In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune welcomes Kindra Dionne, Chief Program Officer of the HUBZone Contractors National Council, to celebrate 25 years of HUBZone progress and preview what’s ahead. Kindra unveils a bold vision for the program, including a new Affinity Group model, a national outreach strategy, and a deeper commitment to workforce development in underserved communities. The 2025 HUBZone Conference (July 21–24 in Chantilly, VA) will feature TED-style talks, industry days, a Capitol Hill fly-in, and a 25th Anniversary Trailblazer Awards dinner. Co-located with the American Small Business Defense Contracting Summit, this event is shaping up to be the most dynamic yet. Whether you’re new to HUBZone or a long-time supporter, this episode is packed with updates and inspiration to help you connect, grow, and make meaningful impact.
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Featured Guest:	Kindra Dionne	Company:	Chief Program Officer, The HUBZone Contractors National Council

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In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune sits down with Neil McDonnell, president of the GovCon Chamber of Commerce CEO of GovCon in a Box, to explore how contractors can navigate a rapidly evolving federal market. From the controversial DOGE initiative to shifting priorities in cybersecurity and AI, Neil shares blunt, actionable advice on aligning your strategy with what government buyers actually need. Learn why mastering the basics—clear value, strong service, and process discipline—trumps chasing “secrets.” Whether you’re a prime or sub, seasoned or new, this episode will help you adapt to change, survive market shifts, and position your business for sustainable growth.
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Featured Guest:	Neil McDonnell	Company:	CEO, GovCon in a Box

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In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune sits down with Starla Halcomb of Lead Training to share her incredible journey in GovCon. Starla opens up about launching her business with a single contract, losing it all during the pandemic, and learning how to rebuild from scratch. She discusses the mental challenges, the lessons of bad advice, the importance of learning how to run a real business, and how critical it is to develop boundaries and focus on long-term strategy. This episode is packed with wisdom, hard truths, and encouragement for anyone navigating the ups and downs of government contracting. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this is the episode you need to hear.
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Featured Guest:	Starla Halcomb	Company:	CEO, LEAD Training

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In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune shares one of the most overlooked growth strategies for business owners: setting boundaries. If your calendar is packed, your focus is scattered, and burnout is looming, this episode is your wake-up call. Michael breaks down how high-performing leaders use boundaries to protect their time, reduce decision fatigue, and prioritize deep work that drives revenue. You’ll learn how to say no unapologetically, manage communication expectations, leverage your calendar as a productivity engine, and recharge without guilt. Whether you’re scaling your GovCon business or just trying to get control of your day, this episode delivers practical, real-world strategies to help you protect your time and grow with purpose.

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

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In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune talks with Melissa P about what it really takes to lead successful proposal teams. Drawing from her years of experience and leadership at Strategic Growth Partners, Melissa breaks down the power of human-centered leadership, the shift away from command-and-control management, and how to align diverse personalities to meet tight deadlines without the chaos. She shares actionable tips for solo proposal professionals and team leads alike—from setting expectations early to using AI tools wisely. Whether you’re building your first proposal shop or managing complex multi-partner bids, this episode gives you the leadership tools and process insights needed to win more contracts—without burning out your team.
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Featured Guest:	Melissa Palmer	Company:	VP of Proposals, Strategic Growth Partners

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