The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program is one of the most powerful and misunderstood growth tools in government contracting.

In this episode, Michael LeJeune sits down with Lisa Mays and Victoria Tripiano from the Catalyst Center to break down how the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program actually works, how it differs from the SBA version, and why it’s not the right fit for early-stage companies. They explain where the funding really goes, what makes a strong protégé, why mentors participate, and the role authorized subcontractors play in delivering real value.

You’ll also hear real success stories, common misconceptions, and practical advice for companies considering the program. If you’ve ever wondered whether the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program is worth pursuing, this episode will give you clarity before you invest the time and effort.
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Featured Guest:	Victoria Tripiano	Company:	Mentor Protege Manager, The Catalyst Center

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Most people think they’re failing at their goals because of discipline, strategy, or time. That’s rarely the truth.

In this episode, Michael LeJeune breaks down the real reason high performers still miss their biggest goals: they haven’t assigned enough value to them. Drawing from personal experience, psychology, and real-world examples, Michael explains why vague goals don’t demand action, how comfort quietly sabotages progress, and why every meaningful goal requires sacrifice.

You’ll learn how to get painfully specific about what you want, identify what you’re protecting instead of pursuing, create daily non-negotiables, and design your environment so the right behaviors become automatic.

If you’ve ever wondered why certain goals stay stuck on your list year after year, this episode will help you finally understand why, and what to do about it.

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

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Many federal contractors are looking to diversify into state and local markets, but most approach SLED proposals the wrong way. They approach it just like Federal proposal and that’s a recipe for disaster.

In this episode, Michael LeJeune sits down with proposal expert Michele Atkinson to break down the real differences between federal and state/local contracting. From vague scoring criteria and numeric scorecards to the outsized role of presentations, relationships, and local presence, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how SLED awards actually happen.

You’ll learn why compliance looks different, how evaluators really score proposals, why being “technically correct” isn’t enough, and how local politics and community impact can quietly tip the scales.

If you’ve been treating SLED like federal contracting and wondering why you’re not winning, this episode will change how you think about proposals entirely.
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Featured Guest:	Michele Atkinson	Company:	Founding Partner, Cavalry Consulting

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Most government contractors aren’t limited by the market, certifications, or competition. They’re limited by an invisible cage they’ve built around their business.

In this episode, inspired by a powerful moment from The Equalizer, Michael breaks down the mindset shift that separates reactive contractors from strategic builders. You’ll learn the four “worlds” most contractors operate in, why chasing bids is not a business model, and how scarcity thinking quietly forces you into bad work and thin margins.

If you’ve ever said “that won’t work in government contracting,” this episode will challenge you to rethink what’s possible and show you how to intentionally design your pipeline, positioning, and growth strategy.

If nothing changes, nothing changes. It’s time to change your world.

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

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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.
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Featured Guest:	Erica Dobbs	Company:	President/CEO, Dobbs Defense

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