The Peel

In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Eric Nusbaum, CEO of ENcompass Consulting Group, to unpack one of the hottest and most misunderstood topics in government contracting - CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification).
From defining what CMMC really is to breaking down acronyms, regulations, scoring systems, and certification levels, Eric takes listeners from the basics to the finer details of what every DoD contractor and subcontractor needs to know. He explains how CMMC builds on NIST 800-171, what the phased rollout through 2028 means for contracts, and how to prepare now before deadlines hit.
Eric also shares his five keys to success for achieving certification, from scoping your environment to choosing the right partners and getting ahead of the long lines for accredited assessors. Whether you’re just hearing about CMMC or already deep in compliance prep, this episode is your roadmap for getting ready the smart way.
To connect with Eric, visit him on LinkedIn here.To learn more about ENcompass Consulting Group, visit their website here.
 

In this episode of The Peel Podcast, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Pablo Buitrago, Founder and CEO of Proveo Automation, for an eye-opening conversation on how small and emerging GovCon firms are outpacing industry giants through AI and automation.
Pablo shares how Proveo is helping federal agencies and businesses work smarter by embracing speed, creativity, and culture-driven innovation, turning AI into a true competitive advantage. He opens up about lessons learned from scaling in the DHS space, why 95% of GenAI projects fail and the importance of leadership buy-in and experimentation.
They also delve into how trust fuels federal partnerships, why investing in your business is crucial for long-term stability, and what the rise of robotics and generative AI means for the future of work.
If you’re curious about using AI to innovate, invest, and inspire in the federal space, this episode delivers both strategy and spark.
To connect with Pablo, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Proveo Automation by visiting their webpage here.

In this episode, David Blackburn, CEO of OrangeSlices, connects with Kevin Cox, Executive Director at ShorePoint, for a conversation on advancing cybersecurity resilience across the Federal enterprise. After more than two decades in Federal service, including senior roles as Deputy CIO at FEMA and DOJ and leadership positions supporting DHS and CISA’s Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) program, Kevin made the move to ShorePoint earlier this year. The transition aligns with his mission-focused approach, as ShorePoint continues to help agencies strengthen defenses, improve visibility, and enhance cyber readiness across government.
The discussion explores where CDM has delivered measurable value, how agencies can align priorities to maximize impact, and what both government and industry leaders should focus on to drive stronger results. Kevin also shares how time spent on his family’s horse farm provides a grounding counterbalance to the fast pace of the cyber world.
Why listen: If you are leading, advising, or supporting a federal cybersecurity program, this conversation delivers real-world lessons from someone who has been on both sides of the mission. Hear how CDM’s evolution is shaping the next phase of cyber defense and what it will take for agencies and partners to stay ahead of risk, together.
To connect with Kevin, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about ShorePoint by visiting their webpage here.

In this episode of The Peel Podcast, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Mike Finkel, CEO of Sparksoft, to talk about the real value and potential pitfalls of forming Joint Ventures under the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program.
From lessons learned in failed partnerships to advice on finding the right cultural and strategic fit, Mike pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make a JV work. Think of it as a business marriage - you’ll want to be sure you’re choosing the right partner before you say “I do.”
Mike explains why SBA approval is critical for protecting small business status, how mentors can strengthen a small firm’s infrastructure and capabilities, and the misconceptions around “flipping” work or guaranteed awards. He also emphasizes the importance of cultural alignment, transparency, and building a solid operating plan from the start.
Whether you’re a small business considering your first Mentor-Protégé relationship or a large firm looking to guide the next generation, this episode is packed with real-world advice you don’t want to miss.
To connect with Mike, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Sparksoft by visiting their webpage here.

In this episode of The Peel Podcast, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Natasha Williams, Chief Operating Officer, and Angela Cook, Program Director of Client Delivery, both from IntegrityM, to unpack one of today’s hottest (and most misunderstood) topics - Generative AI.
Together, they explore what GenAI really is (and isn’t), why so many organizations get it wrong, and how to move beyond the “garbage in, garbage out” problem with better prompting, training, and culture change. Drawing from IntegrityM’s own adoption journey, Natasha and Angela share how they’ve successfully integrated AI into operations, from starting small with low-risk use cases to building confidence, power users, and measurable ROI.
They discuss why AI isn’t replacing humans, but augmenting them, how to use it purposefully to solve real business challenges, and why understanding the human side of AI adoption is just as critical as the technology itself. 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make AI work for your organization instead of against it, this episode delivers the clarity, context, and confidence you need to get started.
To connect with Natasha, follow her on LinkedIn here.To connect with Angala, follow her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about IntegrityM by visiting their webpage here.

