture capital, tech, real estate, start-up and non-profit business communities since 2014, attracting over 35,000 business professionals. On today's episode, Doug shares how DCA Live took its business model to the next level, overcame the challenges of COVID, and enhanced relationships within the D.C. business community.

Javier Saade is a founder and managing partner of Impact Master Holdings, a venture partner at Fenway Summer, and a long-time friend of the show. On today's episode, Javier and Mark cover a wide range of hot topics, including SPACS (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies), crypto, FinTech, and venture capital in the Washington D.C. area.

Gina Schaefer is the CEO and founder of a chain of hardware stores called A Few Cool Hardware Stores. In fact, there are more than a few - with a total of 14 locations throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia! On today's episode, Gina shares her inspiring story of success, explaining how a unique business model revitalized her urban community and changed hundreds of lives in the process.

Patty Simonton, director of Bethesda Green's Be Green Business Program, believes that sustainable companies offer attractive returns to investors and to the planet. At Bethesda Green, Patty and her colleagues work to find, fund, and grow companies who are creating innovative and sustainable solutions to modern challenges. With Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) on the rise, you won't want to miss Patty and Mark's enlightening conversation.

Terry Hsiao is an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at Marymount University's College of Business, Innovation, Leadership and Technology. On today's episode, Terry breaks down the complexities of cryptocurrency, blockchain, NFTs, and more, explaining how decentralized finance (DeFi), an emerging financial technology that removes third parties in financial transactions, may soon replace banks, credit cards, and currency as we know it.

Kelly Collis is the D.C. Marketing Manager at Alto, a VC-backed rideshare startup that uniquely employs professional drivers operating a fleet of branded vehicles. Unlike traditional rideshare services, which rely on independent contractors, Kelly explains how Alto's unique business model combines traditional employment and consistent branding to create a safe, luxurious, and reliable experience for riders.

Paige Hopkins is a reporter for Axios DC covering all things transportation, culture, and real estate. In today's conversation, Paige and Mark discuss the things that DC residents care about most. Paige explains what COVID did to DC real estate, reveals interesting elements of the DC social scene, and evaluates the effects of decreased metro ridership.

Mary Abbajay, President and co-founder of Careerstone Group, and Stefan Midford, President and founder of Capango, agree that the workplace is in the midst of a fundamental shift. From the restaurant and retail industry to corporate America, being physically present with colleagues and superiors is essential for career advancement. Don't miss this special mashup episode that compares, contrasts, and predicts the future of work, from two experts who know it best.

Richard Levick is the Chairman and CEO of LEVICK, a leading crisis management PR firm based in Washington, D.C.. Richard reminds listeners of the unsettling reality of media: that sometimes, the truth is made by the first person there. Richard describes how his firm advises companies who are struggling with PR issues in which their brand reputation, customers, or profits may be compromised, and how LEVICK helps them come out stronger on the other side.

Saba Tshibaka had just 10 seconds to pitch her startup to Pharrell Williams. Now, her company, Rendered, is thriving in the D.C. area and beyond. Listen to Saba’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey to learn how a simple love of thrifting blossomed into a successful sustainable business selling responsibly-sourced clothing and accessories.

This week’s episode of What’s Working in Washington is a special collaboration between two brilliant guests - David Goodfriend and Tom Donohue. David, current president of public policy advocacy firm The Goodfriend Group, and Tom, former CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Congress, exemplify how What’s Working in Washington can have very different meanings for very different guests. These two individuals share sometimes parallel, sometimes conflicting views about regulation— creating a one-of-a-kind mashup episode you don’t want to miss.

Betsy Fischer Martin is the executive director of the Women & Politics Institute at American University in Washington, D.C.. She was previously the executive producer of NBC's Meet the Press for almost 23 years. Betsy is an expert when it comes to political candidates, their exposure to media and how to effectively present their message. She joins Mark for a conversation on the gender imbalance in politics, explaining the barriers faced by women running for office and what must be done to recruit, promote, and support female political leadership.

Jonathan Aberman is the Dean of the College of Business, Innovation, Leadership and Technology at Marymount University and a long-time friend of What's Working in Washington. On this episode, Jonathan joins Mark for an insightful discussion on the changing role of higher education: what it costs, what it's worth, and what outcomes you can expect from your degree today.

This week's episode is a special mashup of two guests with exceptional success stories, Bettina Stern and Greg Vetter. They're both founders of their own fresh food startups, and really know what it takes to succeed in the food industry. Listen in for the "best of" each of their conversations with Mark, connected by their shared vision of delivering high-quality, fresh food to customers in D.C. and beyond.

Ever wondered what the labels ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ really mean? How about the millions of bacteria that make up your daily probiotic? On this episode, we hear from Ivan Wasserman, one of the nation’s premier attorneys for health, wellness, beauty and other consumer products. As an expert in food law, Ivan untangles the complicated relationship between regulatory agencies, food manufacturers, and consumers in a captivating conversation with Mark Walsh.

Josh Kligman is the cofounder and CEO of Yearly, a company that helps nonprofit organizations showcase their impact through digital annual reports. With 1.8 million nonprofits currently operating in America, it can be difficult for any singular organization to stand out. In this episode, Josh explains how Yearly helps nonprofits impress their stakeholders and inspire them to increase their financial support through engaging and informative digital reports.

Corey Briscoe is a managing partner and Chief Operating Officer at ABCD & Company, a full-scale marketing and events agency working with both corporate and nonprofit clients. Corey describes how corporations are getting into the conversation on current social issues, explains the importance of bipartisan infrastructure spending, and shares his hopes for the integration of separate multicultural marketing funds into the mainstream budget.

Diane Tomb is the CEO of the American Land Title Association (ALTA), a national trade association consisting of title insurance agents, abstracters, and underwriters representing every county in America. An expert in the real property transaction industry, Diane describes the logistics of obtaining and protecting the title to your home. She reveals that every state has a set of unique documents detailing what it means to get a title, and that there is still dated legislation from decades past where discrimination was legal. Tune in to find out how ALTA is taking strides to ensure that home ownership is accessible to all.

Karen Wawrzaszek is the D.C. regional president for BNY Mellon Wealth Management and a recognized thought leader in ESG (environmental, social, governance) investing. Karen joins Mark to discuss responsible investing and explain how she invests clients' money profitably while still considering social and environmental issues. She identifies common concerns of the rising generation of wealth owners and describes how wealth management firms can cater to these changing demands.

David Jones is a founding partner at Capitol Council, a bipartisan lobbying firm located in Washington, D.C. On today’s episode of What's Working in Washington, David joins Mark to share his experience as a lobbyist and discuss current issues on the Hill. He weighs in on the subject of non-transparent campaign funding, where candidates and issues are funded by untraceable or “dark” money," enabling public debate to be influenced by anonymous entities.

Tien Wong is the CEO of Opus8, a private investment, advisory, and conference management firm located in the Washington, DC area. On this episode of What's Working in Washington, Tien explains the differences in wealth and investing mentality on the East Cost versus the West, discusses what it means to be a venture capitalist, and shares how he separates the 'noise from the signal' in deciding which startups are worthy of investment.

It all started with a break-in: Greg Vetter’s neighbor simply could not get enough of Greg’s mother’s homemade lemon garlic salad dressing. Soon after, Greg found himself in a Whole Foods holding a Tupperware container of romaine lettuce pitching the world’s best dressing. Today, Tessemae’s Salad Dressings can be found in stores nationwide in delicious varieties from the original lemon garlic to everything bagel ranch. Listen in to this episode of What’s Working in Washington for a fabulous story of family entrepreneurial success focused on fresh, nutritious, high-quality products.

Mary Abbajay is a career consultant and president of Careerstone Group, an organizational and leadership development consultancy for business and government. She is also the author of bestselling career guide, “Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss.” On this episode of What's Working in Washington, Mary discusses the future of post-pandemic work, explains how to advance your career in a work-from-home environment, and provides tips on building a successful career when faced with a difficult boss.

