In this episode of the ClearanceJobs Podcast, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Leslie Reid, Vice President of Defense Programs at iWorks and former senior leader at the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), for a deep-dive conversation into the reality and the future of Trusted Workforce 2.0.

With more than two decades of leadership experience across the national security and defense community, Leslie has been at the center of some of the most significant vetting reforms of the past decade. From driving modernization at DCSA to championing agile, scalable solutions that support mission requirements, Leslie brings unmatched insight into how the personnel-vetting enterprise is transforming and what’s coming next.

Together, Lindy and Leslie unpack the big questions shaping TW 2.0 today:

• How are agencies implementing modernization at scale?
• What challenges remain around reciprocity, system adoption, clearance mobility, and workforce readiness?
• How are new tools including automation, AI, and continuous vetting technologies changing expectations for applicants, employers, and security professionals?
• And what does the future look like as the government prepares for the next era of risk-based, data-driven vetting?

Whether you’re an FSO, recruiter, HR leader, cleared professional, or simply someone trying to make sense of the alphabet soup of vetting reforms, this is a conversation that pulls back the curtain on what Trusted Workforce 2.0 really means—and how it will reshape national security hiring for years to come.

Tune in for an expert-driven, mission-focused discussion on security clearance modernization.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does a government shutdown really impact security clearance holders and applicants? In this timely episode, Lindy Kyzer sits down with security clearance and employment law expert John Berry to break down the real-world consequences beyond the headlines.

From delayed investigations and paused adjudications to furlough fears and continuous vetting confusion, we explore how shutdowns can ripple through every stage of the clearance process. Can your clearance be at risk if you’re not being paid? What if you’re an applicant waiting on paperwork or a contractor stuck in limbo?

John brings his legal insight and decades of experience representing federal employees and contractors, while Lindy adds perspective from the cleared workforce and industry trends.

We cover:

• How shutdowns disrupt clearance processing and timelines
• What applicants should do if their investigation stalls
• Financial stress, furloughs, and reporting requirements
• Practical advice to protect your career during government uncertainty

Whether you’re active duty, a contractor, federal employee, or just clearance-curious, this episode gives you the clarity and action steps you need to stay prepared no matter what happens in Washington.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal hiring is never simple. And right now, it’s changing faster than ever. From new incentives for law enforcement and the growing demand for IT talent, to changes like the two-page USAJobs resume rule, the landscape can feel overwhelming.

On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity on Federal News Network, ClearanceJobs’ Lindy Kyzer sits down with federal jobs coach Armand Curet to break it all down. They’ll unpack the latest on hiring freezes, agency-specific trends, and the myths that stop great candidates from landing government roles.

Whether you’re a veteran, a career-changer, or just curious about what it takes to work for the federal government, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and get clarity on your next steps.

And if you’re looking for even more insight into federal careers, don’t miss FedWork, the new resource from ClearanceJobs designed to help you navigate federal hiring, applications, and career growth.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity join Vice President of Marketing at ClearanceJobs Eric Pecinovsky as we take you inside ClearanceJobs Connect. This event brings together recruiters, government leaders, and industry experts to talk about the most pressing issues facing the cleared community, from hiring trends and workforce challenges to innovation and leadership in national security.

This is the fifth year of Connect, and in this episode we’ll share highlights from the conversations, key takeaways from the sessions, and some behind-the-scenes perspective on what makes this event such a unique gathering point for the cleared community.

So whether you were with us in the room or you’re catching up after the fact, settle in—we’re bringing you the best of ClearanceJobs Connect.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jill Hamilton Content Director, ClearanceJobs, joins Lindy Kyzer to discuss a brand new book that discusses the history and the current realities of the Clearance process. In Trust Me: A Guide to Secrets, Lindy Kyzer tackles the wonky security clearance process in one readable resource for applicants and professionals alike.

A recent Reddit post from a young applicant illustrates the stakes. The individual admitted to years of marijuana use but confessed they had already told their recruiter “no drug usage.” Unsure of how to move forward, they turned online for advice—and found the internet urging them to lie. Kyzer’s book and her broader message address exactly why that’s the wrong path.

Trust vs. Fear of Disqualification

For many applicants, the biggest fear is that one mistake will end their career before it begins. That fear leads to a troubling temptation: lying on the forms or to an investigator. Kyzer stresses that this fear is misplaced. The clearance process is built to account for human imperfection through something called the 'whole person' concept. What matters most is whether an individual demonstrates honesty and growth, not whether they lived without flaws.

Internet Advice vs. Official Guidance

The Reddit post is a case study in the dangers of relying on unofficial advice. Seventy-five percent of commenters told the applicant to lie—directly contradicting what security professionals and adjudicators would say. Kyzer points out that this disconnect is one reason she wrote Trust Me. By elevating authoritative voices and demystifying clearance rules, the book seeks to drown out the misinformation that thrives online.

