In this first episode of Spilling the Tea on GovCon for 2026, we sit down with Liseth Velez, CEO of LJV Development, for an inspiring conversation about building a federal contracting business where mission truly comes first. Liseth shares her background and military experience, what motivated her to launch LJV Development, and how those early decisions shaped her leadership style and company culture.

We dive into her journey entering the federal marketplace, including the challenges, early wins, and hard lessons that come with competing in GovCon. Liseth discusses the critical role of collaboration, transparency, and integrity, and how managing the right partnerships has fueled sustainable growth. She closes with powerful reflections on resilience, accountability, and staying grounded in your purpose when the pressure is on. This episode is a must-listen for anyone building a values-driven business in government contracting.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:38 Guest Introduction: Liseth Velez
01:08 Liseth's Background and Military Experience
01:22 Starting LJV Development
03:05 Entering the Federal Marketplace
04:17 Challenges and Successes in Federal Contracting
06:44 The Importance of Collaboration
12:32 Transparency and Integrity in Business
20:24 Managing Partnerships for Growth
27:39 Lessons Learned from Challenges
31:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Liseth Velez on LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/lisethvelez

Visit the LJV Development website:

www.ljvdevelopment.com