The Government Huddle with Brian Chidester: Recent Episodes
Brian Chidester
Welcome to The Government Huddle with Brian Chidester, a new podcast from Government Marketing University. My entire career has been dedicated to marketing in the government space. And in the beginning, I never cared about the WHY. I was completely focused on the HOW. It was all about the tactics, the analytics, the ROI… rinse and repeat. Then I decided, I wanted to understand these programs and technologies the same way our customers do. It opened up a whole new world for me. And that is what this show is about – “Aligning the WHY with the HOW” …taking a deep dive on current trends, making bold, educated predictions about the market, learning from expert guests and discovering innovative concepts on how to respond to all of this. So join us as we talk about all the things government marketers need to know about today, tomorrow and beyond.
Evan Meyer, GovTech entrepreneur, community advocate, podcast host, and self-proclaimed "civic ninja" joins the show for a thought-provoking conversation about civic engagement, public trust, and the future of local government. Drawing on his experience spanning technology startups, neighborhood leadership, public service, and civic innovation, Evan shares his perspective on why trust in government has eroded, how local communities can reclaim agency, and why meaningful change often starts much closer to home than most people realize. We also discuss the role of technology and AI in government, the challenges of bureaucratic inefficiency, the importance of transparent communication between elected officials and constituents, and the incentives that shape public-sector decision-making.
Amanda D'Amico, Senior Director of Market Planning for Fraud and Eligibility Solutions at LexisNexis Risk Solutions joins the show to discuss why operational execution—not just understanding policy—will determine success ss Medicaid agencies prepare for the implementation of H.R. 1. We dive into how agencies can balance program integrity with continuity of coverage by modernizing outreach, improving data quality, and leveraging technology to better engage beneficiaries. We also explore the importance of clear communication, efficient workflows, and keeping the human impact at the center of compliance efforts to ensure eligible individuals continue receiving the critical services they need.
Kate O'Neill, globally recognized tech humanist, strategic advisor to Fortune 500 companies, and author of What Matters Next joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on AI, ethics, and what it truly means to lead with humanity in the age of intelligent machines. We discuss her early days as one of Netflix's first 100 employees to frame what "future readiness" looks like for organizations today and why the same proactive vision that let Netflix outmaneuver Blockbuster is exactly what's missing from AI governance right now. Together they unpack the philosophical divide between policy, politics, and the dangers of letting "hope lead strategy" in workforce decisions and offer government and enterprise leaders a grounded, human-centered lens for navigating AI, the most transformative technology of our time.
Tom Marlow, Managing Director at Dark Wolf Solutions joins the show to discuss the evolution from opportunistic cybercrime to full-scale cyber warfare. Together we break down why today's adversaries aren't just after financial gain, they're positioning inside critical infrastructure, waiting. From the Salt Typhoon intrusions to water treatment plant exploits, the targets have shifted to the very systems that hold society together: power grids, communications networks, and healthcare. We also dig into what government agencies can do right now, from comprehensive red-teaming to zero trust architecture and AI-enabled threat hunting, and what cyber conflict could look like in the next five to ten years, when autonomous AI agents may be the ones charging into battle.
Chris McDermott, Head of Social Security Solutions at LexisNexis Risk Solutions and former federal government leader joins the show to explore the evolving intersection of modernization, customer experience, identity verification, and public trust in government services. Together we unpack why modernization is no longer optional, how agencies can balance security with accessibility, and what it takes to reduce fraud and improper payments without creating unnecessary barriers for the people who rely on critical benefits. They also discuss dive into Chris’ firsthand insights from nearly two decades in government, highlighting the importance of empathy, dignity, and human-centered design in delivering services that truly meet citizens where they are.
Regan Riddoch, Senior Director of Product Marketing for GovCon Solutions at Deltek joins the show to unpack findings from the newly released 2026 Deltek GovCon Clarity Study and how AI is transforming the industry. Together we unpack why AI is transforming proposal development and how speed without trusted data creates compliance and credibility risks. We also dive into what the shift toward firm-fixed-price contracting means for pricing defensibility and audit readiness, why most firms still manage project risk reactively, despite growing investments in predictive AI, and how AI is reshaping GovCon finance and and why traceability matters more than automation.
Registration Link: https://virtualevents.deltek.com/register/cdcb78f7-16e8-4a17-9d1f-c5ef10e03396?sourceid=7&utm_source=non-deltek-event&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=GovCon-StateofAIprepodcast&partnerref=event_non-deltek-event_GovCon-StateofAIprepodcast
Tim Miller, Global Field CTO and Chief Cybersecurity Strategist at Dataminr joins the show to discuss the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape and what it means for governments and critical infrastructure. Drawing on insights from Dataminr’s latest cyber threat report, he unpacks the widening gap between rising cyber threats and limited cybersecurity staffing with threat actor alerts up 225% year over year. We also discuss how AI—particularly agentic AI—is emerging as a force multiplier, helping organizations detect, contextualize, and respond to threats at machine speed. Finally we dive into key trends shaping modern cybersecurity, including the convergence of cyber and physical security, especially for major global events like the World Cup and Olympics.
Alan Metzler, Vice President of Department Homeland Security at ITC Federal joins the show to unpack one of the most pressing challenges in government today: aligning emerging technologies with mission outcomes. He shares an insider’s perspective on the complexity of the Department of Homeland Security with agency’s diverse, overlapping missions discusses how all Federal agencies can move beyond “technology for technology’s sake” and instead focus on measurable mission impact. Finally we take a forward-looking view on how DHS can balance innovation with operational demands—highlighting the importance of leadership, public-private collaboration, and empowering teams to take smart risks.
Chris Townsend, Global Vice President of Public Sector at Elastic joins the show to explore the evolving intersection of cybersecurity, AI, and data strategy in government. We dive into the shift toward continuous Authority to Operate (ATO) and why real-time, always-on security is becoming essential in an era of AI-powered threats. We also break down how both adversaries and defenders are leveraging AI and why “machine-speed attacks” demand equally fast, intelligent responses. Finally, we unpack the growing role of agentic AI in security operations, from automating threat detection and prioritization to augmenting SOC teams and how AI is transforming citizen services, with real-world examples of improving access to benefits and delivering more personalized government experiences.
Sean Clifford, Quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals and former Heisman Trophy candidate at Penn State University joins the show to explore leadership under pressure and why those lessons are directly applicable to today’s public sector challenges. As government organizations navigate transformation, workforce shifts, and increasing complexity, this conversation highlights the core leadership traits that truly move teams forward: trust, preparation, resilience, and the ability to lead without formal authority. He shares what it means to operate in high-stakes, uncertain environments, where preparation meets opportunity, and how leaders can add value even when they’re not “the one in charge.” From mastering transitions to building confidence through disciplined preparation, the discussion offers practical insights for leaders working across agencies and missions.
Mark Bentkower, Principal Technologist, Americas at Veeam Software joins the show to unpack what data resilience really means for public sector organizations. Together we explore the shift from traditional compliance checklists to a resilience-first mindset built on zero trust, automation, and cross-functional alignment. He also shares insights into how agencies can move beyond siloed operations and what separates organizations stuck in reactive mode from those building true operational resilience. Finally we dive into Veeam’s Data Resilience Maturity Model (DRMM) developed with McKinsey and discuss how agencies can benchmark their posture, align people, process, and technology, and make a business case for modernization.
Lou Eichenbaum, former Chief Information Security Officer at the U.S. Department of the Interior and current Federal CTO at ColorTokens joins the show for a deep dive into the evolving world of federal cybersecurity. We dive into firsthand insights on what it really means to balance mission enablement with effective risk management and why today’s CISO must act not just as a security expert, but as an executive risk manager focused on resilience, communication, and strategic alignment. We unpack what real zero trust implementation looks like beyond the buzzword, why micro-segmentation is foundational to preventing lateral movement and building mission resilience, and how federal agencies can move beyond compliance checklists toward meaningful security outcomes. We also discuss candid perspectives on what drives cybersecurity priorities inside federal agencies and and how zero trust principles will play a critical role in protecting both IT and critical infrastructure systems in the years ahead.
Crosby Burns, Chief Digital & Innovation Officer for Marin County, California joins the show for a candid and forward-looking conversation on what digital innovation really means in government today. Together, we explore how a service-first mindset can help governments balance security, accessibility, and trust in an era increasingly shaped by AI, bots, and new digital entry points. We also discuss how Marin County is rethinking public websites as repositories of structured information designed for both humans and machines and how accessibility is about far more than compliance, but about removing friction across the entire citizen journey.
Tony Scott, former Federal Chief Information Officer under President Barack Obama and current President & CEO of Intrusion joins the show to give a candid, inside look at how the CIO role has evolved across government and industry—from back-office IT leadership to becoming a critical connector across mission, policy, technology, and organizational strategy. Tony reflects on his time overseeing an $85B federal IT portfolio, the challenges and urgency of modernizing aging systems, and the events surrounding the OPM breach that reshaped federal cybersecurity.
Brenden Elwood, Vice President of Market Research at CivicPlus and a City Councilor in North Bend, Washington joins the show to unpack the latest insights from CivicPlus’ nationwide resident research. We explore what drives citizen satisfaction and trust in local government, from proactive communication to transparent service delivery. We also discuss how accessibility and user experience directly shape public perception, and why digital inclusivity is more than just a compliance checkbox, it’s a cornerstone of good governance.
Emily Ferris, Director for What Works Cities at Results for America joins the show to discuss how artificial intelligence is impacting cities and what to expect in the future.
Suzanne Boyd, CEO of Anthro-Tech and a pioneer in human-centered design joins the show to share her journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to founding Anthro-Tech in 1997, by blending her love of anthropology with technology to improve lives through thoughtful design. We unpack the evolution and institutionalization of human-centered design, its impact on government and private sector organizations, and the importance of inclusivity and accessibility from the start of any project.
Peter O’Donohue, CTO at Tyto Athene, and Gaurav “GP” Pal, Principal at Stack Armor join the show to unpack the future of federal compliance, security, and cloud modernization. From automating risk management frameworks to balancing mission urgency with cybersecurity, the discussion dives into how government and industry can partner to drive efficiency, accountability, and continuous monitoring. Finally we explore insights on the evolution of FedRAMP, secure-by-design practices, and the role of AI and quantum in shaping the next five years of compliance.
Dan Wolf, former Deputy CIO for the Commonwealth of Virginia and current Director of State Programs for the Alliance of Digital Innovation returns to the show to unpack some of the most pressing issues shaping state and local government today. From the surge of artificial intelligence legislation sweeping all 50 states, to the rise of cybersecurity mandates like New York’s reporting requirements and Texas’s bold Cyber Command initiative, we discuss insights into how policymakers, CIOs, and the private sector are navigating these transformative shifts.
Dustin Haisler, State and Local Government expert and President of e.Republic joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving landscape of state and local government. Together, we dive into the findings from the 2025 Adobe Digital Government Index and explore the tension between rising citizen expectations and governments’ ability to keep pace. From AI adoption and accessibility mandates to cloud modernization, workforce challenges, and shifting federal-to-state responsibilities, we unpack the trends shaping public sector innovation. We also discuss how states are addressing technical debt, why building strong digital foundations is critical for AI success, and how leaders can move from pilots to enterprise rollouts with confidence.
Chris Cullerot, Vice President for Technology and Innovation at iTech AG joins the show to unpack the massive savings potential outlined in a recent GAO report—over $100 billion—through better IT asset management and consolidation. He shares real-world examples of how federal agencies are addressing duplicative systems, overcoming change management hurdles, and building scalable platforms that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen security.
Crom Carmichael, a government contracting entrepreneur, investor, and historian joins the show to explore what a truly efficient government could look like and what history has shown us to be the best way achieve one. We discuss his journey into political philosophy and the creation of his educational platform, Giants of Political Thought, and dive into the historical roots of government. Finally, we unpack the evolution of the U.S. healthcare system, the impact of tax policy on public services, and the role of innovation—especially AI—in driving productivity.
Amita Prabhu, Amber Lao, and Kaila Cage from Adobe’s Public Sector Digital Strategy Group join the show unpack the inspiration, methodology, and key findings of the report, which benchmarks digital maturity across U.S. state governments. Together we discuss the origins of the DGI and how it evolved from a side project into a strategic benchmarking tool and why the three pillars of digital maturity – customer experience, site performance, and digital self-service – are so vital to digital government maturity. We also discuss why citizen expectations are outpacing government digital improvements—and what states can do about it and the growing influence of AI and ML in service delivery—from chatbots to fraud detection.
Laura Bennett, host of the Coach’s Corner Podcast and a principal at BDL Consulting joins the show for a candid conversation on leadership, resilience, and how to take meaningful steps forward amid uncertainty. Together, we explore what it truly means to be resilient—not just to withstand challenges, but to actively navigate through them and emerge stronger. Laura shares insights from her coaching work and podcast guests, discussing the power of small, intentional steps, emotional detachment, and being selective about what we consume—especially in today’s distraction-heavy environment.
Richard Carson, author of the best-seller The Book of Change and an experienced public sector leader joins the show to explore the evolving landscape of organizational change management. Drawing on over 30 years of experience across local, regional, and state government, he shares why effective change isn’t about technology alone—but how organizations adopt and adapt around it. From the bureaucratic hurdles of public service to the psychological toll of transformation, the conversation digs into why most change initiatives fail—and how a bottom-up, empathetic approach can drive lasting impact.
Howard Cohen, former Senior Advisor at the Department of Defense's Defense Media Activity and current strategist at CX Studios joins the show to unpack the power of non-kinetic capabilities in modern defense strategy. From web consolidation and cost-saving at scale to safeguarding national security through strategic communications, he shares insights from his work leading digital modernization across the Department of Defense. Together, they explore why public-facing websites are more than just digital real estate—they're mission-critical infrastructure in the information age.
Mathew John, the award-winning Creative Director at the United States National Park Service joins the show to explore the transformative power of storytelling in the public sector. From growing up as a second-generation American in small-town Ohio to producing emotionally charged films for America's most treasured public lands, Mathew shares how his lived experiences and emotional intuition fuel his creative process. The conversation dives into the distinction between making videos and telling meaningful stories, the importance of vulnerability in creative leadership, and the tangible impact of narrative — including a film that helped secure over $16 billion for park infrastructure.
Mia Jordan, Global Go-To-Market Executive at Salesforce and former USDA Chief Information Officer, and Josh Millsapps, CEO of Millsapps, Ballinger & Associates join the show to explore the importance of platform strategies over one-off projects to ultimately drive strategic value for government agencies. Together, we unpack what is driving the rising appetite for change across federal agencies and how to strike the balance between pragmatism and bold innovation. Finally, they offer tactical advice for government leaders navigating leadership turnover, workforce challenges, and policy shifts — emphasizing why it’s time for agencies to “run with scissors” and move fast, even amid ambiguity.
Dr. David Bray, Former Chief Information Officer of the Federal Communications Commission and CEO at Lead Do Adapt Ventures, and the Honorable Ellen McCarthy, former Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Intelligence and Research join the show for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about the evolving landscape of data, digital trust, and national security. We unpack how the explosion of connected devices, AI-generated content, and synthetic data is reshaping decision-making, security, and public trust at every level of government and society and explore challenges from authenticating digital content to decentralizing emergency response, and the urgent need to empower individuals and local communities in the face of complex, rapidly changing information ecosystems.
Andrew McClanahan, Senior Director at LexisNexis Risk Solutions for Government Relations rejoins for Part Three of the conversation around government program integrity and we tackle the urgent "so what" in today’s government assistance landscape — what can agencies actually do to strengthen their fraud, waste, and abuse defenses amid tightening budgets, AI-driven bot attacks, and mounting operational pressures? We also unpack practical, tech-enabled strategies for modernizing fraud prevention frameworks, streamlining verification processes, and improving both customer experience and staff retention.
Jim Richberg, Head of Cyber Policy and Global Field CISO at Fortinet rejoins the show for a timely discussion on the fast-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and we unpack AI’s unprecedented energy demands, its implications on national infrastructure, and the critical cybersecurity considerations government agencies must navigate in this new era. Jim also shares his "Three Rules for Government Technology Transformation," and we explore why education and clear procurement strategies are vital to responsible AI rollout in public sector programs.
Andrew McClanahan, Senior Director at LexisNexis Risk Solutions for Government Relations rejoins for Part Two of the conversation around government program integrity and he unpacks the increasing state responsibilities for service delivery and the tough financial balancing acts agencies face while grappling with program reforms, fraud prevention, and privacy protection. We also discuss Medicaid work requirements, SNAP eligibility controversies and the politics of data sharing and we tackle the practical realities and policy debates shaping public assistance programs today.
Sandy Carter, Author of the new book “AI First, Human Always Author” and the Chief Operating Officer of Unstoppable Domains joins the show to dive into the inspiration behind her latest book and shares why empathy and people-first strategies are essential for the future of artificial intelligence. We also unpack topics like AI trust gaps around the world, the critical role of human oversight in AI implementations, how small businesses and governments alike can embrace emerging tech, and why AI’s real value lies in transforming — not replacing — human jobs.
Kevin Greene, Chief Security Strategist for the Public Sector at BeyondTrust joins the show for a critical conversation on the evolving cybersecurity landscape in government. Together, we explore the mounting pressures government agencies face from increasingly sophisticated threat actors—and the urgent need for a proactive, threat-informed defense strategy. He also shares his perspectives on the critical role of identity security, the complexities of zero trust adoption, and the emerging role of AI and automation in cyber resilience.
Andrew McClenahan, Senior Director of Government Relations at LexisNexis Risk Solutions and former program leader at the Florida Department of Children and Families joins the show to dissect the growing concerns surrounding program integrity and fraud mitigation in federal and state benefit programs. We dive into what’s happening on Capitol Hill—from executive orders and agency mandates to the shifting dynamics of federal-state collaboration—and discuss the implications of recent USDA guidance on eligibility oversight, performance standards, and funding threats for underperforming states—particularly as pandemic relief funds dry up.
Jay Shah, former Chief Operating Officer of Octo and now Strategic Advisor at Technomile joins the show to explore how small and mid-sized companies can scale effectively and thrive amid federal market shifts. We also unpack his personal journey from helping build Octo from the ground up to navigating multiple acquisitions and get his candid perspective on the evolving landscape of government contracting, particularly the increasing focus on performance-based acquisition, innovation, and the rising expectations for industry to deliver differentiated value. Finally we dive deep into how tools like Technomile’s platform are equipping businesses to capture growth opportunities with precision, optimize resource alignment, and meet the moment of generational disruption in federal procurement.
Mika J. Cross, Public Sector Workforce Transformation Strategist and former Government Executive joins the show to explore the evolving dynamics of the modern government workforce and together we unpack the critical issues surrounding return-to-office mandates, skills-based hiring, generational shifts in workplace expectations. We also dive into what it truly means to build a resilient, future-ready government workforce PLUS the role of data literacy, the challenges of leadership development in the public sector, and how both public and private organizations must adapt to keep pace with the rapid evolution of work.
Larry Katzman, Chief Executive Officer of Applied Information Sciences (AIS)joined the show for a candid and insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of technology in government. We discuss his journey from developer to CEO and the intentional leadership practices that have guided AIS through decades of digital transformation in both federal and commercial sectors. We also dive into the critical role of safe experimentation environments, the importance of internal champions, and why cloud computing continues to be a game-changer for innovation.
Hannah Hunt, Distinguished Technical Fellow at MetroStar and former Chief of Product at the Army Software Factory joins the show to share how her government experience is now shaping her impact from the private sector. She also offered candid insights on software factory success metrics, the challenges of scaling innovation within bureaucracy, and how emerging technologies like generative AI can be aligned with mission needs. Finally, we unpacked lessons learned from standing up transformative programs inside the Department of Defense and the importance of storytelling, empathy, and data in delivering value to government customers.
Oleg Polovynko, the Chief Advisor for Digitalization to the Mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine and Former Kyiv Chief Information Officer returns to share how the city has evolved through crisis, transforming its digital infrastructure amidst a full-scale invasion. From the launch of Misto—a platform designed to help cities adapt best practices—to reflections on the pandemic’s unexpected role in building resilience, Oleg offers powerful insights on adaptability, trust, and citizen-centric design. We also discuss digital twins, the role of AI in service delivery, ensuring data security during emergencies, and why cities everywhere should start preparing now for the unpredictable challenges ahead.
Justin Brown, CEO of the Center for Public Sector AI and former Secretary of Human Services for the State of Oklahoma joins the show to level-set on where things stand with AI adoption in government—especially at the state and local levels. From small-scale AI implementations to larger strategic trends, we explore how emerging technologies are reshaping service delivery across health and human services. We also discuss the evolution of leadership conversations around AI, how states are approaching policy differently, and the rise of lightweight, outcomes-focused use cases.
Mohammad J. Sear, Global Public Sector Consulting Leader at EY and Author of “Becoming Digital Nations,” joins the show for a deep dive into his new book while also sharing his inspiration behind the book and the bold ideas that drive his vision for rethinking governance, service delivery, and nation-building in a digital-first world. We also explore the difference between digitizing legacy systems and truly reimagining government operating models from the ground up—touching on examples like smart passports, citizen identity platforms, and one-click, zero-documentation government services. Finally, we talk about why disruption, not just innovation, is critical for meaningful change.
Dominic Sale, Managing Director at Code and Theory for Public Sector and Deputy Chief Information Officer of the United States joins the show to discuss the current state of government modernization and the critical need to reimagine public service delivery. We also deliberate on what government’s ultimate metric should be, and how experience, efficiency, and transparency are all levers to get there. Finally, we explore the barriers holding back innovation and the opportunity this moment in time presents to create a more agile, digital-first government.
Savanrith Kong, the First Chief Experience Officer for the United States Department of Defense joins the show to discuss why customer experience is critical in defense and national security. He also shares personal reflections on his leadership journey, insights from building the DoD's CX office from the ground up, and the strategic importance of storytelling, data-driven decisions, and user-centric design within large government organizations.
Arun Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of NobleReach Foundation joins the show to discuss innovative approaches to integrating top talent from the private sector into public service. He shares his personal journey and parallels between his early aspirations to become a sports general manager and his professional experience as a venture capitalist and the critical importance of assembling the right team and resources. We also address the broader implications of current workforce events and technological advancements, such as AI and cybersecurity, and their impact on workforce dynamics within government.
Akash Mandavilli, Co-founder of GovEagle joins the show to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the government contracting process. He also shares insights into how AI can accelerate proposal development, improve accuracy, and help organizations navigate the evolving landscape of government acquisitions and he covers trends in AI adoption, strategies for winning contracts, and the balance between automation and relationship-building in procurement.
Jon Baba, Senior Vice President of the Defense Markets at LMI joins the show to discuss the evolving defense landscape and how technology, strategy, and efficiency are converging to shape the future of national security. We also discuss the new administration's defense priorities, including homeland defense and deterrence in Asia the role of AI and emerging technologies in increasing military efficiency and readiness.
Dan Wolf, former Deputy CIO of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Director of State Programs at the Alliance for Digital Innovation joins the show to unpack the evolving landscape of government modernization at the state and local levels. We also discuss the barriers to cloud adoption, how procurement reform can accelerate modernization, and the impact of accessibility mandates on state digital services and why compliance is driving cloud migration.
Amy Crawford, Director of Market Planning at LexisNexis Risk Solutions to discuss the increasing fraud in government benefits programs and reveal results from the latest True Cost of Fraud™ Study for SNAP Agencies & Integrated Eligibility Systems (IES). We also talk about the need for legacy service delivery modernization & early fraud detection PLUS what state and federal agencies can do today to fight fraud while optimizing efficiency and experience.
Maxwell Shuftan, Director of Mission Programs at SANS Institute joins the show to discuss the state of the government cybersecurity workforce and methods for recruiting some of the best talent into the public sector. We also discuss training initiatives that can be a game-changing strategy to unlock a hidden workforce and the national security implications that these roles have on our country.
Billy Biggs, President and Chief Revenue Officer at Technomile joins Breaking the Huddle to discuss research that his company just released to quantify the DOGE impact on vendors and some of the biggest challenges he sees for companies that are looking to pursue a public sector business in this environment.
Tom McConnell, Practice Area Director for Business and Digital Transformation at LMI joins Breaking the Huddle to explore how LMI has evolved its role in supporting government agencies by unlocking efficiencies in government processes, enabling agencies to better engage stakeholders and optimize internal operations. We also discuss LMI’s "Magnify" approach—an extensible human-centered design framework—and the organization's forward-thinking vision for the future of government technology.
Joel Krooswyk, Federal Chief Technology Officer at GitLab joins the show to discuss some of his predictions for the Federal government this year including his thoughts on the proliferation of Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs), AI in software development, and the renewed focus that agencies will place on cloud technology. We also discuss his thoughts on compliance as a strategic enabler and why DevSecOps will continue to grow in popularity.
Lucas McCabe, a Data Science Fellow at LMI joins Breaking the Huddle to uncover fascinating insights into the world of data science, research, and AI safety. We discuss the story behind the naming of LIGER, LMI’s innovative platform, and dives into his groundbreaking work on interdisciplinary data science, including a network science analysis of the opioid epidemic in collaboration with the CDC and SUNY Buffalo.
Courtney Kay-Decker, Deputy Chief Experience Officer at the Internal Revenue Service joins the show to discuss some of the biggest barriers to modernizing the IRS’s digital experience, and how is the organization is working to overcome them. We also talk about how the IRS defines success when it comes to modernizing its digital experiences for citizens and the role personalization plays in the IRS's digital engagement strategy.
Dr. Joseph Norton, Chief Technology Office at LMI joins Breaking the Huddle to discuss how his organization is aligning Research and Development capabilities to support government at the Pace of Need®. We also talk about why platform approaches are driving the most scalable impact and why innovation partnerships with the private sector is the future of public sector modernization.
Karina Landing RN, MS, NI-BC, CPHIMS, a healthcare IT leader and Executive Wellness Strategist joins the show to help listeners kickoff the 2025 with an intentional focus on your overall health and wellness. We dive into several topic including why it is so important to treat the cause and not the symptom, how you can take an active role in your health journey PLUS she shares some success stories of clients who have undergone their own transformation.
Rocky Thurston, Chief Executive Officer and DJ Oreb, President of the Managed Mobility Practice at DMI join the show to discuss where we are from a mobile evolution in government and what benefits can come from further investment in this strategy. We also talk about how emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, and augmented reality are changing the landscape of mobile citizen engagement and what advice they have for leaders looking to deploy mobile technologies in their organization.
Matthew Finney, Vice President of Generative AI at LMI joins Breaking the Huddle to discuss how generative AI will drive efficiencies in the Federal government. We also discuss specific use cases for the technology and ways that DOGE but be using GenAI to isolate potential streamlining.
James Coyle, the Chief Technology Officer for Public Sector at Lookout joins the show to share some of the biggest trends he is seeing in cybersecurity and some predictions for 2025. We also discuss the evolution of the zero trust architecture being deployed and how that has impacted the overall security posture of Federal agencies.
Pat Tamburrino, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer at Noblereach Foundation and former Chief of Staff to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness at United States Department of Defense joins the show to discuss what it takes to attract top talent into government roles in today’s environment. We also discuss the future of hybrid work in government and why the next generation in particular is poised to solve some of the most complex problems of our time.
Jordan Hefferan, Principal at LMI joins Breaking the Huddle to help us understand ways for organizations to remove the roadblocks that inhibit innovation and how LMI Forge is supporting this process for some of the most complex problems in government. PLUS, he tells us the one thing agencies can be doing today that will spark innovation within their teams.
Jordan See, Head of Government Relations & Emilee Lehenbauer, VP of the Federal Civilian Business at Qualtrics Federal join the show to discuss the state of CX in the Federal government and deep dive into the impact that the impending Government Services Delivery Improvement Act will have on agencies. We also talk about how this guidance builds on previous legislation and how it will help improve the reporting on progress that was evident in the recent U.S. GAO report.
Matthew Thompson, Former Army Ranger and the Chief Revenue Officer at Socure joins the show for a special Veteran’s Day episode to discuss the importance of weaving military values into the culture of an organization. He also shares some stories from his time serving and what these values have done for him over his life and career.
Alex Adamczyk, Vice President of Advanced Analytics & AI at LMI joins Breaking the Huddle to help us understand some of the most beneficial use cases for generative AI in agencies, how LMI utilizes generative AI with their platform LIGER™, and outlines some of the challenges that governments have encountered in adopting the technology. PLUS, he tells us the one thing that governments should know about Gen AI as they look to the future.
Kim Sutherland, Vice President of Fraud and Identity Strategy at LexisNexis® Risk Solutions joins the show to share her vision for the future of government services when it comes to closing the digital divide while ensuring security & transparency. We also discuss how AI and machine learning can help defeat both mass scale fraudsters and more advanced criminal enterprises effectively and how that translates into strategic value in support of the underserved populations needing to be verified.
Linda Miller, the Former Deputy Director for Pandemic Response Accountability Committee and Founder and CEO of the Audient Group, and Amy Crawford, Director of Market Planning for Fraud and Identity Services at LexisNexis Risk Solutions join the show to discuss the real cost of security threats by uncovering the true impact to residents and government organizations.
James Lee, Chief Operating Officer for the Identity Theft Resource Center & George Freeman, a Senior Technical Leader for LexisNexis Risk Solutions join the show to uncover emerging threats in the digital identity space that are impacting government agencies and constituents. They also shed light on ways agencies can protect the digital equity of constituents and support their own organizational operations.
Jim Richberg, Head of Cyber Policy and Global Field CISO at Fortinet & the former US National Intelligence Manager for Cybersecurity joins the show to discuss the biggest barriers or challenges to improving the election security. We also talk about the primary concerns that voting officials have going into this year’s election and he provides last-minute advice that election officials can do right now leading into November.
Taylor Parry & Brian Eschbacher, consultants and experts in the education space join the show to discuss some of the biggest trends impacting the industry including how declining birth rates are impacting enrollment and funding. We also discuss the trickle down effect this has on programs like social security and medicare and the advice they would give to policymakers and government leaders who want to ensure that their governments are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Aubrey Gainfort, Contracting Officer at Transportation Security Administration the host of the podcast, Breaking the Standard, joins the show to talk about the best ways for companies to be successful at the end of the Federal fiscal year. We also discuss common mistakes she sees companies make during the procurement process, she explains the dynamics between contracting officers and program leaders, and we deep dive into ways companies can stand out in this crowded marketplace.
Adrian Brown, Strategic Advisor and the Former Executive Director for the Centre for Public Impact joins the show to discuss why long-term, strategic thinking is essential for governments, especially in the face of dynamic challenges and technological disruptions. We also define the key barriers that governments face when trying to adopt this approach and how they overcome these challenges. Plus in light of the upcoming US election, we talk about how governments can ensure that long-term policies are not derailed by short-term political cycles and changes in leadership.
Katy Ruckle, Chief Privacy Officer for the State of Washington and a Member of the State’s Executive Committee for AI joins the show to discuss the privacy implications involving artificial intelligence in government. We also talk about the evolution of the Chief Privacy Officer role, her role on the AI executive order released by the State of Washington, and where she goes to stay on top of the latest trends and information on this evolving and dynamic technology.
Robert D. Atkinson, bestselling author of the book "Technology Fears and Scapegoats" joins the show to address the widespread myths and misconceptions surrounding modern technologies and their impact on society. He also discusses the most common misconceptions about AI and ways to address them, the balance between technological advancement and privacy protection, and the criticality of STEM education in overcoming these myths and fostering a culture of innovation.
Linda Miller, Founder & CEO of Audient Group, Former Deputy Director for Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) and a Member of the US Olympic Rowing Team at the 2000 Sydney Games joins the show to discuss for Olympics experience and how her sports background has shaped her life and career. We also lean into her experience as a fraud SME to discuss the current state of government digital identity and her thoughts on how AI will impact this space moving forward.
Brian Chidester, Head of Industry Strategy for Public Sector at Adobe and Host of The Government Huddle Podcast invites Phillip Naithram, Host of The Jumping Point Podcast to interview him in honor of the show’s 150th episode. Together they cover a lot of topics including Brian’s personal and professional journey. They also talk about how his athletic background shaped his mindset and drive, his transition from professional sports into his career, and the importance of empathy, gratitude, and positive habits in personal growth.
Dr. David Bray, Distinguished Fellow at both the Stimson Center and Principal at LeadDoAdapt joins the show along with Bob Gourley, former CTO of the Defense Intelligence Agency and now the CTO of OODA LLC, to talk about some of the aspects of GenAI that are particularly difficult for government to tackle in today’s society. We also discuss why issues that used to be solely the domain of U.S. intelligence & defense departments are now also in the domain of commercial companies and they share some advice to leaders in these sectors that are negotiating the pressing national and international security issues of our time.
Mathew Lehnig, a former combat-proven Veteran & Navy SEAL Officer, accomplished author, keynote speaker, executive coach, and the Vice President of Programs at EXCELR8 joins the show to share leadership insights from his military background that align to both government and industry professionals alike. We also discuss what a day with Independence Day means to him and dive into the most common leadership challenges he witnesses in the corporate world and his advice on how to address them.
Teri Takai, Former Chief Information Officer for the US Department of Defense, State of California, & State of Michigan & the SVP at e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government joins the show to discuss the current drivers of change in government modernization. We also talk about what “putting the citizen in the center” really means to a CX leader, how she has seen this focus change since she joined government, and what she sees being the biggest opportunity for artificial intelligence in the public sector.
Justin Davis, Associate Chief of Customer Experience at State of Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) joins the show to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing how the agency is supporting the state’s resident experience and service delivery. We also talk about his approach to effectively drive programmatic change within an organization and what it will take to deliver predictive digital experiences to all citizens.
Michael Leahy, former Secretary of the Department of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer for the State of Maryland joins the show to discuss the key principles of his verifiable government framework. We also talk about his IT governance approach while he served as the State of Maryland CIO and his advice to organizations looking to avoid vendor lock-in and manage costs effectively.
Brian Fox, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Omni Federal and the Former Director of the National Security and Intelligence Portfolio at 18F joins the show and we dive into some of the pockets of innovation happening in government and why it has exploded the way that it has in recent years. We also talk about the work he is doing at Omni Federal, how his experience in government has shaped his approach in the private sector, and how the book “[RE]coding America” has helped shape his views on government innovation.
Lawrence Eta, Vice President, Digital and Analytics for the Royal Commission for AlUla & Author of “Bridging Worlds: A Journey of Technology, Leadership, and Public Service” joins the show to discuss how his personal and professional journey influenced his new book. We also talk about his strategy to align to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, his thoughts on how technology will be most impactful in government and in society at large, and how he would approach building a digitally-focused city from the ground up.
Bob Lavigna, Senior Fellow, UKG Public Sector and the Founding Director, for the Institute for Public Sector Employee Engagement joins the show as we celebrate Public Service Recognition Week and we reflect on the importance of employee engagement. We also talk about the 2024 human capital management “megatrends” that government should be focused on which are redefining the employee/employer relationship. Finally we delve into the impending environmental, social and governance “gut check” which is intensifying political culture wars and are putting organizations’ initiatives, especially DEI&B, under a microscope.
Ott Velsberg, Global AI Thought Leader and Chief Data Officer of the Government of Estonian joins the show to discuss Estonia’s new AI and data strategy which is built on three main pillars: a data-driven economy and society, an AI-driven government and society and trustworthy, human-centric AI and data governance. We also talk about the country’s approach to digital citizen experience and why Estonia has gained a reputation as a trendsetter in AI around the world.
Mark Wheeler, Director with the General Services Administration’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS), Centers for Excellence in Data & Analytics & former CIO for the City of Philadelphia joins the show to discuss the role data is playing across government, especially in the proliferation of AI technology. We also discuss the learnings he brought as an urban planner to his role for the City of Philadelphia, then ultimately to his position at GSA and his thoughts on the future of what smart cities will be able to deliver for their residents.
Jason Adolf, Vice President - Global Public Sector Vertical at Appian Corporation joins the show to discuss the current landscape for low-code platforms in federal, state and local government agencies. We also discuss the renewed emphasis on the “citizen developer” movement and why CIO’s are finding value in the democratization of application development. Future trends are also discussed as we look 18-24 months into the future of this market.
Marina Nitze, the former Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the author of the book “Hack Your Bureaucracy: Get Things Done No Matter What Your Role on Any Team” joins the show to discuss some key takeaways people should know to help them navigate their organization in a more efficient way. We also talk about how she got started at the Department of Veterans Affairs, how to gain momentum in a program to increase adoption, and how you can become the ”queen on the chess board.”
Matt O'Neill, former Secret Service Deputy Special Agent in Charge of Cyber and one of the most decorated Agents in the history of the law enforcement branch joins the show to discuss the latest trends he sees across the government fraud landscape and how he sees AI changing the game. We also hear some stories about how he lured fraud criminals to the United States to be prosecuted and he shares some thoughts on how governments can position themselves into a more offensive posture in the fight against identity fraud.
Trevor Pawl, the nation’s First Chief Mobility Officer from the State of Michigan joins the show to talk about why he suddenly left his dream job to spend a year traveling the globe with his wife and kids. In our conversation we discuss struggles he had with balancing his career and his personal life and what he learned during his year-long sabbatical. We also tap into some of his government experience to talk about the future of mobility, sustainability and smart cities in Michigan and across the country plus some technology trends he sees coming over the next 25 to 50 years.
Rachel Weissman, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of Potential AI joins the show to discuss the impact that artificial intelligence will have in the public sector and the role of governments in equipping citizens for an AI-centric world. We also talk about AI trends to look for in 2024, we examine how AI mirrors and reveals societal biases and values, and debunk the myth of AI as a replacement while showcasing its role in enhancing human capabilities.
Mark Greene, former Navy SEAL and the author of the book Unsealed: A Navy SEAL's Guide to Mastering Life's Transitions joins the show to discuss his evolution from college athlete to college dropout, then from SEAL training to enlisted SEAL, and from sniper to civilian, which led him to discover the six predictable phases of transitioning. We also talk about his time at University of Southern California and how that changed the trajectory of his life today.
Jill Olmstead, Managing Director and Federal Health Industry Leader at Accenture Federal Services joins the show to discuss the latest trends impacting healthcare and what has changed since the pandemic. We also discuss the importance for organizations to become “future fluent” within their technology choices, examples of ways she is supporting federal agencies and we dive into her passion for supporting children and their families through an NIH program.
Charles Grindle, Ph.D, Former Chief Information Officer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Senior Advisor at ProofPoint joins the show to unpack and discuss the top ten priorities for State CIO’s revealed by the National Association for State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). In our candid discussion we talk about the difference between digital transformation and modernization, why putting the citizen at the center of program development is changing the game, and the technology he feels should be a number one priority for CIOs.
Chris Hughes, Cybersecurity Thought-Leader & the President & Co-founder of Aquia joins the show to discuss some of the important things that public and private sector leaders and practitioners need to know going into 2024 around cyber. We also talk about programs including FedRAMP & CMMC, why security by compliance isn’t the best path an agency can take, and what should governments be doing right now to prepare for what AI is going to bring to the cyber landscape in the next few years.
Travis Howerton, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of RegScale joins the show and allows us to jump into the head of a founder CEO to understand some of the challenges he faces and what he does to stay sharp. We also discuss his thoughts on the future of work, how his experience in government inspired creating RegScale, and what trends he is seeing in government that will impact 2024.
Brett Johnson, Former U.S. Most Wanted Cybercriminal, ”The Original Internet Godfather" and one of the leading authorities on cybercrime, identity theft, and cybersecurity on the planet joins the show to tell his story of how he went from being convicted of 39 felonies, being the leader of the first organized cybercrime community, Shadowcrew… to redemption, and how what he is working to stop individuals trying to do what he became the best at doing. We also discuss the ways that government organizations can protect themselves from cyber and fraud attacks and what organizations should have learned during the pandemic that can protect them today.
Melinda Rogers, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Information Resource Management & Chief Information Officer at the US Department of Justice joins the show to shed some light on what is it like being a digital leader in such a high-profile organization. We also talk about her approach to implementing a zero trust framework at her department, how she has seen the cybersecurity landscape over the past ten years, and she shares some advice for women leaders in the government technology space.
Charlotte S. Lee, the Industry Advisory Chair for Customer Experience at ACT-IAC and Strategic Lead for CX & Innovation at Granicus joins the show to discuss what type of mindshare she believes there is in government around CX and the growth that was catalyzed by the executive order around experience. We also talk about where the CX executive order fell short, some predictions for 2024 around experiences in government and tips for government leaders on how they can improve the service delivery today.
Danelle Barrett, Former US Navy Rear Admiral & Director of Current Operations at U.S. Cyber Command joins the show to discuss her book “Rock the Boat” and the lessons she has learned across her life and career. We also talk about traits that she believes good leaders must possess, what she felt like she learned from her mentors, and why her current battle with brain cancer has changed her perspective on life.
William D. Eggers, Executive Director of the Deloitte Center for Government Insights & Donald F. Kettl, Professor Emeritus & former dean of the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, and the co-authors of the book “Bridgebuilders: How Government Can Transcend Boundaries to Solve Big Problems” joins the show to discuss their new model for a modern government that they introduce in the book and why the current model no longer works. We also talk about how incentive structures need to change to drive change in the public sector and they elaborate on the key tenets needed to become a “bridge-builder” in their opinion.
Jamie Grant, CEO and Co-Founder of RedLeif and Former State of Florida Chief Information Officer joins the show to unpack his time at the Florida Digital Service and what the priorities of state IT leaders look like in 2023. We also talk about his time in the Florida State Legislature and how that helped him during his tenure as CIO, his thoughts on collaboration across state leadership, and the best advice he has received across his career.
Jeremy Grant, Managing Director at Venable LLP and Jordan Burris, Vice President of Public Sector Strategy at Socure contribute to a conversation about digital identity in government including the type of measures and policies they are hoping will be put into any type of guidance around identity that comes down from the White House. They also talk about generative AI and how that technology is impacting identity, how IDv technology can bolster equitable access to services and what their hopes are for the future of government digital services.
Robert Shea and Adam Hughes, the Co-Founders of GovNavigators, join the show to provide insights and advice for those out there trying to navigate the impending government shutdown and current continuing resolution. We also have a talk about things in the Federal market that have surprised them lately, predictions on what might shock us next, and how committees like the CIO Council and others really helped and ways the private sector can (or shouldn’t) engage with them.
Maria Roat, former U.S. Deputy Federal CIO and CIO for the Small Business Administration, joins the show to dive into her military and civilian career in government and some of the lessons she has learned about people and transformation. We also discuss the evolution of the FedRAMP program, her role in creating government wide collaboration across agency C-suite leaders, and why collaboration is so important between CIOs and CTOs.
Matthew Thompson, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Public Sector at Socure and Former U.S. Army Ranger joins the show to discuss why he believes that America needs a new approach to digital identity verification in government. He also shares his unique September 11th story on the 22nd anniversary of the attacks and the leadership lessons he learned from serving under Gen. Stan McChrystal as a US Army Ranger.
Laura Stanton, the Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Information Technology Category (ITC), in GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) joins the show to discuss lessons learned around acquisition and procurement from the pandemic that have been carried into today. We also talk about what parts of the process she wants to change and how the IT Professional Services SIN can help accelerate procurements for the private sector partners working with government.
Megan Gallagher, Head of State and Local Government at WalkMe joins the show to discuss how the emphasis on CX at the Federal level has influenced State and Local governments to become more intentional about experience. We also talk about the importance of change management during the implementation process to support adoption, why data must be a tool that is used in that process, and why governments should be focusing internally on their employees to create better CX for their constituents.
Linda Misegadis and Scott Montgomery, the hosts of the Unconventional Guide to Success Podcast, hosted an interview with host Brian Chidester where they discussed his career in the public sector and lessons he has learned along the way. They also talk about some of the advice he would give to his younger self and who some of the most influential people have been in his life.
Elaine Beeman, Chief Leadership Officer at Accenture Federal joins the show to discuss her thoughts on what she believes are some of the top challenges for her Federal customers and how she is working to address them. We also discuss her responsibilities at Chief Leadership Officer, how she got into a career path that brought her to this position, and what trends are going to move the needle the most in this industry in the next few years.
Jennifer Pahlka, the former Deputy CTO of the United States, founder of Code for America & author of “Recoding America: Why Government Is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better” joins the show to discuss why governments at all levels produce poor quality online services in the United States, that become quickly antiquated & cost of fortune. We also talk about how industrial-era culture limits government's ability to handle the challenges of the 2020s, the gap between the promise of the digital age and actual results, and she shares lessons from her time addressing governmental failure at the local, state, and federal levels.
Kathleen Featheringham, Vice President of Federal AI/Machine Learning, and Frank Reyes, Cloud Solutions Leader at Maximus joins the show to discuss the many ways that artificial intelligence can support IT modernization at an accelerated pace for government agencies. We also talk about the many government use cases for generative AI to drive efficiency, AI’s impact on the workforce, and how this technology can improve services, provide a better citizen experience, and increase cybersecurity postures in Federal agencies.
Lily Zeleke, the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Information Enterprise at the Department of Defense joins the show to discuss her strategy as she has looked to modernize the DoD. We also talk about how he previous roles have prepared her for her current position at the Department and we dig into some of her main initiatives such as network optimization, cloud adoption, software modernization, and IT reform,
Anson Dorrance, the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at the University of North Carolina and former United States National Team Coach, joins the show to discuss how he implemented a data-driven culture of competition and teamwork and why he feels it has made his teams so successful. We also talk about how good leaders can push individuals to find their inner greatness, ways he manages to reinvent himself and motivate his team at the beginning of every season, and what has shaped him throughout his life that has gotten him to where he is today.
Daniel Chenok, Executive Director of the IBM Center for the Business of Government and a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration joins the show to discuss the latest trends in government innovation including a program the center has coined “Future Shocks,” which is looking at other events that could completely upend our way of thinking. We are also going to dig into his career in government and the IBM Center’s Anniversary Challenge Grant Program.
Joseph Lewis, Chief Information Security Officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joins the show to discuss what the challenges of being in charge of security for one of the most high profile government organizations in the World. We also talk about his passion for leadership, some of his priorities for the organization, and how he sees the CISO evolving in the next few years.
Joe Toste, host of The Public Sector Show by TechTables recently hosted me on his show and I wanted to share that conversation with you. In the episode we discussed the trend of younger generations moving into leadership roles within government, the benefits of open-mindedness and empathy, and the impact of technology on recruitment and retention. We also explored the potential for emerging technologies to improve outcomes in the public sector and drive positive change and delved into the concept of getting 1% better every day, the value of compounding growth, and the importance of habits in achieving success.
Dr. Jacqui Taylor, CEO and founder of FlyingBinary, a UK-based deep tech innovation, a top technology, cybersecurity and IoT global Influencer and an advisor to the United Nations and the G20 joins the show to discuss the latest trends and drivers from around the globe in the pertaining to cybersecurity in government. We also talk about what governments can do to bolster their security posture beyond just technology and what she sees working when it comes to filling in the gaps around cyber talent.
Check out FlyingBinary - "The home of our Cyber Security Work across the world" at https://flyingbinary.com/contact/, and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/1202052 -
You can find Jacqui on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqui...
For Jacqui's website "The home of the Empathy Economy and my equity mission", please have a look at https://jacqui.online
CyAN's mentorship programme is announced here: https://cybersecurityadvisors.network…
Nate Ashton, Managing Director for Public Policy at Dcode and Executive Director for The Alliance for Commercial Technology in Government joins the show to discuss what ways he thinks government organizations can see more emerging tech companies engage in a more meaningful manner. We also talk about what lessons he feels the government has learned policy-wise from the pandemic era and the things that are giving him confidence right now that the public sector modernization industry is moving in the right direction.
Jennifer Ewbank, Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency for Digital Innovation joins the show to discuss what it’s like being a digital leader in such a covert organization and her strategy to modernize the agency. We also take a journey across her 35 year career in government and unpack some of the key lessons she has learned and advice she has for the next generation and discuss how she has overcome imposter syndrome as she has progressed in her roles.
Honorable Patrick J. Murphy, former Pennsylvania Congressman and Under Secretary of the Army joins the show to discuss his involvement in Task Force Cyber and why military veterans can be the answer to our cybersecurity talent problem. We also discuss his career in the military, what he took from his experiences in Congress, and why service has been so important in his life and how he hopes to instill it in those around him as well.
Gregg Mossburg, Senior Vice President at CGI Federal joins the show to give his perspective on how the overall federal market has evolved from a technology and cultural standpoint. We also discuss how he has managed to reinvent himself throughout his long career, ways CGI Federal is helping government organizations respond to consistently changing mission demands, and what is really surprising him in the market right now.
Tom Scurlock, Regional Vice President for Federal, State & Local Government at Talend joins the show to discuss how he is seeing public sector organizations use data in innovative ways to drive decision-making and mission outcomes. We also talk about the influence that data can have on CX, how can leaders use AI to speed the manual tasks of data management, & why the Talend Trust Score™ is more than just a marketing term.
Colt Whittall, Chief Experience Officer for the United States Air Forces joins the show to discuss the importance of UX and CX in the military and how he is leveraging a data-driven model to drive change. Nate Aiken and Maryann Monroe, senior experience leaders at Maximus also join the conversation to discuss best practices around implementation and how to make these vital programs sustainable for the future.
Jordan Burris, Vice President of Public Sector Strategy at Socure and the former Chief of Staff to the Federal CIO joins the show to unpack some of the important elements of the recent National Cybersecurity Strategy and proposed measures to combat pandemic-related fraud. We also talk about what he learned during his time in government that has helped him become a true partner to public sector entities and how his childhood helped shape the passion he has for equitable service delivery for all Americans.
Julius Thomas, the former NFL Pro Bowl Tight End for the Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins current PhD candidate in Psychology joins the show to share some of the lessons he learned during his career and how they impact him to this day. We also talk about what it took for him to go from his lowest career point to highest career point, how he managed the anxiety that came with that success, and he shares the questions that Peyton Manning asked him that no other quarterbacks did throughout his career.
Don Yeske, the Chief Technology Officer for the United States Navy joins the show to deepdive into the Capstone Design Concept for Information Superiority set by CIO Aaron Weis and his vision for alignment to the strategy. We also talk about his time in Afghanistan and what it taught him, why user experience is so important within the defense department, and how the show “Welcome to Wrexham” relates to digital transformation in government.
Jonathan Feldman, the Chief Information Officer for Wake County, North Carolina joins the show to discuss what he has learned about the 1.1 million residents he now supports and some of the initiatives he is working on to connect and engage the community. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working in the Raleigh Technology Triangle, what tech layoffs can mean to the public sector talent pool, and his thoughts on how to serve such a diverse population while trying to personalize services for each resident.
Oleg Polovynko, Chief Information Officer for the City of Kyiv, Ukraine joins the show to discuss his trip to the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos where he worked to get support for digital transformation programs in his homeland. We also talk about some of his key focus areas for the citizens of Kyiv prior to the war, how those plans have changed since the invasion, and what is giving his hope for the future of Ukraine.
Dr David Bray, PhD, a Leader at the World Economic Forum, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center, and former Chief Information Officer at the Federal Communications Commission joins the show to the hardest part of operating as a CIO in government and how he has seen progress. We also discuss what technologies will have the biggest impact on our lives over the next three years, the biggest challenge the industry is facing today, and his predictions on what might shock the World next.
James Bench, Vice President of Technology Consulting Services at Maximus joins the show to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and machine learning and where he thinks the biggest opportunity is for government organizations. We also dive into the re-skilling efforts happening in government and if they have proven effective, what the biggest challenge in AI/ML adoption is in defense and national security, and how the pandemic changed the trajectory of some of these technologies.
Nate Boyer, former United States Army Green Beret, college and professional football player, philanthropist, veterans advocate, actor and director joins the show to discuss what he believes builds great teams and what you can be doing today to strengthen your own squad. We also talk about his new movie and foundation, his formula for healing up from challenging situations, and what he learned from playing under two hall of fame football coaches.
Nick Sinai, co-author of the book “Hack Your Bureaucracy”, former deputy Chief Technology Officer of the United States, and venture capitalist joins the show to talk about his recent book and explain the real-world experiences working in both the federal sector and the private sector that informed the 56 tactics shared in the book. We also discuss his role in driving open data usage during his time in government and what sparked is passion for innovation at all levels.
Bruce Matthews and Kynan Carver, cybersecurity executives at Maximus and experts in threat intelligence and security technology join the show to discuss the progress that has been made since the release of the cybersecurity executive order. We also talk specifically about advances made at DHS and the DoD, how the CMMC program is evolving in support of the defense industrial base, and they make predictions for what 2023 will bring to this area of focus.
Bruce Matthews and Kynan Carver, cybersecurity executives at Maximus and experts in threat intelligence and security technology join the show to discuss the progress that has been made since the release of the cybersecurity executive order. We also talk specifically about advances made at DHS and the DoD, how the CMMC program is evolving in support of the defense industrial base, and they make predictions for what 2023 will bring to this area of focus.
Nelson Moe, Former Chief Information Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia and Strategy Principal for Iron Bow Technologies joins the show to discuss some of the lessons he learned during his career as a technology leader in government. We also discuss how he went from being a submarine captain to a role in government technology, important considerations CIO’s should be thinking about regarding cybersecurity, and how the pandemic influenced his approach to partner and vendor relations.
Krista Kinnard, Chief of Emerging Technology at the United States Department of Labor joins the show to discuss some of the priorities she has in this position, and challenges that she faces, being the first person to occupy this job. We also discuss her thoughts on what emerging technologies can have the biggest impact on government, if she believes the metaverse will become a public sector focus, and best practices on driving adoption of digital technologies across an enterprise.
Bryon Kroger, Former Co-Founder and COO of the U.S. Air Force’s Kessel Run Program and the Founder and CEO of Rise8 joins the show to discuss why adopting a “think big, start small” strategy to software transformation is so important to success. We also discuss the story behind Project Kessel Run and how it has influenced other software factories across government, his thoughts on driving change at large bureaucracies, and what he believes needs to change for next-generation technologies to get into the warfighter’s hands faster.
Kelley Steven Waiss, Head of Workforce Innovation at ServiceNow and the author of the book “The Inside Gig: How Sharing Untapped Talent Across Boundaries Unleashes Organizational Capacity” joins the show to discuss the changes in the government workforce and predictions for the future. We also look at tactical ways that agencies can redistribute the talent they already have in their organization to eliminate some of the gaps they might have, how to identify employees that may want to expand their roles, and how technology has really changed an organization’s view on talent.
Tammy Barlette, a Mindset and Performance Expert and Retired Lieutenant Colonel and fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force joins the show to discuss ways we can all work to be better leaders based on experiences she has had in the cockpit. She also discusses what separates the best of the best of the best in fighter pilot training, some of the more common issues she sees when working with people that they are struggling with from a mindset perspective, and how she deals with imposter syndrome.
Alex Bornyakov, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the Head of the Diia City project joins the show to discuss why their digital efforts have been key to helping combat Russian aggression and how their focus has evolved from before the Russian invasion to the present. We also talk about what it is like to live in Ukraine on a day-to-day basis, their success in partnering with the private sector so rapidly and lessons learned that can help other governments, why cryptocurrency has been so vital to their strategy, and how they see blockchain becoming a mainstream government technology.
Dave Levy, Vice President of U.S. Government, Nonprofit, and Healthcare at Amazon Web Services (AWS) joins the show to discuss why some agencies still continue to struggle with cloud adoption due to cultural, budgetary and workforce constraints and how AWS is helping them overcome these challenges? We also discuss how the recent Executive Order on “Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery” stands to reshape the way government agencies design and deliver services to the public and how agencies should approach their modernization efforts to meet the EO’s mandates.
Amber Chaudhry, Customer Experience Leader and Strategist at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development & the Co-Founder of Muslim Americans in Public Service (MAPS) joins the show to discuss the need for government to focus on personalizing experiences at scale while still delivering empathy in every touchpoint. We also talk about some of her biggest challenges she has faced on delivering effective CX programs at various agencies and how data and human-centered design is at the heart of the programs she is rolling out at HUD.
Amanda Crawford, Chief Information Officer for the State of Texas joins the show to have a discussion about her state’s digital transformation journey, including where she draws inspiration for some of the projects she implements in the state and how they handled the massive influx of new residents during the pandemic. We also discuss how she ended up as a CIO after spending most of her career working in the legal field, what he has learned from other state CIO’s that she can bring into her own state, and why it is so important to leverage data to drive empathetic, digital citizen experiences.
Kelly Chase, Professional Confidence Coach and TV Personality from Netflix’s “Love is Blind” joins the show to talk about what being on a reality TV show taught her about vulnerability why it is such an important trait for leaders to possess. We also tackle the topic of imposter syndrome and ways to combat it, some common patterns she has seen with people she works with as they evolve their careers, and why it is so important to regularly put yourself in uncomfortable situations.
Ryan Gallant, the Chief Executive Officer at SLATE Research & Consulting joins the show to discuss modular approaches to government IT modernization and why agencies don’t need to completely modernize all their systems, infrastructure, and processes at once. We also discuss how cybersecurity is moving from a theoretical, omnipresent challenge to an engrained part of IT and he gives advice to the private sector to help them establish their technologies into strategic plans for agencies.
Bettina Kolleda, the Director for Business Transformation at LMI joins the show to discuss the importance of a phased approach to modernization and why it is something government leaders should be looking to do strategically. We also talk about ways to engage the workforce during your modernization journey, why she thinks think human-centered design is becoming more mainstream in government vs just acquire and deploy, and she delivers some advice to agencies looking to scale a successful pilot program into their enterprise ecosystem.
Amber Hart and Lisa Shea Mundt, Co-Founders of The Pulse of GovCon join the show to discuss the key trends happening in the government contracting market and their advice to companies working in this space. We also discuss compliance issues that are impacting the industry, some of the biggest misconceptions they find in the market, and advice for women looking to start their own business.
Tracy Whitelaw, Chief Digital Officer of the Local Government Association of Queensland and the 2021 Executive Leader of the Year Award for leadership in eGovernment joins the show to discuss why the challenges being faced by governments in Queensland, Australia are not unique to this region. We also talk about the greatest challenges facing government executives today, her advice for industry partners looking to make a change, and shares a compelling use case for IoT in public sector.
Barry Lowry, Chief Information Officer for the Government of Ireland joins the show to discuss his priorities for his country’s digital transformation efforts and the ways he intends to center around his citizens. We also tall about how he has seen the role of the government CIO evolve, the ways he responded during the pandemic to support his various stakeholders, and how he is leading for a data-centric mindset.
Greg Spotts, Chief Sustainability Officer of the City of Los Angeles’ Bureau of Street Services joins the show to talk about his thoughts on why sustainability has received even more focus over the past few years in both the public and private sectors than it had before. We also discuss how these programs can be key enablers for their stakeholders, why it is so important to make “smarter” streets, and his recommendations for cities looking to build more robust sustainability programs in the future.
Catherine Luelo, Chief Information Officer for the Government of Canada joins the show to discuss how she is refreshing Canada’s digital strategy and improving government’s use of data. We also discuss her time as CIO at Air Canada when she navigated arguably the hardest period of time the global commercial aviation industry has ever faced with the pandemic, the risks and rewards of digital transformation, and the push to establish single digital identities for Canadians in support of their citizen experience priorities.
Dr. Natalie Petouhoff, Customer and Employee Experience Strategist at Genesys & WSJ Best Selling Co-Author of “Empathy in Action” joins the show to discuss how government organizations can personalize experiences at scale while still delivering empathy in every touchpoint through technology. We also introduce the concept of Experience as a Service (EaaS) and how it will disrupt the new normal, ways that the concepts in her book relate to the recent executive order including human-centered design, and the legacy she hopes to leave on CX with this book.
Nate Nash, Senior Vice President at GovExec and Founder of GovTribe joins the show to discuss some of the latest trends happening in government contracting and ways for organizations to respond effectively to some of the changes. We also discuss the risky origin story of GovTribe, his latest research into IDIQ consumption and competition, and how to use data to get ahead of the RFP cycle.
Jay McBain, Chief Analyst at Canalys for Channels, Partnerships and Ecosystems, keynote speaker, author and recently named a Top 8 Global Influencer by Channel Partners joins the show to discuss why the next decade of the channel ecosystem will be pivotal as the technology industry undergoes a major transformation. We also talk about how marketplace are going to disrupt the current model, the importance of “orchestration” and the growth that could bring to companies, and what governments need to do to adapt to all of this change.
Karl Alzner, former National Hockey League defenseman with the Washington Capitals and Partner Manager at ThunderCat Technology joins the show to talk about lessons that he learned during his career in the NHL and how they have translated to his new role in the government space. We also discuss why he decided to move into the public sector industry, what it takes to have staying power in challenging environments, and shares what some of the growing pains have been during his transition.
Billy Biggs, Vice President of Public Sector at WalkMe joins the show to discuss his views on the state of the customer and employee experience landscapes in government. We also talk about how the pandemic has impacted procurement in the public sector, he illustrates the importance of data for CX strategy, and his thoughts on hiring as we navigate what some are calling the “Great Resignation.”
Francisco Salguero, Digital Acceleration Architect at Salesforce and Former Chief Information Officer at Federal Communications Commission joins the show to discuss why technology is not the most important aspect to government digital transformation. We also talk about the impact Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has had on his career, his advice to industry as they engage public sector leaders, and some of the non-technical challenges he faced sitting in the CIO role.