Marijuana and Modern Policy

Marijuana remains one of the most confusing issues in the clearance world. State laws have shifted, but federal rules still apply. The applicant in this case had been marijuana-free since October, raising the question: is that enough? Kyzer emphasizes that adjudicators look for patterns, recency, and demonstrated change. While past use is not automatically disqualifying, dishonesty about that use almost always is.

Building Long-Term Trust in the Clearance System

The broader takeaway is clear: applicants don’t fully trust the system to be fair, and yet the system itself rests entirely on trustworthiness. Kyzer argues that closing that gap will require more than rulebooks; it will take proactive communication from recruiters, transparency from investigators, and cultural reinforcement from agencies. When honesty feels like the safer choice, both individuals and the national security community benefit.

Weigh in: Looking for a place to share your own federal stories or career advice? Visit us at FedWork, a brand new Internet forum designed for federal employees and those interested in federal work.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lindy Kyzer and defense innovation leader Noam Oz—former Director for Innovation Operations at NavalX—join the show today for a candid discussion on how to cut through bureaucracy and deliver solutions at the speed of relevance.

From outdated procedures to entrenched cultural norms, federal acquisition has long faced challenges in moving innovation from idea to implementation.

They’ll explore how rapid prototyping, operator engagement, and smart risk management can transform acquisition outcomes, and why cultivating enduring industry-government partnerships is key to sustaining innovation.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, we sit down with Steven Gaffney, CEO of the Steven Gaffney Company, renowned leadership expert, and author of Unconditional Power. Known for helping Fortune 500 companies, U.S. government agencies, and military organizations build Consistently High Achieving Teams (CHAT®), Steven shares powerful insights on unlocking team potential, fostering candid communication, and overcoming leadership challenges in today’s workforce.

From breaking down the biggest misconceptions leaders have about high performance, to offering actionable tips for encouraging honesty and accountability, Steven reveals the mindset shifts that transform struggling teams into thriving ones. He also reflects on the unique challenges of leading in the government and national security space, and what leaders must do to maintain performance despite ongoing workforce pressures.

If you’re a leader—or aspire to be one—this episode offers practical strategies and inspiration for building teams that consistently deliver, no matter the environment.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with Sabra Horne, a passionate advocate for innovation and intrapreneurship within the federal government. Drawing from her extensive experience working across both government and industry, Sabra unpacks the complex barriers that hold back innovation inside federal agencies, especially when it comes to empowering the people who make change happen.

Sabra reminds us that true transformation isn’t just about new tech. It’s about people. She shares candid insights on why the human side of innovation is so often overlooked, and what shifts must occur in leadership, culture, and workforce development to make real, sustainable change possible. For federal employees who dream of driving change from within, Sabra offers practical advice on how to be an effective intrapreneur in bureaucratic environments that can sometimes feel resistant to fresh ideas.

We also explore success stories where government agencies have gotten innovation right, highlighting what happens when leadership and workforce are fully aligned behind a mission. Finally, Sabra shares her vision for reimagining how government hires and grows talent to support innovation, and what steps agencies can take starting tomorrow to build a more agile, empowered, and forward-thinking workforce.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us for an insider’s look at how Tru-Vetting is reshaping the personnel security landscape. In this episode, we explore the driving force behind Tru-Vetting’s founding, its alignment with Trusted Workforce 2.0, and how its technology eases the burden on overworked FSOs while keeping compliance front and center. Hear firsthand how modern tools can enhance insider threat detection, continuous vetting, and risk management — and learn from early adopters about real-world success stories proving that better vetting makes for a stronger, more resilient workforce.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The annual NCMS Seminar brings together security professionals from across the nation. In this episode of the ClearanceJobs Podcast, we take you behind the scenes of the NCMS Annual Seminar—the premier event for industrial security professionals. Joining us are special guests Stevie Dahl and Sarah Turner, members of the NCMS National Board of Directors, who share their insights from this year’s event, including the most asked-about sessions, trends shaping the security profession, and why NCMS continues to be the must-attend seminar for cleared industry leaders.

From insider threat programs to classified contract compliance, the NCMS Seminar offers practical training and powerful networking for professionals across the national security ecosystem. Whether you're a long-time NCMS member or a first-time attendee, you’ll get a front-row seat to the people, policy, and partnerships shaping the future of security.

Tune in to hear Stevie and Sarah discuss:

• What to expect from this year’s keynote speakers and breakout sessions
• How NCMS is evolving to support professionals across career levels
• What’s new for NCMS members in 2025
• Why community and collaboration remain critical to mission success

This episode is your pass to the conversations happening at the cutting edge of security.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.