What’s Working in Washington is thrilled to welcome back Richard Levick, Chairman and CEO of leading D.C. crisis-management PR firm, LEVICK. On this episode, Richard explains the changing role and definition of crisis management in the digital age, describes how LEVICK strategically assists firms, brands, and people in crisis, and shares his take on current 'crises' from Will Smith to Ukraine.

Ryan Leirvik is an experienced cybersecurity executive and author of "Understand, Manage, and Measure Cyber Risk," a practical guide for creating and managing a sustainable cybersecurity program. Ryan discusses the difference between state-sponsored and stateless cyber threats, explains how breaches in both open and closed software systems can jeopardize critical data, and offers recommendations on how to protect ourselves when volunteering our personal data to websites and institutions.

Tom Donohue is the former president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest community of business leaders. On this episode of What's Working in Washington, Tom shares his accomplishments in the Chamber over the years, including notable regulatory and legal reforms for which he was an advocate. He expresses concerns regarding the declining quality of civics education in America, explains how this might impact the next generation of business leaders, and reveals the Chamber's exciting plans to promote civics education through a national 'Civics Bee.'

Mark Ruppert, a DC local, is the founder and CEO of the 48 Hour Film Project. In this exciting annual competition, teams of filmmakers are given just 48 hours to write, shoot, and edit a short film from start to finish. Mark shares how he got into the film industry, explains the logistics of the film project, and reveals how 12 lucky filmmakers each year are awarded the opportunity of a lifetime: a screening at the Cannes Film Festival.

Ed Barrientos is the CEO of Brazen, a high-growth HR software used by top employers and universities. On this episode, Ed describes the unique condition of the job market in 2022, in which companies are competing for talented candidates while simultaneously facing the repercussions of the 'Great Resignation.' Ed also explains the effects of the broad shift to remote working, the dehumanizing nature of the job search process, and how Brazen aims to improve the hiring experience.

Jeffrey Page, author of “Becoming a Student of Leadership,” joins Mark Walsh to discuss the process of leadership learning. They dive into the key features of exceptional leadership, exploring topics like curiosity, vulnerability, communication, and radical candor. Jeffrey, who previously worked at the Library of Congress, shares personal anecdotes on leadership and reveals to listeners how they, too, can begin their journey of bettering their leadership skills.

Pat Sheridan is the CEO of Modus Create, a D.C.-based technology consulting firm that helps companies achieve their digital goals. He joins Mark to share what it means to be an apprentice, how to transform a regular office into a place with culture, and how community co-working spaces have the potential to reshape neighborhoods. With these important trends in mind, Pat speculates on the future of commercial real estate.

Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, presidential historian and author of "The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution," joins Mark Walsh to share her extensive knowledge on the origin, significance, and trajectory of the American presidential Cabinet. Dr. Chervinsky explains how an institution that was not pre-ordained in our constitution became a mainstay of the American presidency, how it serves as a measure of the American state's evolution, and how a socially diverse cabinet goes hand-in-hand with the expansion of suffrage and civil rights.

Jonathan Aberman, Dean of the College of Business, Innovation, Leadership, and Technology at Marymount University, joins Mark for a lively conversation on the current state of the economy. Jonathan explains the effect of the ‘Great Resignation’ on labor force participation rates, shares how working from home is impacting peoples’ careers, and provides insight on the D.C. venture capital bubble. Finally, he ponders the question that's on all of our minds - will we ever reach a point where COVID-19 is truly endemic, and what might that mean for the world?

Bennett Richardson is the president and co-founder of Protocol, a sister agency of POLITICO that reports on the tech industry. He explains how Protocol's focus on technology as a global power center takes the successful POLITICO model and brings it to a new industry and space, describes the challenges faced in establishing a specialized brand and insider audience, and even shares insight on the controversial Spotify standoff between Neil Young and Joe Rogan.

Alan Miller, founder and CEO of the News Literacy Project, shares how his nonpartisan, nonprofit organization gives middle and high school students the tools to discern fact from fiction in the news media. In this episode, Miller reveals just how many Americans are woefully unprepared to navigate the digital news landscape and how this poses an existential threat to democracy. In a world where fake news and misinformation run amok, especially regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Miller’s mission to teach critical thinking skills is more important than ever.

Stefan Midford, founder and CEO of Capango, shares how his ‘dating app for jobs’ has revolutionized the service industry. He explains the ongoing challenges faced by restaurants and retail businesses in recruiting employees and how Capango seizes this opportunity to be a liaison. For first-time workers and senior citizens alike, listen in to learn how Capango creates an employee-centered, industry specific, and efficient job search experience.

Martina Vandenberg is the president and founder of the Human Trafficking Legal Center, a non-profit organization that connects victims of human trafficking and forced labor with pro bono legal representation. She explains the importance of expanding worldwide access to justice, discusses the consequences of forced labor goods entering developed markets, and proposes compelling economic and legislative solutions.

Tommy McFly, dubbed "D.C.'s version of Ryan Seacrest" by the Washington Post, brings his vibrant personality to today's episode of What's Working in Washington. He discusses his exclusive role as the emcee of the White House Easter Egg Roll for six years in a row, and chats with Mark about all the wonderful things D.C. has to offer. Spoiler: it's a lot more than politics!

Bettina Stern, co-founder of seasonal vegetable taco company Chaia Tacos, joins Mark to share how she built a successful D.C. restaurant from the ground up. A firm believer that vegetables are “the most luxurious item on the plate,” Bettina explains how her business aims to get people to eat more veggies, and how she ultimately wishes for a world where no one goes hungry.

Annie Donovan, EVP and COO of the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), joins Mark Walsh to talk about impactful investing. She explains how the CDFI Fund invests in small businesses to make a social impact, and gives recommendations for how the government can further support these important initiatives.

Mark Ein, Chairman of Kastle Systems and CEO of Venturehouse Group, is a true D.C. native. He joins Mark Walsh to discuss capital formation, how the marketplace has changed over time, and how Washington D.C. can reclaim the positive reputation it deserves. Finally, Mark tells the story of tennis superstar Rafael Nadal's exciting visit to play in the city open - reminding us just how special Washington really is.

Richard Levick is the Chairman and CEO of LEVICK, a leading crisis-management PR firm in Washington, D.C. On today’s episode of What's Working in Washington, Richard explains how the role of Human Resources has changed forever, gets transparent about transparency, and shares his surprising account of what it's like to work with companies domestically and abroad.

Diana Hosford, VP of Sports and Entertainment for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), explains how her organization helps survivors who have lost loved ones in military service. She describes how mentorship programs and initiatives, such as Good Grief Camps, ensure that the children and family of fallen veterans are supported during their difficult process of grief. She also discusses The Diana Award, an award for extraordinary youth established in memory of Princess Diana, and her personal experience as a guest at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle!

Tige Savage, co-founder of Revolution and managing partner of Revolution Ventures, discusses the key strategies and characteristics that set Revolution apart from other venture capital firms. He explains how he and his colleagues work to spread wealth, capital, and growth around the U.S. through their program, 'Rise of the Rest.' Tige also shares insight on maintaining a productive company culture as COVID challenges the traditional office environment.

Tom McGrath, CEO and chairman of Crossroads Live, joins Mark Walsh on today's episode of What's Working in Washington. As an expert in the entertainment industry, Tom shares his insider perspective on the incredible feat of putting on a Broadway show, explains how Washington’s legislation works to protect artists from those who steal music, and discusses the challenges and solutions to reopening theaters in the unprecedented age of COVID.

Bill Frischling is the Vice President of Alternative Data at FiscalNote, a D.C. based company that combines advanced data with global policy and market intelligence. On today's episode, he reveals some astonishing facts about the current capabilities of data collection, the fascinating future trajectory of computing technologies, and most importantly, the impact this will have on all of us.

Chris Hoehn-Saric, Senior Managing Partner at Sterling Capital and Avathon Capital, joins Mark Walsh for a lively conversation on higher education outside the Ivies. The education specialist explains the cultural differences in how tutoring is seen in North America and Asia. Also, he surprises Mark with some statistics on just how many college students actually graduate, and urges students to dig deeper to avoid misleading college reviews.

John Ourand, media reporter for Sports Business Journal since 2006, gives What's Working in Washington the inside scoop on all things sports: in Washington D.C., nationally, and abroad. He discusses the amount of money at stake in the sports industry, the relationship between cities and professional sports teams, and other major sports erupting in the Washington D.C. market.

Nina Easton, co-founder of SellersEaston Media, has had an extensive career and really knows what's working in Washington. Nina discusses the value of amplifying women's voices in national security, offers insight into her work on the legacy of 36th U.S. President, Lyndon B. Johnson, and builds anticipation for the inclusive, unifying celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary in 2026.

Clare Bresnahan English, President and CEO of the New Leaders Council, describes her mission to train and empower tomorrow’s diverse generation of leaders in the private sector, politics, and nonprofit organizations. She also shares her personal experience as a young lobbyist with the Girl Scouts of America, and weighs in on what the unique power and determination of Gen Z might mean for our future.

Jonathan Aberman, Dean of the College of Business, Innovation, Leadership and Technology at Marymount University, discusses the pandemic's significant and potentially permanent impact on higher education. Jonathan also shares his advice on pursuing a law degree and his thoughts on the venture capital 'bubble' in Washington, D.C.

Jason Grumet, founder and president of the Bipartisan Policy Center, discusses the historic bipartisan infrastructure bill, the significance of primary elections, and the 'bloodsport' nature of partisanship.

David Goodfriend, president of The Goodfriend Group and founding partner of 1600 Group, joins What’s Working in Washington’s new host Mark Walsh to discuss labor unions, big tech, and hopes of Washington D.C.’s statehood.

Raising money is extremely tough and sometimes ends in failure, but it's also one of the most important parts of starting certain businesses. To learn more about what experts have done to raise their money, we spoke with serial entrepreneur and investor Jamey Harvey, DataTribe investor and entrepreneur John Funge, and Modscore founder Mike Modica.

While just starting a business can seem like an exhausting task, the real hard part comes with building and growing it. On this EXTRA episode, we speak with Pat Sheridan, co-founder of Modus Create; Bobby Christian, COO of deepwatch; and Glen Pendley, CTO of SecurityScorecard about how to ensure your business can actually scale.

Daron Coates, entrepreneur and co-founder of renewable energy development company ThinkBox Group, discusses the hurdles that come with convincing people and businesses that renewable energy sources can be more efficient and more economically viable than traditional fossil-fuel methods.

Seth Spergel, vice president of emerging technology at Merlin International and team leader at Merlin Ventures, discusses the process and thinking behind investing in various cybersecurity companies in the area to make them ready to work in the federal space.

Steve Baldwin, majority owner of the Washington Spirit women's soccer team, discusses the positive impacts on both the community and marginalized peoples that result from the support of professional women's sport teams.

Donna Harris, venture expert and founder of the Builders and Backers initiative, explains how an expanded understanding of how to tackle large community problems can lead to more inventive solutions.

Richard Levick, founder and CEO of LEVICK; Steven Nardizzi, partner at Paragon Strategic Insights; and Simon Newman, CEO at CMG Innovation, discuss the ways that so-called "cancel culture" and the openness of internet technology can have outsize effects on those targeted by negative attention.

On this episode, we spoke with Ian Altman, strategic adviser and co-author of Same Side Selling, discusses how honesty and integrity are incredibly important traits to support and cultivate in the world of entrepreneurship, and how it can make or break your relationships with clients and customers.

On this EXTRA episode, we speak with Alice Stewart, CNN political commentator and communications consultant; Michael Zeldin, TV legal analyst with experience stretching back to the Clinton impeachment proceedings; and Richard Levick, founder and CEO of LEVICK. On today's docket: what's changed since the good old days? Has much at all changed, culturally, in the past few decades? Is there a culture of civility that has significantly shifted?

On this EXTRA episode, we spoke with Gavin Hughes Daniels, Principal and Co-founder of Wingate Hughes; Deane Madsen, freelance writer and founder of BrutalistDC; and Ken Biberaj, managing director at Savills North America. On the docket today we talk about some of the most important basics when it comes to architecture, how common architectural stylings influence D.C., and some of the most important ways architecture affects the world.

Rebecca Steele, president and CEO at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, Bruce McClary, vice president for communications for the NFCC, and Richard Levick, founder and CEO of LEVICK, discuss whether or not the mountains of debt piled on consumers in recent years is sustainable, and what can be done to surmount it.

Bob Stevens, vice president for the Americas at Lookout, discusses the strides his company is taking to help ensure mobile phones are secure from hackers, and what you can do to protect yourself as well.

Andy Medici, senior staff reporter for the Washington Business Journal, discusses how the next year is looking to unfold with regards to business and the economy, and what investments might be a good idea to prepare for a potential recession.

To understand the structural challenges women face when trying to climb the ladder to the C suite in business, we spoke with Dr. Carly Speranza, professor of management and marketing at Marymount University, and Cheryl Williford, president and COO at Modus Create.

Chris Spanos, co-founder and CEO of Urgent.ly, discusses how the roadside assistance company got started, where it's headed, and how D.C. has helped it grow.

Andrew Sherman, corporate lawyer and host of WWiW's Non Billable Consult Segment, discusses best practices and things that lawyers need to know if they'd like to work in the business and entrepreneurial space.

Judge William Webster, former director of both the FBI and CIA, and Lynda Webster, founder and chairman of the Webster Group, discuss how well D.C. and the federal government operates as a place for couples to live and work.

On this EXTRA episode, a panel of experts discuss the ways that the government at large is continuing to move apace, even while the president is facing an impeachment hearing. Guests include Richard Levick, founder of LEVICK, Barry Bennett, founder of Avenue Strategies, and Manuel Ortiz, founder of VantageKnight.

Shafiq Khan, President and CEO of Teach The World Foundation, discusses the effort behind tackling an essential problem of modernity-- ensuring everyone has access to its tools through education.

Al Hunt, a longtime voice around D.C.'s economic and government activity and former columnist for Bloomberg, WSJ and CNN, discusses his new podcast and the impact that the internet, and the current political landscape, has had on journalism.

The XFL football league, and D.C.'s home team, the Defenders, launch this spring. Erik Moses, team president, spoke with us about the hurdles the league faces and the successes it hopes to achieve.

William Finnerty, managing director and private wealth manager at UBS Private Wealth, discusses how the region's entrepreneurial growth has impacted people of various generations, and how different people have handled receiving an influx of capital.

Anthony Robbins, federal vice president at NVIDIA, discusses the leaps and bounds artificial intelligence is making and the ways it can improve both government operation and the private sector.

Alex Vogel, chief executive officer at the Vogel Group, discusses the discomfort some people feel about the lobbying industry, and how he feels its positive impact every day in the region.

Peter Abrahams, market president and publisher at the Washington Business Journal, discusses the way the region's economic development is accelerating, how Amazon's HQ2 is playing a part, and how the region can keep its talent.

Sharon Hays, senior fellow at LMI, discusses the ways that government contractors are pushing tech innovation with the help of the federal government.

Craig Stevenson, founder of HyperQube Technologies, discusses the ethics of hacking and why virtualization is an important tool with wide-reaching applications and implications for the local economy.

While a job listing can show the requirements or expected duties for an open position, understanding the company culture and vibe can be extremely difficult. To learn more about what one local business is doing to fix that, we spoke with Lauryn Sargent, cofounder and partner at Stories Incorporated.

