Coach’s Corner: Leadership Unplugged

Mastering Networking and Career Growth with Shelley McGuire

In this episode of Coach’s Corner: Leadership Unplugged, host Laura Bennett catches up with Shelley McGuire, Chief Strategy Officer at OrangeSlices AI and Owner of Shelley’s Events, to talk about the power of networking and how federal employees can use events to build meaningful career opportunities.  
Shelley has spent years bringing the government contracting community together through online and in-person events. She shares expert insights on how job seekers can identify the right events, prepare effectively, make a lasting impression, and build strong professional relationships. We also discuss the differences between virtual and in-person networking and how to stand out in a crowded room.  
If you are a federal employee in career transition or looking to grow your network, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you connect with the right people and take the next step in your career.  

Leadership Lessons for Modernizing Public Service with Jordan Burris

OrangeSlices.ai is thrilled to welcome Jordan Burris, VP & GM of Public Sector at Socure, to Coach’s Corner: Leadership Unplugged with Laura Bennett, Podcast Host, Leadership Coach and GovCon Consultant! Jordan is a trailblazer in government innovation and digital trust, having led transformative tech and cybersecurity efforts at the White House and across the public sector. In this episode, we dive into the big questions shaping the future of government technology:
🔹 Balancing Innovation & Security – How do agencies foster innovation without compromising compliance and risk management?🔹 Enabling Service Delivery for All – What’s standing in the way of equitable access to digital services, and how can technology help?🔹 The Future of Tech in Government – From AI to identity verification, what trends are reshaping public sector IT?🔹 Driving Digital Transformation – What leadership principles fuel modernization in complex organizations?Jordan’s insights are a must-hear for anyone passionate about technology, leadership, and the future of public service. Stay tuned for the full episode. This is one you won’t want to miss!

Leading Through Change: Innovation, Resilience & Avoiding Burnout with Katrina Sizemore

In this episode of Coach’s Corner: Leadership Unplugged, Laura Bennett talks with Katrina Sizemore, Senior Program Manager at Index Analytics (former Division Director at CMS CCIIO MITG), to discuss the realities of leading in high-stakes environments. They explore how Katrina fosters resilience and agility, manages constant change, and champions inclusivity in leadership. Katrina shares insights on preventing burnout, the power of self-awareness in leadership, and why creating space for every voice at the table leads to stronger teams. Whether navigating leadership challenges or looking to build a more adaptable, engaged team, this conversation is packed with practical strategies and wisdom.
📢 This podcast was recorded on January 10, 2025, and only represents the personal views of the guest, not those of her employer.
Learn more about OrangeSlices AI here.

Innovating Government: Customer Experience & Transformational Leadership with Brian Chidester

In this episode of Coach’s Corner – Leadership Unplugged, Laura Bennet sits down with Brian Chidester, a global leader in public sector innovation and the host of The Government Huddle podcast. As the Head of Global Strategy & Innovation for Public Sector at Adobe, Brian has helped shape the future of government services through digital transformation, customer experience (CX), and bold leadership. We dive into how agencies can build trust, balance personalization with privacy, and embrace technology to create meaningful citizen interactions.
Beyond CX, the two explore transformational leadership—how leaders can navigate change while maintaining team trust and cultivating a growth mindset in the face of uncertainty. If you’re a leader looking to drive impact in an evolving digital world, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
Learn more about OrangeSlices AI here.

Women in Homeland Security: Kristina Tanasichuk’s Mission & Impact

In this episode of Coach's Corner, Leadership Unplugged, Laura Bennet sits down with Kristina Tanasichuk, Founder & CEO of the Government Technology & Services Coalition, for an inspiring conversation on leadership and passion. Kristina takes us on her remarkable career journey, sharing how she built avenues for collaboration in homeland security, the founding of Women in Homeland Security, and the driving force behind her servant-based leadership philosophy.
Whether you’re a leader looking to level up or someone navigating their own career journey, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt inspiration. Don’t miss Kristina’s wisdom and stories of impact!
Learn more about OrangeSlices AI here.
 

The Art of Storytelling in Mission-Driven Careers: Insights from Jeremy Wood

Dive into an engaging series where leadership, innovation, and personal stories intersect in the realms of federal government and industry. Laura Bennett hosts this podcast series with the first episode featuring Jeremy Wood, Chief for Enterprise Architecture at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and host of The Geek Within podcast. If you’re curious about the intersection of leadership, storytelling, and mission-driven careers, this is a must-listen episode!