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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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

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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

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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

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