On this EXTRA episode, we speak with Gene Riechers, senior advisor at Sands Capital Management; Ed Barrientos, angel investor and CEO at Brazen; and Mark Walsh, managing partner at Ruxston Ventures about one of the best things that defines the region: intrapreneurship.

Alex Iams, Interim Director of Arlington Economic Development, discusses the process of making sure D.C. is ready for Amazon's HQ2, and some of the new things we can expect from it.

On this episode, we speak with Andy Medici, Money and Tech reporter at Washington Business Journal, about where the D.C. region stands with respect to venture capital funding and economy health.

On this week’s EXTRA episode, we learn more about innovations in food technology, and the legal battles around them, by speaking to Stuart Pape, head of FDA practice at Polsinelli; Gene Grabowski, partner at kglobal; and Richard Levick, founder and CEO of LEVICK.

Erik Rind, founder and CEO of ImagineBC, discusses how his company helps users keep control of their personal data and get paid for the things they provide.

Chris Tavlarides, co-founder of Prytany, discusses how his new social media platform hopes to band people of similar political interests together to have their small donations bundled and noticed by politicians.

On this WWiW EXTRA episode, we speak with three experts on whether the D.C. region, and the world in general, is hitting a ceiling when it comes to potential success for tech businesses. Experts include James Moore, founder and CEO of the Washington Institute for Business, Government, and Society; Kandi Parsons, shareholder at ZwillGen; and Richard Levick, founder and CEO of LEVICK.

Dave Baule, CEO of MISO3, discusses his company's solution to mounting monthly software-as-a-service costs by organizing company software use and notifying higher-ups about underused utilities.

Mark Bergel, Ph.D., founder and CEO at A Wider Circle, discusses how his non-profit works through an entrepreneurial approach to help over 26,000 people in poverty in the D.C. region.

Frances Reimers, personal brand expert and principal at Firestarter Communications, discusses why summer is the perfect time to re-tune your brand to improve perception.

Michael Hoffman, president of GovernmentCIO Media, discusses the results of an upcoming survey on sentiment for technology consumers in the region, as well as how companies are scrambling to take advantage of Amazon's HQ2 plans.

Lisa Gable, CEO of Food Allergy Research and Education, discusses the strides FARE is making in research, and how the not-for-profit works with businesses and the government to make progress.

John Cofrancesco, VP of businesss development at Active Navigation, discusses some of the things going well in Washington, like the recent work to unify government agencies under similar NIST information standards.

Kestrel Linder, co-founder and CEO at GiveCampus, discusses his views on the startup economy in D.C. as well as what his company is doing to help fund the regions' schools.

Howard Ross, founder of Cook Ross and partner at Udarta consulting, discusses why unconscious and conscious biases aren't just wrong, but also major disadvantages when it comes to hiring and working with talent and other businesses.

Two things in life are inevitable: death and taxes. To learn more about how to make at least the latter a little easier, we spoke with Ebong Eka, entrepreneur and tax expert as well as president of Ericorp Consulting.

Mary Robinson, entrepreneur and founder of Capacity Partners; and Shannon White, partner at Guidehouse, discuss the various ways that companies and corporations can be a net positive for the communities, and have a purpose and aim beyond just making a profit.

Benjamin Colbert, founder of City Renewables, discusses how his business helps homeowners and companies convert their buildings to solar power, and how they can even make money by doing it. For more information, visit: https://mailchi.mp/073705f4cfb1/free-solar-design

Bradley Freedman, management services director for the Salvation Army, discusses the skills that carry over from working in a business to working in a nonprofit, and the striking differences between the two.

Nick Weir, challenge manager for SpaceNet at In-Q-Tel's CosmiQ Works lab, discusses how his project crowdsources AI solutions for government applications.

Michael Shinn, CEO of Atomicorp, discusses how open-source software can provide important and useful solutions for cybersecurity problems in the cloud and on a wide range of other cyber applications.

Zvi Band, author of the new book Success is in Your Sphere, discusses how maintaining healthy relationships that go beyond just transaction can help propel your life and business to new heights, especially in the D.C. region.

David DeWolf, CEO of 3Pillar Global, discusses his new book, The Product Mindset, and how best to tackle being a product-based company, even in the government sector.

On this EXTRA episode, Jason Grumet, founder and president of the Bipartisan Policy Center; Michael Farren, fellow at the Mercatus Center; and Richard Levick, founder and CEO of LEVICK discuss the ways that politics and lobbying have soured peoples' expectations, experiences, and opinion of capitalism.

Tony Surak, chief marketing officer and partner at DataTribe, discusses the swings and pitfalls of successfully growing a small business, and why revenue isn't the most important thing to shoot for early on.

Shawn Springs, former NFL pro and CEO of Windpact, discusses his company's efforts to make safer and more effective protective equipment for professional sports.

Erin McGeoy, co-founder and CEO of Last Call, discusses how her social venture's app helps notify local students of cheap meals that would otherwise be thrown away, helping to lower America's 40% food waste rate.

Shawn Wright, partner at Blank Rome; Ayman Rizkalla, partner at Akerman; and Richard Levick, founder and CEO of Levick, discuss the things that a C suit executive or a member of a board at a company needs to do to stay proactive and prevent liability for wrongdoing in case of a company's misconduct.

Stephen Buko, founder and CEO at Kerb, discusses his company's AI-based solution to find out if passerby are actually looking at the outdoor ads that companies spend billions on every year.

Lou Anne Brossman, founder and president of Government Marketing University, discusses how her program connects and uplifts companies and entrepreneurs that market directly to the federal government.

Jason Starkey, co-founder and CEO at Jedburgh Technology, discusses the applications that virtual reality has for the US government, and how it can be used to train employees, civilians, and soldiers alike in various important tasks.

On this EXTRA episode, Judith Feder, Georgetown professor and healthcare reform expert during the Clinton administration; and Karen Pollitz, senior fellow at the Kaiser Family Foundation and former cabinet member in both the Clinton and Obama administrations; discuss the myriad ideas surrounding healthcare reform in the US and what effect it might have on the DC region.

Erran Carmel, Professor at the Kogod School of Business, compares D.C. with a wide range of the world's other cities, and explains how the region can bring itself up to the level of some of the world's biggest economic powerhouses.

Chris Gorman, COO at Monkton, discusses his company's method of employing common security standards to allow government workers to work from more places and be more productive.

You Mon Tsang, CEO of ChurnZero, discusses the different challenges that come with different levels and series of funding in D.C., and the best ways to overcome them.

Paula Fitzgerald, executive director at Ayuda, discusses the wide range of industries that immigrants serve in the D.C. region, and the hurdles that need to be cleared to ensure their safety and opportunity.

Pramod Raheja, CEO of Airgility, discusses how drone production has created an entire economy around research and development for specific applications, and how those applications can revolutionize nearly any industry where logistics is a constraint.

Zac Trojak, principal of public sector at Medallia, discusses the IDEA Act, and how his business is helping government websites become more helpful and more powerful for the average citizen.

On this EXTRA Episode, Jason MIller, CEO of the Greater Washington Partnership, and Jill Klein, Dean of American University School of Professional and Extended Studies, discuss the Capital CoLab, a recent partnership between regional universities and the GWP to ensure students have the digital literacy that businesses in the area crave.

Richard Levick, CEO of Levick; Phil Bond, president of government affairs for Potomac International Partners, and Elizabeth Rogers, regulatory expert and partner at Michael Best, discuss the myriad problems facing future regulations for the tech industry, and how regulations might take shape in the near future.

On this EXTRA episode, we speak with Jack McDougle, President and CEO at Greater Washington Board of Trade, and Chuck Bean, Executive Director at Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, about the recent innovations in 5G technology, and how these advancements can assist both the average person and the most dedicated entrepreneurs in the region.

Vladimir Eidelman, VP of Research at FiscalNote, discusses how his company's applied AI lets lawmakers, lobbyists and laymen understand how likely various bills and policies are to pass, and help them know how exactly they'll be affected.

Andrew Scobie, founder of Faraday Grid, discusses how America’s electrical infrastructure has changed little in over a century, and how his company hopes to revolutionize the industry.

Mark Chalfant, artistic and executive director at Washington Improv Theater, discusses how his nonprofit's WIT at Work initiative helps coworkers become better, and more empathetic, communicators.

Rob Sobhani, sounder and CEO of Sparo, discusses how his company uses gamification techniques to drive people to donate to their favorite charities.

John Cofrancesco, VP of Business Development at Active Navigation, discusses the security risks that can be hidden in everyday files like emails, spreadsheets and presentations, and how companies can work to mitigate damage these might cause in a hack.

Esther Lee, CEO of innovation hub and nonprofit Refraction, discusses what her organization is doing to draw in more startups and talent to the D.C. region, and what the region as a whole can do to help tip the scales.

On today's EXTRA episode, Dr. Brent Goldfarb and David Kirsch, both professors at the Robert H. Smith School of Business and co-authors of Bubbles and Crashes: the boom and bust of technological innovation, discuss the cyclical nature of the tech innovation environment. Other topics on deck include their recent book, what happens when an economy crashes, and how to salvage your business in troubling economic times.

Nick Perdikis, CEO and CRO of Devensoft, discusses how his company's software-as-a-service platform helps companies streamline and simplify the merger and acquisition process, minimizing stress and maximizing integration.

Brian Park, managing partner at SparkLabs Cyber+Blockchain, discusses how his accelerator's initiatives in new and expanding technologies are pushing innovation while still creating profit.

Allen Brooks, VP of education and outreach at Building Momentum, discusses The Garden, his company's newest endeavor for teaching adults across the region about workshop tools and development, creating a co-building space for tinkerers and small businesses alike.

Kristen Hajduk, regional director for the national capital region at MD5, discusses the advantages to building networks of innovators and entrepreneurs to help solve national security and defense problems.

Clint Stinchcomb, president and CEO at on-demand service CuriosityStream, discusses the work behind promoting and producing nonfiction video content, and how the market for it is much larger than one might assume.

Simone Petrella, chief strategy officer at CyberVista, discusses the recent trends in federal agencies of hiring private recruiters to find and train candidates for employment, and other steps the government can take to make better workers.

Greg Kihlström, prolific brand consultant, customer experience strategist, and SVP digital at Yes& discusses his new book, the Agile Brand, and the ways that building a positive customer experience and a set of associated vocabulary can propel your brand to new heights.

Jenny Rickard, president and CEO at the Common Application, discusses how the Common App helps students of all incomes and backgrounds apply to and attend a wide array of colleges around the world.

Mohan Rao, chief product and technology officer at StreetShares, discusses how expert guidance from a CPO or CTO can make or break a company's bottom line.

Kevin DeSanto, managing director and co-founder of KippsDeSanto, discusses how the government contracting space, and the D.C. entrepreneurship community at large, is a lot more active and successful than you might think. For the biggest companies in the region, big personalities are a little rarer than in Silicon Valley.

Adam Roberts, executive director of Bethesda Green, discusses the ways that companies like his are building environmentally sound and sustainable communities, and the responsibilities businesses have to care for their surroundings.

Karen McCord, CEO of Breezio, discusses how her company provides a service to connect communities, creating bases of knowledge for companies to keep engagement strong and cut out spam.

Whit Fulton, CEO of ConnectDER, discusses how his company and their product works to shift the electrical power industry towards cleaner, smaller, and better alternatives on distributed networks.

Libby Wuller, director of external engagement at Quorum, discusses how her company develops a suite of tools to help corporations, nonprofits, and associations influence and engage with government more effectively.

Kathleen Day, experienced business journalist and professor, discusses her new book on the history of financial crises, Broken Bargain, and how the economy could once again take a sharp downturn without careful planning.

Bob Gourley and Matt Devost, co-founders of tech research and advisory firm OODA, discuss the rise of machine learning and A.I., and how their national security background and the D.C. region give them a distinct insight into the new technologies.

Anil Karmel, CEO of C2 Labs, discusses how some of the modern regulations for cyber and information security might be needlessly restrictive, and how a new approach to such regulations could speed up innovation while preserving consumer safety.

To understand more about the groups that are working together to spur digital literacy and tech knowledge in under-served communities, we spoke with Derrick Washington, part of the leadership at educational nonprofit Byte Back.

Tripp Donnelly, CEO and founder of REQ, discusses how businesses need to have a real grasp on how they're seen on the internet. If you're not actively working on your digital brand, you're letting everyone else do it for you.

On this EXTRA episode, to understand what many tech companies are doing to change their internal culture for the better, and whether it's enough to stave off regulations, we spoke with Mark Walsh, serial entrepreneur and investor; Ally Schweitzer, reporter at WAMU 88.5; and Stewart Verdery, CEO of Monument Policy Group.

Nithi Vivatrat, founder of Intellei, discusses how A.I can be leveraged in repetitive and low-priority situations to make customer interactions easier and take rote chores off the to-do list for employees.

Steve Polo, managing partner of OPX, discusses how not just the physical layout of your business, but how it's tied together with technology in structure, can help intentionally create a productive and team-oriented workplace.

Lee Kestler, chief commercial officer at Vantage Data Centers, discusses how important data centers are to the region's economy, and how they work to assist businesses, schools, and our every day lives.

Shubham Issar, co-founder of SoaPen, discusses how her company's product helps keep kids clean by making hand washing fun. Issar also discusses why D.C. gives a home to a deep community of social impact startups and companies.

Douglas Britt, senior vice president of product at Patrocinium, discusses his company's new personnel tracking system that helps first respondents know where employees and the public are in the event of an emergency situation, and how companies can sell products that consumers hope to never have to use.

Ken Schmidt, former director of communications at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, discusses his new book, Make Some Noise, and unique philosophy to making sure your branding and marketing stand out from the competition.

Zhensen Huang, founder of Precise Software Solutions, discusses the role that his company plays in helping people get access to information on their medication, as well as the ways that entrepreneurs and government can work together to innovate and help the lives of all our citizens.

Amelia Friedman, co-founder of Hatch Apps, discusses how her startup is helping to expand access to software and app creation. Friedman also explains why it's important for investors in startups and small businesses to be partners, not just funders.

Mirza Baig, partner and co-leader at Aldrich Capital Partners, discusses what it's like to move from being an entrepreneur to a venture investor, and how that puts him in the specific position of relating to the journeys and hardships of startups and businesses looking for funding.

Hank Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Strategic Cyber Ventures, discusses his accidental journey into venture capital as well as the importance of the growing cybersecurity product industry.

Kieran McQuilkin, new market editor at D.C.'s American Inno, discusses the D.C. tech community and some of the hottest new and rising trends for innovation in the region.

Vanessa Gill, creator of social venture Social Cipher, discusses her life on the autism spectrum and her efforts to encourage empathy and understanding through the lens of gamification.

Caitlin McKenna, Senior Director of Customer Experience and Innovation at Hilton; and Brinda Sen Gupta, Deputy Director of the Booz Allen Hamilton Innovation Center, discuss the ways their positions at their companies help them teach others to innovate, shaping even large companies to work better.

Jeremy Lichtenstein, agent with RE/MAX Realty, discusses Kids in Need Distributors (KIND), the not-for-profit he founded to help children in need get food outside of their reduced meal plans at school.

Jack McDougle, CEO and president of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, discusses some of the ways the entrepreneurial community and the government can work together to spur innovation and economic growth, for the entire D.C. region and beyond.

Diana Hage, CEO of RFID Business Solution, discusses the difficulties in changing the trajectory of a small business, as well as the specific advantages women have when it comes to owning and leading small businesses.

With the recent announcement that Amazon's HQ2 will reside partly in northern Virginia, we gather together an emergency EXTRA episode with some of the most influential minds in the region: Ángel Cabrera, president of George Mason University; Tien Wong, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Opus8; and Jason Miller, CEO of the Greater Washington Partnership; to understand how Amazon's move is a huge opportunity for the area.

