GovCom Talent Talks

In this episode of GovCom Talent Talks, host Scott Robinson sits down with Kevin Hackett, the founder of Federal to Private Jobs. Kevin shares his platform designed to help government employees transition into private sector roles. He discusses how his personal experiences shaped the creation of Federal to Private Jobs and the valuable mission of the platform. Scott and Kevin dive deep into the steps and strategies that federal workers can use to make a successful career shift into the private sector. Kevin offers expert insights on how to overcome common misconceptions and fears many federal employees face when considering leaving government positions. Whether you’re a government worker planning your next move or simply interested in the intersection of federal and private sector career paths, this conversation offers practical advice and a behind-the-scenes look at the powerful platform that’s helping many make their transitions smoother and more successful. Tune in to hear Kevin's insights on navigating this critical career change, and how Federal to Private Jobs is making a difference in the lives of those seeking new opportunities outside of government roles. Federal to Private Jobs is a specialized coaching and job search support service dedicated to assisting federal employees affected by recent layoffs. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals transitioning from federal service to the private sector, our service provides tailored emotional support, practical training on private industry hiring processes, and job placement assistance.Federal employees bring immense dedication, patriotism, and highly developed skills, though these often require guidance to translate effectively into private sector roles. Our mission is to ease this transition, securing opportunities that not only match but enhance their prior employment through higher compensation and greater flexibility.Kevin Hackett, Founder of Federal to Private Jobs, is an experienced entrepreneur and creator of platforms such as GrowFrom. He proactively launched this initiative in direct response to the emerging needs highlighted by the Fork in the Road emails, demonstrating his commitment to providing timely and meaningful support for federal employees during this critical juncture.Links referred to in the episode:https://www.linkedin.com/company/106201966/admin/dashboard/https://careermatching.federaltoprivatejobs.com/https://federaltoprivatejobs.com/ 

In this episode of GovCom Talent Talks, host Scott Robinson welcomes Jaime Gracia, Federal Procurement Leader and Director of Corporate Affairs at The Wolverine Group. Jaime shares his journey from working in government to transitioning into the private sector, offering valuable insights for professionals looking to make the same move. Scott and Jaime dive into the key considerations for government workers thinking about switching to industry roles, from understanding the differences in work culture to translating government experience into marketable skills. Jaime also discusses how former government professionals can highlight their unique expertise to stand out when applying for high-level roles and how they can better position themselves for success in the private sector. Key Topics Include: Navigating the transition from government to the private sectorHow to highlight your government experience in industry applicationsPositioning yourself for high-level roles and leadership positionsThe unique values government workers bring to private employersIf you’re considering a career shift or just curious about how to leverage your government experience in the private sector, this episode is packed with tips you won’t want to miss! 

In this episode of the GovCom Talent Talks podcast, host Scott Robinson sits down with Kelly Shaw, who recently transitioned out of her role as the IT/OT Network Monitoring & Detection System Technical Operations Lead at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Kelly shares her personal experience navigating the shift from a government position to a try to find a private industry role, revealing the challenges, strategies, and resources that have been key to her career search.They dive into the nuts and bolts of the transition process, discussing how Kelly leveraged her government experience to stand out in the private sector job market, and the job search strategies that have worked for her. Kelly also offers valuable advice on networking during this time of change, particularly for those who may not have many connections in the private sector.Tune in for a candid and insightful discussion on how to successfully make the leap from government to private sector, and the strategies to thrive during such a pivotal career transition. Kelly Shaw has been in cybersecurity since the mid-1990s when she started her own Internet Service Provider (ISP) business. In 2002, after selling her first ISP, she launched a second one. During this time, she witnessed the rise of the earliest Internet "hackers" who exploited software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to networks.In 2010, Kelly returned to serve the United States as a civilian with the U.S. Navy Naval Sea Systems Command, where she worked as an Information Assurance Officer. She later transitioned into the Cyber Intelligence field, taking on a new role as a Senior Intelligence Analyst at the Office of Naval Intelligence. Her focus was researching cyber threats to Nuclear, Command, Control, and Communications (NC3), specifically tracking evidence of foreign nations attempting to target U.S. nuclear submarines.In 2022, Kelly joined the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) as the Deputy Chief for Threat Intelligence. In 2024, she took on a new leadership role, heading the team that develops the CyberSentry network monitoring tool, which CISA installs at partner critical infrastructure providers across the United States. 

 In this episode of GovCom Talent Talks, host Scott Robinson sits down with Christa Houck, a seasoned government contract leader with over a decade of experience in Department of Defense (DoD) post-award contract management. Christa has successfully overseen high-value contracts, implemented process improvements, and mentored contracting professionals to ensure mission success.Most recently, as a Senior Administrative Contracting Officer and Team Leader at the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Christa managed a diverse portfolio of domestic and international contracts while leading a team of professionals. Her excellence in problem-solving and operational leadership earned her the prestigious ONR Acquisition Excellence Award, where she was named the 2023 Contract Administrator of the Year.Prior to her role at ONR, Christa contributed significantly at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), where she held leadership positions focused on contract oversight, compliance, and strategic planning. With expertise in contract administration, financial management, performance analysis, and policy implementation, Christa has shaped the future of contracting practices.In this episode, Christa shares insights into her career journey, the importance of strategic contract management, and the challenges and rewards of leading teams in the defense sector. She also discusses her commitment to the professional contracting community, with active leadership roles in the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and various employee engagement initiatives.Now seeking a hybrid industry role in the Nashville, TN area or a fully remote position, Christa is eager to bring her expertise to new opportunities in driving efficiency, compliance, and success in contract administration.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, professional growth, and the critical role of contract management in defense and government operations.