Podcast Flashback: What It Really Takes to Win in Federal Health with Nichol Case and Matt Smith

In July 2024, OrangeSlices hosted a Lunch & Learn session. Listen in on this panel as two of the sharpest minds in federal health business development—Nichol Case, CEO of Insight Advisors Federal Consulting, and Matt Smith, President and Owner of Business Acumen Consulting Group—joined me on Orange Slices to break down what it really takes to succeed at CMS.

Nichol brings over 25 years of strategic experience in client engagement, capture, teaming, and one of the most overlooked differentiators in federal contracting - orals coaching. Her expertise in CMS-specific strategies and program alignment is unmatched. Matt contributes more than 30 years of leadership in both commercial and federal health, with a specialty in payer systems and a deep understanding of the outsourced operational model that drives CMS.

Together, they offer a candid, experience-backed look at how CMS differs from other health agencies like VA and DHA—not just in what they buy, but in how and why they buy it. From their thoughts on risk tolerance and modernization to practical guidance on BD alignment and cultural fit, Nicole and Matt don’t hold back.

To connect with Nichol, visit her LinkedIn page here.
To connect with Matt, visit his LinkedIn page here.

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