Prospering Through Change: Women Leaders in Federal Contracting

How do you prosper through change in the fast-paced world of government contracting? In this impactful episode of Room at the Table, host Betsy Cerulo speaks with Shelly McGuire, founder of Shelly’s Events and Chief Strategy Officer at Orange Slices AI, about navigating uncertainty and growth in the federal contracting space.

Shelly shares how her career evolved from education to entrepreneurship, and how she now brings leaders together across the government contracting industry through high-impact events. This conversation explores how women in business—especially those working in federal contracting—are adapting to executive order shifts, budgeting changes, and new opportunities in federal agencies.

Together, Betsy and Shelly dive into what it takes to be a resilient federal contractor, the importance of diversifying revenue, and how to lead with purpose in unpredictable times. If you're navigating the complexities of government contracting, seeking to expand your agency footprint, or growing as a woman in business, this episode is a must-listen.

There's always room at the table—especially when we’re talking strategy, visibility, and impact in government contracting.

Timestamps:

• (00:30) Introduction to Shelly McGuire
• (03:00) Founding Shelly’s Events during COVID
• (07:45) Executive orders and industry impact
• (12:00) The power of financial resilience in business
• (18:00) Importance of diversifying revenue streams
• (24:30) Maintaining meaningful relationships in and out of government
• (28:00) Do’s and Don’ts to thrive in government contracting
• (33:00) Final thoughts on leadership, legacy, and gratitude

Key Takeaways:

• Change is constant in government contracting—staying agile, informed, and mission-focused is non-negotiable.
• Diversification is survival—building multiple streams of income protects against industry volatility.
• Your network is your net worth—relationships in and out of the federal space are vital for long-term success.
• Financial discipline is power—saving for a rainy day and managing cash flow are critical to weathering economic shifts.

Guest Bio: Shelly McGuire

Shelly McGuire is the founder of Shelly’s Events and Chief Strategy Officer at Orange Slices AI. With a background in education and entrepreneurship, she’s known for curating high-energy networking events that bring together federal agency professionals, contractors, and business leaders. Her mission? To foster authentic connections and help others grow their footprint in government contracting through strategic visibility and collaboration.

Resources & Mentions:

• Learn more about Shelly’s Events: https://www.shellysevents.com 
• Connect with Shelly on LinkedIn: Shelly McGuire 
• Explore Orange Slices AI: https://www.orangeslices.ai
• More episodes at: roomatthetablepodcast.com

Tags:

Equality, Heart Centered Workplace, Workplace Culture, Government Contracting, Federal Contractors, CMS, Women in Government, Small Business Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Resilience, Room at the Table Podcast, Betsy Cerulo, Shelly McGuire