In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Ukrainian Member of Parliament Andrii Nikolaienko to discuss how Ukraine is navigating war, planning reconstruction, and finding hope in unexpected places—including baseball. Speaking from Kyiv, Andrii offers a rare, on-the-ground perspective of leadership during conflict and outlines what it will take to rebuild a modern, resilient Ukraine.

From his early days as a diplomat and regional governor to helping defend Mariupol in 2014, Andrii shares hard-earned lessons on courage, unity, and the importance of partnerships with the U.S. and allies. He draws striking comparisons between South Korea’s post-war transformation and Ukraine’s path forward, explaining why transparency, privatization, and critical mineral development will be central to recovery.

And in a surprising twist, Andrii, reveals how the sport has become a small but powerful symbol of connection between Ukrainians and their American partners.

Key moments:

(00:00) Life in Kyiv and the unseen costs of war

(04:30) How South Korea’s post-war model could shape Ukraine’s future

(09:00) Scenarios for Ukraine’s long-term stability

(14:00) The story behind Ukraine’s baseball movement

(18:00) Early career as diplomat and regional governor

(22:00) Defending Mariupol and the birth of the Azov Battalion

(31:00) Ukraine’s evolving political landscape during wartime

(38:00) Building the “new Ukraine”: energy, infrastructure, and innovation

(45:00) The strategic value of Ukraine’s critical minerals

(50:00) Predictions for 2028 and why Ukraine’s future holds “great perspective”

Thanks to Andrii Nikolaienko for being on the show.

Follow Jake Frazer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer/

Visit https://pts.careers/ for more on Precision Talent Solutions.

The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to The Future of GovCon:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnT4lLK1BVPqqYG32A

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

How does military medicine prepare leaders differently than civilian healthcare?

In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with recently retired Lieutenant General Telita Crosland to explore how military medicine intersects with government contracting. From her journey growing up in Queens to leading a $61 billion military healthcare system, Telita shares powerful lessons about leadership, service, and partnership. Together, they discuss the role of AI and why GovCon must embrace agility and innovation to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Telita Crosland has lived a life of service that spans soldier, physician, and leader. Born and raised in NYC, she went from West Point cadet to running the entire Military Health System as the first woman and first African American to serve as Director of the Defense Health Agency. Known for her humility and vision, Telita brings a powerful voice on how GovCon partnerships can transform healthcare for service members, their families, and the nation.

Key moments:

(00:00) Telita explains why speed, agility, and partnerships are essential to GovCon success.

(03:06) Telita’s decision at age five to become a doctor.

(05:52) How a recruiter led her to West Point despite no family military background.

(10:13) Going to medical school and choosing family medicine.

(12:41) First assignment in Korea as a young Army physician.

(17:40) The unique leadership training military doctors receive compared to civilian peers.

(20:41) How mentors shaped her path from student to senior leader.

(25:36) The vital role contractors play in delivering military healthcare worldwide.

(30:54) What Covid-19 revealed about innovation, agility, and partnerships in GovCon.

(44:46) AI, sensors, and a data-driven future for military medicine.

Thanks to Telita Crosland for being on the show. 

Connect with Telita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/telita-crosland/ 

Visit https://pts.careers/ for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions. 

Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer/ 

The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to the Future of GovCon: 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnT4lLK1BVPqqYG32A 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon 

How should the U.S. defense industry prepare for a Pacific-focused posture?

In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with GovCon legend Bill Bodie to explore how decades of global experience shaped his perspective on the industry’s future. From Cold War think tanks to leading KBR during the Iraq War, Bill shares how government contracting has evolved—and where it’s falling behind. Together, they discuss technological disruption, geopolitical urgency, and why he’s cautiously optimistic about the years ahead.

Bill Bodie is a seasoned GovCon executive and strategist who’s worn just about every hat in the field—from Cold War analyst to boots-on-the-ground leader in Iraq. He’s led major divisions at KBR, Parsons, and Northrop Grumman, and advised on policy at the Department of the Air Force. Today, he blends his rich government and industry experience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies—while moonlighting as a Shakespearean actor.

Key moments:

(6:06) Bill’s New York upbringing and early fascination with Russian history and theater.

(10:58) The collapse of the Soviet Union.

(17:07) Northrop and corporate communications.

(23:15) Air Force Secretariat during 9/11 and its aftermath.

(28:11) Leading KBR’s government and infrastructure unit during the height of the Iraq War.

(34:13) Parsons pivoting toward high-tech services during the post-Iraq drawdown.

(38:04) Fading demand signals from DoD and Congress’s waning defense leadership.

(44:31) DoD leaders embracing innovation from defense startups and Silicon Valley.

(52:31) The Ukraine war and why its outcome will shape global security.

Thanks to Bill Bodie for being on the show.

Connect with Bill: https://www.csis.org/people/william-bodie

https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-bodie-5b1a8b4/

Visit https://pts.careers/ for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.

Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer/

The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to the Future of GovCon:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnT4lLK1BVPqqYG32A

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

What are the opportunities and challenges for government contractors in the NATO market?

In this episode, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Andrew Rohling joins Jake Frazer to break down how NATO operates behind the curtain and what that means for government contracting. Drawing from nearly four decades in the U.S. Army and top NATO roles, Andy explains how multi-nation politics, standardization challenges, and the new 5% defense pledge are reshaping opportunities for contractors. With candid stories from his military journey and insights from NATO’s highest levels, he paints a clear picture of where GovCon leaders should be looking next.

Key moments:

(00:00) Andy introduces NATO’s 32-nation decision-making process and its challenges.

(05:40) Andy shares his Milwaukee upbringing, ROTC path, and early Army career.

(09:26) ROTC vs. West Point: Andy reflects on cadet life and commissioning.

(13:36) Andy’s encounters with contracting support, from grass-cutting contracts to billion-dollar service agreements.

(18:27) NATO contracting flexibility versus U.S. systems in Iraq and Afghanistan.

(23:24) Leading NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and balancing national vs. NATO requirements.

(29:29) Inside NATO headquarters: Andy’s role as Deputy Chair of the Military Committee.

(33:53) The importance of standardization and compliance in NATO contracting.

(37:10) 2025 NATO summit outcomes: defense spending, and new pledges.

(43:26) Where NATO will invest: command-and-control, hardware, and emerging tech.

(47:49) NATO’s resilience, Ukraine, and how protracted conflict impacts global security.

(51:56) Andy’s one word for GovCon’s NATO future: Opportunity.

Thanks to Lieutenant General Andrew Rohling for being on the show. 

Connect with Lieutenant General Rohling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-rohling/ 

Visit https://pts.careers/ for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions. 

Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer/ 

The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to the Future of GovCon: 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnT4lLK1BVPqqYG32A 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon 

Welcome to the very first episode of The Future of GovCon with Jake Frazer. This podcast gives you a front-row seat to the leaders, innovators, and decision-makers shaping government contracting.

Today’s guest, Patrick Malcor, has worn many hats. Army officer, international contractor, CEO, and now founder of Ajax Defense. From running checkpoints in Bosnia to managing multimillion-dollar contracts, Patrick has seen government contracting from every angle. He and Jake go back nearly 30 years, from serving together in the Army to leading businesses in some of the most complex environments in the world. In this kickoff episode, Patrick shares how culture and values drive organizational success, why talent is the defining challenge in defense manufacturing, and how decentralization and technology will reshape GovCon in the years ahead.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Why values and culture drive organizational success

(00:35) Jake introduces The Future of GovCon and its mission

(02:00) Parallel military upbringings and early careers in the Army

(07:28) How contractors in Bosnia inspired the leap into GovCon

(11:05) First jobs in contracting and lessons from the Balkans support contract

(14:30) The “parking lot moment”: realizing they could run a business

(18:14) Transitioning from big primes to entrepreneurial leadership

(21:03) The power of values, culture, and alignment in building companies

(25:12) Founding Precision Talent Solutions and focusing on people challenges

(29:28) Why Patrick is passionate about M&A and defense manufacturing

(35:47) Talent shortages in skilled trades and defense manufacturing

(38:29) Big trends shaping GovCon

Connect with Patrick:

Patrick’s LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/patrickmalcor

Patrick’s Website - patrickmalcor.com

Visit pts.careers for more information on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.

Government contracting is shifting faster than ever, driven by foreign policy, emerging tech, and seismic changes in talent. The Future of GovCon with Jake Frazer gives you a front-row seat to where the industry is headed.

Hosted by Jake Frazer, CEO of Precision Talent Solutions, the show brings together leading voices from defense, intelligence, diplomacy, development, space, and cybersecurity to cut through the noise and reveal the trends shaping GovCon. With unparalleled access to CXOs, Flag Officers, diplomats, and top business development professionals, Jake delivers insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

Whether you’re a BD leader chasing growth, a P&L owner steering operations, a transitioning military professional, or simply looking to understand the forces transforming government contracting, this podcast gives you the vantage point you need.