Daniel Mathews, Head of the Federal Government Practice at WeWork and the Former Commissioner of GSA’s Public Buildings Service joins the show to discuss how the pandemic and telework has changed the landscape of Federal real estate. We also discuss how WeWork is supporting data-driven decisions on the government’s building footprint, how the internet of things can support workplace evolution, and his thoughts on the future of work in government.
Major General Garrett Yee, Deputy Director at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) joins the show to discuss his career in the United States Army and tough lessons he has learned along his journey. We also talk about what pulled him into military service, his priorities for the agency as it evolves, and his thoughts on what the biggest challenge the industry is facing right now and into the future.
Airis McCottry Gill, Executive Director, Employee Experience and Organizational Management at the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs joins the show to discuss her thoughts on the recent Executive Order for Customer Experience and how she sees it impacting the EX landscape in government. We also talk about why the development of journey maps has changed the approach to EX at the department, how she has enabled a culture centered around data, and her advice to women in the government technology space.
Jonathan Benett, Technical Director for Digital Government Solutions at Adobe and the Former Chief Enterprise Architect at USDA joins the show to discuss why legislation like the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA) and the recent CX executive order have made this a “renaissance time” when it comes to improving government experience. We also talk about lessons he learned from his time as a government executive, how technology is enabling the workforce of the future, and why digital equity has become such an important driver around digital transformation.
Kristen Holmes, Vice President of Performance Science at WHOOP and NCAA D1 All-American, National Champion and Hall of Fame inductee joins the show to discuss the importance of being data-driven and how to build a couture around data to drive positive impact. We also discuss the work WHOOP is doing to support performance of military service members, ways that organizations can help mitigate employee burnout, and the biggest challenges she sees when trying to change an organization’s mindset.
Mark Lee, Executive Vice President for Global Public Sector at ICF International joins the show to discuss ways he has seen the pandemic accelerate and alter the future of government work. We also talk about some of the ways he has worked with customers as they have learned to navigate the new normal, what agencies should be prioritizing and they look to redefine their customer experiences, and some of his predictions for the next government fiscal year.
Clara Conti, Vice President and General Manager of Red Hat Public Sector joins the show to discuss how she has navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and what best practices she learned over the past couple years that can be leveraged for organizations operating in the new normal. She also shares her thoughts on the Federal government’s progress around cloud adoption, attributes agencies should be focused on when evaluating a new company or technology, and advice for young women entering the government technology space.
Nicole F. Smith, M.Ed, Ranked #3 Nationally Recognized Leadership and EQ Coach, Speaker, Best Selling Author, and the CEO of JMS Creative Leadership Solutions joins the show to discuss how to improve as a leader with an eye towards the next-generation workforce. We also focus on improving your emotional intelligence, how to enhance your business and personal relationships, and the increasing importance of empathy in every touchpoint we have with our stakeholders.
Justin Herman, Global Head of Public Sector at Twilio and former Emerging Citizen Technology Leader at the General Services Administration (GSA) joins the show to discuss the impact that the recently enacted Executive Order for Customer Experience will have moving forward. We also discuss how trends like augmented reality and the Metaverse will change the CX landscape, how smart cities will align to digital experience, and how cloud adoption can support innovation in 2022 and beyond.
Alex Castro, Founder and CEO of ReM Score and bestselling author of “Measure, Execute, Win!” joins the show to discuss ways that government organizations should be using data to optimize their decision-making and operations. We also discuss how organizations can adapt to the new normal and how the “fail fast” mentality lauded in Silicon Valley for driving change can actually be an inhibitor on the next-generation workforce.
Simon Godfrey, Chairman for Public Sector at techUK and Director of Government Relations at BT Group joins the show to discuss technology trends impacting the public sector and predictions for 2022. We also take a look back and some of the biggest ways public sector was impacted in 2021 and discuss policies that could drive larger adoption of emerging technologies in government moving forward.
Dr. Joe Perez, Senior IT Lead at North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Chief Technology Officer at Solontek joins the show to discuss how data is changing the landscape in government and ways for leaders to support a culture change around information. We also have a conversation about why is it so challenging for government to roll out technology as quick as the private sector, predictions on how data will continue to change government, and what challenges keep a CTO up at night in this new normal.
Nicolas Chaillan, the former Chief Software Officer for the U.S. Air Force and current Prevent Breach CTO joins the show to discuss the reasons behind his dramatic resignation from his role at the Department of Defense earlier this year. We also dive into his entrepreneurial background which had him start his first company at 15 in France, a six-month plan he built that could see the United States catch up to its advisories in the AI race, and his predictions for the Department of Defense moving forward.
Alec Ross, the New York Times bestselling author of “The Raging 2020s" and former Senior Advisor for Innovation to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joins the show to talk about the catalyst for his latest book and what he thinks about today’s social contract with government and industry. We also dive into challenges he faced at the State Department trying to bring diplomacy into the 21st century and why he thinks the Pentagon needs Silicon Valley nerds more than ever.
Nadia Hansen, the former Chief Information Officer for Clark County, Nevada joins the show to talk about the challenges she faced as the IT chief for the United States’ 11th largest county and how she plans to support global communities in her new role with the experience she has gained in her time as CIO. We also discuss how she navigated a nearly $1 billion budget deficit during the pandemic, some of the accomplishments that she is most proud of as CIO, and her advice to her successor as they look to make their own mark on the county.
James Burd, Chief Privacy Officer for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at Department of Homeland Security joins the show to discuss some of the key initiatives we should be focused on within the recent cybersecurity executive order. We also discuss his priorities and challenges as a privacy officer, ways governments can make themselves a less attractive target for cyber attacks, and whether online elections are in our future within the United States..
Lloyd McCoy, Market Intelligence Director for DLT Solutions joins the show to discuss some of the market opportunities he is seeing for the U.S. Federal Government in both the civilian and defense sectors. We also discuss some of the key trends that have been drivers of IT growth, what new policies he sees impacting significant cloud adoption in government, and his predictions on where spending might be prioritized in the next few years.
Mohammad J. Sear, eGovernment Advisor and Futurist at EY joins the show to discuss his predictions for the future of digital transformation for the global public sector market. We also discuss how data is playing a role in transforming government organizations cloud strategies, how the pandemic has changed the approach for DX, and how government should be prioritizing in their CX evolution.
Jeremy Rissi, Vice President of Global Public Sector at Splunk joins the show to discuss some of the key findings from their most recent report, “The State of Data Innovation 2021.” We also discuss ways global government organizations are using data to improve daily decisions and actions in every aspect of their mission, characteristics that make organizations data-centric leaders, and his recommendations in helping your organization become more information-driven.
Shubhi Mishra, Chief Executive Officer at Raft joins the show to talk about how her company is changing the way government and defense organizations innovate by bridging the gap between humans and data. We also discuss how will remote work will play a part in the diversification of the workforce, advice for companies that want to be more than just another technology vendor to their customers, and her thoughts on whether this acceleration of DX during the pandemic is here to stay.
Jordan Sun, Chief Innovation Officer for the City of San Jose, CA joins the show to talk about how he ended up in government and what it’s like supporting citizens in the heart of Silicon Valley. We also discuss his work with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan supporting crisis response in the face of Taliban and ISIS attacks, how data is allowing him to personalize his service interactions with citizens, and how digital equity is key to the future of San Jose.
Pavan Pidugu, Chief Technology Officer for the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration joins the show to talk about how data is changing the landscape of his organization. We also discuss his experience joining the government during the pandemic after leaving an executive role at Wal-Mart, how his background in CX has helped him in his current role, and what his technology priorities are for FMCSA over the next few years.
Dovarius Peoples, Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers joins the show to discuss how he is helping his organization become more data-driven through cloud modernization. We also discuss the cybersecurity challenges he faces in the role as the Corps adopts zero trust, how he manages the information needs of such a diverse, multi-theater organization, and how IoT is supporting mission outcomes.
Youssef Kalad, former Director of Smart Cities for the State of New York & Program Director for NYCx joins the show to discuss how governments can more effectively leverage technology to support their citizen. We also explore the rise in cyber considerations IoT and digital services and how governments are navigating these challenges.
Marc Hausman, CEO of Strategic Communications Group joins the show to discuss some of the key pillars of thought leadership campaigns when targeting government buyers that are more “enlightened” than ever before. We also explore some of the ways to deploy successful agency based marketing campaigns to the public sector, the best types of assets marketers should be prioritizing right now, and what marketers can expect in the coming 12 months.
Aidan Feldman, Director of Technology for the Technology Transformation Service at GSA joins the show to discuss how his team is support the digital maturity of the U.S. Federal Government through emerging technology adoption. We also explore the role digital equity plays in his strategy, ways TTS is using data to drive modernization, and why how service design needs to be at the heart of government innovation.
Laila Al Hadhrami, head of the national smart cities program from the Government of Oman joins the show to discuss how her smart city strategy impacts the overall Oman Vision 2040 agenda. We also explore ways that Hong Kong and other global cities have inspired their strategy, how security and AI impacts their IoT and data ecosystem, and what she sees as the future of smart cities globally.
Oswaldo Mestre Jr., Chief Service Officer for the City of Buffalo, NY joins the show to discuss how the pandemic impacted citizen service delivery in the new normal. We also explore how he is looking to prioritize resilience as he builds out his future CX strategies, what collaboration looks like with his CIO and CTO at City Hall, and how data is playing a pivotal role in bringing inclusion and digital equity to the citizens of Buffalo.
Leif Babin, former U.S. Navy Seal and the author of the best-selling book, “Extreme Ownership” joins the show to discuss the importance of leadership to public and private sector organizations. We also explore how to leverage ‘The Laws of Combat’ and a ‘Mindset for Victory’ while balancing potential leadership dichotomies, plus tactical ways to implement some of these principles into your own organizations.
Ayushi Roy, a Fellow at the New America Foundation and Director, State & Local Technology at 18F joins the show to discuss how technology is supporting digital equity in citizen service deployment. We also discuss how governments are prioritizing CX, where organizational leadership should focus when deploying a digital transformation strategy, and lessons she has learned throughout the pandemic.
Dr. Lynda Davis, former Chief Experience Officer for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs joins the show to discuss some of her strategies and priorities as she rolled out CX programs for her stakeholders. We also discuss how the CX landscape is shifting, some of her predictions moving forward, and how the pandemic drove a focus on digital equity in her department.
Stevan Bernard, former Chief Security Officer at Sony Pictures Entertainment joins the show to take us behind the scenes of the infamous nation-state attack perpetrated by North Korea in 2014. We also discuss the pervasiveness of ransomware attacks in the public sector, ways governments can mitigate future attacks, and what the cyber battlefield looks like in the post-SolarWinds era.
Hannah Hunt, Chief Innovation and Product Officer for the Army Futures Command, and a recent Forbes 30 Under 30 award recipient joins the show to discuss how the US Army is driving digital transformation efforts through internal software development. We also discuss her role at the US Air Force as Chief of Staff for their Kessel Run program, how digital transformation is changing the landscape of workforce recruitment and development, and how vulnerability has helped her as a leader.
Austin Collie, former NFL wide receiver and current business development executive at JOLT Advantage Group joins the show to discuss what playing in the NFL taught him about becoming better in his role as an IT professional. We also discuss why RPA is bringing so much value to enterprise organizations, his secret to learning complex playbooks, and gives listeners a first-hand glimpse at what it is like to play in the Super Bowl.
Matt Donovan, Senior Vice President for Government at Merritt Group joins the show to discuss the importance of developing agency-based marketing programs as part of your GTM strategy. We also discuss tactical steps to begin to building your messaging platform, new digital marketing technologies in the market you can take advantage of today, and best practices in delivering strategic value to your sales leaders.
Jim Walker, Federal Chief Technology Officer at UiPath and former Deputy Chief Information Officer at NASA joins the show to discuss the evolution of robotic process automation in government. We also discuss the many ways that RPA has been vital to the public sector’s shift to a hybrid work environment, how the technology is supporting the future of work, and how it has become an important tool in a CIO’s toolbox.
Brent Messer, Chief Information Officer for the City of Chattanooga joins the show to discuss the city’s selection into the G20 Global Smart Cities program. We also discuss their move to completely remove paper from their enterprise environment and what he went through when the pandemic first kicked-off.
Jonathan Alboum, Federal CTO at ServiceNow, and Former CIO at the Department of Agriculture joins the show to discuss the value low-code technology can bring to the public sector. We also discuss what government CIO’s are currently thinking as they enter a new normal and insights from his extensive career in the public sector.
Jaimie Boyd, Chief Digital Officer for the Government of British Columbia joins the show to discuss the core technology principles that were developed to support the digital transformation evolution of her province. We also discuss the importance of the open data provided by governments around the globe to catalyze innovation and her advice for women in the technology space looking to advance in their fields.
Sandy Carter, VP of Global Public Sector Partners and Programs joins the show to discuss the value that cloud is bringing to governments around the World, and how AWS’ partners are helping to fuel that acceleration. We also discuss the increased adoption of IoT in government, her role in paving the way for Women in Tech, and her thoughts on what’s next for AWS with the departure of CEO Andy Jassy.
Dave Wennergren, CEO of ACT-IAC and former CIO for the US Navy joins the show to discuss trends and predictions for government IT modernization in 2021. We also discuss the perspective of a government CIO, focus areas for ACT-IAC in the new normal and his thoughts about the future of acquisition innovation.
Lawrence Eta, Chief Technology Officer for the City of Toronto joins the show to discuss how his background as an immigrant has shaped the way he views citizen service delivery and made him a respected technology thought leader around the World. We also talk about how he supported the pivot of Canada’s largest city during the pandemic through technology, the key principles he aligns his technology decisions with and his initiative to make the internet a fundamental, essential utility service.
Andy Teichholz, Head of Industry Strategy for Compliance and Legal at OpenText joins the show to discuss some of the regulatory directives most critically impacting the public and private sector organizations around the World, and why you need to know about them. We also talk about some of his 2021 trends for compliance driving digital innovation in government and best ways to align your strategy with some of these directives.
Chris Traylor and Tom Chapin join the show for the 1st Annual Holiday Episode as we discuss the human capital issues most critically impacting the governments ability to recruit and retail the next-generation workforce. We also deliberate how the future of work impacts recruitment and we share our top holiday films of all-time.
Lt. Cmdr Guy Snodgrass, former TOP GUN pilot and instructor, and chief speechwriter for the Secretary of Defense joins the show to talk to us about how lessons he learned in the cockpit translate to the business world. He also shares some stories from his flying career, discusses his role serving as speechwriter for General James Mattis, and what he thinks is happening in the Pentagon right now.
Adam Clater, Chief Federal Architect at Red Hat, joins the show to discuss how open source technology can drive business value within the public sector in the new normal. We also touch on some innovative marketing programs being deployed at Red Hat, the behind the scenes effort it takes to brings these programs to life, and he even shares the story of how he recently proposed to his fiancé.
Gary Danoff, head of Google Workspace strategy and operations for the public sector, joins the show to discuss his vision for what the future of government work could look like in the coming years. We also deliberate the impact the pandemic had on the public sector, how cloud has buoyed government DX, and a few things he is grateful for as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday.
Francis Rose, host of the “Government Matters” television show joins the show to discuss some fundamental differences between Donald Trump and Joe Biden related to government IT modernization. We also discuss how the outcome of this election could affect IT budgets at both the federal and regional government levels and why organizations have shifted from a compliance-first approach to mission-first.
Mike Sarraille, CEO of EF Overwatch, former US Navy SEAL and co-author of "The Talent War," joins the show to discuss how his experiences as a special warfare operator translate into talent acquisition. We also explore ways that government can compete for top candidates and what he learned about leadership coming out of the Battle of Ramadi.
Elizabeth Clor, Chief Marketing Officer at Contegix joins the show to discuss how her organization pivoted in the midst of the pandemic, strategies for dealing with digital fatigue, and the value of customer persona research. We also explore how running marathons has positively impacted her career.
Matthew Cornelius, Executive Director of the Alliance for Digital Innovation (ADI), and former Senior Advisor for Technology and Cybersecurity Policy at the White House's OMB joins the show to discuss technology problems that agencies are facing, including antiquated operating models and processes, plus how his organization is working to influence policies to drive innovative change in government.
Juliana Slye, CEO and Managing Principal of Government Business Results joins the show to discuss what marketers should be focused on as they build a strategy post-pandemic. We also deliberate ways marketers can duplicate the value of in-person events in today’s conditions and what programs her team has deployed on behalf of her clients that drove positive change.
Paul Puckett, Director of the Enterprise Cloud Management Office (ECMO) for the U.S. Army joins the show to discuss his vision for the future of cloud for the service branch. We also talk about why this new cloud office was created last year, his career in the private sector, and why the Army views data as the new ammunition for the future fight.
Suzette Kent, Former CIO for the United States Government joins the show to discuss her legacy and some of the things she wants to see accomplished with her successor. We also talk some technologies she sees becoming mainstream soon, her love of all things LSU sports, and her advice for the next Federal CIO.
Tom Mahoney, head of marketing at DLT Solutions, joins the show to discuss their latest acquisition and what it means to the business. We also talk about ways for marketers to further their careers by adding value in non-traditional places and lessons learned in our new digitally-focused normal.
Lou Anne Brossman, Founder and CEO of Government Marketing University joins the show to answer questions that listeners have submitted including ways to shift into virtual conferences and how to overcome revenue deficits. She also discusses the GAIN 2020 Conference and other programs from GMarkU.
Allan Rubin, the Chief Marketing Officer at ORock Technologies joins the show to discuss how to develop a channel marketing focus into your next fiscal year strategy. We also talk about how his career evolved from sales into marketing and how that has positively impacted how he approaches his relationships with business development executives.
Dave Berke from Echelon Front joins the show to share his experience with the OODA loop, the science and art of this process, and how this applies in marketing, sales, and leadership. We also discuss his time at TOP GUN, what he did to become a USMC aviator, and how pilots are dealing with the potential data paralysis that can come from innovation.
Erica Pyatt, head of government and advocacy at LinkedIn joins the show to discuss how marketers targeting the public sector can get the most out of the platform. We also discuss some of the new tools available to influencers including LinkedIn Live Video and ways to get a streaming program started.
Zach Messler, marketing consultant to B2G & B2B technology companies, joins the show to discuss best practices around positioning your message and understanding your audience. We also discuss why, when it comes to marketing, conventional wisdom is out the window.
Meagan Metzger, the Founder and CEO of Dcode, a company connecting emerging tech and government to bring commercial solutions to critical challenges, joins the show to discuss how marketers and sales can best show value to the government throughout the sales process. We also discuss best ways of leveraging the channel, including working with GSI’s, and why OTA's have become so valuable.
Katie Arrington, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Department of Defense’s Office for Acquisition and Sustainment, and head of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, joins the show to discuss why this program is needed and how companies can prepare for the upcoming changes.
Government marketers need to provide experiences that span the entire customer journey that are nimble, effective, and most importantly, omnichannel. Jeremy Paul from Quadient joins to talk about what’s happening in both digital and non-digital channels, as well as, the feasibility of virtual voting by November’s US presidential election.
Government CIOs leading digital initiatives are evaluating how COVID-19 will impact their mission, and are looking to fast-track the procurement of technologies that can be agile, flexible, and remote to respond to the crisis. Mark Amtower, nationally known speaker, author, and radio host joins the show to discuss how organizations in the near term can capitalize on this accelerated digital transformation evolution.
Marketers in the post-COVID-19 era will have to rethink what technologies they really need, which ones can help them save money, and which ones can help them transform their businesses that have been altered by this crisis. According to Gartner, marketing technology accounts for 26% of total marketing spend, so optimizing its value has never been more important. David Rewalt from Adobe joins to discuss how this technology can optimize and transform your customer touchpoints now and in the future.
The Covid-19 pandemic has showcased the value of IT and digital transformation and organizations should use this time to accelerate the transition. Global government digital transformation expert and IDC analyst, Adelaide O’Brien joins to discuss how governments are responding to the challenges being faced right now, and the key areas and technologies they will be looking to procure.
Overlapping with digital transformation projects, governments agencies are increasingly focusing on customer experience as they seek to improve citizen satisfaction, efficiency, and mission-effectiveness. But with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, things are going to change and marketers need to be ready. Rick Parrish, Vice President and Principal Analyst from Forrester joins the show to discuss current trends marketers should know about to adapt to the market now, and in response to COVID-19.
From federal agencies tapping the cloud to protect vital data in the face of emergencies for COVID-19 response, to the Department of Defense relying on data as a critical differentiator for mission success in the 21st century battlefield, the cloud plays a pivotal role in today’s government evolution. Join us as we discuss all things FedRAMP, including how sales and marketing can support the compliance process, as well as, best practices around selling throughout the roadmap.