Humble Beginnings Podcast Artwork Image

Humble Beginnings

WashingtonExec

The CEOs and senior GovCon leaders of today weren't always sitting in the corner office. They weren't born in suits with a handbook for success and a direct path to leadership. In fact, before many of these executives came into positions of powers, they had rather humble beginnings -- no corporate family tree or unlimited access. Many had to find their way on their own with little to fall back on. This podcast will share the stories of high school part-time work, first jobs and early-career decisions, decades before the CEO appointments and the board memberships. We'll learn about the unconventional paths to success, the ones most of us can relate to.

Episodes
From Family Business to 'Fixer-Upper:' LMI's CEO Doug Wagoner Isn't Afraid of the Hard JobsMarch 29, 2024
Episode artwork
A Story of People, Events and Moments that Changed the Course of Gil Smith's LifeMarch 04, 2024
Episode artwork
Working Through Life's Challenges: CEO Jon Rucker's Story is 'About the Journey, Not the Endgame' February 06, 2024
Episode artwork
Behind Sev1Tech CEO Bob Lohfeld's Reputation for 'Running Towards the Fire'January 24, 2024
Episode artwork
SPA's Richard Sawchak Shares Generations of 'Humble Beginnings': A Story of Mentorship, Giving Back & FamilyJanuary 17, 2024
Episode artwork
From Apartheid South Africa to Stateside CEO: Aarish Gokaldas' Unpredictable Path to Leading with PurposeDecember 11, 2023
Episode artwork
Paul Smith's Big Family Roots Fuel a Strong Work Ethic and Focus on Connection November 15, 2023
Episode artwork
'I Can Survive Cancer, I Can Go Learn How to Run a Business': John Ustica on Unknowns and OpportunitiesOctober 17, 2023
Episode artwork
Exposure, Loss, Opportunity & Diligence: The Making of Acentra Health's CEO Todd Stottlemyer October 11, 2023
Episode artwork
DCS Corp.'s Jack Jackson's Journey from Naval Ships and Small Towns to People-First LeadershipOctober 04, 2023
Episode artwork
The Future for XLA CEO Gary Slack Wasn't Always Clear, but Business Made it BrightSeptember 01, 2023
Episode artwork
Dreams Redefined: Luwanda Jones on Finding Purpose, Education & LeadershipAugust 14, 2023
Episode artwork
Pizzerias, Roofing and ROTC: Ed Swallow's Resourceful Ride to Management and MentorshipJuly 18, 2023
Episode artwork
From Sharecropper's Son to SVP: Stan Sims' Story of Ambition, Work Ethic and PerspectiveJune 27, 2023
Episode artwork
Lawn Care to Leadership: Andy Maner’s Midwestern Journey to White House and CEO SuccessJune 15, 2023
Episode artwork
Former Airman and Accenture Federal Services’ Rick Driggers Shares Candid Story of Loss, Resilience, Pivotal Life MomentsJune 07, 2023
Episode artwork
From Social Work to CEO: Magellan Federal’s Anna Sever Has Focused on Mission-Oriented Hard Work Since Age 14May 15, 2023
Episode artwork
From Job Rejections to NASA, the Savli Group and Beyond: Vishal Desai’s Path of Personal Investment & PerseveranceMarch 31, 2023
Episode artwork
From Small Mountain Town to Jacobs HQ: Shannon Miller’s Global Quest to StewardshipMarch 10, 2023
Episode artwork
A Modern Renaissance Man: The Stories, Passions & Perspectives that Led Michael Jung to ICFMarch 05, 2023
Episode artwork
Getting Unstuck and Uncomfortable: CGI Federal’s Stephanie Mango Takes the Trail Less Traveled to LeadershipFebruary 22, 2023
Episode artwork
CIA Brat to CEO: Arcfield’s Kevin Kelly’s Journey to the C-suiteFebruary 15, 2023
Episode artwork