OrangeSlices recently hosted a new episode in our CEO Perspectives podcast series, bringing together three exceptional leaders from across the GovCon community for a candid conversation about what it takes to compete and lead in today’s evolving federal market. Joining the discussion were Leah Sanders, CEO of D&G Solutions, Naveen Krishnamurthy, CEO of RIVA Solutions, and Tim Borchert, CEO of Tria Federal. Each of these organizations was recently recognized as a 2026 Elev8[X] finalist, emerging from a pool of more than 1,200 companies nominated and evaluated across the federal contracting ecosystem. These are companies that have built strong reputations supporting some of the government’s most critical missions. D&G Solutions continues to distinguish itself as a people-first, mission-driven logistics and supply chain partner supporting defense and homeland security customers. RIVA Solutions has earned recognition as a leader in digital transformation, helping agencies modernize through DevSecOps, cloud, data and analytics, and cybersecurity across federal civilian, national security, and health markets. And Tria Federal, with nearly two decades of mission support experience, remains a trusted partner delivering digital services and technology solutions that help agencies better serve veterans, service members, and civilians. The conversation was moderated by Eric Mothershead, Senior Partner at The Baldwin Group, whose questions helped spark a thoughtful exchange among the CEOs as they unpacked some of the most timely issues facing federal contractors today. During the session, the leaders shared how they are adapting their organizations to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving GovCon market. The conversation touched on operational shifts, changing expectations for leadership and workforce performance as efficiency pressures grow, how companies are balancing innovation investments such as AI and automation with stronger margin discipline, and the harder shifts federal contractors will need to make over the next few years that the industry is not yet talking about enough. Throughout the discussion, Sanders, Krishnamurty, and Borchert offered practical insights drawn from leading organizations that support complex missions across defense, homeland security, federal civilian, and health sectors. The exchange included thoughtful perspectives, honest reflections on current market pressures, and a bit of lively back and forth as the group explored where the market may be headed next. For CEOs, founders, and growth-minded executives across the GovCon community, this episode offers a chance to hear directly from leaders who are building successful organizations while navigating many of the same challenges others in the market are facing today. If you are looking for real-world perspective from peers who are shaping the market while keeping it honest about the opportunities and headwinds ahead, this is an episode well worth the listen. 🎙️ Connect with our guests and moderator: Leah Sanders | D&G Solutions Naveen Krishnamurthy | RIVA Solutions Tim Borchert | Tria Federal Eric Mothershead | The Baldwin Group
