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GovCon After Hours

GovCon After Hours

By: Heartcast Media
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About this listen

 Welcome to GovCon After Hours, where the world of GovCon meets the art of conversation, one drink at a time. Join Dr. Robin Desmore and Ms. Caitlin Ruiz, our seasoned industry experts, as they lead you through relaxed evenings of insights and inspiration.

Each episode is an exploration of the stories and experiences of good and successful humans who have thrived in the competitive world of government contracting.

But we're not just about business here; we're about connections, cocktails, and real conversations. Every episode features a signature cocktail of the week, tying the theme to a delightful drink recipe for you to enjoy while tuning in.

At GovCon After Hours, we believe that meaningful conversations hold the key to success. Join Dr. Robin Desmore and Ms. Caitlin Ruiz, sip alongside them, and elevate your understanding of the industry. It's not just a podcast; it's a community of professionals finding clarity amidst the chaos, one drink and one conversation at a time.
Copyright Heartcast Media Economics Personal Development Personal Success Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Grit on the Rocks: Sarcasm, set-asides, and surviving the new era of GovCon

    Grit on the Rocks: Sarcasm, set-asides, and surviving the new era of GovCon
    Feb 19 2026
    In this powerful episode of GovCon After Hours, hosts Dr. Robin Desmore and Caitlin Ruiz sit down with Colonel (Retired) Irene V. Glaeser, CEO of Spahr LLC, an SBA certified SDVOSB and WOSB small business. Irene brings 31 years of military service as a Military Police Officer, federal leadership experience, and hard-won entrepreneurship wisdom to discuss what it really takes to survive and thrive as a veteran and woman-owned business in today's complex federal contracting environment.

    Key Takeaways
    • Grit, Resilience & The Three Ps
    • Leadership Through Crisis
    • The Reality of Set-Asides
    • Community Over Competition
    • Barriers for Emerging Small Businesses
    Timestamped Chapters
    • 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
    • 00:03:15 - What We're Drinking
    • 00:08:42 - Disruption Isn't New
    • 00:14:20 - The Three Ps: Pivoting, Perseverance & Pinot Grigio
    • 00:19:56 - The Fork in the Road
    • 00:26:33 - The Human Cost of DOGE
    • 00:33:18 - Humor as Leadership Strategy
    • 00:42:30 - The Politics Pause
    • 00:51:12 - Set-Asides: Leverage or Liability?
    • 00:58:29 - Cultural Lessons from Kuwait
    • 01:06:45 - What's Not Being Talked About
    What Veteran & Women-Owned Founders Face vs. What They're Told
    The Reality We Face
    • DOGE cuts decimating contracts overnight
    • Employees with families to support being laid off
    • CMMC, FAR Part 2, and compliance costs piling up simultaneously
    • Zero past performance but expected to compete with established firms
    • Absorbing pressure from every direction as leaders
    • Being told "don't rest on your categories" while needing every advantage
    What We're Told to Do
    • "Just pivot to commercial"
    • "Don't rely on your socioeconomic categories"
    • "Get DCAA compliant, hire HR, get CMMC certified"
    • "Join a team" (but have no past performance to offer)
    • "Stay positive and keep networking"
    • "It's not because you're a woman"
    Guest Information

    Colonel (Retired) Irene V. Glaeser CEO of Spahr LLC, an SBA certified SDVOSB and WOSB small business delivering IT services including cyber strategy, software enterprise solutions, and cloud migration to DOD and federal customers. Irene served 31 years in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer in Cold War Germany, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After military retirement, she held federal leadership roles at the DOD Office of Inspector General and U.S. AbilityOne Commission. She holds degrees from George Mason University, Webster University, and the U.S. Army War College. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Veteran Small Business Coalition and recently authored "Choose Your Battles," chronicling her journey as a woman in the armed forces.
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenevglaeser/
    • Website: https://www.SpahrLLC.com
    • Book: "Choose Your Battles" by Irene V. Glaeser
    Call to Action
    • Connect With Your Tribe
    • Help Other Small Businesses
    • Use Humor as a Survival Tool
    • Don't Rest on Categories Alone
    • Shore Up Your Resources
    • Stay in the Fight
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • The GovCon Martini: 1 Part Access, 2 Parts Timing, Served with a Twist of Power

    The GovCon Martini: 1 Part Access, 2 Parts Timing, Served with a Twist of Power
    Sep 29 2025
    Welcome to GovCon After Hours. In this episode, hosts Caitlin Ruiz and Dr. Robin Desmore engage in a meaningful discussion on government contracting. Joining them is Cherylyn Harley LeBon, co-chair of the Government Contracting group at Cohen Seglias, bringing over 25 years of expertise in legal, government, and strategic advisory services for small business contractors.

    Together, they explore the critical factors that determine success in GovCon. Cherylyn highlights the importance of timing and strategic intelligence, identifies common mistakes small businesses encounter in long-term growth planning and acquisition preparation, and offers actionable advice. The conversation covers building robust company foundations, managing complex transactions, selecting appropriate legal partners, and leveraging the federal budget for business expansion.

    The episode also addresses significant challenges, including the upcoming FAR rewrite and its implications for small businesses, as well as the complexities of mergers and acquisitions. For a straightforward and insightful perspective on navigating the government contracting landscape, join us for this enlightening episode of GovCon After Hours.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction
    00:09 - "Govcon Expert and Advocate"
    05:02 - Defining Client Business Goals
    07:19 - GovCon Strategy: Follow the Budget
    13:03 - "Preparing Small Businesses for Acquisition"
    17:05 - Valuation Expertise in Professional Services
    19:13 - Valuing Unique Business Ventures
    23:20 - "Follow the Plan, Not Feelings"
    27:36 - Strategic Business Planning for Profitability
    31:02 - Navigating New Opportunities
    34:08 - "CMMC Impact on Small Businesses"
    36:16 - Confidential Legislative Rewrite Concerns
    39:23 - Outro

    Quotes:

    "Build and scale your business—the path is clear and success awaits."- Cherylyn Harley LeBon

    "Trust your plan over your feelings. That's how you win in GovCon."- Caitlin Ruiz

    "Resilience lets you pivot, survive, and emerge stronger from any storm."- Dr. Robin Desmore

    Key Takeaways:

    Timing is Tied to Intel—Stop Throwing Darts
    Start With a Goal—Not Just a Plan
    Deviating from the Plan? Get Back On Track Fast
    Invest, Reinvest, and Find Real Strategic Partners
    Follow the Money—Budgets Leave Clues
    Legal Problems? Be Proactive, Not Reactive
    Thinking About Selling Your Business? Clean House NOW
    Valuation is a Science—Find the Right Experts
    Emotional Intelligence—Check Your Feelings at the Door
    The FAR Rewrite: Advocate, Don’t Stay Silent

    Connect with the Guest Mrs. Cherylyn Harley LeBon,
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylyn-harley-lebon/

    Connect with the Hosts

    Caitlin Ruiz
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-ruiz-m-s-cir-65a8962b/

    Robin Desmore
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robindesmore/

    Call To Action:
    Listen or watch more episodes on our other platforms
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/31jlhc2mmefwdlnf7il4inxlzgue?si=d12f5108888f4dbd
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/govcon-after-hours-podcast/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConAfterHours
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Behind the Bar: Mixing ROI-Driven Investments for GovCon

    Behind the Bar: Mixing ROI-Driven Investments for GovCon
    Jan 12 2025
    Welcome to another episode of GovCon After Hours! Host Caitlin Ruiz and co-host Robin Desmore explore "Behind the Bar: Mixing ROI-Driven Investments for GovCon." They discuss strategies for maximizing return on investment in government contracting with guest Lisa Shea Mundt, co-founder of The Pulse of GovCon. The episode addresses the financial implications of event participation, effective follow-up systems, and innovative marketing techniques. They also highlight the importance of strong industry relationships and the challenges small businesses face in GovCon. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating ROI complexities and optimizing your investments in government contracting in this engaging conversation!

    Connect with Lisa Shea Mundt:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasheamundt/
    Website: Maintenance Page - The Pulse™

    Episode Timestamps:
    00:00 - Intro
    05:39 - Aligning with Like-Minded People for ROI
    08:30 - Balancing Life ROI and Networking
    10:49 - Optimistic Networking for Future Relationships
    13:11 - ROI on Affordable Travel Options
    19:22 - Importance of Organic Referrals
    22:35 - Approval and Referrals in Business
    26:12 - Client Dynamics and Competition
    28:21 - Veterans' Networking Challenges
    33:11 - Letting Go of Difficult Prospects
    36:17 - Strategic Engagement for Events
    37:19 - Email Follow-Up for Marketing
    40:30 - Managing Booth Costs
    45:26 - Outro

    Quote of the Episode

    "Inspiring engagement is crucial for turning interactions into lasting relationships." - Lisa Shea Mundt

    "Effective networking in government contracting fosters growth and innovation." - Lisa Shea Mundt

    Powered by: Heartcast Media,http://www.heartcastmedia.com
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
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