208. The Power of Community for Mission-Driven Leaders in Government and Beyond
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Release Date: 06/09/2025
234. Proposed OPM Rule Could Rewrite Federal Employee Discipline: What Every Fed Needs to Know
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
A proposed rule from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) could significantly reshape how federal agencies handle employee performance, discipline, and removals. But what do these changes actually mean for federal employees and supervisors? Former MSPB executive Raymond Limon joins the FedUpward podcast to break down the proposed rule and explain why it has sparked concern across the federal workforce. They discuss the potential elimination of the long-standing Douglas Factors, the legal framework that has guided disciplinary decisions for...
info_outline
233. Federal Leadership Teaching Legend Bob Tobias Reflects on Leadership, Labor, and Life After Service
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
For decades, Bob Tobias has helped shape the federal workforce—from fighting landmark legal battles on behalf of federal employees to founding the renowned Key Executive Leadership Program at American University. In this episode of FedUpward, Bob reflects on his remarkable career, the leadership principles that continue to influence thousands of federal managers, and why trust, vulnerability, and relationships are the foundation of effective leadership. Bob also shares the deeply personal story behind his transition to writing poetry after retirement, discussing how childhood...
info_outline
232. National Association of Future Federal Executives - Breaking Into the SES with Kelly Foster
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
What does it take to reach the Senior Executive Service (SES) in today's federal workforce? In this episode of the FedUpward Podcast, I sit down with Kelly Foster, Director of Mentoring for the National Association of Future Federal Executives (NAFFE), to discuss the resources, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities available to aspiring federal executives. Kelly shares her remarkable journey from starting as a GS-1 student employee to serving nearly 39 years in federal government before transitioning into entrepreneurship and executive mentoring. The conversation explores how...
info_outline
231. Are Federal Workforce Protections Still a Thing?
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
What happens when one of the government's leading experts on federal employment law and human capital management steps away from public service—and into advocacy? Raymond Limon returns to the FedUpward podcast for a timely conversation about the challenges facing today's federal workforce. After more than 30 years in federal service—including leadership roles at OPM, the State Department, the Department of the Interior, and the MSPB—Limon discusses why he launched Merit Service Advocates and what federal employees need to know as workplace policies continue to evolve. The...
info_outline
230. Here are the Headlines You Can’t Ignore
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
We welcome back John Hatton with the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) to unpack the biggest issues impacting federal employees and retirees right now. From concerns over OPM’s request for sensitive health claims data to ongoing frustrations with retirement processing delays, the conversation dives into the policies, headlines, and workforce changes creating uncertainty across government. The episode also explores the rollout of digital retirement modernization efforts, reduction-in-force impacts, proposed changes to appeals rights, and what federal...
info_outline
229. Public Service Recognition Week 2026
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Public Service Recognition Week is here—and it’s a moment to reflect on the impact of federal service. I share resources, events (there’s one tomorrow!), and practical ways to engage: Partnership for Public Service (PSRW resources): FormerGov (career support & events): Whether you're currently serving or exploring your next chapter, this episode is a reminder of the mission behind the work—and why it still matters. 🎧 Listen now and take a moment to reconnect with your “why.”
info_outline
228. The Rising Threats Facing Public Servants
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Violent threats against public servants aren’t isolated incidents anymore—they’re escalating nationwide, impacting federal, state, and local officials alike. In this episode of FedUpward. I sit down with Isabella Ulloa, founder of the Public Service Alliance, to unpack what the data is showing—and why it should concern everyone. Drawing on her experience at the Department of Homeland Security, Ulloa explains how threats have surged over the past decade, increasingly targeting not just officials, but their families. The conversation explores the growing gap in protections for public...
info_outline
227. FEEA Supports Feds' Fitness and Finances - Sign up for Feds in Motion today
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
In this episode of the FedUpward Podcast, I sit down with Robyn Kehoe from the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) to explore how the Feds in Motion Challenge blends fitness, community, and meaningful support for the federal workforce. The challenge encourages participants to complete 37 miles in 37 days—walking, running, biking, or moving however they choose. But beyond the fitness goal, it serves as FEEA’s largest annual fundraiser, helping fuel programs that provide emergency financial assistance, no-interest loans, and scholarships for federal employees and their...
info_outline
226. Fed to Founder: Legal Must-Knows Before You Launch
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Thinking about starting a business after federal service ... or maybe while you're still a fed? In this episode of FedUpward, Love sits down with Rebecca Geller, founder of The Geller Law Group, to talk through the legal realities federal employees need to understand before launching a consulting firm or small business. They cover: Why forming an LLC matters (and why not to sign contracts as an individual) County and local business license requirements in the DMV Trademark mistakes that can lead to lawsuits Federal ethics considerations if you’re still employed Why contracts...
info_outline
225. Merit Protections and Small Business Relationships at Risk? Breaking Down the New Schedule P/C
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
A major shift in federal workforce policy just became final — and its implications reach far beyond HR paperwork. Audrey Roofeh, founder of Integrity Matters, joins FedUpward to unpack the newly finalized Schedule P/C rule from the Office of Personnel Management. The rule creates a new category of federal employees who no longer have traditional civil service tenure protections — expanding the number of “at-will” positions across government. Learn more about the policy . But the ripple effects don’t stop there. Audrey explains how Schedule P/C could dramatically expand who qualifies...
info_outlineGlobally’s Vision for the Next Generation of Leaders with Josh Marcuse
Live from the Shaping America’s Next 25 Summit, Love Rutledge sits down with Josh Marcuse, co-founder of Globally, to discuss the power of mission-aligned careers, tri-sector leadership, and how to scale authentic communities of impact.
00:49 – Meet Globally co-founder Josh Marcuse: From DoD to Google
03:03 – Why Globally was founded + the power of community
05:44 – Four themes shaping the future
10:40 – How to get involved with Globally and its networks
12:19 – A call to future founders: Build your own mission-driven community
Globally is a nonprofit committed to building communities of emerging leaders united by a shared mission: tackling the world’s toughest challenges. The Shaping America’s Next 25 Summit brought together more than 150 leaders and partners to collaborate on securing the future, strengthening public service, and preparing the next generation with the tools, insights, and networks needed to lead for the next 25 years. The FedUpward Podcast is proud to partner with Globally.
Whether you're a federal employee or a future founder, this conversation is packed with inspiration and insight. And stay tuned for more conversations from the summit!
Helpful Resources:
Connect with Love:
-
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge
-
Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward
-----
The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas and get better.
Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!
#FederalEmployees #FederalGovernment #FedWorkforce #Federal #FedUpward