EP 402: Rebranding for Growth: How to Attract Commercial Clients Without Destroying Your GovCon Brand

If you think rebranding means “new logo, new website, done”… this episode will convince you otherwise. Michael sits down with Erica Dobbs, CEO of Dobson Solutions, to break down why a company with a strong reputation chose to rebrand and why timing matters when your business matures. Erica shares how her team shifted from speaking pure DoD language to building a more universal message that attracts commercial clients, without demolishing what they already built. They cover the research process, how long a real rebrand takes, why internal ownership beats outsourcing sometimes, and the three-part narrative they built to anchor the new brand: Think Partnership, Think Performance, Think Power.
—–

Featured Guest: Erica Dobbs Company: President/CEO, Dobbs Defense
 linkedin_logo-v6

Continue reading

Ep 401: Tell Me the Rules and I Will Find a Way to Win

In this episode, Michael calls out a growing problem in the government contracting space, too many people are whining about FAR changes, small business rules, and politics, and not enough people are focused on winning. He breaks down why winners do not obsess over whether the rules are fair, they simply ask, “What is the new play, coach” and adapt. You will hear why your only real job is to understand the rules, build a sound strategy, and execute while everyone else is distracted and complaining online. Michael also explains how fear of the unknown, attachment to the old way, and believing that change is a disadvantage are quietly killing otherwise good companies. If you want to win more contracts in any administration, this episode is your wake up call.

Featured Guest: Michael LeJeune Company: Partner, RSM Federal
Email: mlejeune@rsmfederal.com Phone: (636)-577-5005
 linkedin_logo-v6

Continue reading

Ep 400: A Look Back at the Last Decade in GovCon and a Look Ahead

Over 400 episodes and a decade in, we step back and ask a big question: how has government contracting really changed, and what is coming next?

In this special fireside chat, Michael LeJeune, Joshua Frank, Rich Earnest, and Tom Prokop break down the shifts that matter. We talk about rising simplified acquisition and micro-purchase thresholds, the VA and contract vehicle strategies, market maturity, and how private equity and M&A have reshaped the competitive landscape.

We also dig into data driven BD with SAM.gov’s Data Bank and USAspending, the higher barrier to entry for new GovCon’s, and why AI is a powerful tool, not a magic proposal button. Finally, the team shares blunt advice on who should start a government contracting business, how to prepare financially, and what it will take to win over the next ten years.

Featured Guest: Michael LeJeune Company: Partner, RSM Federal
Email: mlejeune@rsmfederal.com Phone: (636)-577-5005
 linkedin_logo-v6

Continue reading

Ep 399: Winter is Coming for Your GovCon Strategy

Winter is coming for government contractors in 2026. In this Game of Thrones inspired episode, Michael breaks down harsh predictions for the next 12 to 24 months, including what happens if you refuse to adopt AI, why capture cycles are shrinking, how bid-happy strategies will implode, and why past performance will no longer protect mediocre delivery. You will learn why weak subs will be cut from teaming, how CMMC and other cyber requirements will blindside unprepared firms, and why tactics without a real strategy will kill your business.

Most importantly, Michael walks you through practical ways to avoid getting crushed, from implementing AI in capture and proposals, to tightening timelines, updating your value story, becoming a high ROI teaming partner, and shifting to a truly customer centric strategy

Featured Guest: Michael LeJeune Company: Partner, RSM Federal
Email: mlejeune@rsmfederal.com Phone: (636)-577-5005
 linkedin_logo-v6

Continue reading

EP 398: Target, Tell, Win: A Practical Guide to GovCon Go-to-Market

In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune speaks with Alexa Tsui about the industry shift from traditional business development and capture toward disciplined go-to-market (GTM) strategies. Alexa explains why top tech entrants (Palantir, OpenAI, etc.) hire “go-to-market” leaders, not old-school BD roles, and why GovCon companies must stop piling up tools and start building a repeatable story, capability portfolio, and process. Learn the essentials: define what you sell, clarify your “why,” craft case-study-driven stories, use LinkedIn strategically, and prioritize painkillers over vitamins. If you want a focused pipeline, clearer decisions, and faster scale, this episode shows where to start.
—–

Featured Guest: Alexa Tsui Company: Acting CEO, FORUM
 linkedin_logo-v6

Continue reading