209. Same Mission, Different Paths: How Appointees and Career Feds Can Work Together
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Release Date: 06/13/2025
212. Reinventing Life After Federal Service: Dr. Nola Haynes on Owning the Pivot
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
“Do that thing you’ve always wanted to do.” In this inspiring episode of the Fed Upward Podcast, host Love Rutledge sits down with returning guest Dr. Nola Haynes—a longtime federal employee, academic, and media voice—to discuss how federal employees can navigate uncertain times, build a personal brand, and thrive in a post-DEI backlash environment. Whether you're stepping out of public service, considering your next pivot, or just curious how to carry your mission into a new space, Dr. Haynes offers candid advice and deep wisdom—along with a reminder to always show up...
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211. David Spirk on Scaling What Works and Cutting What Doesn’t
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
David Spirk on Scaling What Works and Cutting What Doesn’t David Spirk, a Marine Corps veteran and Senior Counselor at Palantir, joins FedUpward to talk about driving real transformation in government. He discusses how to operationalize data, the trap of failing programs, and what efficiency should actually mean in federal service. David joined the FedUpward Podcast during the annual conference hosted by Globally, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating communities of emerging leaders who are committed to addressing the most pressing global challenges of our time. 00:00 – Meet...
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210. Inside the EEOC: What Federal Employees Should Know
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Inside the EEOC: What Federal Employees Should Know What actually happens when a federal employee files an EEOC complaint? In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Mickman, a former EEOC Administrative Judge who’s seen it all—from inside the agency to now representing employees in private practice. We cover the basics of the EEOC process, why return-to-office mandates are triggering a surge in accommodation issues, and how long federal EEO cases really take. Hear important distinctions between DEI policy and what’s actually enforceable under federal law. 00:00 – Intro: Meet Courtney...
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209. Same Mission, Different Paths: How Appointees and Career Feds Can Work Together
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Former Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security Milancy Harris joins FedUpward at Globally’s Shaping America’s Next 25 Summit to talk candidly about her career across intelligence, counterterrorism, and policy roles—and what it really takes to lead in government today. From navigating bureaucracy to developing talent and fostering public-private understanding, Harris shares clear-eyed advice for federal employees, aspiring leaders, and those curious about working at the highest levels of national security. 00:49 – Meet Milancy Harris: From intel analyst to...
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208. The Power of Community for Mission-Driven Leaders in Government and Beyond
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Globally’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...
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207. UMGC Career Expo for Feds
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Free UMGC Career Expo for Feds on June 16 Join me in welcoming back Justin Hasty from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) to the podcast as he shares how federal employees can take charge of their careers—no matter where they’re starting from. Whether you’re concerned about job security or simply looking to grow your skill, UMGC offers: 100% online degree and certificate programs Up to 25% tuition discounts for federal employees and their families Flexible learning options designed for working adults PLUS: A Free Career Expo on June 16 UMGC is hosting a hiring event...
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206. Questions Every Fed Should be Asking Right Now
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Questions Every Fed Should Ask Right Now Hi Friends - I’m back after a short break to reconnect with all of you during Public Service Recognition Week. This episode is a call for reflection and an invitation to ponder where we are as federal employees right now. With so much change happening across the federal workforce, these are the questions to ponder: Why did you join public service? What’s keeping you here? And what do you need to not just survive—but actually thrive? Whether you’re navigating burnout, considering your next move, or trying to hold space for others doing the...
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205. Northeastern University Open House for Feds April 2nd 2025
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
Northeastern University Arlington is Meeting the Moment for the Federal Workforce This week, we welcome Jamie Jones Miller, Dean and CEO of Northeastern University Arlington, back to the show as the federal workforce faces historic shifts. Before her inaugural role at Northeastern University Arlington, Jamie spent over 20 years in the defense industry, from Capitol Hill to the DoD. The national security insider has brought her expertise to grow the workforce’s next generation. Jamie shares how her team is preparing today’s federal employees, military-connected individuals, and...
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204. Mental Health Break for Feds
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
How MindfulFED is Creating Connection Amid Changes Change is hard. And right now, the federal workforce is undergoing a major shift. But one government-wide community is offering an anchor in the storm. Longtime federal employee, writer, and meditation facilitator Alex Snider joins the show to share more about MindfulFED, the first-ever government-wide mindfulness community he co-created. 00:00 Intro 01:22 Origins of Mindful FED 03:22 Sign up by emailing 04:22 Alex Snider’s Recent Psychology Today Article 05:45 Coping with Constant Change 07:45 Power of Positivity If you’re a...
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202. How American University Supports Federal Employees
FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
We welcome back Dr. Patrick Malone, Director of the Key Executive Leadership Programs at American University. Dr. Malone shares insights on leadership development for federal employees, highlighting Key’s executive programs, coaching resources, and the importance of emotional intelligence in public service. With the recent executive order eliminating the Federal Executive Institute, many federal employees are wondering what’s next for their leadership development. Dr. Malone discusses how Key Executive Programs is stepping up to provide resources, coaching, and a supportive network to help...
info_outlineFormer Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security Milancy Harris joins FedUpward at Globally’s Shaping America’s Next 25 Summit to talk candidly about her career across intelligence, counterterrorism, and policy roles—and what it really takes to lead in government today.
From navigating bureaucracy to developing talent and fostering public-private understanding, Harris shares clear-eyed advice for federal employees, aspiring leaders, and those curious about working at the highest levels of national security.
00:49 – Meet Milancy Harris: From intel analyst to senior DoD leader
01:31 – What’s broken? Bureaucracy and the roadblocks to good ideas
03:05 – Developing employees: Peer mentoring, training, and listening
05:00 – Podcasts and cross-agency training as growth tools
07:31 – Political appointees vs. career feds: Misconceptions & mindset
09:31 – The best leadership advice? Start with the human touch
Don’t miss this one if you're looking to grow your career in public service—or lead with more heart, strategy, and purpose.
Helpful Resources:
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Follow Milancy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milancy-harris/
Connect with Love:
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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge
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Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward