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212. Reinventing Life After Federal Service: Dr. Nola Haynes on Owning the Pivot

FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

Release Date: 07/25/2025

226. Fed to Founder: Legal Must-Knows Before You Launch show art 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 show art 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_outline 224. Community, Courage, and Federal Service: Inside Out in National Security’s 2026 Work show art 224. Community, Courage, and Federal Service: Inside Out in National Security’s 2026 Work

FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

Federal service is changing—and for many LGBTQ+ federal employees, the loss of employee resource groups, shifting policies, and declining morale have made community harder to find than ever.  Luke Schleusener (he/him), CEO and co-founder of Out in National Security, joins the podcast to discuss how his organization is stepping in to support LGBTQIA+ professionals across the national security and public-sector workforce. The organization is a growing hub for community following the dissolution of federal employee resource groups. Out in National Security offers connection, advocacy, and...

info_outline 223. Appropriations in Flux: Shutdown Risks, CRs, and What Feds Need to Know show art 223. Appropriations in Flux: Shutdown Risks, CRs, and What Feds Need to Know

FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

Congressional funding negotiations are anything but straightforward—and the stakes for federal employees couldn’t be higher. We welcome John Hatton of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) back to the podcast to break down where federal appropriations stand. We unpack continuing resolutions, stalled funding bills, Homeland Security complications, and the real possibility of another government shutdown—plus how unexpected factors like weather and congressional scheduling can further delay decisions. This conversation is very much “as of today,” (which...

info_outline 222. We the Doers: Inside the Push to Fix Government from the Inside Out show art 222. We the Doers: Inside the Push to Fix Government from the Inside Out

FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

What happens when federal leaders stop waiting for permission to fix what’s broken? On this episode of the FedUpward podcast, host Love Rutledge is joined by Maureen Klovers and April Mohr Harding, co-founders of We the Doers, a new movement created by current and former federal executives determined to reform government where policy meets reality. Drawing on decades of experience across agencies like Treasury, USDA, IRS, and the intelligence community, Maureen and April break down the real barriers to effective government—from broken budget cycles and outdated performance metrics to...

info_outline 221. FEVS Is Paused — Your Voice Doesn’t Have to Be: The New 2025 Federal Workforce Survey show art 221. FEVS Is Paused — Your Voice Doesn’t Have to Be: The New 2025 Federal Workforce Survey

FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) isn’t happening in 2025 — but the need to hear from federal workers has never been greater.  Michelle Amante, Senior Vice President for Government Programs at the Partnership for Public Service, returns to the podcast to unpack the OPM pause on FEVS this year and how the Partnership is ensuring federal employees still have a voice. Michelle explains the newly launched Public Service Viewpoint Survey, why employee feedback is mission-critical in a transitional year, and how the Partnership designed a shorter, 23-question survey that mirrors...

info_outline 220. Final Days of Open Season: How Premiums, Shutdowns & RIFs Affect You show art 220. Final Days of Open Season: How Premiums, Shutdowns & RIFs Affect You

FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

John Hatton, Vice President of Policy and Programs at the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), returns to the podcast. John breaks down what federal employees need to know during Open Season—from steep premium increases to how to confidently evaluate changing plans without feeling overwhelmed. He dives into NARFE’s member resources, including webinars and expert guidance that help employees and retirees make informed decisions that could save thousands annually. John also unpacks the latest developments from Capitol Hill: back pay assurances, the temporary...

info_outline 219. Navigating 2026 Open Season: Health Plan Changes Every Fed Should Know show art 219. Navigating 2026 Open Season: Health Plan Changes Every Fed Should Know

FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

Love welcomes back Kevin Moss, Senior Editor of Consumers’ Checkbook, to the podcast to break down what’s new for this year’s Open Season. From premium increases and IVF coverage expansion to flexible spending accounts and hidden health plan perks, Kevin shares essential insights every federal employee needs to make smart, cost-saving healthcare decisions. Learn why average premiums are rising 12.3% in 2026, how GLP-1 medications and healthcare utilization are impacting costs, and what benefit adjustments could affect out-of-pocket spending. Kevin also explains how to use Consumers’...

info_outline 218. Pivoting Parents: How a former Federal Contractor's Layoff led to Purpose show art 218. Pivoting Parents: How a former Federal Contractor's Layoff led to Purpose

FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

Layoff Led to Purpose: How Kathleen Borgueta Built a Lifeline for Working Parents When federal contractor Kathleen Borgueta received her termination letter just 11 weeks postpartum, she could have let it break her. Instead, she built Pivoting Parents—a growing community helping caregivers navigate job transitions, childcare challenges, and career reinvention. In this episode of The Fed Upward Podcast, Kathleen talks about the power of community, the realities of caregiving while job-hunting, and why federal parents need holistic support now more than ever. 👉 Visit 👉 Connect with...

info_outline 217. Micro Grants and More - Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund show art 217. Micro Grants and More - Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund

FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

When a government shutdown hits, it’s not just politics—it’s people. Robyn Kehoe with the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) joins FedUpward to talk about the emergency microgrants, loans, and resources available to help federal employees and their families weather financial hardship. FEEA, a nonprofit that has supported feds for nearly 40 years, is stepping up once again to provide direct relief during the shutdown—alongside scholarships, emergency loans, and year-round programs that serve the federal workforce. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to apply for...

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“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 fabulous. ✨

Dr. Haynes 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 – Intro
00:50 – Dr. Nola Haynes on career pivots and the anti-DEI backlash
02:54 – Advice for Feds considering what's next: "Take a breath, then take the leap"
04:57 – Bridging the gap between academia and federal service
08:17 – