FedUpward Podcast

The Partnership for Public Service has an amazing conference planned for federal human resources professionals. Michelle Amante, the VP for Federal Workforce Programs at the Partnership, discusses what this first of its kind conference will deliver and why you should register ASAP.  Click the link below for more details: https://ourpublicservice.org/event/2024-federal-human-capital-conference/ I hope I see you there - in person or virtually. 

Meet Brian Wilson, organizational change manager at the Security and Echange Commission. Cool title, right? He walks us through how he approaches change and what you need to know if you're working on a major org change. You can find him on LinkedIn here. Brian mentioned a change management certification in this episode. You can find it here.

I've joined forces with Jason Coleman of the FedFam group to bring you a new resource! We've created FedFam.org, a membership site for federal employees only. We bring tons of standard operating procedures, info and advice and we're adding more every week. In this episode you'll hear from us what you'll get as a member. We're offering this tailored info for only $2.99/month. Join us today at fedfam.org

Meet Steve Goodrich. He's the author of Transforming Government from Congress to the Cubicle, CEO at The Center for Organizational Excellence, and a board members for the Shared Services Leadership Coalition. In this episode, he describes his book (which you can purchase here) and how you can get involved in the Shared Services Leadership Coalition, which brings together government and industry leaders to find cost-saving solutions for the service you and your teams provide. More about the SSLC: SSLC's Definition of Shared Services SSLC defines “shared services” as the transformation of service delivery in the Federal Government through implementation of standardized, scalable capabilities, services, and technologies that improve government operations and allow agencies to focus on mission, while enhancing employee and customer experience in a secure and efficient environment. SSLC's Mission Statement SSLC's mission is to support accelerated implementation of shared services in government by: (1) educating the government about how shared services work and deliver value to employees and citizens; (2) providing technical assistance to help government modernize successfully; and (3) advocating policies to accelerate shared services modernization.  SSLC Goal Statement SSLC's goal is to promote and facilitate accelerated implementation of shared services and related modernization initiatives in service of the President's Management Agenda objectives of strengthening and empowering the Federal workforce, delivering excellent, equitable, and secure Federal services and customer experience, and managing the business of government to build back better. Value Proposition for Participation in SSLC Activities   SSLC is a community of government and industry leaders who share a passion for accelerating the pace of shared services implementation and government modernization.  SSLC provides opportunities for leaders to build relationships, learn from each other and become shared services evangelists, thereby creating through their combined efforts a force multiplier for cultural change necessary to sustain government-wide transformation.  

Kevin Moss of Consumer Checkbook is back on the podcast to help you make sense of all the choices available during open season. Use code fedupward and get 20% off the already VERY reasonable priced tool Kevin and team built.  https://www.checkbook.org/newhig2/year24/membership/orderonline.cfm?type=online No one knows more about FEHB plans than Kevin! He outlines major changes, things ot consider, and which plans now offer the best fertility treatment coverage.

Heard of Humans of New York? Well, Brian Whittaker founded Humans of Public Service. https://humansofpublicservice.org/ You can nominate your coworkers to be featured on the site/LinkedIn/Instagram page. Brian, currently a FDIC employee with tons of experience in federal agencies, founded the site to recognize people like us who often get a bad rap in the press.  I hope you're inspired by Brian's story and support his efforts to recognize - and humanize - people who do the hard work of the nation everyday.

Never heard of the Holman Rule? Probably not, but members of the House or Representatives can use it to eliminate your individual salary or the program you work on as part of deliberations on appropriations bills. Lucas Schleusener, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of OUT in National Security explains how members of the House used the Holman Rule this week and what that means for all federal employees. To learn more about the work of OUT in National Security and how you can help, click here. Want to learn more about the Holman Rule: Links below. https://nffe.org/nffe_news/the-holman-rule-planting-the-seeds-of-corruption/ https://www.taxpayer.net/budget-appropriations-tax/five-fast-facts-about-holman-rule/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/congress/2023/01/house-republicans-introduce-plans-to-revive-holman-rule-in-congress/  

