Beyond Strategy Podcast

ACG National Capital Podcast

Hosted by Andy McEnroe and Jenn Wappaus, Beyond Strategy is an ACG National Capital Region podcast focused on the leaders that are driving innovation, enhancing understanding, and achieving market-clearing outcomes in and around the DC area. The podcast will interview senior-level executives, private equity partners, and industry leaders to discuss topics including, but not limited to, mergers and acquisitions, organic growth pursuits, leadership, and management strategies.

Table of Contents

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Episodes:

Episode 14: Shubhi Mishra, RAFT

On this episode of Beyond Strategy, we are thrilled to welcome Shubhi Mishra, the fearless CEO and Founder of RAFT. Known for its innovative approach to federal contracting, RAFT is revolutionizing how technology and data are used to solve critical government challenges. From systems modernization to advanced data analytics, RAFT has quickly established itself as a leader in the federal market, delivering impactful solutions for mission-critical agencies.

In this inspiring conversation, Shubhi opens up about the leadership principles that have guided her entrepreneurial journey and shares the bold risks she’s taken along the way. From the origins of RAFT to embracing fear as part of her growth strategy, Shubhi reveals how getting comfortable with uncertainty has been pivotal to her success.

We dive into her vision for RAFT, the challenges she set out to solve, and the unique branding that sets her company apart in the competitive GovCon space. Shubhi also discusses the evolving nature of leadership in a growing organization, the cultural “it” factor driving RAFT’s success, and the recent growth capital investment from Washington Harbour Partners.

Whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the intersection of innovation and leadership, this episode is packed with valuable insights, practical lessons, and a fearless perspective on growth.

Tune in to hear Shubhi’s journey of risk-taking, leadership evolution, and balancing bold ambitions with a personal touch. You won’t want to miss this one!

Episode 13: Jonathan Moneymaker, BlueHalo

We sit down with Jonathan Moneymaker, CEO of BlueHalo, a pioneering force in the national security market. Since its inception in 2020, BlueHalo, under the auspices of Arlington Capital, has emerged as a frontrunner in high-stakes arenas, including Space Superiority, Directed Energy, and Cybersecurity, among others. Jonathan, known for his dynamic leadership and commitment to innovation, has masterfully steered BlueHalo by integrating 13 companies into a unified powerhouse. His approach—marked by a hands-on style and an unyielding passion—has accelerated BlueHalo's growth and disrupted the traditional landscape of defense technology.

In our conversation, we'll dive deep into the strategic moves that propelled BlueHalo to the forefront of the national security market, the challenges of bringing diverse companies into a single culture, and Jonathan's philosophy that drives his desire to affect change and align business goals. This episode is not just for professionals in the defense sector, but also for enthusiasts of cutting-edge technology and those fascinated by the art of leadership. It offers insights into one of the most influential figures in today's defense technology sphere, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in these topics.

Episode 12: John Allen & Eric Wolking, Bluestone Investment Partners

M&A in 2023 in the National Capital region and the defense & government market has been driven by private equity. In this episode, we sit down with the leaders of one of the game-changing private equity firms in the market – Bluestone Investment Partners. Joining us are John Allen, Managing Partner, and Eric Wolking, Partner, to discuss the creation of this differentiated firm and how they are investing in the Defense & Government market. 

Episode 11: V2X, The Story Behind Vectrus & Vertex Merger

The Masterminds behind the Vectrus – Vertex merger, a game-changing deal that formed a new publicly traded company, V2X. This merger created a formidable force in the industry and established a new corporate headquarters right here in the heart of the national capital region.

Joining us are the architects behind V2X's tremendous success: Chuck Prow, Chief Executive Officer, Susan Lynch, Chief Financial Officer, and Sue Deagle, Chief Growth & Client Service Officer. They will share their unique insights, challenges, and triumphs that led to the formation of V2X and its impact on the national capital region and beyond.

Tune in to this episode of Beyond Strategy as we explore the driving forces behind the Vectrus – Vertex merger and the remarkable journey that led to the creation of V2X. Don't miss this opportunity to gain exclusive access to the minds of industry visionaries and discover the transformative power of deals in the national capital region.

Episode 10: Robert Miller - The Private Equity Path to Success

Episode 10 marks the final episode of our three-part series on how businesses are formed in the government contracting market. In this episode, we delve into an intriguing path to success - the private equity buy and build, with Robert Miller, the Chief Executive Officer of SilverEdge Government Solutions (“SilverEdge”), a portfolio company of Godspeed Capital (“Godspeed”).

In this episode, Robert shares how SilverEdge was founded, the strategic role of private equity in its growth, and the advantages it provided in a competitive market. We explore the intricacies of working with private equity investors, integrating six companies in one year, the opportunities and challenges presented, and how they contribute to the long-term vision and expansion of SilverEdge.

Episode 9: Rick Tossavainen & Steve Bailey

Part two of our three-part series on building a business in the government contracting market. In this episode, we dive into the second way businesses are formed - the spin-out of an operating business - and speak with Rick Tossavainen, CEO, and Steve Bailey, COO of Dark Wolf Solutions.

In this episode, Rick and Steve share their experiences of starting and growing a spin-out company, including the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned along the way. They discuss the unique advantages and disadvantages of the spin-out model and how it differs from other approaches to starting a business.

Whether you're interested in cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, or simply want to learn from successful business leaders, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in now to hear from Rick Tossavainen and Steve Bailey of Dark Wolf Solutions in Episode #9 of our series on building a business in the government contracting market.

Episode 8: Olivia Trivisani Bowker

Part one of our three-part series on building a business in the government contracting market. In this episode, we explore the first of three ways businesses are built, founder bootstrap led, as we sit down with Olivia Trivisani Bowker, Founder & CEO of Amivero.

In this episode, Olivia shares her experiences and insights on how to build a successful business from the ground up, including the challenges and opportunities she faced as a founder. She also discusses the culture of openness, engagement, empowerment, authenticity, and agility that she has cultivated at Amivero, which has helped her company stand out in a crowded market.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a GovCon professional, or simply interested in hearing from a successful business leader, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from Olivia Trivisani Bowker's story and the knowledge/tricks of the trade she's acquired along the way. Tune in now to Episode #8 of our series on building a business in the government contracting market.

Episode 7: Jared Shepard

Jared Shepard is an experienced and innovative industry leader with other twenty years of information technology, federal services, and sales experience. A U.S. Army veteran, Jared is the architect behind two successful businesses, Hypori and Intelligent Waves, and a rapidly expanding non-profit, Warriors Ethos. On this episode of Beyond Strategy, hear is thoughts on leadership, business evolution, and giving back to support others.  Jared also shares his background and why he believes non-traditional experience can make great leaders as well as employees.

Episode 6: Jack Kerrigan and Peggy Styer

Solving challenges for mission critical companies, expertise in the national security sector, coupled with successes operating technology companies, represents a rare combination among venture capital /growth equity firms.  After successfully exiting two prominent businesses in 2021, the sales of BlackHorse to Parsons and BlackLynx to Jacobs, respectively, and completing a $340m capital raise for Fund III, hear how Peggy Styer and Jack Kerrigan of Razor’s Edge Ventures find, fund, and foster technology companies that are solving significant challenges for mission-focused customers. Discover what makes them tick, lessons learned, and what is next for Razor’s Edge.  Sectors of investment interest include cybersecurity, data science, data infrastructure, space, C4ISR solutions and sensor technologies, to name a few.

Episode 5: Bob Lohfeld, Jr

Bob Lohfeld, Jr. is the CEO of Sev1Tech, a leading provider of digital transformation, cybersecurity, cloud, and C5ISR solutions supporting critical mission challenges across the defense, intelligence, homeland security, space, and health markets. In a wide-ranging conversation, Bob shares his insight on how Sev1Tech supports its government customers, develops employees, maintains a robust company culture, and purses inorganic opportunities, among other topics.  

Episode 4: Amy Bleken & Morgan Higgins

Part two of our series focuses on growth equity in the government contracting community, featuring  Amy Bleken, CEO of Client Solution Architects, and Morgan Higgins, Principal at Blue Delta Capital Partners. A sit-down discussion on the working relationship between an operating entity and a growth investor. The collaborative customer-centric environment embraced by both partners and the role each play in the growth of Client Solution Architects.

Episode 3: Kevin Robbins

Part one of a two-part series focusing on growth equity in the government contracting community. This episode features a sit-down with Kevin Robbins, co-founder of Blue Delta Capital Partners. Kevin shares the story behind how Blue Delta was established, the customer-centric value proposition they bring when working with a growth equity investor, and life lessons we can all relate to. 

Episode 2: Andy Maner

A sit-down interview with Andy Maner, CEO of Avantus Federal, a NewSpring Capital portfolio company focused on delivering differentiated solutions to the Defense, Intelligence, Civilian, and Homeland Security markets. Andy shares his thoughts on what it’s like to lead an acquisitive private equity-backed company, the importance of investing in your people, and his vision for where Avantus, and the industry, is headed.

Episode 1: Carey Smith

A sit-down interview with Carey Smith, CEO & President of Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN), a nearly $4 billion market cap public company focused on providing technology-based solutions for the defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets. Carey shares her thoughts on leadership, career progression, as well as what makes a successful organic and M&A driven growth strategy

 

Beyond Strategy- Hosted by Andy McEnroe & Jenn Wappaus
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