POPVOX Foundation’s Departure Dialogues Give Former Feds a Voice

Anne Meeker from the POPVOX Foundation joins the FedUpward Podcast to talk about the Departure Dialogues Project—a unique initiative empowering former federal employees to share candid feedback that can help shape better laws and policies.

The POPVOX Foundation, led by former congressional staffers, focuses on strengthening the policymaking “feedback loop” between Congress, the executive branch, and constituents. With Departure Dialogues, they’re creating a safe and constructive platform where departing feds can highlight inefficiencies, roadblocks, and opportunities for improvement in government operations.

Learn how you can participate, what themes are already emerging (like the Paperwork Reduction Act and budgeting process), and why your voice matters more than ever.

If you’re a current or former fed, this is your chance to help strengthen government effectiveness and efficiency—using your experience to drive positive change.

Resources:

PopVox Departure Dialogues: https://popvox.org/departure

FedUpward Coaching: https://fedupwardcoaching.com/podcast

#FedUpward #FederalEmployees #GovernmentCareers #Policy #PublicService

Connect with Love:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Building the Future Workforce: Skills-Based Hiring and GovHR Innovations

Michelle Amante, Senior Vice President of Government Programs at Partnership for Public Service returns to the FedUpward podcast, joined by Blair Corcoran de Castillo from Opportunity@Work. 

We dive into what’s ahead for the second annual GovHR Conference, taking place September 16–18 both in Washington, D.C. and virtually. Learn how government agencies are embracing skills-based hiring, supporting non-traditional talent pipelines like STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes), and leveraging AI and data tools to meet modern workforce needs. 

Discover what’s happening in states like Maryland and cities like Philadelphia—and how these examples can transform federal, state, and local HR practices.

Register for the GovHR Conference: https://events.ourpublicservice.org/2025-govhr

Explore the Federal Support Hub and free resources: https://ourpublicservice.org

Learn more about Opportunity@Work and the STARs initiative: https://opportunityatwork.org

Helpful Resources:

• Work with Love: www.fedupwardcoaching.com 

• State of Maryland resources: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/governor-moore-launches-resource-website-for-maryland-workers-impacted-by-recent-federal-actions.aspx

Connect with Love:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan is here to share essential tips for making smarter insurance choices, navigating open season, and preparing for retirement. Learn how to avoid common mistakes, understand Medicare decisions, and use tools like the Checkbook Guide and OPM plan comparison to save money and boost your coverage.

00:00 – Intro

00:49 – Tammy Flanagan on Planning for Open Season Early

03:32 – Tools to Compare and Choose the Right Federal Health Plan

05:55 – Common Mistakes Feds Make with Insurance and Medicare

09:15 – What to Know About Health Coverage in Early Retirement

12:01 – Why NARFE Advocacy Matters and How to Get Involved

Regardless of if you're early in your career or planning retirement, this episode will help you get the most from your federal benefits.

Helpful Resources:

• Learn more about NARFE: https://www.narfe.org 

• Visit OPM’s plan comparison tool: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information 

• Meet with Tammy: https://plan-your-federal-retirement.com/talking-with-tammy/ 

• Work with Love: www.fedupwardcoaching.com 

Connect with Love:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

“Do that thing you’ve always wanted to do.” 

In this inspiring episode of the Fed Upward Podcast, host Love Rutledge sits down with returning guest Dr. Nola Haynes—a longtime federal employee, academic, and media voice—to discuss how federal employees can navigate uncertain times, build a personal brand, and thrive in a post-DEI backlash environment.

Whether you're stepping out of public service, considering your next pivot, or just curious how to carry your mission into a new space, Dr. Haynes offers candid advice and deep wisdom—along with a reminder to always show up fabulous. ✨

Dr. Haynes joined the FedUpward Podcast during the annual conference hosted by Globally, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating communities of emerging leaders who are committed to addressing the most pressing global challenges of our time.

00:00 – Intro 00:50 – Dr. Nola Haynes on career pivots and the anti-DEI backlash 02:54 – Advice for Feds considering what's next: "Take a breath, then take the leap" 04:57 – Bridging the gap between academia and federal service 08:17 – Developing a personal brand: femininity as power, not a liability 11:17 – Why showing up authentically leaves a lasting impression 13:21 – Where to follow Dr. Haynes and her new projects 15:56 – Final thoughts: This moment of chaos is your moment of opportunity

Helpful Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Nola Haynes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nola-haynes-50050158/ 

• IG: @nolahaynes 

• Substack: https://nolahaynes1.substack.com/ 

• Globally:  https://globally.org/

• Work with Love: www.fedupwardcoaching.com 

Connect with Love:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

 

David Spirk on Scaling What Works and Cutting What Doesn’t

David Spirk, a Marine Corps veteran and Senior Counselor at Palantir, joins FedUpward to talk about driving real transformation in government. He discusses how to operationalize data, the trap of failing programs, and what efficiency should actually mean in federal service. David joined the FedUpward Podcast during the annual conference hosted by Globally, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating communities of emerging leaders who are committed to addressing the most pressing global challenges of our time.

00:00 – Meet David Spirk

01:20 – How federal workers can build technical and data literacy

03:10 – Operationalizing AI: Why transformation starts at the workflow level

04:55 – Why failing programs keep getting funded

07:46 – Rethinking efficiency: Better, faster, cheaper (with meaning)

Spirk doesn’t mince words. He calls out the persistent funding of underperforming programs and urges federal leaders to stop rewarding PowerPoint progress over real-world impact. He also shares why mindset—especially around acquisition and budgeting—is often the biggest barrier to innovation.

Connect with the Globally community here.

Book Recommendation:

Freedom’s Forge: https://www.amazon.com/Freedoms-Forge-American-Business-Produced/dp/0812982045

Helpful Resources:

• Follow David Spirk on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-spirk-a21a37126/ 

• Work with Love: www.fedupwardcoaching.com 

Connect with Love:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

Inside the EEOC: What Federal Employees Should Know

What actually happens when a federal employee files an EEOC complaint? In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Mickman, a former EEOC Administrative Judge who’s seen it all—from inside the agency to now representing employees in private practice.

We cover the basics of the EEOC process, why return-to-office mandates are triggering a surge in accommodation issues, and how long federal EEO cases really take. Hear important distinctions between DEI policy and what’s actually enforceable under federal law.

00:00 – Intro: Meet Courtney Mickman

01:22 – Courtney’s Role at EEOC and Federal Background

03:48 – What Is an EEOC Administrative Judge?

05:01 – Discrimination Types EEOC Covers

07:23 – Current Trends: Return-to-Office and Disability Accommodations

10:22 – The Burden of the Accommodation Process

12:31 – Interim Accommodations and Systemic Delays

14:11 – Advice for Employees Seeking Accommodation

16:42 – How Long Do EEO Cases Take?

20:55 – DEI vs. EEOC Law: What’s the Difference?

22:42 – Resources for Federal Employees and Managers

25:08 – Final Thoughts + Resource Roundup

⚠️ Reminder: This is an informational discussion and not legal advice. If you’re facing an EEO issue, always consult an attorney.

Helpful Resources:

• EEOC Resources: https://www.eeoc.gov 

• Alan Lescht & Associates Blog: https://www.dcemploymentattorney.com/resources/blog/ 

• Follow Courtney Mickman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-mickman-36145633a/ 

• Work with Love: www.fedupwardcoaching.com 

Connect with Love:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

 

Former Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security Milancy Harris joins FedUpward at Globally’s Shaping America’s Next 25 Summit to talk candidly about her career across intelligence, counterterrorism, and policy roles—and what it really takes to lead in government today.

From navigating bureaucracy to developing talent and fostering public-private understanding, Harris shares clear-eyed advice for federal employees, aspiring leaders, and those curious about working at the highest levels of national security.

00:49 – Meet Milancy Harris: From intel analyst to senior DoD leader 01:31 – What’s broken? Bureaucracy and the roadblocks to good ideas 03:05 – Developing employees: Peer mentoring, training, and listening 05:00 – Podcasts and cross-agency training as growth tools 07:31 – Political appointees vs. career feds: Misconceptions & mindset 09:31 – The best leadership advice? Start with the human touch

Don’t miss this one if you're looking to grow your career in public service—or lead with more heart, strategy, and purpose.

Helpful Resources:

• Follow Milancy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milancy-harris/ 

• www.fedupwardcoaching.com 

Connect with Love:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

 

Globally’s Vision for the Next Generation of Leaders with Josh Marcuse

Live from the Shaping America’s Next 25 Summit, Love Rutledge sits down with Josh Marcuse, co-founder of Globally, to discuss the power of mission-aligned careers, tri-sector leadership, and how to scale authentic communities of impact.

00:49 – Meet Globally co-founder Josh Marcuse: From DoD to Google 

03:03 – Why Globally was founded + the power of community

05:44 – Four themes shaping the future

10:40 – How to get involved with Globally and its networks

12:19 – A call to future founders: Build your own mission-driven community

Globally is a nonprofit committed to building communities of emerging leaders united by a shared mission: tackling the world’s toughest challenges. The Shaping America’s Next 25 Summit brought together more than 150 leaders and partners to collaborate on securing the future, strengthening public service, and preparing the next generation with the tools, insights, and networks needed to lead for the next 25 years. The FedUpward Podcast is proud to partner with Globally.

Whether you're a federal employee or a future founder, this conversation is packed with inspiration and insight. And stay tuned for more conversations from the summit! 

Helpful Resources:

• https://globally.org/ 

• www.fedupwardcoaching.com 

Connect with Love:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

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The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas and get better.

Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!

#FederalEmployees #FederalGovernment #FedWorkforce #Federal #FedUpward

 

 

Free UMGC Career Expo for Feds on June 16 Join me in welcoming back Justin Hasty from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) to the podcast as he shares how federal employees can take charge of their careers—no matter where they’re starting from.

Whether you’re concerned about job security or simply looking to grow your skill, UMGC offers:

• 100% online degree and certificate programs

• Up to 25% tuition discounts for federal employees and their families

• Flexible learning options designed for working adults

PLUS: A Free Career Expo on June 16

UMGC is hosting a hiring event on Monday, June 16, from 11 AM-2 PM at College Park Marriott (3501 University Blvd E, Adelphi, MD 20783).

Register and upload your resume here: https://umgccareerexpo.vfairs.com/ 

Whether you’re facing a reduction in force or just ready for what’s next, you don’t have to do it alone. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone in the federal community who could benefit from this conversation. 

00:49 – Welcome Back, Justin Hasty of UMGC

01:23 – Why UMGC Works for Federal Employees

03:19 – In-Demand Degree & Certificate Programs

04:37 – Tuition Discounts for Feds & Families

05:08 – Career Expo Details (June 16)

Helpful Resources:

• https://umgccareerexpo.vfairs.com/ 

• https://www.umgc.edu/ 

• www.fedupwardcoaching.com 

Connect with Love:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

 

Questions Every Fed Should Ask Right Now

Hi Friends -  I’m back after a short break to reconnect with all of you during Public Service Recognition Week. This episode is a call for reflection and an invitation to ponder where we are as federal employees right now. With so much change happening across the federal workforce, these are the questions to ponder:

Why did you join public service? What’s keeping you here? And what do you need to not just survive—but actually thrive?

Whether you’re navigating burnout, considering your next move, or trying to hold space for others doing the same, I hope this conversation gives you a moment to pause and check in with yourself. Finding community, supporting each other, and focusing on mentoring the next generation of public servants is crcuial—even when things feel heavy.

Tune in, take a breath, and remember: you're not in this alone.

00:00 Intro

00:50 Update

1:51 Why Did You Join Public Service?

02:47 Why Are You Still Here?

03:39 What Do You Need to Succeed?

04:34 Who’s Your Community?

05:27 What Are You Contributing to the Future?

06:43 Closing Thoughts & Resources

Helpful Resources:

• https://ourpublicservice.org/ 

• https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/788713/who-is-government-by-edited-by-michael-lewis/ 

• www.fedupwardcoaching.com 

Connect with Love:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward