Former Fed Friday

Sunny Hashmi on Navigating Federal Talent and Technology Transformation

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host David Blackburn talks with Sonny Hashmi, Head of Global Public Sector at Unqork, who highlights the unique value federal employees bring to private sector roles. They excel in deep user research, cross-functional project management, and financial analysis but often struggle to translate these skills clearly to employers. Sunny urges companies to engage with federal talent, identify skill gaps, and invest in their growth, noting their unmatched loyalty, ethics, and mission-driven mindset.
For federal workers transitioning to the private sector, Sonny advises being clear about role expectations, especially the balance between strategic work and business development, and investing in their professional network. He emphasizes patience during the challenging first six months, encouraging a full year to assess fit before making career decisions.
Sonny’s insights showcase how federal expertise, combined with tools like Unqork’s zero-code platform, can drive innovation and growth in today’s tech-driven market.
To connect with Sonny, visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Unqork here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Lessons in Government, Industry, and Agility with Traci Walker

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Traci Walker, Executive Director of the Digital Services Coalition and founder of Awkward Walker Consulting. Traci brings a fascinating perspective as a former federal contracting officer turned industry bridge-builder, with experience spanning from GSA to the White House and the U.S. Digital Service.
She opens up about lessons learned from the healthcare.gov turnaround and shares insights on navigating the cultural shift from the public to private sector, misconceptions about industry, and how to stay mission-focused even after leaving government service. Traci helps break down barriers between government and industry—and reminds us that small wins and curious minds are key to driving meaningful change.
To connect with Traci, visit her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Digital Services Coalition here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.
Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution. Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity.

From CMS to Optum: Amy Giardina on Fraud, Funding, and the Future of Medicare

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire welcomes Amy Giardina, former Director at the CMS Division of Payment Models and now VP of Business Development at Optum. Amy brings a rich background from both the public and private sectors, having shaped bundled payment policy at CMS and led geriatric care at Johns Hopkins.
Amy dives into the key healthcare priorities of the current administration—tackling fraud and abuse, increasing drug affordability, and improving beneficiary education and tools for care. She also shares valuable insights from her time at CMMI, discussing the success of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) and the future of value-based care.
Amy breaks down the complexities of payment model innovation and paints a powerful picture of how better coordination, access, and compassion can transform patient care—especially for our aging and disabled populations.
To connect with Amy visit her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Optum here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Bill Pratt’s Journey Through IT Innovation

In this episode of Former Fed Fridays, Hunter Gross interviews Bill Pratt, an experienced IT leader who shares his journey from the Navy to leading IT transformations at DHS. Bill emphasizes the need for young professionals to enter government roles, learn from retiring employees, and take on leadership positions. 
Bill also highlights the necessity of AI in government solutions, particularly at DHS, which has fully embraced AI integration. He plans to focus on AI-driven automation in governance compliance and business development, stressing that AI is key to securing government contracts and driving future innovation.
To connect with Bill visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about GovITWorks here.
Thank you to our sponsor!To connect with Hunter Gros visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about vTech Solution by visiting their webpage here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Breaking Out of the Fed Bubble: Career Transitions with Mike Holmes

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, Hunter Gros chats with Mike Holmes, an executive recruiter specializing in helping senior civil servants, military personnel, and federal law enforcement officers transition into the corporate world. Mike shares his personal journey, from retiring as a lieutenant colonel in Army Military Intelligence to founding his own concierge recruiting firm.
Mike breaks down the challenges federal employees face when leaving government service, including identity shifts, unexpected career hurdles, and the importance of realistic expectations. He also offers invaluable advice on preparing for the transition, from starting early and crafting the right resume to embracing new career possibilities beyond the obvious paths.

Navigating Careers Between Government and Industry with Ratima Kataria

Making the leap from government to industry—and sometimes back again—can be a complex journey. In this episode of Former Fed Friday, David Blackburn talks with Ratima Kataria, a seasoned growth leader who has navigated both worlds with remarkable success. From her time as Deputy CIO at HRSA to her current role driving strategy for ICF’s Federal Health, Ratima shares invaluable insights on transitioning careers, building a powerful network, and making an impact in both federal and private sectors. 
Ratima suggests getting involved with groups like ACT-IAC, AFCEA, and PSC. Whether you're considering a career move or looking to strengthen public-private collaborations, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.
To connect with Ratima visit her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about ICF here.
Thank you to our sponsor!Learn more about vTech Solution by visiting their webpage here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Beyond Government: Reinventing Your Career with Robert Leahy

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Mike Pereira sits down with Robert Leahy, a retired federal executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in IT strategy, modernization, and operations at major government agencies like NASA, the IRS, and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Now a Strategic Executive Advisor at Accenture Federal Services, Robert shares insights on navigating career transitions, the importance of networking, and how federal employees can prepare for changes in the workforce.
From managing large-scale technology transformations to adjusting to life after government service, Robert offers practical advice for former feds looking to transition into the private sector. He also shares how to stay ahead of the curve with AI, career stability strategies, and the importance of setting personal goals in retirement.
Whether you're actively exploring new opportunities or simply want to future-proof your career, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways, real-world experience, and inspiration for the next step in your professional journey.
To connect with Robert, visit him on LinkedIn here.
Thank you to our sponsor!To connect with Mike Pereira visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about vTech Solution by visiting their webpage here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Planning Your Exit: Retirement, Ethics & Industry Transitions with Monica Padron Harris

Thinking about retiring from federal service? Wondering how to transition smoothly into the private sector? On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Shelley McGuire sits down with Monica Padron Harris, a former DHS acquisition expert turned entrepreneur. With over 30 years of experience, Monica shares her journey from government service to launching her own consulting firm, Procurement Pros.
From financial planning and ethics considerations to navigating industry lingo and setting up a business, Monica offers candid insights and practical advice for federal employees contemplating their next move. Plus, hear her take on the current state of government workforce reductions and how to prepare for the unexpected.
To connect with Monica visit her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Procurement Pros here.
Thank you to our sponsor!Learn more about vTech Solution by visiting their webpage here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Bill Ashton’s Lifelong Commitment to Service

From the depths of the ocean aboard a Navy submarine to the halls of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bill Ashton’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. After 23 years in the Navy and 21 years in federal service, Bill dedicated himself to one final mission—ensuring that veterans have access to the benefits and opportunities they deserve.
In this episode, Bill shares his unexpected path from military service to government leadership, his drive to reform veteran support programs, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. With his signature humor and straight-shooting honesty, Bill reveals how he turned a career in service into a passion for advocacy—proving that retirement is just another chapter in the mission. 
To connect with William, visit him on LinkedIn here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Life, Business & Giving Back After Government with Mike McGuire

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Mike McGuire, Director Capture/Business Development - Federal with vTech Solution. From his 30-year career in federal service to embracing the transition into retirement, Mike shares invaluable insights on planning ahead, staying active, and navigating post-retirement finances. Plus, hear about his unique school bus-turned-food truck and how he’s using it to give back to the community.
Learn more about OrangeSlices AI here.