What does it really take to build a thriving federal contracting business from the ground up? In this episode of The Real Deal, Cy Alba talks with Cesar Nader. 
From U.S. Marine to GovCon CEO, Cesar Nader has steered X Corp Solutions (XCorp) through a bold evolution; starting with language services and expanding into intel, IT, cyber, and now AI and Disruptive Technologies. In this no-nonsense conversation with Cy Alba, he" keeps it real" and breaks down the three phases of federal contracting—startup, growth, and maturity—and the unique hurdles of each: cash flow, talent, and writing proposals that don’t just check boxes, but win with a compelling end state.
Cesar pulls back the curtain on the strategy behind XCorp’s rise to one of the most successful small businesses of his time: a simple, repeatable formula powered by relentless networking and integrity with government partners. He dives into hot-button realities—“incumbinitis,” when to protest (or not), subcontracting vs. priming, and how JVs can accelerate growth. He shares the secret formula for small businesses to follow.
But beyond the mechanics, he makes clear: culture and leadership are the real drivers of M&A value.
Looking forward, Cesar is bullish on Disruptive Tech like blockchain, quantum, 5G, AI, and even space tech as the next frontiers; and his advice for entrepreneurs is timeless: stay curious, stay agile, and stay consistent.
To connect with Cesar, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about X Corp by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Sarah, visit her LinkedIn page here.Learn more about Speedshift Ventures by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Cy, visit his LinkedIn page here.Learn more about PilieroMazza PLLC by visiting their webpage here.

What does it really take to build a thriving federal contracting business from the ground up? In this episode of The Real Deal, Sarah Djamshidi and David Blackburn chat with Alex Duan, co-founder and CEO of Dynamo, who pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build and scale a government contracting company. From launching out of personal necessity with a newborn on the way, to navigating cash-flow crises, factoring, and the daunting leap from subcontractor to prime, Alex shares the unglamorous but essential realities of entrepreneurship.
You’ll hear candid stories about the first lucky break that jump-started Dynamo, the philosophy of building a company you’d actually want to work for, and the tough choices required to move from hands-on coding to true leadership. Alex also breaks down why momentum matters in GovCon, how to handle setbacks like losing a major contract, and why AI presents a once-in-a-generation land-grab opportunity for federal tech.
If you’re an entrepreneur, operator, or anyone curious about the challenges (and rewards) of scaling in government consulting, this conversation delivers unfiltered lessons you won’t find in the glossy founder stories.
For more information about the event on September 24th that Alex mentions in the podcast, click here.
To connect with Alex, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Dynamo by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Sarah, visit her LinkedIn page here.Learn more about Speedshift Ventures by visiting their webpage here.

In this episode of The Peel, David Blackburn sits down with Nicole Rockett, Chief Human Resources Officer at ERP International, to explore how a people-first culture fuels one of GovCon’s top workplaces. Nicole shares her own journey to ERP, what drew her to a high-growth, mission-driven organization, and how the company’s values of courage, trust, innovation, and community continue to shape its success.
From navigating today’s competitive talent market to connecting employees with purpose, Nicole offers candid insights into building and sustaining culture in a rapidly evolving environment. She also discusses ERP’s forward-looking approach to AI and emerging technologies, and how the company balances innovation with its commitment to supporting federal missions across defense, healthcare, and civilian agencies.
To connect with Nicole, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about ERP International by visiting their webpage here.

Welcome to this M&A focused podcast series, Mastering the Business Exit Journey, featuring Adam McNair. Designed for leaders on both the buy-side and sell-side of government contracting, the series offers real-world insights, strategies, and lessons learned for scaling, selling, or acquiring businesses. Whether you’re just beginning to plan or actively navigating a deal, this series meets you where you are with expert guidance.
In the final episode of the series, Dave Blackburn welcomes back Adam to unpack one of the most critical and often underestimated factors in GovCon transactions: stability.
Adam breaks down why stability isn’t just about financial performance, but also about predictability, culture, and the people involved. From forecasting accuracy to win rates, customer relationships, and team continuity, he explains how demonstrating consistency can directly impact deal value, deal structure, and even whether a transaction closes at all.
They also explore the hidden costs of instability, lower valuations, extended earn-outs, delayed closings, and post-transaction headaches that can echo for years. With real-world insights from private equity and strategic acquisitions alike, Adam shares what buyers are really looking for and how sellers can position themselves as a “well-oiled machine” that investors want to own, not overhaul.
To connect with Adam, visit his LinkedIn page here.

What does it really take to build a thriving federal contracting business from the ground up? In this episode of The Real Deal, Sarah Djamshidi and Cy Alba sit down with Ganesh Natarajan, CEO of Ennoble First, to uncover the realities behind growing a government contracting company.
Ganesh shares his journey from leaving a senior role at Lockheed Martin to bootstrapping his own firm, starting with zero, building trust, and landing that critical first customer. He reveals the five P’s for growth (People, Partners, Process, Performance, and Patience), the importance of staying in your lane, and why chasing shiny objects can sink your business. Along the way, he discusses challenges from finance to legal structure, moving from subcontractor to prime without losing your edge, building IP and valuation strategically, and why resilience, relationships, and advisory boards matter most.
Packed with hard-earned advice, this conversation offers real-world lessons on scaling, strategy, and staying true to your core strengths—plus why courage and preparation are the greatest assets for any business leader.
To connect with Ganesh, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Ennoble First by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Sarah, visit her LinkedIn page here.Learn more about Speedshift Ventures by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Cy, visit his LinkedIn page here.Learn more about PilieroMazza PLLC by visiting their webpage here.