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
Bet on Yourself: Leadership, Federal Contracts & Scaling Your Business
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Are you ready to rethink leadership and scaling a business in complex environments? This episode of FORUM Impact: Women in Leadership features Nichole Priddy, Founder & President of Catalum Strategies, LLC, sharing how she transformed decades of government contracting experience into a thriving consultancy.
Nichole’s journey spans managing $150M+ portfolios for the Department of Defense, VA, and DHS to helping organizations build structure, streamline operations, and scale without the overhead of full-time executives. She provides insights on navigating federal health programs, driving small business growth, and tackling high-stakes leadership challenges.
From overcoming doubts to redefining success, Nichole discusses entrepreneurship realities, leadership lessons she wishes she knew earlier, and how parenting reshaped her leadership style. Her strategies on execution, structure, and results-driven leadership are essential for anyone leading a team, running a business, or managing federal contracts.
Key Takeaways:
- Betting on yourself and building a business with purpose
- Leadership lessons from managing nearly 100 personnel and $150M+ in contracts
- Practical strategies for federal contractors, 8(a) firms, SDVOSBs, and mid-tier companies
- Balancing professional growth with personal life and parenthood
- Turning complex challenges into clear, actionable systems
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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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