FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

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

Northeastern University Arlington is Meeting the Moment for the Federal Workforce

This week, we welcome Jamie Jones Miller, Dean and CEO of Northeastern University Arlington, back to the show as the federal workforce faces historic shifts. Before her inaugural role at Northeastern University Arlington, Jamie spent over 20 years in the defense industry, from Capitol Hill to the DoD. The national security insider has brought her expertise to grow the workforce's next generation.

Jamie shares how her team is preparing today's federal employees, military-connected individuals, and contractors for tomorrow's tech-driven challenges through upskilling, reskilling, and policy-smart programs in cybersecurity, AI, data, and more.

00:00 Intro

02:00 From Capitol Hill and the Department of Defense to Academia: Jamie Jones Miller's Story

04:39 Upskilling & Reskilling at Northeastern University Arlington

06:29 Customized Offerings to Meet the Current Federal Workforce Challenges

08:17 Jamie's Experience Upskilling (and Why You Should To)

10:25 Upcoming Events and Offerings for the Federal Workforce

To browse programs and offerings at Northeastern University Arlington, click here: https://arlington.northeastern.edu/

Federal, Military, and Veteran Benefits: https://arlington.northeastern.edu/academic-programs/scholarships/

🗓️ Upcoming Federal + Military Open Houses:

📍April 2, 4:30–7:00 PM

🔗 Register: https://connect.northeastern.edu/portal/military_open_house?linkId=100000347700091

Helpful Resources:

• https://arlington.northeastern.edu/

• www.fedupwardcoaching.com

Connect with Love:

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

How MindfulFED is Creating Connection Amid Changes

Change is hard. And right now, the federal workforce is undergoing a major shift. But one government-wide community is offering an anchor in the storm. Longtime federal employee, writer, and meditation facilitator Alex Snider joins the show to share more about MindfulFED, the first-ever government-wide mindfulness community he co-created.

00:00 Intro

01:22 Origins of Mindful FED

03:22 Sign up by emailing [email protected]

04:22 Alex Snider's Recent Psychology Today Article

05:45 Coping with Constant Change

07:45 Power of Positivity

If you're a federal employee, join MindfulFED by emailing [email protected] for their weekly newsletter and meditation session. To learn more about Alex and read his publications, visit the links below.

Join Alex and other feds on March 12th in person for mindful support. Register at this link:

Helpful Resources:

• slowmindfulness.com

• Human Bureaucracy | Alex Snider | Substack

• Human Bureaucracy | Psychology Today

• www.fedupwardcoaching.com

Connect with Love:

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

• Instagram: Love (@fedupwardpodcast)

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

We welcome back Dr. Patrick Malone, Director of the Key Executive Leadership Programs at American University. Dr. Malone shares insights on leadership development for federal employees, highlighting Key's executive programs, coaching resources, and the importance of emotional intelligence in public service.

With the recent executive order eliminating the Federal Executive Institute, many federal employees are wondering what's next for their leadership development. Dr. Malone discusses how Key Executive Programs is stepping up to provide resources, coaching, and a supportive network to help feds navigate this transition.

If you're looking for guidance, this episode is for you.

Register for the Executive Leadership Conference on March 12, celebrating 50 years of leadership education -- https://www.american.edu/spa/key/key-conference.cfm

Helpful Resources:

• www.fedupwardcoaching.com

• Key Executive Leadership Programs at American University: https://www.american.edu/spa/key/

• Leading with Love and Laughter - Patrick Malone and Zina Sutch https://sutchmalone.com/books/leading-with-love-and-laughter/

Connect with Love:

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

• Instagram: Love (@fedupwardpodcast)

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

Despite hiring freezes across the federal government, there are agencies still looking to fill roles with the next generation of top talent. Love Rutledge sits down with Pat Tamburrino, Jr. to discuss NobleReach, a nonprofit organization helping agencies streamline hiring by connecting them with highly qualified candidates. Learn how this innovative program is making federal service more accessible and efficient.

00:00 - Intro

01:06 - Meet Pat Tamburrino, Jr. & NobleReach

02:58 - Pat's Career Journey

04:21 - What is NobleReach Scholars?

07:34 - How the Hiring Process Works

08:42 - NobleReach Benefits & Mentorship

10:37 - Success Stories & 2025 Expansion

15:54 - Connecting with NobleReach

17:14 - Mission Still Matters

17:42 - Flexibility of Placements

19:28 - Addressing Talent Gaps

NobleReach is redefining how agencies find and onboard mission-driven professionals. Whether you're a federal hiring manager looking for talent or someone interested in public service, this episode has valuable insights for you.

Helpful Resources:

• www.fedupwardcoaching.com

• https://noblereachfoundation.org/

• Connect with Pat Tamburrino, Jr.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-tamburrino-jr-26212283/

Connect with Love:

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

• Instagram: Love (@fedupwardpodcast)

• Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

Cadie Hopkins on Amplifying the Stories of Women in the Intel Community

Cadie Hopkins, co-founder of Iron Butterfly Media, joins the podcast to discuss their mission to amplify the stories of women in the intelligence community. Cadie shares the journey behind their podcasts, Iron Butterfly and Women in the Arena, as well as an upcoming documentary featuring trailblazing women in public service. Her story reflects a commitment to bring together federal employees to mentor, sponsor and support one another. How could you do the same wherever you work?

Tune in to learn about their grassroots efforts, impactful storytelling, and how they're busting myths about the intelligence community. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about mentorship, community, and the power of authentic voices in public service!

For more on Iron Butterfly Media click here: www.ironbutterflymedia.com

Helpful Resources:

• www.fedupwardcoaching.com

• Subscribe to Iron Butterfly: www.ironbutterflymedia.com/the-iron-butterfly-podcast

• Subscribe to The Women in the Arena: www.ironbutterflymedia.com/the-women-in-the-arena

• Donate to support the documentary production: https://donorbox.org/iron-butterfly-foundation-2024-eoy-fundraising-campaign

Connect with Love:

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

• Instagram: Love (@fedupwardpodcast)

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

Certified financial planner Brian Sigwart joined me on the podcast to discuss the elimination of the windfall provision, whichi limited CSRS employee social security benefits. (If you're a FERS employee, this won't impact you.) He also explains what you should be thinking about as we kick off a new calendar year (update your TSP contributions folks). Catch up contributions for folks of specific ages changed this year. You cna get more details here.

A WEP explainer:

https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/program-explainers/windfall-elimination-provision.html

Biden signed the bill:

https://www.psrs-peers.org/About-Us/News/2025/01/06/president-biden-signs-social-security-fairness-act--repeals-wep-and-gpo

Brian Sigwart's contact information:

Schedule a call with Brian here.

Brian Sigwart CFP® , RICP ®

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

Financial Services Representative

11350 McCormick Road,

Executive Plaza IV, Suite 200

Hunt Valley, MD 21031

T: (410) 937-9098 Calls & Voicemails only

T: (410) 429-1031 Text only

F: (410) 785-7655

[email protected]

http://www.caafg.com/

FEDERAL EMPLOYEE RIGHTS: NOW AND LOOKING AHEAD

Kevin Shehan, employment law attorney specializing in federal employee rights and issues, joined me on the podcast to discuss the topics in the news (changes from the VA Accountabilty and Whistleblower Portection Act of 2017, Schedule F and DOGE), as well as your currrent rights as a federal employee.

Please note: this episode is not an ad, is not legal advice, and is NOT an endorsement of any political ideology or candidate. The goal here is to ensure you get information to be well-informed about your employment rights.

You can find Kevin here.

Tony Zerante, Chief Strategy Officer at WAEPA (Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies), joins Love to discuss the life and disability insurance benefits exclusively offered to current and former Civilian Federal Employees. Hear the updates on their products, giveback program, and the history behind this legacy non-profit organization.

To learn more about WAEPA and its partnership with Ernst & Young, visit the links below.

WAEPA Main Site

https://www.waepa.org/resources/financial-wellness-for-federal-employees/