Building a Legacy: Brandy Durham Turns Passion for Tackling National Problems to Career Path in Data, AI
In this episode of “Humble Beginnings,” we sit down with Brandy Durham, vice president of MANTECH’s Data and AI Practice, as she shares of her upbringing in South Texas, and how her family’s history of carpentry and military service instilled a strong work ethic and adaptability that shaped her career path. Growing up in a
Lessons from a Coal Mining Town: How Accenture Federal Services’ Garland Garris Draws from his West Virginia Roots
In this episode of “Humble Beginnings,” we sit down with Garland Garris, associate director and lead for quantum science, zero trust and cloud security at Accenture Federal Services, as he shares his journey from growing up in the coal mining town of Eccles, West Virginia, to leading IT initiatives in state and federal government. Garris
From Newspaper Delivery Boy to CEO: The Story of Freedom Technology Solutions Group’s Vernon Saunders
In this episode of “Humble Beginnings,” we sit down with Vernon Saunders, CEO of Freedom Technology Solutions Group, as he shares how he journeyed from grappling with a nearly paralyzing fear of public speaking to communicating boldly and effectively while leading with intention. His story is one marked by life in the military, navigating the
From Infantry to Innovation: The Story of Parsons’ Scott Goldstein
In this episode of “Humble Beginnings,” WashingtonExec’s Amanda Ziadeh interviews Scott Goldstein, senior vice president and fellow at Parsons Corp. Goldstein shares his unique journey from an Army infantryman to a major general in the Air Force, and finally to his current role in the private sector. Goldstein’s story is marked by academic achievements, significant
Shawn Purvis’ Transformational Leadership Relies on Lifelong Values: ‘Family, Faith, Hard Work & Doing Good to Others’
In this episode of “Humble Beginnings,” we sit down with Shawn Purvis, president and CEO of QinetiQ US, as she shares her upbringing in Northern Virginia under the values of “family, faith, hard work and doing good to others.” Purvis’ parents worked for IBM, sparking her interest in computers and technology at age 7. Academics
Getting Unstuck and Uncomfortable: CGI Federal’s Stephanie Mango Takes the Trail Less Traveled to Leadership
In this episode of “Humble Beginnings,” Stephanie Mango, president of CGI Federal, takes us through her journey as a DMV native and daughter of two hardworking parents as she navigates changing academic interests, uncertainties and pivots. From math to accounting to IT, she found her specialty thanks to mentors, a trusted professor, a willingness to
Lawn Care to Leadership: Andy Maner’s Midwestern Journey to White House and CEO Success
While many recognize him as the former CEO of Avantus Federal, few may know Andy Maner’s early beginnings in Lansing, Michigan. From running his own lawn care service to working in a cherry processing plant, Andy learned the importance of hard work and determination from an early age. Although he didn’t have a clear vision
A Story of People, Events & Moments that Changed the Course of Gil Smith’s Life
In this episode of “Humble Beginnings,” we chat with Gil Smith, senior director of government health program development at Philips (and a rancher), about his upbringing as a latchkey kid in a broken home in Rhode Island. Always the “new kid,” Smith attended nearly nine different schools growing up before settling in a welcoming high
CIA Brat to CEO: Arcfield’s Kevin Kelly’s Journey to the C-suite
In this inaugural episode of “Humble Beginnings,” Kevin Kelly, chairman and CEO of Arcfield, takes us through the experiences, both professional and personal, that shaped the leader he is today and landed him at Arcfield. A self-proclaimed CIA brat born in Beirut, Lebanon, and raised overseas before returning to Northern Virginia for high school, Kelly
Exposure, Loss, Opportunity & Diligence: The Making of Acentra Health’s CEO Todd Stottlemyer
WashingtonExec’s Amanda Ziadeh and co-host Mark HuYoung, managing partner of executive advisory firm Northwind Partners, sit down with guest Todd Stottlemyer as he shares what it was like growing up in a duplex just outside New York City as the son of a U.S. Foreign Service member and a stay-at-home mom. Stottlemyer, Acentra Health’s CEO,
‘Humble Beginnings’ Podcast Added to WashingtonExec’s 2023 Pinnacle Awards Categories
WashingtonExec’s Pinnacle Awards is taking nominations for the most impactful Humble Beginnings podcast episode. The podcast is a platform for leaders to share their background stories, including how they overcame challenges to reach success. The deadline to submit a nomination for your favorite podcast episode is Sept. 1. The Pinnacle Awards is an annual program
From Job Rejections to NASA, the Savli Group and Beyond: Vishal Desai’s Path of Personal Investment & Perseverance
In this episode of “Humble Beginnings,” we chat with Vishal Desai, president of the Workflow Automation Sector and a board director at SilverEdge Government Solutions, about how the experiences throughout his life shaped his perspective and the type of leader he is today. Desai takes us through key moments and memories; growing up in India,
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