From launching billion-dollar pipelines to shaping federal digital modernization strategies, four powerhouse women from Leidos—Heather Carr, Caroline Thomas, Arfa Syed, and Christy Holley—join us to share their journeys, hard-won lessons, and bold perspectives on modern leadership in GovCon.With decades of combined experience across civilian, defense, and global sectors, these women are at the forefront of driving transformation within federal IT. Together, they unpack what it means to grow accounts, build trust, break barriers—and what it really means to lead with both strategy and heart in today’s federal landscape.
Meet the Guests:
• Heather Carr – Civilian IT Growth & Strategy Lead at Leidos, with 20+ years of experience shaping strategic technology solutions across federal agencies.
• Caroline Thomas – Account Manager for USDA, Commerce, and the Department of Labor, with a track record of cultivating high-impact partnerships and accelerating federal growth.
• Arfa Syed – BD & Strategy Manager, spearheading digital modernization and cybersecurity innovation in the public sector, with a deep background in tech and thought leadership.
• Christy Holley – Senior Director and Account Manager for the Department of State, bringing over 30 years of GovCon experience across global initiatives, strategic growth, and mind-body leadership.
What You’ll Hear:
• The defining moments that shaped their leadership styles
• Real-world strategies for expanding federal accounts and scaling impact
• How they build trust and authentic relationships across industry and government
• Their honest takes on mentorship, community, and supporting other women in GovCon
• Balancing mission-driven work with life, wellness, and service
• Advice for the next generation of leaders—and what they wish they’d known sooner
Whether you’re in BD, tech, or a leadership role, this episode is packed with clarity, candor, and wisdom from women redefining what it means to lead in federal contracting.Tune in to hear what leadership sounds like when it’s bold, collaborative, and purpose-driven.
00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Episode
01:03 Meet the Guests: Leaders from Leidos
02:42 Sharing Personal Stories and Career Insights
07:55 Creative Strategies in Government Contracting
11:59 Building Meaningful Relationships in the Industry
15:54 Helping Others Succeed in GovCon
16:27 Mentorship and Career Growth
18:03 The Importance of Networking
20:24 Balancing Competition and Collaboration
21:49 Navigating Industry Events
24:19 Emerging Opportunities in Tech
29:22 The Future of Cybersecurity
32:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