On this EXTRA episode, Stanley McChrystal, retired US Army General and co-author of Leaders: Myth and Reality, discusses what leadership actually means -- it isn't a magic power doled out by a rare great man.

This week, we spoke with Tom Gardner, co-founder of investment and consultation company Motley Fool, to understand the company's history, and the way markets are flowing in light of recent economic developments.

Terry Hsiao, serial entrepreneur of companies like Hook Mobile and co-developer on projects like the one that helped unify the global texting platform, discusses current and future trends in telecommunications and the best qualities for entrepreneurship.

Josh Mandell, director of policy and international programs at Halcyon, discusses how Halcyon is spurring entrepreneurs and social ventures into doing good for the world while also growing a business.

Chris Lewis, co-author of The Leadership Lab: Understanding Leadership in the 21st Century, discusses how overconfidence and the myth of leader infallibility can result in bad outcomes for everything from business to geopolitics.

Arthur Herman, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and popular historian, discusses the way that new industries embracing quantum computing will require experts that are already rising in the D.C. region.

Blake Allison, CEO and president of LifeCents and founder and chairman of Valor, discusses how financial health is much more than just knowing the jargon.

On this episode, we speak with Jacqueline Baker, Innovation Program Manager for AARP, to discuss how innovation is spurred in D.C., in no small part thanks to the AARP Innovation Labs Grand Pitch Event coming later this October.

In this special double-feature episode, we hold two separate panels with two pairs of experts. First, Oliver Schlake, Clinical Professor at Robert H. Smith School of Business; and Jack McDougle, president and CEO of the GWBT, discuss how to grow the region's economy through new technology and product-oriented businesses. Next, Ed Bersoff, serial entrepreneur and angel investor; and Tami Howie, partner at DLA Piper and former CEO of Maryland Tech Council, discuss how the Tandem Product Academy works to spur innovation in the D.C. area.

Chris Hopfensberger, founding executive director of Software.org, discusses the need for further pushing STEM in education in order to prepare citizens for the jobs of the future.

Eric Bednash, CEO of cloud technology and security company Racktop Systems, explains what the cloud actually is, and delineates the advantages and disadvantages to running a product company versus a services-based company.

Brad Traverse, director of government relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee and founder of Brad Traverse Jobs, discusses his mission of getting people involved and employed in the government relations industry.

Jim Hunt, managing partner at Lavrock Ventures, discusses the role that venture capital plays in the D.C. region, and what technology industries hold deep promise for the future.

Michael Brett, chief executive officer at quantum computing software company QxBranch, discusses exactly how quantum computing can serve as a revolution in a wide range of industries, working hand in hand with classical computers.

Gayle Weiswasser, SVP of Communications at Homesnap, discusses the biggest differences between working at a large corporation and working at a startup. As it turns out, different environments help different people thrive.

David Gorodetski, COO and co-founder of Sage Communications, discusses the difficulty that comes with managing communications for startups and businesses. Gorodetski also outlines the clear difference between advertising and public relations.

Steve Harris, senior vice president and general manager at Dell EMC Federal, discusses the structure of relationships when a business's main customer is the federal government, and how public sector work is seen by the rest of the country.

Lauren Maffeo, software-as-a-service expert and senior content analyst at GetApp, provides some comforting answers to questions surrounding AI and machine learning. No, AI isn't after your job, but big changes are coming down the pipeline.

Shanlon Wu, former federal prosecutor and partner; Thomas Clare, partner at Clare Locke; and Richard Levick, chairman and CEO of Levick; discuss the ways that First Amendment issues bleed into the corporate world.

Award-winning astrophysicist and author of over 20 books, Neil deGrasse Tyson, discusses the state and importance of science and objective truth in the modern day. Tyson also discusses why he looks forward to millennials to take the wheel, as well as his new book, Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military.

Sarah Woods, marketing director at rapidly-growing D.C.-based technology business Bridges, discusses how one of the biggest keys to success in the commercial sector is correct branding and PR.

Michael Avon, founder and CEO of ICX Media and venture investor at ABS Capital, discusses how businesses can use mergers and acquisitions to grow, even in their early stages. Avon explains that a lot of working together is required to make sure any company with acquisition potential fits with and builds on the original company's culture.

This week, we highlight more of the best interviews we've had over the past year: PR expert Christina Daves, Axios managing editor Kim Hart, and Politico national security reporter Jacqueline Klimas.

This week on What's Working in Washington, we look back on some of our favorite interviews from the spring season: PoPville founder Dan Silverman; David Cetlin and MockV Solutions; and Allen Gannett on his startup TrackMaven.

Suzanne Rich Folsom, attorney and regulation expert; Richard Levick, founder public affairs firm Levick; and Michael Avon, founder of ICX Media, discuss the pitfalls politicians make in developing regulations. While some rules may help big businesses, some small startups are being left out in the cold.

Sarah Purdum, business development associate with Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, discusses how talented people with great problem-solving abilities might have trouble with the marketing aspect of entrepreneurship, and how that hurdle can be overcome.

Sean Griffey, co-founder and CEO of Industry Dive, discusses how his company's innovative method of sourcing niche news for specific demographics, like industry CEOs and presidents, allows the company to create close relationships with businesses and communities while also maintaining strong, reliable revenue on the internet.

Mary Abbajay, expert on leadership management and career development and author of Managing Up: How to Move up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss, discusses how writing a book can give entrepreneurs and leaders access to a wide range of opportunities they couldn't otherwise achieve.

Ajit Thyagarajan, founder of Atomic Mole, discusses how his company works to shield internet of things devices in a new and innovative way. Thyagarajan also discusses the difficulty involved in being a startup vying for the attention of larger businesses.

Mary-Claire Burick, President of the Rosslyn Business Improvement District, discusses what business improvement districts actually do, and how they help coalesce the public and private sectors around a common goal.

Andy Medici, money reporter for the Washington Business Journal, discusses the problems the D.C. region still has to face if it wants to regain the VC market share it had during the dotcom boom.

On this What’s Working in Washington EXTRA, we spoke with Bob Bigman, president of 2BSecure; Bob Flores, co-founder and partner of Cognitio Corp; and Bob Gourley, founder and CTO at Crucial Point LLC, to discuss the hurdles cybersecurity still faces in ensuring the protection of the country's most important systems. Other topics include why D.C. continues to be a hotbed for cybersecurity, and the innovations that will bring the industry into the future.

Robert McNamara, managing director of Guidehouse, formerly PwC PS, discusses how consultants for the public sector help government agencies more efficiently serve their citizens. As part of a company that was recently divested from a larger corporation, McNamara explains how he is better able to chase innovation with small-startup tactics.

Mark Jaster, founder of 418 Intelligence, discusses the new system the company has developed to let cybersecurity experts freelance their knowledge, helping companies find flaws in their systems. Jaster also discusses the problem with investors that search for a "silver bullet" in potential startups.

JC Herz, national expert on open-source software and COO and founder of Ion Channel, discusses how open-source code makes up around 80 percent of all proprietary business software. If that code doesn't come from a reliable source or a consistent committer, it can result in huge security problems for consumers.

Lyles Carr, senior vice president of the McCormick Group, discusses how executive recruiters operate, working with businesses to find the perfect match for an open position. Carr explains how the process may require an open mind instead of strict requirements to get the best candidates.

David Bowers, vice president and Mid-Atlantic market leader for Enterprise Community Partners, discusses how D.C. consistently ranks as one of the most expensive places to live in the country, and how high prices hurt quality of life, as well as slow the influx of talent and businesses from other regions.

Terry Clower, director for the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, discusses how immigrants, especially long-term immigrants, make up a huge portion of the D.C. region's workforce, and how pushing immigrants out of the country could be a large economic injury for the area. Clower also explains how attracting business to Washington can work by making a place where employees will want to live.

Glen Gulyas, founder and CEO of Onclave Networks, discusses how the internet of things can be a great boon for society, if it can only move past its huge security hurdles.. Gulyas's company, Onclave Networks, seeks to provide security for companies worried about attacks on their IoT-based devices.

Fannie Delavelle, managing director of the World Bank Youth Summit, discusses how the World Bank is using blockchain to assist small and women-led businesses in developing nations in collecting revenue. With the distributed ledger of blockchain, businesses can eschew the middleman when making international transactions, saving profit.

Clay Buckley, president of Cause Network, discusses how his company uses technology and innovation to help charities gain funds and help people in need. Blockchain, among other technologies, are allowing donors to see exactly where their money is going in the charity of their choice.

Diva Nagula, founder and CEO of the Washington, D.C. franchise for IV Doc, discusses how his company is part of a new wave of on-demand medical services. Nagula explains how this new trend is helping usher in the future of personalized medicine.

Tami Howie, chief executive officer of the Maryland Tech Council, discusses how Maryland is shaping up to be a great opportunity for tech and biotech entrepreneurs, and how the Maryland Tech Council is paving the way forward for innovation.

Evan Burfield, co-founder of accelerator 1776 and current CEO of Union, discusses his latest book, "Regulatory Hacking." The book explains how entrepreneurs can take a close look at the regulation-heavy areas of the market that are the most in need of innovation, and how to work their way into the fold.

To talk about how mergers and acquisitions are a much longer process than they may seem in the news, and to learn how to attract potential buyers, we're joined by Dan Ilisevich, CFO at Compusearch Software; Kevin DeSanto, managing director at KippsDeSanto; and Andy Jones, managing director at the Maryland Venture Fund.

Jim Liew, co-founder of tech firm SoKat and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins Business School, discusses how the D.C. region's universities are teaching entrepreneurs to take advantage of new technologies, like blockchain, AI, and machine learning. Perhaps more important, however, is how universities are teaching entrepreneurial students to get up after they fail, and learn from their mistakes.

John Wood, chairman and CEO of IT firm Telos, talks about how cloud technology is helping to improve the security and efficiency of all of America's government agencies, and how D.C. is uniquely poised to take advantage of the new adoption.

Rosemary Johnston, senior vice president of operations at Savi Technologies, talks about how the chains of marketing, delivery, and in-transit visibility are vital for the dispersion of everything from breakfast cereal to the most dire supplies in humanitarian crises.

To understand how D.C.'s cyber technology community is growing and shaping the economy, we talk to Dr. Erran Carmel, professor at the Kogod School of Business; Jennifer Thornton, director of workforce initiatives at the Greater Washington Partnership; and Rob Terry, senior writer at the Washington Business Journal. Topics discussed include digital convergence, widening the talent pool, and spurring economic growth through the cyber industry.

Zuri Hunter, front end engineer at open-source mapping platform Mapbox, talks about how the D.C. region's wide range of meetups, hackathons, and boot camps helped her gain experience and skills in the tech industry. Hunter explains that by diversifying the backgrounds of future developers, companies can tackle problems in new and innovative ways.

Manu Smadja, co-founder and CEO of MPOWER Financing, talks about how his company provides crucial student loans to international students that are in America's top universities. MPOWER has helped hundreds of students from across the world access the education that they strive for.

One of the most interesting up-and-coming technologies in the region is in the field of cryptocurrency. To talk about how the technology has a murky, but promising, future, we're joined by Charlie Kiser, CEO of Atlas Cloud Enterprises.

Pam Holland, founder of Tech Moxie, talks about her company's efforts to teach people to use technology safely and effectively. Holland also explains how online scams like phishing can be so dangerous--and so convincing.

Today we're joined by Benjamin Pikus, founder of MoTrack Therapy, a company that’s using motion tracking and gamification to assist patients with physical therapy exercises. Pikus and his group recently won a competition between 100 of the region's top student-led startups.

Jeff Galvin, CEO and founder of American Gene Technologies, discusses how new technologies in the realm of gene therapy are able to use viruses to heal terminal illness. Galvin believes that, within the next ten years, a large swath of terminal cancers and monogenic diseases can be effectively treated with these methods.

For today's EXTRA episode, we speak with Anne Swanson, an attorney with Wilkinson Barker Knauer; Matt Scassero, director of the University of Maryland Unmanned Aircraft System test site; and Mark Ryan, CEO of the Ryan Media Lab to learn about the wide variety of applications drones have, the regulatory and technological hurdles facing them, and how the greater Washington area is the perfect confluence of solutions to many of these problems.

Professor Erran Carmel, American University's director of the Center for Business in the Capitol, discusses the results of a wealth of data suggesting the D.C. region is one of the largest in the world for cybersecurity. Other statistics discussed help show that while the region is still struggling on some key issues, it's holding firm as a great place for entrepreneurship.

Stacey Smith, executive director of the Cybersecurity Association of Maryland, discusses how her group has helped the state of Maryland incentive supporting local business while also ensuring a cybersecure economy.

PR expert Christina Daves discusses the best practices for making your name known. According to Daves, one of the most important aspects is creating good content and and pitching good ideas to the right journalists.

Lorraine Arora, chair of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, discusses how the real estate industry in D.C. is changing rapidly, and how businesses across the world are paying attention. Arora also explains how realtors will remain an important part of real estate, despite the rise of automation.

National security reporter at Politico Jacqueline Klimas joins us today to talk about a new newsletter Politico is launching, all about space. With companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin making strides toward private industry in space, this newsletter should help you get a handle on what you need to know about the emerging market.

Peter Rogers, CEO of Welford Management, explains how blockchain works, and how it could be a great asset to the D.C. region. It's not just about Bitcoin, in fact, it has a wide range of possible use cases.

Glen Hellman, leadership coach and founder of Driven forward, discusses how leadership is a process of guiding without micromanaging. Good leaders can make sure employees will do what you want without having to tell them every day.

We speak to Angelie Benn, co-founder of Capitol Sound DC, a local woman-led music blog that's also producing some of the hottest underground concerts in the region. Benn explains how the company got its start thanks to a love for One Direction, and how it evolved to support D.C.'s rich and diverse tapestry of music and art.

Dan Silverman, founder of D.C.-area news and rumor website PoPville joins us to talk about building an audience, staying authentic, and weeding out trolls to build a better business. Silverman explains how acting as a journalist and leader has created a popular site and a tight-knit community.

On this episode, we talk to Robert Brooke, director of federal funding programs at the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology, about the federal government's Small Business Innovative Research program. Brooke explains how SBIR is designed to fund startups that are creating new and untested technologies, while letting the company retain commercialization rights.

Today, we spoke to Mary Beth Borgwing, co-chair of Uniting Women in Cyber, and founder of Standish Cyber Corporation, to discuss how the D.C. region can serve as a great landing pad for up-and-coming cyber startups. It's great to be close to the federal government and the source of regulations, but there's still some work to be done to make it home for the cyber industry.

Denise Keane, former board member of Altria and current board member of DirectWomen, discusses how diversity of background and opinion can make boards of directors more responsible and proactive, for the good of both their company and the general population.

For today's EXTRA episode, we talk to Jeff Gallagher, CEO of Virginia Biotechnology Association, and Richard Bendis, president & CEO of BioHealth Innovation Incorporated.They discuss how the D.C. region is a perfect home for the biohealth industry, and what impact this industry can have on the region in the coming years.

Harry Klaff, managing director at JLL, stops by to discuss the opportunity that trade groups have to affect significant change in the D.C. region. Specifically, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the MetroNow Coalition have taken huge steps in making the area better for communities and companies alike.

David Cetlin, founder and CEO of MockV Solutions, discusses the skills he had to develop when he fell into his entrepreneurship journey. Cetlin explains how biotechnology and entrepreneurship go hand in hand, especially in the D.C. region.

John Funge, chief product officer at startup incubator and venture capital firm DataTribe, discusses the main, inherent differences in product- and service-oriented businesses, and how the D.C. region can be a great opportunity for both to thrive.

Steven Partridge, vice president of workforce and economic development at the Northern Virginia Community College, discusses how education in D.C. is closing the mismatch between the skills schools teach and the skills employers need.

Pamela Clark, founder of web design service Clark Concepts, explains the best ways for small business owners to dip their toes into digital marketing, through their own website and social media. Clark recommends having a website and knowing your audience as the first and foremost tips to having a solid presence online.

Mid-Atlantic general manager for Lyft, Stephen Taylor, discusses how his experience as a pilot for the Navy, and as an angel investor, prepared him for entrepreneurship. Taylor explains that sometimes, being an entrepreneur doesn't mean starting from scratch.

Shannon Turner discusses Hear Me Code, a group she founded that offers free coding lessons to over 3,000 women in the D.C. area. Turner also explains the upcoming DCFemTech INSPIRE, an event centered around elevating the voices and achievements of women in tech in D.C.

Daniel Parra, director of small and minority business at the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, discusses the main barriers that immigrant and minority business owners face in the D.C. area, and how many of them push through setbacks to become successful.

Lisa Friedlander, co-founder of Activity Rocket, explains the trials and tribulations of starting a business with no prior entrepreneurial experience. Friedlander discusses how hard work and a little help from family helped the company rise to a national scale.

Dr. Pat Harned, head of DC's Ethics and Compliance Initiative, spoke to What's Working in Washington about how ethics is a proactive process, not just a reactive one. As it turns out, businesses that foster ethical environments with clear core values run into moral quandaries far less than those that don't.

What's Working in Washington spoke with RunSafe Security CEO Joe Saunders to learn about the dangers, as well as the benefits, of the internet of things. When almost every electronic device can connect to the internet, security can become a nightmare, but companies like Saunders' are closing the loop on hackers.

What's Working in Washington talks to Kim Hart, managing editor at news outlet Axios. While trust in media is at an all-time low in America, Hart explains how Axios is working to make objective truth a top priority in reporting.

The upcoming STEM Symposium helps young students get interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. JD Kathuria explains how fostering young interest in STEM can ultimately help fill the region's unfilled tech jobs.

Clare Flannery of MDB Communications explains how businesses in the DC region have banded together to improve metro. She says the Metro Now Coalition is a sign of how DC, Maryland and Virginia can work together as a region to reach a common goal.

Jim Dinegar at the Kogod School of Business, explains why low unemployment rates might be an opportunity for growth in the D.C. region. With a wide margin of unfilled tech jobs in the area, Dinegar lays out a plan for using education to solve the issue.

A full-length discussion on company boards, why women are still under-represented, and specific tips on how to boost the female presence to better reflect the customers companies serve. Denise Keane, Andi Cullins, Andrew Sherman

An international expert in Middle Eastern politics and economics in Washington, DC has found an interesting creative outlet in a podcast called Sunday Blues — which isn’t even really about music.

A report last year estimated upwards of 800 million jobs worldwide will be lost to robotics and automation. “And while that’s true, I think the real story is how many jobs will be created by the need to support, and build, and program, and put in place those robotics and automation,” says the founder of WorkHarmony.

Do entrepreneurs deal with crises and changes in their lives differently from non-entrepreneurs?

Mergers and acquisitions, the process of businesses being sold and bought is basically the life blood of any entrepreneurial region, and our region is a hotbed for emerging acquisitions activity in the United States.

A conference on the future of technology here in the D.C. region deals with advanced technology and policy-making.

“I get to travel the world, speaking at the largest events in the world, sharing multiple messages, but ultimately, it’s an element of storytelling, and hopefully moving the audience to make a decision.”

There’s $25 million of new venture capital available in this region for startup entrepreneurs, according to Andy Jones, managing director of the Maryland Venture Fund. Where is that money being invested, and who will the winners be?

Women in STEM, why women are reluctant to enter the sciences and why we still have a long way to go on gender equality in both the classroom and the workforce.

Millennials, as a group, are the largest demographic cohort in the United States. They are driving economies, they’re driving behavior, and much to the surprise of baby boomers, they’re becoming a more and more important part of the workforce.

Greater Washington Partnership is composed of 20 members representing companies such as Under Armour, Capital One, and MedImmune. It addresses issues such as workforce development, and has released a report on the tech workforce in the region.

Today's entrepreneur needs to be sensitive to the fact that their passion, their clear sense of vision, the way that they interact with their most important assets, their people, are critical building blocks in entrepreneurship and in business success.

Founder and President of Glassman Wealth Services discusses how tax reform will affect residents in the national capital region.

Aaron Gregg of the Washington Post explores what's going on and what trends are emerging in DC's business community.

Local business community is boosted by immigrants and multinational businesses, particularly Latin American businesses.

Society is getting wiser on how to communicate its support of mistrust of politicians, movements and brands. Richard Levick offers insight on what to expect next.

The opportunity to do business overseas can create thousands of jobs for an economy and many for business. In the current environment, sometimes people scratch their head and wonder: Is this still a good time to do international business? Joshua Walker is the head of Global Strategic Initiatives with The Eurasia Group. Hes a diplomatic expert in international trade and business.

Chuck Brooks was recently named by LinkedIn as one of the top five people to follow in cybersecurity issues among their 500 million members

UPIC Health founder Mary Tucker carries three mantras: be happy, be awesome, and help others with becoming one and two.

One of the best-known and constant voices traveling the airways in the D.C. region is the host of the Federal Drive with Tom Temin.

Exciting emerging technologies are in the fields of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), according to Sam Sabin of DC Inno.

Mark Walsh, former head of the Office of Innovation and Investment at the Small Business Administration shares his predictions on 2018. Walsh is a local angel investor and one of the pioneers of the modern internet.

Topics include the investment donut hole, D.C.s seed-stage investor ecosystem, forging your own personal connections, and the changing D.C. market.

The region has a wealth of innovators and inventors. In both private and federal labs, it's easy to imagine thousands of fantastic inventions ready to be part of the next big company, but the transition isn't always easy, and not all inventions are created equal.

Fosterly is once again conducting a startup census, with a form that is now easier to use, according to Adam Zuckerman, founder of Fosterly.

Fosterly collaborated with research experts from Virginia Tech to increase the scientific rigor of the 2017 census. The census report is a collaborative effort with commentary and analysis provided by some of our region's leading subject matter experts.

Ross Baird, founder of Village Capital, believes that venture capital isn't doing a good job of getting new ideas to society.

In his new book, The Innovation Blind Spot, Baird explains that the industry could do more to spur innovation.

Michell Clark says the public can tell 1) if someone is getting paid to talk about something, 2) if they actually care about it and 3) if this is actually the full story.

"If were not trying to get somebody to enroll in a coding school, or trying to get them to take a job somewhere, were pure. We can actually offer them information, content, network, all these things that benefit them and their careers, without being conflicted, without needing to sell them anything," said Erickson. Instead, Modev is funded by sponsors. Thus, its seen as a trusted resource, and is better able to build real communities.

Despite being one of the wealthiest areas in the United States, the D.C. region is still a tough place for startups to raise growth capital. Crowdsourcing might be able to fix that.

Inspiration comes in surprising forms when one looks at progress in the Washington region.

People spend a lot of time worrying about whos managing them, but less about managing up.

Three of the region's experts on cybersecurity and its effect on the economy: Michael Hoffman, director of marketing at GovernmentCIO Media; Mike Simon, president and CEO of cyber defense firm CryptoniteNXT; and Ron Gula, investor and founder of Gula Tech Adventures.

Topics: how investment trends shape cybersecurity, the transition from public to private sector, how cyber talent flourishes in the D.C. area, changes in the industry under the new administration, and the dangers of poorly-secured internet of things devices.