#GovCom Unfiltered

Alexa Tsui
  • 5.0 (2)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

 #GovCom Unfiltered highlights the good, the bad and the ugly of doing business in the government market.  It is a chance for the Government Community to come together in a raw and unfiltered conversation. 

  1. People First - Mission Always: Leadership Lessons for Modern GovCon

    11/04/2025

    People First - Mission Always: Leadership Lessons for Modern GovCon

    In this powerful episode of GovCom Unfiltered, host Alexa Tsui sits down with Joe Punaro, CEO and Founder of IronArch Technology, decorated combat veteran, and former U.S. Marine platoon commander. Joe's leadership journey—from the battlefields of Iraq to building a thriving cybersecurity company—offers invaluable lessons on service, resilience, and what it truly means to lead with purpose. Joe shares how his military experience forged a leadership philosophy grounded in the Marine Corps principle: "Know your Marines and look out for their welfare." At IronArch, this evolved into a company-wide commitment to empowering people—employees, clients, and partners alike. His story reveals how the values of service, integrity, and trust translate from military leadership to entrepreneurial success. In this episode, you'll hear: ✓ How Joe's early life and military service shaped his approach to business and leadership ✓ The pivotal role of family, work ethic, and networking in building a successful company ✓ Why protecting critical infrastructure became his post-military mission ✓ Lessons from 12 years of entrepreneurship—including memorable first contracts and strategic risks ✓ How IronArch built a workplace culture where trust and innovation thrive ✓ The power of joint ventures and strategic partnerships in government contracting ✓ Emerging opportunities in cybersecurity and federal technology ✓ Joe's optimistic vision for the future of critical infrastructure protection Whether you're a veteran transitioning to the private sector, an entrepreneur building a mission-driven company, or a leader seeking to create a people-first culture, Joe's insights on servant leadership, calculated risk-taking, and staying true to your values will resonate deeply. This is more than a business success story—it's a masterclass in leading with integrity, building lasting relationships, and finding purpose in protecting what matters most. Tune in to discover how one Marine's commitment to service evolved into a company protecting America's critical infrastructure—one innovation at a time. Joe Punaro is the CEO and Founder of IronArch Technology, a decorated combat Veteran and former U.S. Marine platoon commander. His leadership philosophy—grounded in service, integrity, and people-first values—was forged through his military experience in Iraq and refined through entrepreneurship. Joe founded IronArch with a mission to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure through cutting-edge technology and human-centered innovation. Under his leadership, IronArch has earned a reputation for excellence, agility, and a workplace culture built on trust, empowerment, and innovation.

    29 min

  2. 09/15/2025

    Authentic Leadership in Times of Change: A Conversation with Colonel Bree Fram

    Join host Alexa Tsui for a powerful conversation with Colonel Bree Fram, astronautical engineer, author, and one of the highest-ranking openly transgender officers in the United States military. Currently on administrative leave pending separation due to policy changes, Colonel Fram brings a unique perspective on leadership, authenticity, and resilience in government service. In this candid discussion, Colonel Fram shares her military journey spanning 18 years in the Air Force before transitioning to the Space Force, including her pivotal decision to come out publicly as transgender in 2016. From her early career motivations to navigating command positions during policy uncertainty, she offers unfiltered insights into the realities of serving while facing personal and professional challenges. Key Topics Covered: The decision to join military service and career pivotal moments Transitioning from Air Force to Space Force operations Leadership lessons learned from coming out in a command position Building unlikely partnerships and the power of authentic networking Common misconceptions about government service Strategic approaches to risk-taking and overcoming obstacles Practical advice for maintaining authenticity in challenging environments Colonel Fram, editor of "With Honor and Integrity: Transgender Troops in Their Own Words" and author of "Forging Queer Leaders," discusses how adversity can forge stronger leadership and the importance of building genuine relationships in government contracting and federal service. Whether you're navigating your own career challenges, leading diverse teams, or seeking to understand the intersection of personal authenticity and professional excellence, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who has consistently chosen courage over comfort. About the Guest: Colonel Bree Fram has served in roles ranging from Pentagon strategic planning to legislative fellowship, with deployments to Qatar and Iraq. Her advocacy work through SPARTA and the Department of the Air Force LGBTQ+ Initiatives Team has focused on creating more inclusive military environments.

    36 min

  3. 08/04/2025

    Stop Chasing RFPs: How Real Winners Shape the Entire Procurement Game

    Most defense contractors wait until the RFP drops to start their communications strategy. By then, says Mike Nachshen, it's already too late.  In this candid episode of #GovCom Unfiltered, host Alexa Tsui sits down with the president of Fortis Strategic Communications to unpack why treating communications as an afterthought is costing companies billions in lost contracts—and how the winning approach flips that script entirely.  Nachshen brings rare insider perspective to the conversation. As a former Afghanistan veteran and head of international communications for Raytheon's $16 billion Missiles & Defense division, he's architected messaging campaigns that have secured multi-billion dollar programs across four continents. His unconventional approach? Integrate strategic communications into the capture cycle from day one, not as tactical support but as competitive advantage.  In this episode, you'll discover:  Why most companies get strategic communications completely wrong (and how it's costing them contracts)The methodology behind positioning your solution as the "natural answer" to industry challengesHow to make the customer the hero of your story—not your companyReal-world case studies from a $40 billion A-Cat 1 franchise program winActionable strategies for shaping the entire procurement environment through narrative Whether you're a seasoned GovCon professional or new to the defense contracting space, Nachshen's hard-won insights will challenge how you think about winning work in aerospace, space, and defense.   Resources mentioned:   Strategic Insights Newsletter (free monthly)Fortis Strategic Communications #GovCom Unfiltered brings you the unvarnished truth about government contracting communications, hosted by Alexa Tsui. Episode Length: 34 minutes

