The Peel

Kendall Holbrook didn’t just climb the corporate ladder—she built it. In this episode, the CEO of Dev Technology Group shares her journey from computer science graduate to leading a top IT services company in the GovCon space. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her career, the importance of external engagement as a leader, and how she balances passion and strategy in business and community involvement. Plus, hear about her unexpected stint as a children’s bookstore owner and the leadership lessons it taught her along the way. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!
 
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In this episode of The Peel, host Shelley McGuire has a conversation with Ksenia Kapoor, Chief of Staff at Skyward IT Solutions, to explore the intersection of innovation, AI, and government contracting. With a background spanning journalism, tech startups, and the public sector, Ksenia shares insights on bridging the gap between private and public sector operations, the evolving role of AI, and the importance of strategic governance in technology adoption. From Estonia’s cutting-edge digital advancements to the challenges of scaling startups while maintaining mission alignment, this conversation delves into the future of AI in the public sector, workforce shifts, and how Skyward IT is pioneering a new approach to government innovation.
 
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Ever thought about breaking out on your own and starting a business in the federal space? In this episode of The Peel, David Blackburn chats with Kia Rorie, CEO & President of KSQUARED Technology Consulting, to talk about her journey from consultant to entrepreneur. Kia shares how she broke through the glass ceiling, built a thriving woman-owned small business, and navigated the challenges of government contracting. She reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her success, from landing a prime award to securing 8(a) certification and advocating for women in digital services through the Digital WOSB Alliance.
Kia also discusses the power of mentorship, the importance of strategic partnerships, and why betting on yourself is always worth it. Additionally, David and Kia discuss being a Maryland Terp.
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Are you a small business navigating the complexities of federal contracting or just curious about building meaningful relationships with government agencies? In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire welcomes Jeremy Wood, Chief of Enterprise Architecture at the SEC and creator of The Geek Within Podcast. Jeremy shares invaluable advice for small businesses looking to break into the government space, from mastering the bid and proposal process to building credibility through partnerships and incremental growth.
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In this episode of The Peel, David Blackburn sits down with Mark Headd, Senior Director of Technology at Ad Hoc, to dive into the evolving landscape of AI in government. From the rapid pace of AI innovation to the challenges agencies face with data security, workforce readiness, and vendor partnerships, Mark shares key insights on how government agencies can harness AI effectively without getting locked into outdated technologies.
Learn more about OrangeSlices AI here.

On this episode, Shelley McGuire chats with Kevin Dorrance, retired Navy veteran and CEO of TransformCare, about fixing what’s broken in healthcare. With over 36 years of experience, including time as Chief of Medicine at Walter Reed, Kevin dives into the challenges of shifting from fee-for-service to value-based care. Learn why he believes true health starts at home, not in the doctor’s office. Discover the power of proactive health, personal responsibility, and population management in transforming outcomes. Plus, get Kevin's insights on how the Defense Health Agency and Veterans Health Administration are uniquely positioned to lead change. 
 
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Cybersecurity in federal contracting is about to change in a big way. Are you ready?
In this episode of The Peel, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Richard Tucker, Senior Vice President at Encompass Consulting, to break down the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and its impact on government contractors. With major updates rolling out in 2025, CMMC compliance is no longer just a Department of Defense requirement—it’s expanding to other federal agencies, making it a critical topic for primes and subcontractors alike.
Richard simplifies what CMMC is, who needs to comply, and the steps companies must take to prepare for certification. From self-assessments to third-party audits, he explains the process, timelines, and potential challenges—while throwing in a few Star Wars references along the way. If your company wants to stay competitive in government contracting, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
 
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In this episode of Orange Slices, David Blackburn talks with GovCon expert Adam McNair about the major disruptions affecting federal contractors. Adam compares the current M&A market to selling a house before a hurricane—uncertainty has paused many deals. Sellers must decide between lowering prices or delaying sales, while buyers have a unique 12-month window to acquire smaller firms and benefit from cost-saving synergies. Large companies may pursue acquisitions to meet revenue targets. 
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In this episode of The Peel podcast, David Blackburn has a conversation with Kevin Harkins, CEO of Harkcon, a service-disabled veteran-owned business known for its innovative workforce and performance solutions. Kevin shares insights from his three decades of experience in both the public and private sectors, offering advice on navigating change in the government contracting world. With a new administration in place, Kevin discusses how Harkcon adapts to shifting priorities and how small businesses can thrive during uncertain times. 
He also highlights the importance of understanding customer needs and staying nimble. Kevin reflects on the company’s success, including their unique approach to workforce optimization and how they’ve integrated cutting-edge technology into their offerings.
Learn more about OrangeSlices AI here.
 

Get ready for an insightful episode of The Peel as Shelley McGuire sits down with Joanne Woytek, Program Director for NASA SEWP. With 47 years at NASA—33 of those shaping the largest federal IT contract—Joanne shares her journey, the evolution of SEWP, and what’s ahead with SEWP 6.
From navigating presidential transitions to ensuring a strong legacy, Joanne's leadership and passion for innovation shine through. Plus, we hear about her favorite travel destinations and why she’s not ready to retire just yet!
To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.