What happens when a finance analyst bets on himself and pivots into business development?
In this episode of “Rookies to Rockstars,” Amanda Ziadeh and Camille Tuutti sit down with John Hart, executive vice president and chief growth officer at Agile Defense, to hear how he made the leap.
John talks about how flexibility helped him move from spreadsheets to leading growth strategies for major government contractors. He shares the risks that changed his career, the mentors who mattered and the mistakes that toughened his leadership style.
From “trust but verify” lessons to the drive needed in BD, John gets real about what it takes. He also weighs in on hybrid work, networking nerves and why every interaction leaves a mark. His advice for students and early professionals: start building presence, confidence and connections long before graduation.
We also dig into why lateral moves can set you up for the next step and how to know when it’s time to move on — or double down where you are. And yes, John tells the story of his most cringe-worthy early-career mistake and the lesson it left behind.
If you want practical insights on building a resilient GovCon career — or any high-stakes career — this episode is worth your time.