IMPACT: Women in Leadership

Mary Ann Brown, Tracey Aubey

Join your host, Mary Ann Brown, for candid conversations with successful women leaders in government contracting who share the real challenges, lessons learned, and actionable strategies behind their success—from earning promotions and building business pipelines to leading teams, negotiating effectively, and securing a seat at the table. Designed for women in GovCon, each episode delivers practical insights you can put to work right away. Subscribe to IMPACT for insights, inspiration, and leadership lessons from women making an impact.  Visit govforum.io to discover more podcasts from the FORUM Podcast Network and explore upcoming webinars featuring insights from leaders across government, industry, and technology. 

  1. Leading Through Uncertainty: Risk, Resilience & the Future of Security

    Apr 29

    Leading Through Uncertainty: Risk, Resilience & the Future of Security

    Send us Fan Mail In a world where threats evolve faster than ever—from cyber risks to critical infrastructure vulnerabilities—how do leaders stay ahead?  In this episode of IMPACT: Women in Leadership, we explore homeland security, risk management, resilience planning, and AI in national security with Jenny Stone, Founder & CEO of Partner Forces, LLC.  As the founder of a woman-owned consulting firm, Jenny shares the story behind launching Partner Forces, the mission-driven problem she set out to solve in the homeland security space. With decades of leadership experience, she breaks down today’s most urgent security challenges facing the U.S., and how AI and emerging technologies are transforming how organizations prepare, respond, and adapt.  💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:   The origin story behind Partner Forces and its 10-year growth.  How AI is reshaping homeland security strategy and decision-making  Leadership strategies for building high-performing, agile teams in complex environments Practical lessons in risk preparedness and organizational resilience for any industry  Real-world advice for women stepping into leadership in security, government, and consulting🔥 Why this matters: Whether you’re in government, tech, consulting, or leadership, this conversation offers powerful insight into navigating uncertainty, strengthening organizations, and leading with clarity in high-stakes environments. 🎧 Listen now to learn how resilience, strategy, and leadership intersect in today’s security landscape.  #WomenInLeadership #NationalSecurity #HomelandSecurity #RiskManagement #CyberSecurity #AIinSecurity #LeadershipStrategy #WomenInBusiness #Resilience #Consulting #GovernmentLeadership #PodcastForLeaders #PartnerForces #FORUMImpact #LeadingWithImpact #FORUMPodcastNetwork Support the show IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    21 min
  2. Lead with Clarity: Scaling Global Tech Teams & Owning Your Voice

    Apr 22

    Lead with Clarity: Scaling Global Tech Teams & Owning Your Voice

    Send us Fan Mail What if quality wasn’t just about testing—but about driving business impact, customer experience, and innovation? In this episode of IMPACT: Women in Leadership, we dive into quality assurance leadership, global team management, and women in tech leadership with Garima Sarin, Senior Manager IT at Demant. From her roots in computer engineering to leading global QA transformations, Garima shares how she turned testing into a strategic business advantage. As a first-generation immigrant, working mom, and tech leader, Garima opens up about building influence, scaling teams across cultures, and why clarity, trust, and empathy are the real drivers of high performance. You’ll learn how to align QA strategy with business goals, integrate Agile, DevOps, and automation, and why the future of tech leadership is deeply connected to AI-driven quality engineering. 💡 In this episode, you’ll discover:  How to shift QA from a testing role to a strategic business function Leadership lessons for managing global, cross-functional tech teams Why trust beats control when scaling organizations  Practical ways to align quality assurance with customer experience and revenue How AI and automation are transforming software testing and product delivery Real advice for women in tech on building confidence, visibility, and influence🔥 Why this matters: If you’re navigating leadership in tech, growing your career, or building products that scale—this conversation delivers actionable insights on innovation, leadership mindset, and continuous improvement. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to lead with impact in tech and beyond. #WomenInLeadership #WomenInTech #TechLeadership #QualityAssurance #QAEngineering #Agile #DevOps #AIinTech #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #WorkingMoms #DiversityInTech #PodcastForWomen #MillennialLeadership #Demant #FORUMPodcastNetwork #LeadingWithImpact #FORUMImpact Support the show IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    12 min
  3. Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and Mission-Critical Technology

    Apr 15

    Women Leading the Future of Cybersecurity and Mission-Critical Technology

    Send us Fan Mail Cybersecurity is one of the most critical leadership challenges of our time—and women are stepping up to lead it.  In this episode of imPACT: Women in Leadership, we explore cybersecurity leadership, federal IT innovation, and women in tech with Patti Chanthaphone, Chief Cybersecurity Solutions Officer at Tyto Athene.  With 20+ years in public-sector cybersecurity, Patti helped create the first government-wide Managed Shared Service Provider (MSSP) certified by the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of Management and Budget, a program that has become the largest MSSP serving federal agencies today. Now at Tyto Athene, Patti leads cybersecurity solutions that protect mission-critical operations across defense, federal, and enterprise sectors. Her work focuses on strengthening information security, cyber governance, and federal cybersecurity strategy while helping organizations stay ahead of evolving digital threats.  In this conversation, we talk about:  • What it takes to lead in cybersecurity and information security leadership • How women in technology and government IT are shaping the future • The importance of cyber resilience and mission-driven innovation • Leadership lessons from two decades in cybersecurity and government consulting  Patti’s impact has earned national recognition, including the 2025 NVTC Cyber50 Award and the 2025 WashingtonExec Chief Officer Award, honoring her contributions to cybersecurity leadership and innovation.  If you’re interested in women in leadership, cybersecurity careers, federal IT strategy, technology innovation, and mission-driven leadership, this episode delivers powerful insights from a leader shaping the future of digital defense.  🎧 Listen now and discover how strong leadership drives cybersecurity innovation and protects the systems that keep missions moving.  #WomenInLeadership #WomenInCyber #WomenInTech #CybersecurityLeadership #Cybersecurity #GovTech #FederalIT #InformationSecurity #LeadershipPodcast #MissionIT #TechLeadership #TytoAthene #FORUM #FORUMImpactPodcast Support the show IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    16 min
  4. Winning in GovCon: Leadership, Capture Strategy, and the Future of Federal Contracting

    Mar 25

    Winning in GovCon: Leadership, Capture Strategy, and the Future of Federal Contracting

    Send us Fan Mail Why do some companies consistently win federal contracts while others struggle to compete?  In this episode of the Impact: Women in Leadership podcast, we talk with Jennifer Kasten, President of JBS International, Inc., about leadership and strategy in the fast-moving world of government contracting (GovCon), federal business development, and capture management.  Jennifer shares lessons from her career partnering with federal agencies to address complex challenges through health IT, research and evaluation, policy analysis, and strategic communications. She also explains what many companies get wrong about capture strategy, how strong teaming partnerships influence contract wins, and how leaders stay agile through changing administrations and federal priorities.  We also discuss the future of the federal marketplace—including opportunities driven by AI, cybersecurity, cloud technology, and government modernization initiatives.  If you work in government contracting, federal procurement, public sector consulting, or business development, this episode offers practical leadership insights for staying competitive in today’s GovCon landscape.  Key topics include:  • Winning strategies in federal business development and capture management • Building strong government customer relationships • Creating effective teaming partnerships in GovCon • Leading high-performing business development teams • Opportunities in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and federal modernization  #WomenInLeadership #GovCon #GovernmentContracting #FederalBusinessDevelopment #CaptureManagement #FederalProcurement #LeadershipPodcast #PublicSector #WomenInBusiness #JBSInternational #FORUMImpactPodcast Support the show IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    19 min
  5. From National Media to Community Transformation: A Masterclass in Strategic Leadership and Operational Excellence

    Mar 18

    From National Media to Community Transformation: A Masterclass in Strategic Leadership and Operational Excellence

    Send us Fan Mail Big decisions. High stakes. Real impact.  In this powerful episode of Impact: Women in Leadership, we feature Mary-Claire Burick, President of the Rosslyn Business Improvement District, for a masterclass in executive leadership, strategic planning, and organizational transformation.  From launching the Fox News Channel to serving as Vice President of Washington Operations for Allbritton Communications — overseeing POLITICO, WJLA-TV, and NewsChannel 8 — Mary-Claire has built a career rooted in operational excellence, change management, and communications leadership.  Her experience spans consulting for the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Cleveland Clinic, and projects involving the White House — bringing a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on leading high-impact initiatives.  Inside this episode, we explore:  • How to lead organizations through complex, high-stakes change  • Building alignment through strong communication and stakeholder engagement  • Implementing systems that improve operational effectiveness  • Executive leadership lessons from media, government, and nonprofit sectors  • Practical advice for women rising in male-dominated industries  • The future of leadership and community-driven economic development  Mary-Claire shares candid insight on guiding teams, motivating communities, and driving strategic growth — all while minimizing disruption and maximizing results.  If you’re interested in women in leadership, executive strategy, business improvement districts, change leadership, organizational effectiveness, and community development, this is a must-listen conversation packed with actionable insight.  #WomenInLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #StrategicPlanning #ChangeManagement #CommunityLeadership #BusinessImprovementDistrict #OperationalExcellence #LeadershipPodcast #RosslynBID #WomenInBusiness #FORUMIMPACTPodcast #FORUMIMPACT Support the show IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    17 min
  6. Executing Innovation at Scale: Leading Global Engineering Teams in Cybersecurity

