Episode 17

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Published on:

15th May 2025

Prospering Through Change: Women Leaders in Federal Contracting with Shelly McGuire

Prospering Through Change: Women Leaders in Federal Contracting

How do you prosper through change in the fast-paced world of government contracting? In this impactful episode of Room at the Table, host Betsy Cerulo speaks with Shelly McGuire, founder of Shelly’s Events and Chief Strategy Officer at Orange Slices AI, about navigating uncertainty and growth in the federal contracting space.

Shelly shares how her career evolved from education to entrepreneurship, and how she now brings leaders together across the government contracting industry through high-impact events. This conversation explores how women in business—especially those working in federal contracting—are adapting to executive order shifts, budgeting changes, and new opportunities in federal agencies.

Together, Betsy and Shelly dive into what it takes to be a resilient federal contractor, the importance of diversifying revenue, and how to lead with purpose in unpredictable times. If you're navigating the complexities of government contracting, seeking to expand your agency footprint, or growing as a woman in business, this episode is a must-listen.

There's always room at the table—especially when we’re talking strategy, visibility, and impact in government contracting.

Timestamps:

  • (00:30) Introduction to Shelly McGuire
  • (03:00) Founding Shelly’s Events during COVID
  • (07:45) Executive orders and industry impact
  • (12:00) The power of financial resilience in business
  • (18:00) Importance of diversifying revenue streams
  • (24:30) Maintaining meaningful relationships in and out of government
  • (28:00) Do’s and Don’ts to thrive in government contracting
  • (33:00) Final thoughts on leadership, legacy, and gratitude

Key Takeaways:

  • Change is constant in government contracting—staying agile, informed, and mission-focused is non-negotiable.
  • Diversification is survival—building multiple streams of income protects against industry volatility.
  • Your network is your net worth—relationships in and out of the federal space are vital for long-term success.
  • Financial discipline is power—saving for a rainy day and managing cash flow are critical to weathering economic shifts.

Guest Bio: Shelly McGuire

Shelly McGuire is the founder of Shelly’s Events and Chief Strategy Officer at Orange Slices AI. With a background in education and entrepreneurship, she’s known for curating high-energy networking events that bring together federal agency professionals, contractors, and business leaders. Her mission? To foster authentic connections and help others grow their footprint in government contracting through strategic visibility and collaboration.

Resources & Mentions:

Tags:

Equality, Heart Centered Workplace, Workplace Culture, Government Contracting, Federal Contractors, CMS, Women in Government, Small Business Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Resilience, Room at the Table Podcast, Betsy Cerulo, Shelly McGuire

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About the Podcast

Room at the Table: Building Culture by Breaking Barriers
Gather around the table for conversations about creating equitable and inclusive workplaces where leaders rise above mediocrity and teams thrive.
Gather around the table for insightful conversations focused on building heart-centered workplaces that thrive on equality, inclusive workplaces, and exceptional leadership. Betsy Cerulo (she/her) and her expert guests explore what it takes to transform workplace culture through thoughtful, meaningful dialogues that drive real social impact.
Each engaging episode of Room at the Table Podcast gets to the core principles of creating a heart-centered workplace. Through inspiring conversations, listeners will discover the critical role that inclusive workplaces play in achieving equality and enhancing workplace culture. Betsy and her diverse guests share powerful strategies to help leaders rise above mediocrity, fostering an environment of genuine inclusivity and significant social impact.
Whether discussing compassionate leadership, the impact of inclusive workplaces on employee satisfaction, or addressing burnout and stress management, each episode emphasizes practical ways to cultivate a thriving workplace culture. Betsy’s expert guests provide tangible advice on how to implement meaningful changes that support both individual and organizational growth, reinforcing the values of equality and heart-centered leadership.

Listeners will find rich, actionable insights on fostering emotional authenticity, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and supporting disability inclusion in inclusive workplaces. Each conversation highlights the transformative power of equality, effective leadership, and workplace culture that prioritizes empathy, respect, and community engagement.

Room at the Table also explores the powerful journeys of women in leadership, providing inspiration and guidance on how to break down barriers and achieve greater equality in the workplace. Episodes dedicated to navigating grief and loss underline the importance of compassion and understanding within heart-centered workplaces, reinforcing the value of empathy-driven leadership.

Economic empowerment and financial equality are also central themes, demonstrating how inclusive workplaces drive both organizational success and broader social impact. Leaders will gain valuable insights into leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion practices to build sustainable, thriving organizations that positively impact communities.

Room at the Table Podcast is essential listening for leaders and team members dedicated to cultivating heart-centered workplaces. Betsy Cerulo and her expert guests offer clear pathways for creating inclusive workplaces where equality is prioritized, leadership is impactful, and the overall workplace culture significantly contributes to positive social impact.

Subscribe now to Room at the Table Podcast and join a growing community committed to equality, inclusive workplaces, and leadership that transforms workplace culture into environments of empowerment, empathy, and enduring social impact.

About the Host:

Betsy Cerulo is the CEO of AdNet/AccountNet, a successful certified LGBTE, WBE and 8(a) management consulting firm focused on professional staffing and executive search, based in Baltimore, Maryland, and Co-Founder of the Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Betsy is the author of Miss Crabapple and Her Magical Violin, a children's book that was inspired by lighting up a dream for a child through their imagination. She is also a contributing author of two compilations: Women Living Consciously and Keys to Conscious Business Growth. Betsy lives in Baltimore with her wife, Susan, and their treasured Weimaraner, Grace Kelly. Their son and daughter-in-law, daughter, and three grandchildren complete the picture with lots of love, creativity, and laughter.

Company Website: https://www.adnetp3.com/
Personal Website: betsycerulo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsycerulo/
Shake it Off Leadership: https://books.google.ca/books/about/Shake_It_Off_Leadership.html?id=tZ3fxwEACAAJ&source=kp_author_description&redir_esc=y

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