In this episode of GovCon Unscripted, Chelsea sits down with Katie Bigelow, Founder & CEO of Mettle Ops, to talk about ethics, resilience, and the hard truths of competing in federal contracting.

Katie shares her journey from Army aviation to GovCon CEO, breaking down what it really takes to lead a mission-driven company, build customer trust, and stay resilient in a market where you lose far more than you win.

On this episode, we discuss:

• Why integrity, not shortcuts, drives long-term success
• How process protects culture, employees, and customers
• Army aviation, competition, and grit carried into entrepreneurship
• Losing ten times for every win and pushing forward anyway
• What it means to build a mission-driven small business in GovCon

Timestamps:

[00:00] – Introducing Katie Bigelow & Mettle Ops

[06:12] – Ethics, mission, and doing business the right way

[10:45] – Process, transparency, and fixing mistakes as a team

[17:00] – Grit, competition, and lessons from Army aviation

[19:20] – Losing ten times for every win in GovCon

[24:30] – Building resilience as an entrepreneur

[30:15] – What success really looks like inside a mission-driven company

Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile

• Katie Bigelow’s LinkedIn Profile

• Mettle Ops Website

🎧 Listen now on:

🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482

🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy

Like and follow us:

🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/

🔹 join our #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/

New to govcon? Here's a guide for you:

https://share.hsforms.com/288nO18bsRCCmdJZL66pClwbzmvx

21 AI Prompts to Supercharge your GovCon BD Engine:

https://collaborativecompositions.com/21-ai-prompts-to-supercharge-your-govcon-bd-engine/

In this special introductory episode, we'll be adding a twist to our usual episode setting. This time, Chelsea Roberts, CEO of Collaborative Compositions and host of GovCon Unscripted, is being interviewed by one of our special guests, Melinda Milheim of Phoenix Canyon and Christopher Zebra International.

Chelsea shares the story behind her entrepreneurial journey, as well as the podcast, why it started, how it connects industry and government, and what she’s learned by flipping the script and putting herself in the hot seat.

From her work helping small businesses navigate government contracting to building real conversations that go beyond policy talk, Chelsea opens up about the human side of GovCon, the importance of trust, and why real voices matter more than corporate jargon.

On this episode, we discuss:

• How GovCon Unscripted was born and what it aims to do
• Why conversations, not soundbites, drive the industry forward
• Balancing storytelling and technical substance in GovCon media
• How Collaborative Compositions is bridging communication between agencies and businesses
• What’s next for the podcast and community

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Chelsea introduces GovCon Unscripted’s origin and purpose

[02:30] - The value of authentic conversations in GovCon

[06:10] - How storytelling helps contractors and agencies connect

[10:45] - What makes GovCon media different from mainstream business talk

[13:25] - Future topics, trends, and guests shaping 2026

Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile
• Collaborative Compositions Website
• GovCon Unscripted Podcast Page
• Hey GovCon, Get Help Amazon Link
• When Federal Growth Stalls, Pivot and Grow Again Webinar Recap
• Melinda Milheim's LinkedIn Profile
• Phoenix Canyon's Website
• Christopher Zebra International's Website

Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Michael Allison, a Marine veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Adversity Academy, who shares his deeply personal journey of transformation, from military service to mental breakdown to rebuilding life through purpose and leadership.

Michael opens up about the moment that changed everything, his battle with identity after leaving the Marines, and how he turned trauma into the foundation of his business and mentorship philosophy.

On this episode, we discuss:

• The internal battle veterans face when the uniform comes off
• Lessons from the Marines that translate directly to entrepreneurship
• Overcoming addiction, loss, and self-destruction through purpose
• Building Adversity Academy and redefining leadership through service
• What anyone, veteran or not, can learn about resilience, focus, and fulfillment

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introducing Michael Allison and his journey from Marine to entrepreneur

[04:05] - Early career, identity struggles, and bottling emotions

[09:30] - The breaking point — turning pain into purpose

[15:10] - Lessons from Marine Corps leadership applied to business

[20:45] - Building Adversity Academy and helping others through mentorship

[26:30] - Balancing entrepreneurship, family, and mission

[31:22] - Advice for veterans transitioning into civilian and business life

[35:14] - Closing insights: resilience, focus, and redefining success

Like and follow us:

🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/

🔹 JOIN OUR #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/

Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile

• Michael Allison’s LinkedIn Profile

• Adversity Academy Website

Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Kevin Plexico, Senior Vice President of Information Solutions at Deltek, to unpack what the latest government shutdowns, FAR overhauls, and GSA changes mean for contractors heading into FY2026.

From budget uncertainty to data-driven opportunity, Kevin shares how leading firms are adapting to the next wave of federal market shifts — and how to stay ahead of the curve when policy and procurement collide.

On this episode, we discuss:

• The real impact of government shutdowns on the contractor ecosystem
• Federal spending projections and which agencies are poised to grow
• GSA vehicle evolution and what’s next for contract consolidation
• Why compliance, AI, and data visibility will define competitive advantage in 2026
• The mindset shift from panic to preparation, and where opportunity still exists

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introduction to Kevin Plexico & Deltek’s role in GovCon market intelligence

[02:00] - Fallout from the recent government shutdowns

[06:00] - 2026 spending forecasts and agency-level growth

[10:00] - GSA vehicle changes and consolidation trends

[13:00] - FAR reforms, modernization, and procurement agility

[18:00] - The new intersection of AI, data, and compliance

[24:00] - Risk mitigation and maintaining opportunity pipelines

[30:00] - How contractors can prepare for 2026 and beyond

Like and follow us:

🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/

🔹 JOIN OUR #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/

Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile

• Kevin Plexico’s LinkedIn Profile

• Deltek Website

Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! In our special 'Success After Service' episode, Chelsea sits down with Brian Pultro, Navy Reservist, financial advisor, and advocate for generational wealth and transition readiness.

Brian shares his story from post-9/11 Navy service to entrepreneurship, emphasizing lessons on leadership, discipline, and why financial literacy is a continuation of service.

On this episode, we discuss:

• Lessons from a Navy career that shaped his business philosophy
• How discipline and accountability became his biggest assets
• Having strategies and financial advice for transitioning service members
• Balancing family, reserves, and entrepreneurship
• Why planning 40 years ahead defines financial freedom

Timestamps:

[01:26] - Joining the Navy after 9/11 and early career lessons

[02:43] - Starting a financial advisory business from scratch

[04:07] - Leadership and lessons from military experience

[08:01] - Transitioning from the Navy to entrepreneurship

[12:24] - Reserve service benefits and camaraderie

[16:15] - Transition challenges and redefining purpose

[22:30] - Mentorship and paying it forward

[25:19] - Transition tips for military personnel

[28:45] - Industry challenges and aging workforce

Like and follow us:

🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/

🔹 JOIN OUR #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/

Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile
• Brian Pultro’s LinkedIn Profile
• LPL Financial

Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! In this special cross-collaboration with Tan’s Two Cents, Chelsea sits down with Tan Wilson, President & CEO of Entellect, LLC, to talk about how companies can navigate a GovCon landscape shaped by misinformation, canceled contracts, FAR overhauls, and teaming in 2026.

On this episode, we discuss:

• The rise of #GovConGrifters and why fact-checking is mission critical
• Cancelled contracts, contract reactivations & morale shockwaves
• FAR overhaul “fast passes” and what the speed means for the industry
• Why teaming is more like Tinder than tradition, baggage, and all
• Pipeline illusions and why 2026 requires ruthless focus

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introducing Tan Wilson & Entellect, LLC

[02:00] - The rise of GovCon grifters and carnival barkers

[05:00] - Fake wins, bad advice, and outright fraud

[06:00] - AI hallucinations & fabricated citations in protests

[07:00] - Spam bots, inbox noise & authentic connection rules

[09:00] - Cancelled contracts, terminated staff & cultural fallout

[10:00] - FAR overhauls & administrative shakeups

[13:00] - Waste, efficiencies & destabilization in government

[18:00] - Show your value or be consolidated

[21:00] - Set-asides, DEI & the rise of RFIs

[23:00] - Bundling, shrinking industrial base & small biz squeeze

[25:00] - Joint ventures & the hot trend in teaming

[27:00] - Tinder teaming, baggage & red flags

[29:00] - AI as flattery & why human judgment matters

[30:00] - Pipelines as lifeblood illusions vs. reality

[32:00] - Tools, AI limits & the human in the loop

[34:00] - The winners: value clarity, confidence, and strategic partnerships

Like and follow us:

🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/

🔹 JOIN OUR #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/

Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile

• Tan Wilson’s LinkedIn Profile

• Entellect, LLC Website

• Tan’s Two Cents Podcast

Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Jena Jones, CEO and Founder of PGT Solutions and the Molly Jones Foundation.

Jena shares her journey from Army service to running a veteran-owned small business, securing prime contracts, and learning how to pivot when the market shifts. She also opens up about the Molly Jones Foundation, which is focused on animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and veteran services.

On this episode, we discuss:

• Transitioning from Army service to GovCon entrepreneurship
• How PGT Solutions went from sub to prime contractor
• The contract crisis and how she kept her team intact
• Diversifying beyond VA contracts and into innovation
• Why she launched the Molly Jones Foundation

Timestamps:

[04:53] - Jena’s military background and transition into GovCon

[16:19] - Starting PGT Solutions and first international contract in Bangladesh

[27:04] - Becoming a prime through novation and re-competes

[38:36] - Market instability, contract crisis & retaining staff

[45:43] - The Molly Jones Foundation and its three pillars

[51:36] - Contact information and future plans

Like and follow us:

🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/

🔹 JOIN OUR #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/

Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile

• Jena Jones’ LinkedIn Profile

• PGT Solutions Website

• Molly Jones Foundation Website

Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Robert Fehlen, Managing Principal of Dark Corner Solutions.

Robert shares how his defense ventures led to the launch of Mission Cultivate, a discreet and secure social networking platform designed for defense, national security, and industry professionals who are tired of “happy hour networking” and cluttered platforms.

On this episode, we discuss:

Why authentic connections still drive GovCon success

How Mission Cultivate ensures security and vetted access

Why traditional networking isn’t working, and what comes next

How 60,000+ users joined the waitlist through word of mouth

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introducing Robert Fehlen and Dark Corner Solutions

[01:00] - Launching new platforms across defense and national security

[02:00] - Robert’s path into GovCon — family military legacy and entrepreneurship

[03:00] - Why Mission Cultivate was created

[06:00] - Government participation and growing waitlist of 60,000+

[08:00] - Word-of-mouth growth and community management

[10:00] - Cutting noise, avoiding spam, and discouraging pitch-heavy interactions

[13:00] - Community types: public, private, hidden

[15:00] - Surfacing non-SAM.gov opportunities and problem statements

[20:00] - Tackling plagiarism and AI-generated content

[23:00] - Launch plans, events, and regional expansion

[25:00] - Security, vetting, and AWS GovCloud infrastructure

[27:00] - Balancing professional and personal conversations in communities

[29:00] - White-glove onboarding for organizations and associations

[30:00] - Where to connect with Robert

🎧 Listen now on:

🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482

🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy

Like and follow us:

🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/

🔹 JOIN OUR #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/

New to GovCon? Here's a guide for you:

https://share.hsforms.com/288nO18bsRCCmdJZL66pClwbzmvx

Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile

• Robert Fehlen’s LinkedIn Profile

• Mission Cultivate Website

• Dark Corner Solutions Website

Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Giles Walger, CEO of OODAx, who transitioned from 20 years in the Marine Corps to founding a startup that helps dual-use tech companies fast-track federal contracting.

From interoperability challenges in uniform to helping pre-Series A founders navigate federal markets, Giles shares candid lessons on accelerating acquisition cycles, building strategic partnerships, and supporting warfighters with cutting-edge solutions.

On this episode, we discuss:

• Transitioning from 20 years of MarGiles Walger: From Marine Corps to OODAx & Fast-Tracking Dual-Use Techine Corps service into entrepreneurship
• How OODAx helps pre-Series A companies break into GovCon faster
• The importance of market research, Sources Sought, and RFIs
• Why veterans bring unique strengths to entrepreneurship, but need “business language”
• National security urgency and why peer threats are already here

Timestamps:

[02:09] - Giles’ background: Marine Corps to AWS to founding OODAx

[04:03] - OODAx’s mission: accelerating contracting for pre-Series A companies

[05:00] - Interoperability challenges and navigating acquisition in uniform

[12:08] - Transition struggles: avoiding GovCon, then jumping back in

[17:25] - Continuous learning: programs like APFIT and acquisition insights

[18:34] - Why veterans are ready for entrepreneurship (with a caveat)

[22:55] - Industry challenges: compliance, ITAR/EAR, ATOs, and BD gaps

[29:08] - National security urgency: peer threats, not “near-peer”

[33:04] - Future collaboration and referral partnership with Chelsea

🎧 Listen now on:

🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482

🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy

Like and follow us:

🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/

🔹 JOIN OUR #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/

New to GovCon? Here's a guide for you:

https://share.hsforms.com/288nO18bsRCCmdJZL66pClwbzmvx

Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile

• Giles Walger’s LinkedIn Profile

• OODAx Website

Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Melinda Milheim, founder of Phoenix Canyon and Christopher Zebra International.

Melinda shares her unconventional path into government contracting from pizza delivery driver to managing $7 billion in contracts and how an ethics crisis led her to build businesses that prioritize training, integrity, and long-term student support.

On this episode, we discuss:

• From delivering pizzas to handling missile systems and major weapons contracts
• The financial reality of leaving government for the private sector
• Why integrity sometimes costs more than money — and why it’s worth it
• Why practical GovCon training matters more than theory
• How certifications like CFCM can dramatically increase salaries

Timestamps:

[07:53] - Melinda’s unconventional entry into GovCon

[21:44] - First day trauma and managing $7B in contracts

[27:21] - Transitioning to private sector: pay gaps and ethics dilemmas

[33:16] - Launching her consulting journey and leaving Moss Adams

[38:33] - Building Phoenix Canyon and Christopher Zebra International

[45:34] - Resume tips, buzzwords, and certifications for career growth

[01:03:29] - Business commitments and student-first philosophy

🎧 Listen now on:

🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482

🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy

Like and follow us:

🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/

🔹 JOIN OUR #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/

New to GovCon? Here's a guide for you:

https://share.hsforms.com/288nO18bsRCCmdJZL66pClwbzmvx

Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile

• Melinda Milheim’s LinkedIn Profile

• Phoenix Canyon Website

• Christopher Zebra International Website