    Mar 11

    Executing Innovation at Scale: Leading Global Engineering Teams in Cybersecurity

    Send us Fan Mail   What does it take to turn bold ideas into real-world impact — at a global cybersecurity company?  In this episode of Impact: Women in Leadership, we sit down with Audra Simons, Vice President of Software Engineering, Global Products at Everfox. Audra is a results-driven technology leader who believes that innovation without execution is just noise.  From startups to global blue-chip organizations, Audra shares the leadership lessons that translated across every environment—and the ones that didn’t.  Everfox delivers mission-critical solutions, including cross-domain security, cyber threat protection, and insider risk technologies. Audra explains how this product-focused structure enables teams to innovate, scale, and deliver secure solutions worldwide—without losing focus or agility.  We explore:  • Her career journey into senior technology leadership  • Leading global product engineering teams across regions  • Building influence in technical and male-dominated spaces  • Turning innovative ideas into executed outcomes  • Relationship management as a leadership superpower  • Creating a culture where innovation is delivered—not just discussed  • Mindset shifts for women pursuing executive roles in technology  If you're interested in women in tech leadership, cybersecurity innovation, global product strategy, or engineering management, this episode delivers practical insights and powerful perspectives.  #ImpactWomenInLeadership #WomenInTech #CybersecurityLeadership #EngineeringLeadership #GlobalProduct #WomenInSTEM #ExecutiveLeadership #InnovationExecution #Everfox #TechLeadership #FORUM Support the show IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    19 min
  7. Leading Through Complexity: Driving Government Innovation & Lasting Impact

    Mar 4

    Leading Through Complexity: Driving Government Innovation & Lasting Impact

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to lead when the stakes are highest? In this episode, we explore how mission-driven leadership, IT modernization, and organizational transformation are shaping the future of government and public-sector innovation. As CEO and co-founder of GovAllies, today’s guest works at the intersection of government leadership, technology strategy, change management, and organizational performance. GovAllies partners with public and private sector leaders to execute critical missions, optimize IT systems, and implement complex transformations with precision and measurable results. We dive into:  • Leading through complexity in government and enterprise environments  • Driving IT modernization and digital transformation  • Building resilient organizations under pressure  • Women in leadership and mentoring the next generation  • The future of public-sector innovation and mission execution If you’re navigating government transformation, federal IT strategy, public-sector leadership, digital modernization, or organizational change, this conversation offers practical insight and inspiration for leading with clarity and impact. Looking for a trusted partner in complex transformation? GovAllies exists to be exactly that—an ally when execution matters most. #GovernmentLeadership #PublicSectorInnovation  #DigitalTransformation  #ITModernization #WomenInLeadership #ChangeManagement #GovTech #MissionDriven #GovAllies #FORUMImpact Support the show IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    17 min
  8. Bet on Yourself: Leadership, Federal Contracts & Scaling Your Business

    Feb 25

    Bet on Yourself: Leadership, Federal Contracts & Scaling Your Business

    Send us Fan Mail Are you ready to rethink leadership and scaling a business in complex environments? This episode of FORUM Impact: Women in Leadership features Nichole Priddy, Founder & President of Catalum Strategies, LLC, sharing how she transformed decades of government contracting experience into a thriving consultancy. Nichole’s journey spans managing $150M+ portfolios for the Department of Defense, VA, and DHS to helping organizations build structure, streamline operations, and scale without the overhead of full-time executives. She provides insights on navigating federal health programs, driving small business growth, and tackling high-stakes leadership challenges. From overcoming doubts to redefining success, Nichole discusses entrepreneurship realities, leadership lessons she wishes she knew earlier, and how parenting reshaped her leadership style. Her strategies on execution, structure, and results-driven leadership are essential for anyone leading a team, running a business, or managing federal contracts. Key Takeaways: Betting on yourself and building a business with purposeLeadership lessons from managing nearly 100 personnel and $150M+ in contractsPractical strategies for federal contractors, 8(a) firms, SDVOSBs, and mid-tier companiesBalancing professional growth with personal life and parenthoodTurning complex challenges into clear, actionable systems#WomenInLeadership #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #GovernmentContracting #FederalHealth #SmallBusinessGrowth #OperationsStrategy #BusinessScaling #CatalumStrategies #FORUMImpactPodcast  Support the show IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    12 min
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About

Join your host, Mary Ann Brown, for candid conversations with successful women leaders in government contracting who share the real challenges, lessons learned, and actionable strategies behind their success—from earning promotions and building business pipelines to leading teams, negotiating effectively, and securing a seat at the table. Designed for women in GovCon, each episode delivers practical insights you can put to work right away. Subscribe to IMPACT for insights, inspiration, and leadership lessons from women making an impact.  Visit govforum.io to discover more podcasts from the FORUM Podcast Network and explore upcoming webinars featuring insights from leaders across government, industry, and technology. 

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Ann Brown, Tracey Aubey
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    106
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 IMPACT: Women in Leadership
  • Show Website
    IMPACT: Women in Leadership