Anxious about the potential government shutdown? This episode outlines resources, news sources and discounts for feds. Here are the links you need to get educated and stay that way. OPM guidance and Agency/Dept Shutdown Plans: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/#url=Shutdown-Furlough Washington Posts's Shutdown Guide https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/27/federal-workers-government-shutdown-guide/ Sites Offering Federal Shutdown News Without Much Partisan Spin: https://www.fedfam.org/copy-of-connections-1 https://www.facebook.com/groups/fedfam https://www.govexec.com/federal-news/?oref=ge-nav https://federalnewsnetwork.com/ https://www.fedweek.com/reports/shutdowns-furloughs-what-you-need-to-know/ Businesses Offfering Support: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926338205/en/Navy-Federal-to-Offer-Paycheck-Relief-to-Members-Impacted-by-Government-Shutdown https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/ent-gov-shutdown-assistance-landing-mkt?akredirect=true https://www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com/

Public administration guru Dr. Don Kettl joined me on the podcast to talk about what feds can expect over the next month - will the gov shut down? Will feds get repaid if it does? Explore these questions and more. Don recently authored a book, one of many he's written about public management and operaitons. You can find it here. Don specializes in public management and public policy. He previously served as dean in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, and is a nonresident senior fellow at the Volcker Alliance, the Brookings Institution and the Partnership for Public Service. It was an honor to have him back on the show.

Looking for a degree program that fits YOUR needs? UMGC might be just what you're looking for. Justin Hasty, director for UMGC's federal strategic partnerships, and Daniel Mintz (daniel.mintz@umgc.edu), Department Chair for information technology, joined me on the show to discuss how an online degree program can help build your skills in areas needed across the federal government. https://www.umgc.edu/learn-more/gen/degree/bachelors-degrees-online.html?marketcode=WB307001&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw44mlBhAQEiwAqP3eVqp4Kj9QX0zlkipgg9wofvk07SwV_Z5BoqrIiHeJAEgEOmICPTbnRhoCgeIQAvD_BwE

Nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the US Senate in February 2010 as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, Doug Wilson was the first openly-gay individual to be Senate-confirmed to a senior-level Pentagon position. Prior to retiring from government in March of 2012, he served as Senior Spokesman for the Department of Defense and the Principal Communications Advisor to the United States Secretary of Defense and Deputy Secretary of Defense. Doug brought us a master class in motivation and belonging in this episode. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! He touched on how to stay excited about service, working on politically sensitive issues, belonging, combatting negative perspections of public servants, and so much more. Learn more about Doug's charity here: https://www.vetscommunityconnections.org/  

The President of Federally Employed Women (FEW), Pam Richards, explained what FEW does, why you should join and what's coming up in this year's National Training Program in Columbus, Ohio, July 9-13. You can register for the event and become a member here. FEW is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1968 shortly after government issued Executive Order 11375 which added sex-discrimination to the list of prohibited discrimination within the Federal Government. Although E.O. 11375 was an important milestone, several women were concerned that the Civil Service Commission and individual agencies may not put forth the vigorous effort necessary to ensure compliance with E.O. 11375. Although the Federal Women's Program (FWP) had been established, the early organizers of FEW realized that the government could dismantle FWP, and they wanted to ensure that there would always be an organization dedicated to promoting equality for women and addressing concerns of women in the Federal workforce. Additionally, because FWP is a government function, it is limited in its political scope, and cannot lobby Congress. As a private organization, FEW is not restricted in that area. As a private organization, FEW works as an advocacy group to improve the status of women employed by the Federal government. This includes contact with Congress to encourage progressive legislation. FEW national officers meet with management officials at all levels of agencies to demonstrate support of the FWP, encourage officials to support the program and to obtain insight on the effectiveness of the FWP at agency and local levels

Mika Cross, former federal employee, federal work and future of work expert, joined me in this episode to talk about the latest news in the Biden Administration on telework guidance, how to expertly request telework flexibilities, and how to search for jobs that offer flexibility.  She also discussed a new tool she's built to help your organization survey how things are going. You can contact her directly through the links below to test it! https://www.mikacross.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/worklifechampionoftheuniverse/ OPM's April 2023 guidance on returning to work: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/M-23-15.pdf  

