The Partnership for Public Service has an amazing conference planned for federal human resources professionals. Michelle Amante, the VP for Federal Workforce Programs at the Partnership, discusses what this first of its kind conference will deliver and why you should register ASAP. Click the link below for more details: https://ourpublicservice.org…

Meet Brian Wilson, organizational change manager at the Security and Echange Commission. Cool title, right? He walks us through how he approaches change and what you need to know if you're working on a major org change. You can find him on LinkedIn here. Brian mentioned a change management certification in this episode. You can find it here.…

I've joined forces with Jason Coleman of the FedFam group to bring you a new resource! We've created FedFam.org, a membership site for federal employees only. We bring tons of standard operating procedures, info and advice and we're adding more every week. In this episode you'll hear from us what you'll get as a member. We're offering this tailored…

Meet Steve Goodrich. He's the author of Transforming Government from Congress to the Cubicle, CEO at The Center for Organizational Excellence, and a board members for the Shared Services Leadership Coalition. In this episode, he describes his book (which you can purchase here) and how you can get involved in the Shared Services Leadership Coalition…

Kevin Moss of Consumer Checkbook is back on the podcast to help you make sense of all the choices available during open season. Use code fedupward and get 20% off the already VERY reasonable priced tool Kevin and team built. https://www.checkbook.org/newhig2/year24/membership/orderonline.cfm?type=online No one knows more about FEHB plans than Kevin…

Heard of Humans of New York? Well, Brian Whittaker founded Humans of Public Service. https://humansofpublicservice.org/ You can nominate your coworkers to be featured on the site/LinkedIn/Instagram page. Brian, currently a FDIC employee with tons of experience in federal agencies, founded the site to recognize people like us who often get a bad rap…

Never heard of the Holman Rule? Probably not, but members of the House or Representatives can use it to eliminate your individual salary or the program you work on as part of deliberations on appropriations bills. Lucas Schleusener, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of OUT in National Security explains how members of the House used the Holman …

Anxious about the potential government shutdown? This episode outlines resources, news sources and discounts for feds. Here are the links you need to get educated and stay that way. OPM guidance and Agency/Dept Shutdown Plans: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/#url=Shutdown-Furlough Washington Posts's Shutdown Gu…

Public administration guru Dr. Don Kettl joined me on the podcast to talk about what feds can expect over the next month - will the gov shut down? Will feds get repaid if it does? Explore these questions and more. Don recently authored a book, one of many he's written about public management and operaitons. You can find it here. Don specializes in …

Looking for a degree program that fits YOUR needs? UMGC might be just what you're looking for. Justin Hasty, director for UMGC's federal strategic partnerships, and Daniel Mintz (daniel.mintz@umgc.edu), Department Chair for information technology, joined me on the show to discuss how an online degree program can help build your skills in areas need…

Nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the US Senate in February 2010 as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, Doug Wilson was the first openly-gay individual to be Senate-confirmed to a senior-level Pentagon position. Prior to retiring from government in March of 2012, he served as Senior Spokesman for the Department of Defense…

The President of Federally Employed Women (FEW), Pam Richards, explained what FEW does, why you should join and what's coming up in this year's National Training Program in Columbus, Ohio, July 9-13. You can register for the event and become a member here. FEW is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1968 shortly after government issued Exe…

Mika Cross, former federal employee, federal work and future of work expert, joined me in this episode to talk about the latest news in the Biden Administration on telework guidance, how to expertly request telework flexibilities, and how to search for jobs that offer flexibility. She also discussed a new tool she's built to help your organization …

I welcomed Jason Briefel back to the show for a frank talk about pay compression for federal employees. He's one of the few people you'll hear speaking publicly on behalf of feds about this issue. Think about it - how do we attract talent to federal service if pay in high cost areas doesn't come close to keeping pace with private industry,;politica…

Anxious about debt ceiling repercussions? Not getting your paycheck? Not knowing what's coming? Even if a deal is reached, the programs and services you administer might be cut or reduced. There's lot of uncertainty ahead of us this summer, feds. Dr. Donald Kettl joined me on the podcast to try to make sense of it all. Dr. Donald Kettl specializes …

Meet Bill Eggers, executive director of Deloitte’s Center for Government Insights, where he is responsible for the firm’s public sector thought leadership. He and public administration stcholar Dr. Don Kettl recently published a book on building bridges: https://www.amazon.com/Bridgebuilders-Government-Transcend-Boundaries-Problems-ebook/dp/B0B5Y8X…

The Rodel Institute is an independent nonprofit organization devoted to strengthening American democracy and improving the quality of public leadership in the United States. A nonpartisan center for leadership and intellectual growth, Rodel helps America’s most promising leaders reach their full potential as public servants, deepen their commitment…

Under investigation? Just filed a complaint? Guest Kevin Shehan of Shehan Legal explains when you might want to contact an attorney to set you off on the right path. Kevin worked as a federal employee and now helps them with EEO and other issues. He's seen both sides of federal employee issues and offers tips to help when you're in sticky situation…

This episode is more rant than anything else. And it's self-directed. I need reminders from my husband to just take my leave. This episode is your permission to take YOUR leave and learn a little about how much you earn in pleasant and not so pleasant circumstances you might encounter during your federal career. Please excuse my repeated whining ab…

If you're a federal employee with ADHD, work with one, supervise one, (or like me, your household includes loved ones with ADHD), this episode is for you. ADHD can be a challenge, AND a superpower. Enter Elle O'Flaherty who provides tips and advice on how to provide support when appropriate, and better understand what ADHD is and isn't. Elle spent …

Robyn Kehoe from The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) joined me to discuss the upcoming Feds in Motion Challenge. The 3rd Annual Feds In Motion Challenge kicks off on May 1, 2023, continues during Public Service Recognition Week (#PSRW) May 7-13, and keeps on going through June 6. It’s all about moving in your favorite way — wa…

In this episode, Dr. Russel Robinson and I discuss an upcoming event specifically for public servants - No decks, no slides, no handouts. The purpose is to connect with like minded professionals, learn, and affect change in your sphere of influence. Here are the details: Stories have the power to inspire, strengthen, and heal. And the stories we te…

Feds - do you have a stressful job of importance and need to take a few minutes to practice mindfulness? The Mindful Fed community is exactly what you're looking for. NOAA employee Garth Smelser runs an amazing group that you can sign up for FOR FREE to help you stay focused and balanced. And if you happen to work at an organization that can help G…

Jamie Jones Miller, former federal employee in the executive and legislative brances, joined me on the show to discuss her new role as the dean and CEO of Northeastern University's new Arlington, VA campus. They're open for business and offering degree and certificate programs specifically for federal employees and the contractors who support them.…

Tony Zerante, Chief Strategy Officer, and Stephanie Baker, Chief Experience Officer, at WAEPA, joined me to discuss short term disability insurance and why you might need it. They walk us through the product WAEPA offers and how to learn more. WAEPA is a proud sponsor of the FedUpward Podcast. To learn more about WAEPA and the products they offer p…

Dr. Heath Harding of the Office of Personnel Management's Center for Leadership Development, described what the Federal Executive Institute is and why you want to attend. FEI, located in Charlottesville, VA, offers leader development and networking opporunities you should know about. I attended many years ago and had a great exerpience that include…

Consumers' Checkbook, a non-profit organization that helps youi make better financial decisions, offers a fantastic tool to compare FEHB plans. With open season coming mid-November, you should explore changes to your current plan, what other plans offer, and how much premiums are changing (spoiler - rate increases are NOT uniform across plans). Kev…

Tom Davenport, an AI/machine learning expert who also happens to be my first cousin once removed (yes, I said it), discussed what AI is, how feds might leverage it. If you feel like you *should* already understand AI but you don't, this is a great place to start. Tom is a world-renowned thought leader and author, is the President’s Distinguished Pr…

What should you be thinking about when higher level leadership says it's time to return to the physical office? If you're facing questions and resistance from your team, this episode is for you. FEDS Protection CEO and founder Tony Vergnetti reminds us of the liability coverage his company, a proud aponsor os this podcast, offers federal employees.…

Something awful happened at work and you're considering an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint, or maybe you should go to the Inspector General (IG) in your agency/department. Or maybe your supervisor's supervisor could help. Where do you even start? Enter Kevin Shehan.of Shehan Legal. He's worked in federal employment law for a federal ag…

Wish there was a playbook on how to work more efficiently in a federal agency or department? Look no further. Marina Nitze and Nick Sinai wrote the book on strategies you can use in your daily work to get things done. They've worked at the highest levels of the federal government and were both known for getting the job DONE. Marina joined me on the…

Sunayna Tuteja, the first ever Chief Innovation Officer at the Federal Reserve System, isn't your typical civil servant. She spent most of her career in fintech working on emerging technologies (think crypto currency). She laughed when a recruiter claled her about taking on the role of innovation officer at the Fed. But her outsider status made her…

SOOO excited to welcome Rob Seidner back to the podcast. While working at the Office of Management and Budget, he explained how the rules for civil service really suck. The history lesson helped us understand WHY they suck.You can listen to that episode at this link. Rob recently transitioned to a job outside government. He talks about why that was…

The Federal Training Academy, a company dedicated to your learning, offers tailored training, consulting, and coaching to federal agencies and departments. Angela Kochuba, the founder and managing director, created the organization in 1999 and never looked back. Grounded in public service, she offers a long list of services that can help you and yo…

Do you hear the outrageous accusations against federal employees just doing their jobs (think IRS, FBI right now) and think, "I really wish someone was sticking up for them!" The Professional Managers Association (PMA) does just that. Executive Director Chad Hooper shared thoughts on what the PMA is and how they advocate for IRS employees right now…

Your TSP statement making you cry? I talked to certified financial planner Brian Sigwart about the long-term outlook and new funds available for us to choose. Need personalized advice? You can contact Brian here: Brian Sigwart CFP® , RICP ® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional Financial Services Representative 11350 McCormick Road, Executive P…

If you live outside the DC/VA/MD area and haven't connected with your regional Federal Executive Board, you need to explore all your FEB has to offer. They provide regional news for feds, policy changes that may impact you, training, development opportunities and much more. Here's the FEB website and a few examples of the regional board sites: http…

Y'all, I needed a break. With the recent Supreme Court ruling, my head has been spinning. I recorded my thoughts on recent events. Link below for OPM guidance on use of sick leave to cover travel for medical care for yourself or an immediate family member. OPM guidance on use of sick leave to cover travel for medical care And some guidance about th…

Have you watched the TV show Government Matters? It's about our work as federal employees and the topics that matter most to the leaders of our organizations. Hosted by Mimi Geerges, Government Matters is a multi-platform news program dedicated to providing non-partisan information and analysis to federal managers, contractors and those supporting …

Meet Vince Micone, the Executive Director of Enterprise Services at the Dept of Commerce. He's served in a variety of high-level positions in several federal agencies and departments. He understands what it takes to be succiessful at every level and he delivers advice on how to be good at your job - the basics. We discusse what makes a good staff m…

Deborah Hopkins, president of the Federal Employment Law Training Group (FELTG), returns to the podcast to discuss a recent Merit Systems Protection Board ruling on a conduct unbecoming case. If you're a supervisor working through your options with an employee who's testing the limits, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about training events…

Heard of the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Executive Institute? In this episode, Steven Frid (FEI Alumni Association Board Member), gives us a quick rundown on what FEI is and the upcoming alumni association event you won't want to miss! Steven Frid currently works as Director of Security at Federal Student Aid, where he manages programs…

Arianne Gallagher-Welcher, OPM leader and director of the PMF program, gives us the details you should know about the premiere pathway to bring talent into government. Whether you're interested in applying or bringing a fellow into your organization, this episode gives you the program basics you need to move forward. Learn more here: The Presidenti…

We've all heard of exit interviews and why to conduct them. But what about stay interviews? If we understand the problems facing our teams, maybe we can solve those problems. Retaining our best talent is SO important, given it takes so long to get through the hiring process. Mr. John Willison, a long-time SES and leader at Army's DEVCOM, explains h…

ATD's Government Workforce Conference is coming! On September 8th, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) is hosting a conference to help connect training and development industry leaders with you. Dr. JJ Walcott and Mr. Reese Madsen, government training experts, explain why this event will be helpful and productive for you and your teams. Cl…

What do you actually know about cyber? What does the word cyber even mean? As you move forward in your career as a government leader, you'll need to know at least SOMEthing about cyber vulnerabilities, how to keep your team's data safe, and what your agency or department is doing to keep services running in the event of cyber intrusions. Huh? Enter…

Executive Women in Government, or EWG, is the OG in networking for women in government. https://execwomeningov.org/ Founded in 1973, Executive Women in Government is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization comprised of Federal Government women executives. Members prepare, promote, and support women for senior leadership positions in the Federal Gove…

Erin Carter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) explained what the organization does and what's in store for feds and retirees who attend the upcoming FedCon 2022 conference. NARFE Membership is open to civilians who are or will be eligible to receive an annuity or survivor annuity from the federal retirement programs of an…

Ms. Evanna Hu, CEO of Omelas and nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, explains the mission and work of the Asian American Employees for Nondiscrimination. She wrote a pwoerful article last year describing the driscrimination federal employees of Asian or Pacific Islander descent face. You can find her aricle here. To join and support …

Meet John Schuhart. He spent 17 years as a SES in the intelligence community and now coaches full time. He created a new supervisors guide you can get FOR FREE at his webiste: https://graybeardcoaching.com/ He and I talked about being a new supervisor, coaching and the similarities between the two.By FedUpward