    34 min

  4. 07/22/2025

    From Startup to IBM: Sonny Kakar's $200M Exit Strategy and Social Impact Revolution

    What does it take to build a government technology company from zero to a multi-hundred-million-dollar IBM acquisition? And how do you create lasting social impact along the way? In this powerful episode of #GovCom Unfiltered, host Alexa Tsui sits down with Sonny Kakar, the visionary entrepreneur who founded Sevatec in 2003 and led it through an incredible journey - from scrappy startup to private equity sale in 2020, and ultimately to IBM acquisition in 2022. But Sonny's story goes far beyond financial success. While building Sevatec into a national security technology powerhouse, he simultaneously launched the SevaTruck Foundation - a revolutionary food truck initiative that now serves 2,000+ nutritious meals weekly to underserved communities across the DMV region. Today, he's pioneering the future of GovCon collaboration through SevaSpaces, an innovative co-working concept designed specifically for the government contracting ecosystem. In this unfiltered conversation, you'll discover: The early career challenges that shaped Sonny's entrepreneurial mindsetEssential strategies for small businesses navigating the 2025 government marketCommon misconceptions about government contracting that hold companies backInnovative business development approaches that actually workHow to implement data-driven strategies for sustainable growthThe art of building genuine, lasting business relationships in GovConWhen and how to take calculated risks as an entrepreneurBalancing healthy competition with meaningful collaborationThis isn't your typical success story - it's a masterclass in building a purpose-driven business that generates both profit and positive social impact. Whether you're a seasoned GovCon executive or an aspiring entrepreneur, Sonny's insights will challenge your thinking and inspire your next moves. Ready for some unfiltered truth about what it really takes to succeed in government technology?

    38 min

  5. 07/09/2025

    Healthcare Unlocked: Jeff Grant on Policy, Payments, and People

    In this compelling episode of #GovCom Unfiltered, host Alexa Tsui sits down with Jeff Grant, a healthcare policy veteran with over 30 years of federal experience who has transformed personal adversity into professional opportunity. From implementing the Affordable Care Act to leading operations for millions of Americans' health insurance enrollment, Jeff shares his journey from government service to entrepreneurial consulting—and how he's now using his platform to help wrongfully terminated civil servants find new opportunities in the private sector.  Guest Profile  Jeff Grant brings a unique perspective to healthcare policy and government contracting. As President and Founder of Schedule F Healthcare Strategies, he specializes in federal health programs, health information technology, and government contracting. His impressive career includes leading the implementation of major healthcare initiatives including the Affordable Care Act, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit payment policies.  Most recently serving as Operations Director in the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, Jeff managed 600 federal staff and thousands of contracted personnel, overseeing the enrollment of millions of Americans in private health insurance coverage. His experience spans both public and private sectors, including work at Health Risk Partners, LLC, supporting Medicare Advantage plans in revenue strategy and risk adjustment.  A University of Michigan history graduate with an MPA from George Washington University, Jeff also brings 22 years of military service as a retired Navy Reservist to his leadership approach.  Key Discussion Points  The Schedule F Story (01:11): Jeff reveals the personal motivation behind his company's name and mission, sharing how his own experience with federal employment challenges led him to create opportunities for other displaced civil servants.  Pivotal Career Moments (03:11): From early career decisions to major policy implementations, Jeff discusses the key moments that shaped his trajectory in federal health programs and how each role built upon the last.  Military Leadership in Civilian Service (06:21): Drawing from his 22 years as a Navy Reservist, Jeff explains how military principles of leadership, organization, and mission focus translated into managing large-scale federal operations and complex stakeholder relationships.  Unconventional Government Strategies (09:01): Jeff shares innovative approaches he employed during his government service, including creative problem-solving techniques that helped navigate bureaucratic challenges while delivering results for millions of Americans.  The Power of Mentorship (16:06): A deep dive into how mentorship shaped Jeff's career trajectory and his commitment to developing others, including his current efforts to mentor displaced federal workers transitioning to private sector roles.  Strategic Networking (22:24): Jeff discusses the art of building meaningful professional relationships across government, industry, and consulting sectors, offering practical advice for those looking to expand their influence and opportunities.  Calculated Risk-Taking (27:23): From leaving secure government positions to starting his own consulting practice, Jeff explores how to evaluate career risks and make strategic transitions that align with personal values and professional goals.  Contractor Best Practices (31:51): Drawing from both sides of the table, Jeff shares essential strategies for government contractors, including relationship building, performance excellence, and understanding the federal customer's perspective.  Key Takeaways  Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship

    36 min

  6. 06/24/2025

    Inside the Mind of a GovTech Founder

    From Google to Anduril to founding his own AI startup, Mac Liu has been at the cutting edge of tech and defense innovation. In this episode, Mac shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path—from launching groundbreaking government initiatives like NASA’s SSN and the DoD’s JADC2, to scaling $100M in federal contracts in just over two years. Now as the founder of Vultron, Mac opens up about the realities of startup life, how his sports background drives his leadership style, and what he sees as the future of AI in defense and beyond. Whether you're building in GovTech, navigating public-private partnerships, or looking for inspiration to take the leap into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome – Mac Liu  00:54 Mac's Career Journey  01:34 Pivotal Moments and Influences  03:14 Introduction to Vultron  04:59 Building Meaningful Relationships  08:05 The Startup Life and Sports Background  09:39 Taking Risks and Starting Vultron  14:58 The Future of AI and Vultron's Role  23:06 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs  24:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts #GovComUnfiltered #govtech  #defenseinnovation  #entrepreneurship  #aiindefense  #PublicSectorInnovation #startups  #MacLiu #Vultron

    25 min

  7. 06/09/2025

    Spilling the Tea with Teresa Moon: Leadership, Liberal Arts, and the Heart of GovCon

    In this episode of #GovCom Unfiltered, host Alexa Tsui sits down with Teresa Moon, Director of Market Strategy at Parabilis and host of the Spilling the Tea on GovCon podcast. Teresa shares her dynamic journey into the federal contracting space, from early career lessons to leading strategy and community engagement for one of the most trusted financial partners in GovCon. With her signature energy and candor, Teresa dives into what makes government contracting both rewarding and complex, the value of mentorship, and why relationships are at the heart of her success. Plus, she opens up about her passion for empowering others in the GovCon ecosystem, balancing competition with collaboration, and how her liberal arts background has been a superpower in the world of tech and strategy. This episode is packed with real talk, valuable insights, and inspiration for anyone navigating the world of federal business. Episode Highlights: Strategic leadership & market development in GovCon Building a supportive ecosystem for government contractors How mentorship shapes careers and confidence Balancing the business side of contracting with mission-driven goals Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction and Guest Intro  01:34 – Teresa's Career Journey  04:53 – Lessons in Leadership  09:17 – Mentorship Impact  14:47 – The Role of Liberal Arts in Tech  16:36 – Education & Career Pathways  21:13 – Misconceptions in Government Contracting  24:23 – Business Complexity in GovCon  27:03 – Building Real Connections  32:26 – Collaboration vs. Competition  36:07 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next Tune in now and get inspired by one of GovCon’s most passionate voices! #GovComUnfiltered #govcon  #podcast  #federalcontracting  #Leadership #mentorship  #WomenInGovCon #collaborationovercompetition  #spillingthetea

    37 min

  8. 05/27/2025

    Leading with Purpose: From Navy to Cyber CEO

    Host: Alexa Tsui  Guest: Erica Dobbs, Founder & CEO of Dobbs Defense Solutions In this powerful episode of #GovCom Unfiltered, host Alexa Tsui sits down with trailblazing entrepreneur Erica Dobbs, whose 35+ years of leadership in the U.S. Navy laid the foundation for building one of the fastest-rising names in cybersecurity, Dobbs Defense Solutions (D2S). From her deep expertise in C-Suite collaboration and satellite communications to her relentless focus on people-first leadership, Erica shares how military discipline, business strategy, and purpose-driven culture have shaped her company’s success across the government and commercial sectors. Along the way, Erica opens up about her most valuable lessons learned, the power of human capital, her involvement in shaping national cybersecurity policy, and what it means to lead with impact. Whether you’re transitioning from military to civilian life, navigating federal contracting, or building a leadership legacy—this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways. Listen in to explore: Erica’s unique leadership journey from Navy to CEO How she’s elevating cybersecurity with D2S Building strategic relationships in the GovCon space The role of mentorship, community service, and advocacy What’s next for D2S and the cyber industry Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction and Guest Introduction  01:13 – Early Career and Leadership Journey  02:52 – Military Experience and Business Strategy  04:15 – Strategic Thinking in Business  06:00 – Core Competencies and Business Focus  10:18 – Networking and Building Relationships  15:18 – Challenges and Lessons Learned  23:22 – Future Goals and Aspirations  25:19 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts #GoGovCom #GovConLeadership #cybersecurity  #womenintech  #veteranownedbusiness  #federalcontracting  #leadershipjourney

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

 #GovCom Unfiltered highlights the good, the bad and the ugly of doing business in the government market.  It is a chance for the Government Community to come together in a raw and unfiltered conversation. 

Information

  • Creator
    Alexa Tsui
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 #GovCom Unfiltered
  • Show Website
    #GovCom Unfiltered