I welcomed Jason Briefel back to the show for a frank talk about pay compression for federal employees. He's one of the few people you'll hear speaking publicly on behalf of feds about this issue. Think about it - how do we attract talent to federal service if pay in high cost areas doesn't come close to keeping pace with private industry,;political appointees often have HUGE responsibility. but make less than their subordinates; getting promoted to senior executive service means tons more hours and work but no more pay ...????? None of this makes sense, y'all.  Jason discusses the problems pay compression causes and how you can advocate inside and outside your organization to spark action on this. Get educated here: Start with the actual pay tables -- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ Then move to discussions of why have people cap out early on pay ain't great: https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2023/03/pay-caps-fed-exec-lobby-group-reform-past-due/384254/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/pay/2023/03/biden-plans-federal-pay-compression-fix-streamlined-hiring-in-fy-24-budget/ https://www.fedsmith.com/2023/01/04/pay-compression-pay-caps-impacting-federal-employees-frozen-at-183500/ https://www.federaltimes.com/management/pay-benefits/2022/11/03/white-house-urged-to-fix-pay-compression-at-federal-agencies/ https://fedmanager.com/news/fma-applauds-nortons-leadership-on-salary-compression https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/poverty/3858204-lawmakers-push-for-higher-pay-for-federal-employees/ This isn't new... https://www.gao.gov/assets/fpcd-80-72.pdf https://www.congress.gov/congressional-report/108th-congress/house-report/586/1

Anxious about debt ceiling repercussions? Not getting your paycheck? Not knowing what's coming? Even if a deal is reached, the programs and services you administer might be cut or reduced. There's lot of uncertainty ahead of us this summer, feds. Dr. Donald Kettl joined me on the podcast to try to make sense of it all. Dr. Donald Kettl specializes in public management and public policy. He previously served as dean in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, and is a nonresident senior fellow at the Volcker Alliance, the Brookings Institution and the Partnership for Public Service. He also has degrees in everything... Ph.D., Yale University, Political Science M.Phil., Political Science, Yale University M.A., Political Science, Yale University B.A., Scholar of the House, Yale University ... and has written numerous books on government and public administration. If you want to read more of the latest news on potential impacts for feds, click on the links below. Also, join the FedFam Facebook group to hear from your peers about how they're dealing with this drama. https://www.govexec.com/management/2023/05/debt-ceiling-furloughs-are-unconstitutional-union-will-argue-court-next-week/386753/ https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2023/05/debt-ceiling-breach-could-mean-federal-government-decides-not-pay-any-government-employees-week/386326/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/05/26/federal-workers-anxiety-debt-ceiling-negotiations/

Meet Bill Eggers, executive director of Deloitte's Center for Government Insights, where he is responsible for the firm's public sector thought leadership. He and public administration stcholar Dr. Don Kettl recently published a book on building bridges:  https://www.amazon.com/Bridgebuilders-Government-Transcend-Boundaries-Problems-ebook/dp/B0B5Y8XZKR in this podcast, he highlights a few strategies you can use to overcome obstacles in your day to day work as a federal employee. To learn more about the Center for Government insights, head to this site: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/public-sector/topics/center-for-government-insights.html

The Rodel Institute is an independent nonprofit organization devoted to strengthening American democracy and improving the quality of public leadership in the United States. A nonpartisan center for leadership and intellectual growth, Rodel helps America's most promising leaders reach their full potential as public servants, deepen their commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and work together to address some of our nation's most important domestic and international challenges. The Institute's programs convene diverse leaders from across the political, legal, and policy spectrum in an effort to find common ground, build relationships, and encourage the understanding and cooperation needed to move our nation forward.   The Institute kicked off the first Federal Executive Fellowship this year and Katie Galgano, the Deputy Director for the fellowship program, joined me on the podcast to discuss the program's unique benefits and why you might want to apply.   To learn more, you can reach out to Katie directly or head to the websites below.   Katie Galgano's direct email address: katiegalgano@rodelinstitute.org General email: info@rodelinstitute.org   www.rodelinstitute.org   https://www.rodelinstitute.org/programs/rodel-federal-executive-fellowship/

Under investigation? Just filed a complaint?  Guest Kevin Shehan of Shehan Legal explains when you might want to contact an attorney to set you off on the right path. Kevin works as a federal employee and now helps them with EEO and other issues. He's seen both sides of federal employee issues and offers tips to help when you're in sticky situations (labor and employment issues, litigation, general counsel needs). Want to learn more about Kevin and his practice? Click here: https://www.shehanlegal.com/about

