#GovCom Unfiltered

• Future of GovCon Events & VETS25

  From building the nation’s largest veteran business community to influencing federal procurement strategy, Scott Semple brings unmatched perspective to this episode of #GovCom Unfiltered: The Podcast.As Conference Director of VETS25 and Founder of NewTHINK Solutions, Scott draws on 20+ years of executive leadership in the federal space—including past roles as CEO, CIO, COO, SVP of BD, board advisor, and strategic consultant to venture funds and investment groups. With deep experience launching, scaling, and advising tech-driven GovCon businesses, he shares what it takes to grow with purpose, navigate shifting regulations, and lead with both precision and vision in today’s federal market.🔍 What You’ll Hear:• A behind-the-scenes look at building and scaling the VETS25 Conference• How to lead through federal procurement shifts—and why accuracy matters more than ever• Scott’s journey: from grassroots veteran networking to national-stage impact• Strategic insights for GovCon firms: M&A, contract vehicles, mentor/protégé, and growth strategy• What’s changing with SDVOSB certification and what veteran firms need to know• Building resilient sales strategies in today’s contracting climate• Balancing entrepreneurship, mission, and legacy in government business• What’s next for veteran-led GovCon—and how to stay ahead of the curveWhether you're a small business founder, BD leader, or federal program executive, this episode delivers sharp, unfiltered insight on how to scale impact, build influence, and grow with intention in today’s evolving GovCon market.

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• Breaking Barriers - Leidos: Women Leaders Reshaping GovTech

  From launching billion-dollar pipelines to shaping federal digital modernization strategies, four powerhouse women from Leidos—Heather Carr, Caroline Thomas, Arfa Syed, and Christy Holley—join us to share their journeys, hard-won lessons, and bold perspectives on modern leadership in GovCon.With decades of combined experience across civilian, defense, and global sectors, these women are at the forefront of driving transformation within federal IT. Together, they unpack what it means to grow accounts, build trust, break barriers—and what it really means to lead with both strategy and heart in today’s federal landscape.Meet the Guests:• Heather Carr – Civilian IT Growth & Strategy Lead at Leidos, with 20+ years of experience shaping strategic technology solutions across federal agencies.• Caroline Thomas – Account Manager for USDA, Commerce, and the Department of Labor, with a track record of cultivating high-impact partnerships and accelerating federal growth.• Arfa Syed – BD & Strategy Manager, spearheading digital modernization and cybersecurity innovation in the public sector, with a deep background in tech and thought leadership.• Christy Holley – Senior Director and Account Manager for the Department of State, bringing over 30 years of GovCon experience across global initiatives, strategic growth, and mind-body leadership.What You’ll Hear:• The defining moments that shaped their leadership styles• Real-world strategies for expanding federal accounts and scaling impact• How they build trust and authentic relationships across industry and government• Their honest takes on mentorship, community, and supporting other women in GovCon• Balancing mission-driven work with life, wellness, and service• Advice for the next generation of leaders—and what they wish they’d known soonerWhether you're in BD, tech, or a leadership role, this episode is packed with clarity, candor, and wisdom from women redefining what it means to lead in federal contracting.Tune in to hear what leadership sounds like when it’s bold, collaborative, and purpose-driven.

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• Tech Transitions & Taking Charge: Indira Rice Donegan's Playbook for Career Growth

  From commanding signal battalions in combat zones to advising on billion-dollar federal tech strategies, Indira Rice Donegan has built a career rooted in service, strategy, and entrepreneurship. Now the founder and CEO of RIDO Technology Consulting, Indira joins us to share her journey from Army Signal Officer to GovCon entrepreneur, and the mission that continues to drive her work. Indira brings over 20 years of military and federal experience to the table, with a track record spanning cyber strategy, enterprise IT modernization, and leadership in billion-dollar public sector technology programs. She shares her powerful insights on building a business with purpose, leading with conviction, and navigating the GovCon landscape with boldness and grace.Discover:The pivotal moments that defined Indira’s leadership style—from commanding tactical units to shaping multi-billion-dollar federal tech portfoliosHer powerful transition from military service to founding RIDO Technology Consulting—and the mission that continues to drive her workWhat it takes to lead as a woman, veteran, and entrepreneur in a competitive GovCon marketHer strategies for growing a business through courage, cold calls, and convictionPractical advice for veterans making the leap into government contracting and entrepreneurshipThe best (and worst) career advice she’s received—and how it continues to influence her journeyHer take on mentorship, faith, and the values that anchor her personal and professional lifeA candid look at balancing leadership, business, family, and service—with purpose as her north starFor veterans, industry leaders, and GovCon professionals, this episode offers rich insights into leadership, growth, and resilience in the face of challenge. Tune in as Indira shares her inspiring story, hard-won lessons, and vision for empowering the next generation of federal tech leaders.

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• Beyond P&L: Carrie Kramer on Leading with Heart in GovCom

  In today’s complex and highly competitive federal contracting space, building strong relationships and executing innovative, cost-effective solutions is key. In this episode, we sit down with Carrie Kramer, Chief Delivery Officer at DRT Strategies, to discuss her approach to business development, strategic account planning, and delivering large enterprise contracts across classified and unclassified environments. Carrie is a senior leader with over 25 years of experience and a career spanning professional services, software development, IaaS/PaaS, and operations and maintenance programs. Carrie has mastered the art of winning, managing, and executing government contracts. From leveraging strategic partnerships to driving continuous improvement, she shares her firsthand insights on thriving in GovCon and navigating the challenges of the federal market. Discover: • The pivotal career moment that shaped Carrie’s leadership style and approach to federal contracting • An unconventional strategy she’s used to win contracts or advance in government services—one that others may hesitate to try but should consider • The person who unexpectedly opened a door for her and how that experience influences the way she mentors and supports others today • Effective approaches to networking and building meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships in the GovCon space • Her advice to professionals just starting out, including insights on balancing competition and collaboration in this industry • The critical role of P&L management and strategic account planning in executing large enterprise contracts • The future of professional services and IT solutions in government contracting For federal contractors, industry leaders, and professionals navigating the GovCon landscape, this episode offers valuable insights on securing contracts, driving growth, and leading with strategy. Tune in as Carrie shares her journey, key lessons, and vision for the future of federal contracting!

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• Service Now & Beyond Navigating Government Innovation with Alex Khayo

  In today’s fast-evolving federal IT landscape, adapting to change and leveraging the right technology is critical. In this episode, we sit down with Alex Khayo, CEO of LEIDIT, to discuss how his experiences—from working with ServiceNow to making bold career moves—have shaped his approach to IT modernization and leadership in GovCon.With over 28 years of experience, Alex has built a career on strategic decision-making, networking, and innovation. From navigating risks and life-changing decisions to balancing competition and collaboration, he shares firsthand insights on growing in the industry and seizing new opportunities in IT.Discover:• How ServiceNow influenced his approach to IT modernization• The pivotal risks and career-defining moments that led to his success• The mentors and unexpected opportunities that shaped his journey• The power of networking and how to build strong industry relationships• Strategies for balancing competition and collaboration in GovCon• Emerging opportunities in IT and what’s next for digital transformation• Leadership lessons on growth, resilience, and navigating the federal spaceFor IT professionals, government contractors, and industry leaders, this episode is packed with insights on navigating GovCon, embracing technology, and building a career in federal IT.Tune in as Alex shares his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and his vision for the future of digital transformation! 

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