FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

What does it mean to be a wingman, and how can that mindset help federal employees navigate uncertainty, build stronger teams, and become better leaders?
In this episode of FedUpward, I welcome my longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Eric Jorgensen, a retired Air Force colonel, former federal civilian employee, executive coach, and author of Wingman Life: Living and Leading Like a Fighter Pilot.
Drawing on his decades of military and civilian service, Eric shares leadership lessons from the cockpit and the Pentagon, including the importance of trust, accountability, continuous learning, and simply showing up for one another.
We discuss how federal employees can cultivate a coaching culture, why debriefing and learning from mistakes make teams stronger, and how small acts of compassion can have a lasting impact on someone's career.
Eric also shares the unforgettable story behind his fighter pilot call sign, "Rabbit," and a leadership moment that changed how he thinks about supporting others.
Whether you're leading a team, navigating organizational change, or looking for ways to better support your colleagues, this conversation is a reminder that great leadership starts with having each other's backs.
Connect with Eric Jorgensen:
Executive Coaching: https://wingmanexecutivecoaching.com

Book: Wingman Life: Living and Leading Like a Fighter Pilot — Available through https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/eric_jorgensen

Email: rabbit@wingmanexecutivecoaching.com

Connect with Love:
Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas, and get better.

Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!

What happens when your federal career takes an unexpected turn? For Monique Fortenberry, the answer began with community.
In this episode of FedUpward, we welcome Monique Fortenberry to the show, former federal senior executive and founder of SisterFeds, a new online community for Black women across the federal ecosystem.
After her federal position was abolished, Monique reached out to fellow public servants navigating similar challenges. What began as an informal Zoom gathering grew into SisterFeds, a space dedicated to connection, belonging, restoration, and moving forward together.
Monique discusses navigating federal workforce changes, finding identity and purpose beyond a job title, and the importance of community during career transitions. She also shares what members can expect from SisterFeds, including group coaching, wellness programming, career celebrations, and opportunities to connect.
Links & Resources
SisterFeds: https://sisterfeds.com

Request a SisterFeds invitation: team@sisterfeds.com

Connect with Monique Fortenberry: linkedin.com/in/moniquefortenberry

Connect with Love:
Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas, and get better.
Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!

Federal employees are facing another year of rising healthcare costs, with FEHB premiums increasing an average of 10.9% in 2027. But that's only part of the story.
In this episode we welcome back Kevin Moss of Consumers' Checkbook to break down the biggest changes coming to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and what federal employees and retirees need to know before Open Season.
From significant premium increases and disappearing plans to new GLP-1 coverage requirements, Kevin explains why sticking with your current health plan could cost you more than you think.
In this episode:
Why FEHB premiums are rising an average of 10.9%, with some plans seeing increases exceeding 100%.
Major changes to GLP-1 coverage, including new authorization requirements and higher out-of-pocket costs.
Which FEHB plans are disappearing and what happens to affected enrollees.
How high-deductible health plans and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) could offer significant savings.
Why more federal employees should consider Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
How to compare total healthcare costs, not just premiums, before choosing a plan.
2027 FEHB Open Season runs November 9 through December 14, 2026.
Explore your options with Consumers' Checkbook's Guide to Health Plans at www.guidetohealthplans.org. Many federal agencies provide free access, or listeners can use promo code fedupward for 20% off individual access. https://www.checkbook.org/newhig2/hig.cfm
Don't let automatic enrollment or rising premiums make your healthcare decisions for you. Tune in to make a more informed choice this Open Season.
Connect with Love:
Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas, and get better.
Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!

When was the last time you reviewed your life insurance coverage?
In this episode of the FedUpward Podcast, Love welcomes back Tony Zerante, Chief Strategy Officer at WAEPA, to talk about why federal employees should regularly reevaluate their coverage—especially as their families, careers, incomes, and financial responsibilities change.
Tony breaks down how WAEPA coverage differs from FEGLI and shares details about newly expanded coverage options, including up to $2 million in term life insurance for eligible members under age 60 and up to $800,000 for eligible spouses.
They also explore some of the benefits federal employees may not realize are available through WAEPA, including short-term disability insurance, complimentary access to certified financial planners through Ernst & Young, WAEPA's premium refund program, and scholarships for members' children pursuing college, vocational, and technical education.
Whether you're starting a family, buying a home, approaching retirement, or simply haven't reviewed your coverage lately, this episode is a reminder to make sure your financial protection still fits your life.
Learn more at: https://www.waepa.org/ 
Connect with Love:
Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas, and get better.
Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!

What does it actually take to remove a federal employee for serious performance or conduct issues—and can the process be improved without sacrificing due process?
We welcome Maureen Klovers of We the Doers back to the FedUpward Podcast to discuss the organization's new report, "Fast but Fair Federal Firing," which examines the experiences of federal managers who have navigated the removal process firsthand.
Their research found that removing an employee took an average of 21 months in the cases studied, consuming hundreds of hours of supervisors' time before accounting for the work of HR, legal teams, unions, and others.
Love and Maureen discuss why those delays matter for high-performing employees, team morale, and agency missions; the inconsistencies between agencies; and why lasting civil service reform may ultimately need to come from Congress rather than executive action.
They also explore We the Doers' recommendations for creating a clearer, more consistent system that preserves employee due process while giving managers better tools to address genuine performance and conduct problems—and what the organization plans to tackle next.
Learn more about We the Doers and read the report here: https://wethedoers.org/ 
Connect with Love:
Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas, and get better.
Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!