This episode is more rant than anything else. And it's self-directed. I need reminders from my husband to just take my leave. This episode is your permission to take YOUR leave and learn a little about how much you earn in pleasant and not so pleasant circumstances you might encounter during your federal career. Please excuse my repeated whining about parental leave coming online after I had both of my kiddos. I referenced Government Worker Fi's article on leave. Here's the link: https://governmentworkerfi.com/federal-employee-vacation-time/ And here's the OPM website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-administration/fact-sheets/annual-leave/  

If you're a federal employee with ADHD, work with one, supervise one, (or like me, your household includes loved ones with ADHD), this episode is for you. ADHD can be a challenge, AND a superpower. Enter Elle O'Flaherty who provides tips and advice on how to provide support when appropriate, and better understand what ADHD is and isn't. Elle spent many years working as a federal employee before transitioning to full time coaching and training. Following a 17+ year legal career and certifications in ICF-accredited executive, ADHD, and career coaching, Elle founded her coaching firm, Interlace Solutions, dedicated to tapping into clients' potential to accelerate their achievement. She coaches executives, executive teams, and professionals with a subspecialty in ADHD coaching. Clients partner with her on leadership, productivity, executive function, workplace culture, prioritization, organization, and building upon ADHD strengths, among many others.  Want to connect with Elle and learn more? https://www.interlacesolutions.com/contact  

Robyn Kehoe from The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) joined me to discuss the upcoming Feds in Motion Challenge.  The 3rd Annual Feds In Motion Challenge kicks off on May 1, 2023, continues during Public Service Recognition Week (#PSRW) May 7-13, and keeps on going through June 6. It's all about moving in your favorite way — walk, run, bike, swim, or roll your wheelchair on your favorite route — to reach the goal of 37 miles (or more!) in 37 days. Register now and join the FedUpward Community team (use the password fedupward). Let's raise money for feds in need. AND get a little healthier in the process! Click here to get started.  FEEA is the only independent, nonprofit 501c3 organization devoted solely to providing emergency financial assistance and scholarships to our dedicated civilian federal and postal public servants and their families. The deadline for this year's FEEA scholarship applications is March 16th, 2023. Click here.to submit an application for you, your spouse or your college age children.

In this episode, Dr. Russel Robinson and I discuss an upcoming event specifically for public servants - No decks, no slides, no handouts. The purpose is to connect with like minded professionals, learn, and affect change in your sphere of influence. Here are the details: Stories have the power to inspire, strengthen, and heal. And the stories we tell, especially about how we celebrate our triumphs, overcome adversity and help shape how we think about our lives. Replicate how workplaces should be by actively listening, giving people a voice and making it more human. No distractions, just a focus on storytelling and action. INSPIRE: Inclusive; No Presentations; Storytelling; Psychologically Safe; Insightful; Relationship building; Empowering. Listen to the following four storytellers from the public sector share their experiences and what they learned:  Dr. Elida Sarmiento, PhD, US Department of Justice Herb Rouson, JD, DC Courts Dr. Theresa Horne, PhD, Defense Counterintelligence and Systems Agency Love Rutledge, Host of the FedUpward podcast The hosts of this event include Dr. Russell Robinson, Chief Inspiration Officer, Inspire:DC; Founder, Amplified Research and Consulting; Adjunct Professor, and Key Executive Leadership Programs at American University.  Because of the intimate and powerful nature of this experience, seats are limited. Only 50 participants can join and you can register at this link: Don't wait - register today! 

Feds - do you have a stressful job of importance and need to take a few minutes to practice mindfulness? The Mindful Fed community is exactly what you're looking for. NOAA employee Garth Smelser runs an amazing group that you can sign up for FOR FREE to help you stay focused and balanced. And if you happen to work at an organization that can help Garth find a permanent home for the program which he runs on an ad hoc basis in addition to his full time federal job, PLEASE reach out to him to keep this great program running and thriving! To join the iMindful Fed community or learn more, email Garth at garth.smelser@noaa.gov. Federal employees can send a blank email HERE -- Mindful-FED-subscribe-request@listserv.gsa.gov -- to receive community email invitations and stay tuned for expanding services.

Jamie Jones Miller, former federal employee in the executive and legislative brances, joined me on the show to discuss her new role as the dean and CEO of Northeastern University's new Arlington, VA campus. They're open for business and offering degree and certificate programs specifically for federal employees and the contractors who support them. Northeastern hopes to fill critical skills gaps for federal agencies and departments with programs on Blockchain, software enginerring systems, and information systems - think STEM with a public service flavor.  Learn more here: https://arlington.northeastern.edu/

Tony Zerante, Chief Strategy Officer, and Stephanie Baker, Chief Experience Officer, at WAEPA, joined me to discuss short term disability insurance and why you might need it. They walk us through the product WAEPA offers and how to learn more. WAEPA is a proud sponsor of the FedUpward Podcast. To learn more about WAEPA and the products they offer public servants, head to https://www.waepa.org/resources/calculators/ You can get a quick esitmate on how much you'd pay for life insurance or short term disabilty insurance. (Spoiler alert: WAEPA's life insurance rates beat FEGLI for many feds.)

Dr. Heath Harding of the Office of Personnel Management's Center for Leadership Development, described what the Federal Executive Institute is and why you want to attend. FEI, located in Charlottesville, VA, offers leader development and networking opporunities you should know about. I attended many years ago and had a great exerpience that included working in teams with representatives from agencies and departments across the government. Listen to learn more. https://leadership.opm.gov/facilities.aspx?f=48 https://www.opm.gov/services-for-agencies/

Consumers' Checkbook, a non-profit organization that helps youi make better financial decisions, offers a fantastic tool to compare FEHB plans. With open season coming mid-November, you should explore changes to your current plan, what other plans offer, and how much premiums are changing (spoiler - rate increases are NOT uniform across plans). Kevin Moss explains how you can leverage the tool and save a few dollars using a code available only to FedUpward listeners. The comparison tool will be available in the next week. Right now, you can check out the website and sign up to use it as soon as it's available. https://www.checkbook.org/newhig2/year20/advice/how-can-checkbooks-guide-to-health-plans-for-federal-employees-help-me

Tom Davenport, an AI/machine learning expert who also happens to be my first cousin once removed (yes, I said it), discussed what AI is, how feds might leverage it. If you feel like you *should* already understand AI but you don't, this is a great place to start. Tom  is a world-renowned thought leader and author, is the President's Distinguished Professor of Information Technology and Management at Babson College, a Fellow of the MIT Center for Digital Business, and an independent senior advisor to Deloitte Analytics. Tom's written TONS of articles and books on this topic, and you can find his latest here: https://www.amazon.com/Advantage-Artificial-Intelligence-Revolution-Management/dp/0262039176 https://www.tomdavenport.com/ And you can find him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davenporttom/

What should you be thinking about when higher level leadership says it's time to return to the physical office? If you're facing questions and resistance from your team, this episode is for you. FEDS Protection CEO and founder Tony Vergnetti reminds us of the liability coverage his company, a proud aponsor os this podcast, offers federal employees. Tony runs through many considerations you should have top of mind as you navigate through the return to work mine field (and yes, many of us are STILL going through this saga). Learn more about professional liability insurance at the link below. https://info.fedsprotection.com/feds-PPC-lp/?c=GoogleAds&utm_source=GoogleAds&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=FEDSPPC&gclid=CjwKCAjw7eSZBhB8EiwA60kCW-O0scfsfXq-P8xttx_cUXJWT37UOKK6oyeChneXYNF5gsPMckHE0RoCr-cQAvD_BwE  

Something awful happened at work and you're considering an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint, or maybe you should go to the Inspector General (IG) in your agency/department. Or maybe your supervisor's supervisor could help. Where do you even start? Enter Kevin Shehan.of Shehan Legal. He's worked in federal employment law for a federal agency and served as a fed. Now he serves folks like us and delivers advice you'll find helpful if you're considering a filing a complaint, helping an employee going through it, or you had a complaint lodged against you.  This episode is NOT an ad.  You can find Kevin and his team at the links below: https://www.shehanlegal.com/about https://www.shehanlegal.com/feds

Wish there was a playbook on how to work more efficiently in a federal agency or department? Look no further. Marina Nitze and Nick Sinai wrote the book on strategies you can use in your daily work to get things done. They've worked at the highest levels of the federal government and were both known for getting the job DONE. Marina joined me on the podcast to discuss why they wrote the book, what's in it, and how you can make it work for you. I am super jealous I didn't write this book first!  Find info on where to buy the book and any upcoming author events at this link: https://www.hackyourbureaucracy.com/

