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
Driving Adoption of AI and Emerging Technologies: A Conversation with Alexis Bonnell
On this episode of IMPACT: Women in Leadership, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Alexis Bonnell, Chief Information Officer and Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory. A trailblazer in digital transformation and human-machine teaming, Alexis has dedicated her career to bringing innovation to some of the world’s most complex challenges—whether shaping AI adoption across the Department of Defense, co-founding USAID’s Global Development Lab, or driving emerging technology strategy at Google.
Alexis shares her journey from the early days of the digital landscape to leading groundbreaking projects in defense, technology, and global development. Together, Mary Ann and Alexis dive into the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership, the lessons learned from working in war zones and high-stakes environments, and her vision for the future of government technology.
This conversation is not just about AI and innovation—it’s about resilience, impact, and the legacy of women who break barriers in leadership. Alexis also offers practical advice for women pursuing careers in federal tech, along with insights on building strong teams and keeping innovation alive within structured organizations.
Whether you’re passionate about technology, leadership, or the power of women driving change, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to think differently about the future.
IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation.
Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.
Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts