The Peel

In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire is joined by her daughter Sydney, co-hosting for Take Your Child to Work Day, and featured guest Joshua Rosenthal, Director of Growth and Innovation at Cogent People. The conversation weaves through Joshua’s unexpected sailing background and segues into a rich discussion on government contracting. Joshua breaks down how to assess whether to pursue opportunities, emphasizing customer connection, corporate fit, and resource allocation. He also unpacks the importance of discriminators in proposals, the value of building genuine trust with stakeholders (not just "relationships"), and the need for agility in a rapidly evolving federal landscape. Shelley and Joshua agree that authenticity, awareness of policy shifts, and collaboration are key to staying competitive in today’s changing environment.
To connect with Joshua, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Cogent People by visiting their website here.

In this episode of Orange Slices, host David Blackburn sits down with Richard Jacik, Chief Digital Officer at Brillient, to discuss the reality of AI beyond the hype. With federal agencies racing to implement AI solutions, Richard shares why the current Large Language Model (LLM) frenzy might not be the game-changer it promises to be. From AI’s legal and operational hurdles to its real-world applications in government and beyond, this conversation breaks down the myths, the barriers to adoption, and the opportunities for mid-tier and smaller firms in the AI ecosystem.
Is AI truly revolutionizing mission-critical operations, or are we still just scratching the surface? And what role does collaborative AI play in making real business impact? Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of intelligent technology, government adoption, and the fine line between innovation and AI inflation.

In this episode of The Peel Podcast, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Patrick Rafferty of RaffertyWeiss Media—an award-winning producer/director with 25+ years in commercial, nonprofit, and government media. Patrick shares incredible behind-the-scenes moments with icons like Quincy Jones, Bobby Knight, and Bill Gates, while also diving deep into the unique challenges and opportunities of producing media in the federal contracting space. From navigating the evolving GSA environment to pivoting into the commercial market, Patrick discusses what’s working, how to stay ready, and why storytelling still matters—even in times of uncertainty.
He offers insights into strategic marketing, the power of customized assets, bilingual content, 508 compliance, and how teaming with other small businesses could be key to weathering the current storm.
To connect with Patrick, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about RaffertyWeiss Media by visiting their website here.

In this episode, David Blackburn sits down with Lisa Wetzel, President & CEO of VIKINT, a woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned small business transforming government contracting with scalable digital solutions. Lisa shares insights on how Vikint has positioned itself for growth, the importance of documentation in scaling operations, and its focus on federal and commercial expansion in 2025. She also unveils Essence, a powerful digitalization tool designed to revolutionize government operations using Microsoft 365. With a track record of success at the IRS, DoD, and NASA, Lisa and her team are redefining efficiency, innovation, and collaboration in the GovCon space. 
 
To connect with Lisa, visit her LinkedIn page here.To learn more about VIKINT, visit their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, click here to view more in this series. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.
 

In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire talks with Alex Love, VP of Marketing and Communications at RIVA Solutions, about why marketing is a critical but often overlooked tool in government contracting. Alex shares how strong branding helps businesses stand out, build credibility, and create opportunities. She explains how shifting government priorities impact marketing strategies and why small and mid-sized businesses should focus on strategic, intentional efforts rather than trying to be everywhere at once. 
To connect with Alex, follow her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about RIVA Solutions by visiting their website here.

Listen in as David Blackburn talks with event director Scott Semple about VETS25. Hosted by the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC), the conference takes place May 13-16, 2025, in Orlando and is the premier event for businesses navigating the federal marketplace. With 72+ training sessions, 174 exhibit booths, and 2,000 attendees, it offers unmatched opportunities for networking, learning, and business growth. Attendees will hear from industry leaders’ take on contracting trends, business strategies, and federal opportunities.
The conference features five session types, including pre-conference discussions, high-impact keynotes, and in-depth masterclasses. VETS25 is a top event for small and veteran-owned businesses looking to grow in federal contracting. 
Early registration is recommended as the event is expected to sell out. Secure your spot and take your business to the next level!
Click here to learn more and register for the event.

This episode of The Peel, talks with Eric Nusbaum, CEO of ENcompass Consulting Group, to discuss how government contractors can navigate the evolving federal landscape in 2025. With contract consolidations, shifting procurement strategies, and increased scrutiny from agencies like DOJ and GSA, companies must adapt to survive and thrive. Eric breaks down key strategies for protecting existing contracts, revamping business development efforts, and refining proposal writing to align with new government priorities. From understanding executive orders to leveraging AI and strategic partnerships, this conversation is a must-listen for industry leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve.

In this episode of The Peel, David Blackburn sits down with Christina Mee, CEO of Capture 411, to discuss how her new platform is changing the game for government contractors. Capture 411 is a marketplace where business developers and capture managers can buy and sell historical solicitation documents—making the proposal process faster, more informed, and more competitive. Christina shares how the platform works, the inspiration behind it, and the powerful revenue-sharing model that allows contributors to earn from their archived RFPs. They also discuss the importance of security, anonymity, and the future of the platform as it grows to meet industry needs. If you’re in GovCon and tired of scrambling for past solicitations, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
 
To connect with Christina, visit her LinkedIn page here.To learn more about Capture 411, visit their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, click here to view more in this series. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Are you ready to crack the CMMC code? On this episode of The Peel Podcast, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Derek Kernus, CEO of Aethon Security, to dive into the complexities of cybersecurity compliance, the real costs of certification, and how businesses can turn compliance into a competitive advantage. This episode is packed with expert advice for government contractors navigating the CMMC landscape. 
To connect with Derek, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Aethon Security by visiting their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, click here to view more in this series. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

On this episode of The Peel, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Pradheeshan Coomarasway, Chief Technology Officer and President of Digital Solutions at ERP International. Brad shares his journey from software engineering to leading cutting-edge digital solutions in healthcare and defense contracting. They dive into the latest innovations in cybersecurity, AI-powered informatics, cloud automation, and federal technology modernization, all while emphasizing the importance of mission-driven work and employee investment. Plus, a little whiskey talk kicks things off! Tune in for an engaging discussion on leadership, technology, and making a meaningful impact in federal contracting.
To connect with Pradheeshan, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about ERP International by visiting their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, click here to view more in this series. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.