IMPACT Podcast Series
IMPACT is FORUM’s signature podcast highlighting the women whose leadership, expertise, and vision are shaping the future of government, technology, and the federal contracting community. Each episode features in-depth, authentic conversations with executives, trailblazers, innovators, and rising leaders who are driving meaningful progress across the public and private sectors.
The podcast explores a wide range of topics essential to modern leadership: building inclusive workplaces, navigating career advancement, leading through change, supporting mission outcomes, and fostering collaboration between government and industry. Guests share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and actionable insights that empower listeners to lead with confidence and drive impact within their organizations.
IMPACT offers more than professional stories—it provides a platform for thoughtful dialogue on mentorship, opportunity, innovation, and the challenges and successes women encounter at every level of the GovCon and federal technology ecosystem. Whether you are an emerging professional, a seasoned executive, or someone passionate about leadership and community, the podcast delivers inspiration and practical guidance you can apply immediately.
About the Host:
Mary Ann Brown hosts IMPACT and brings deep experience supporting government–industry collaboration. As Senior Director of Operations at FORUM, she helps create strategic events, leadership initiatives, and platforms that elevate voices across the federal community and advance meaningful conversations about leadership and mission success.
Subscribe to IMPACT to hear the stories and perspectives of the women shaping the federal landscape—and to be inspired by the leadership driving change across government and industry.
IMPACT Podcast Series
From Small Business to Federal Powerhouse: Taelor Salmon's Blueprint for Women in Government Contracting
In this powerful episode of the IMPACT Women in Leadership Podcast, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Taelor Salmon, CEO of TJS Group Inc., a thriving multidisciplinary federal contracting firm providing facilities maintenance, IT security, and administrative support to federal agencies nationwide.
Taelor shares her journey as a small business owner and real estate investor who has built not just one successful enterprise, but multiple—including real estate development focused on quality subsidized housing in Washington, D.C. But her path to the top hasn't been without obstacles. In this candid conversation, Taelor opens up about the biggest barriers she's faced as a woman leader in the government contracting space and how those challenges shaped her leadership philosophy today.
Listeners will hear the inside story of a pivotal moment that transformed TJS Group's trajectory in the GovCon market, and gain insight into how Taelor balances authenticity with navigating a historically male-dominated industry. She also offers invaluable advice for women who feel they lack the "traditional" background or network to pursue leadership roles in government contracting—spoiler alert: you don't need permission to lead.
Beyond her own success, Taelor is passionate about creating opportunities for others. She discusses her work mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs through real estate investing support and personalized business coaching, and shares her vision for the future of women in government contracting. What changes does she want to see? And what role must women leaders play in making it happen?
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to scale their business, break into federal contracting, or simply lead with impact and authenticity. Taelor Salmon proves that with vision, grit, and a commitment to growth, anything is possible.
Tune in to be inspired, equipped, and empowered.
IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation.
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