Sunayna Tuteja, the first ever Chief Innovation Officer at the Federal Reserve System, isn't your typical civil servant. She spent most of her career in fintech working on emerging technologies (think crypto currency). She laughed when a recruiter claled her about taking on the role of innovation officer at the Fed. But her outsider status made her exactly the right person to take the job. In this episode, she outlines how she came to government service, what it's like to be the first in a role, and gives career civil servants advice on how to deal with newbies like her who can bring SO much to an organization. I had the plesure of hearing her speak at a conference and knew immediately I had to have her on the show. She's a fast talker, so buckle up. You won't want to miss a word. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunaynatuteja/

SOOO excited to welcome Rob Seidner back to the podcast. While working at the Office of Management and Budget, he explained how the rules for civil service really suck. The history lesson helped us understand WHY they suck.You can listen to that episode at this link. Rob recently transitioned to a job outside government. He talks about why that was a difficult decision and why the mission of his current employer drew him in. EdX, where Rob serves as the director for government partnerships, works to democratize learning. MAJOR colleges and universities use this platform to offer micro degree and upskilling opportunities that cost WAY less than in-person degree programs. If you're a federal agency/department training lead or a manager/employee looking for an easy way to get access to great content feds can use to uplevel, you need to talk to Rob. On this platform, you can take individual classes, work toward professional certificates and more. And no, this isn't an ad.  https://www.edx.org/about-us https://www.edx.org/schools-partners Find Rob on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-seidner-b79095143/

The Federal Training Academy, a company dedicated to your learning, offers tailored training, consulting, and coaching to federal agencies and departments. Angela Kochuba, the founder and managing director, created the organization in 1999 and never looked back. Grounded in public service, she offers a long list of services that can help you and your team. Their offerings are specifically tailored for government employees.  Listen for more info and click on the link below: https://federaltrainingacademy.com/ #notanad

Do you hear the outrageous accusations against federal employees just doing their jobs (think IRS, FBI right now) and think, "I really wish someone was sticking up for them!" The Professional Managers Association (PMA) does just that. Executive Director Chad Hooper shared thoughts on what the PMA is and how they advocate for IRS employees right now. Learn how you can help in this podcast. Want to join or support? Head to: https://www.promanager.org/

Your TSP statement making you cry? I talked to certified financial planner Brian Sigwart about the long-term outlook and new funds available for us to choose. Need personalized advice? You can contact Brian here: Brian Sigwart CFP® , RICP ® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional Financial Services Representative  11350 McCormick Road, Executive Plaza IV, Suite 200         Hunt Valley, MD  21031 |  T: (410) 937-9098  |  F: (410) 785-7655 Bsigwart@financialguide.com http://www.caafg.com/ (410) 773-4451

If you live outside the DC/VA/MD area and haven't connected with your regional Federal Executive Board, you need to explore all your FEB has to offer. They provide regional news for feds, policy changes that may impact you, training, development opportunities and much more. Here's the FEB website and a few examples of the regional board sites: https://www.feb.gov/ https://www.feb.gov/locations/los-angeles/https://chicago.feb.gov/https://honolulu-pacific.feb.gov/https://kansascity.feb.gov/https://www.philadelphia.feb.gov/https://dfw.feb.gov/ And on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baltimore-federal-executive-board/ https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6704715904774656000/

Y'all, I needed a break. With the recent Supreme Court ruling, my head has been spinning. I recorded my thoughts on recent events. Link below for OPM guidance on use of sick leave to cover travel for medical care for yourself or an immediate family member. OPM guidance on use of sick leave to cover travel for medical care And some guidance about the Hatch Act and Roe v Wade https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2022/05/feds-comment-roe-v-wade-hatch-act/366508/

Have you watched the TV show Government Matters?  It's about our work as federal employees and the topics that matter most to the leaders of our organizations. Hosted by Mimi Geerges, Government Matters is a multi-platform news program dedicated to providing non-partisan information and analysis to federal managers, contractors and those supporting the federal marketplace. Government Matters is focused on exploring the challenges and issues facing federal managers, highlighting success stories within the federal community and providing an outlet for both government and industry to share their outlook with the federal marketplace. Mimi describes the show and how she came to host it, highlighting the unique aspects of both her career and the reporting the Government Matters team executes. You can find the show at this link: https://govmatters.tv/topics/ The hsow airs on weeknights at 8 PM and 10:30 PM on WJLA 24/7, and Sunday Mornings at 10:30 AM on 7News. You can also catch the show on AFN, or at the link above. The shows are also converted into podcasts for easy on-the-go listening.

Meet Vince Micone, the Executive Director of Enterprise Services at the Dept of Commerce. He's served in a variety of high-level positions in several federal agencies and departments. He understands what it takes to be succiessful at every level and he delivers advice on how to be good at your job - the basics. We discusse what makes a good staff member/officer, a good chief of staff, and a good federal employee in general. I met Vince through a Partnership for Public Service event and loved his delivery style and deep expertise. I think you will, too. https://ourpublicservice.org/

Deborah Hopkins, president of the Federal Employment Law Training Group (FELTG), returns to the podcast to discuss a recent Merit Systems Protection Board ruling on a conduct unbecoming case. If you're a supervisor working through your options with an employee who's testing the limits, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about training events from FELTG here: https://feltg.com/

Heard of the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Executive Institute? In this episode, Steven Frid (FEI Alumni Association Board Member), gives us a quick rundown on what FEI is and the upcoming alumni association event you won't want to miss! Steven Frid currently works as Director of Security at Federal Student Aid, where he manages programs, handles budgets, plans, coordinates personnel information, and oversees physical security efforts. He is also responsible for the emergency and facilities management programs for the agency. Learn more and get registered here: https://www.feiaa.org/ https://leadership.opm.gov/facilities.aspx?f=48

Arianne Gallagher-Welcher, OPM leader and director of the PMF program, gives us the details you should know about the premiere pathway to bring talent into government. Whether you're interested in applying or bringing a fellow into your organization, this episode gives you the program basics you need to move forward. Learn more here: The Presidential Management Fellows Program

We've all heard of exit interviews and why to conduct them. But what about stay interviews? If we understand the problems facing our teams, maybe we can solve those problems. Retaining our best talent is SO important, given it takes so long to get through the hiring process. Mr. John Willison, a long-time SES and leader at Army's DEVCOM, explains how to conduct stay interviews and what his organization has done to focus on employee engagement, satisfaction and retention.

ATD's Government Workforce Conference is coming! On September 8th, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) is hosting a conference to help connect training and development industry leaders with you.  Dr. JJ Walcott and Mr. Reese Madsen, government training experts, explain why this event will be helpful and productive for you and your teams. Click here to register.

What do you actually know about cyber? What does the word cyber even mean?  As you move forward in your career as a government leader, you'll need to know at least SOMEthing about cyber vulnerabilities, how to keep your team's data safe, and what your agency or department is doing to keep services running in the event of cyber intrusions. Huh? Enter Dr. Sasha Cohen O'Connell at American University. She's leading American's charge to offer a cyber certificate program to the next generation of government leaders, and creating a short course (single day) for current govvies to better understand the terms and challenges they'll inevitably face.  She spent years working at the FBI before heading into academia and understands what you need to know to face the government's largest cyber challenges. Find out more here: https://american.swoogo.com/Cyber https://www.american.edu/spa/cyber/news-events.cfm

Executive Women in Government, or EWG, is the OG in networking for women in government. https://execwomeningov.org/ Founded in 1973, Executive Women in Government is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization comprised of Federal Government women executives. Members prepare, promote, and support women for senior leadership positions in the Federal Government and the military through networking, shared knowledge and experience, and mentoring. On May 19th, 2022, the EWG will host its annual summit. You can learn more and register here.  I'll see you there! If you listen to this episode on April 25th, 2022, head over to this link and get to EWG's event TODAY. They're working with the Partnership for Public Service, creating a focus group to discusss what programming would help women in govenrment succeed.

Erin Carter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) explained what the organization does and what's in store for feds and retirees who attend the upcoming FedCon 2022 conference.  NARFE Membership is open to civilians who are or will be eligible to receive an annuity or survivor annuity from the federal retirement programs of any agency of the United States government. That includes: Current federal employees Retirees Spouses and surviving spouses of those eligible to join NARFE Former federal employees A former spouse who is entitled to a federal survivor annuity NARFE members enjoy lots of benefits that serve their information and financial needs. Along with the satisfaction that they have put their weight behind a legislative powerhouse that is determined to defend the federal community.

Ms. Evanna Hu,  CEO of Omelas and nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council,  explains the mission and work of the Asian American Employees for Nondiscrimination. She wrote a pwoerful article last year describing the driscrimination federal employees of Asian or Pacific Islander descent face. You can find her aricle here. To join and support the work of AAFEN to help ensure ALL federal employees can do their jobs without fear of discrimination, head to their webiste. More about the organization, in the founders' words: Asian American Federal Employees for Nondiscrimination (AAFEN) is an advocacy group that seeks fair and equal treatment and inclusive representation of Asian Americans in the federal government.  AAFEN membership is open to former and current federal government employees, contractors, armed service personnel and grant recipients, as well as interested stakeholders.   AAFEN members have honorably served in the U.S. armed services, worked in national security, represented U.S. interests abroad as diplomats and advanced U.S. research in STEM fields.  AAFEN was founded in January 2020.    Our Mission Asian American Federal Employees for Nondiscrimination (AAFEN) addresses discrimination within the federal government under circumstances where Asian American employees, contractors, service members and fund recipients come under suspicion as national security risks due to their ethnicities or national origins.  AAFEN provides affected parties with resources, as well as opportunities to share their stories with policymakers, the media and the public. Our Vision We envision a federal government workforce that represents the broad diversity of the American people.  Race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender and sexual orientation should not be barriers to entry into federal service, nor should they hinder assignment or promotion within the U.S. government.  Diversity is the strength of our nation, not its weakness.  We envision a federal government that recognizes that those who have a relatively recent immigration history, such as Asian Americans, are no less American than the immigrants who arrived during earlier eras. We envision a federal government that honors and celebrates any government employee's commitment to American ideals. We envision a federal government that recognizes any employee's willingness to serve as a fair measure of loyalty, and understands that ties to a country of origin by an employee, their parents or grandparents does not automatically constitute a national security threat. We envision a federal government wherein targeted monitoring programs that scrutinize employees based on race or national origin are eliminated. We envision a federal government's wherein trust in federal employees is not unmoored by the changing tides of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and other nations.  We envision a workforce of federal employees who are treated equally in all employment actions.  We envision a federal government that incorporates diversity, equity and inclusion practices throughout its operations.  We envision a federal government wherein government representatives cannot take shelter behind governmental immunity when they intentionally discriminate. We envision a federal government wherein government senior officials are bound to safeguard protected classes against disparate impact from policies, practices and regulations.  We foresee a federal government where Asian Americans build long-lasting careers, rise to top-level, decision-making roles, reinforce a positive work climate and mentor emerging professionals. We foresee a federal government that receives a return on its investment, and agencies achieve higher levels of cultural competency to serve the American population, which is undergoing rapid demographic changes. We envision a federal government wherein employees whose jobs depend on security clearances, or access to classified materials, are evaluated via clear adjudicative guidelines, especially with respect to “foreign influence” and “foreign preference,” by agents whose decisions are subject to independent oversight by a body outside of the national security enterprise. We foresee a government wherein employees whose security clearances are under review have timely access to information to enable them to represent their positions and to preserve appeal rights, as well as to preserve their future employment in the federal government while their cases are pending. We are committed to forging a federal government workforce which, during times of heightened national security concerns, does not compromise the civil rights and civil liberties of its citizens. We are committed to creating a federal government that is trusted by all communities it serves.   Recommendations Security clearance reform Data transparency Independent and timely appeals process Diversity hiring, promotion and retention Diversity, equity and inclusion practices

Meet John Schuhart. He spent 17 years as a SES in the intelligence community and now coaches full time. He created a new supervisors guide you can get FOR FREE at his webiste: https://graybeardcoaching.com/ He and I talked about being a new supervisor, coaching and the similarities between the two.

So, I applied for a SES job. Got through two rounds of interviews. Didn't get the job. Here's what I learned: 1. Ask for feedback on your interview from the folks on the panel. They'll give it to you. 2. Don't expect the status of ANYTHING to change in USAJOBS during the process. 3. Thank everyone involved, including the people who helped you schedule. 4. I had several people cheering me on, which was really cool. 5. i didn't die when I didn't get the job. Seriously, not a big deal. So put yourself out there and apply!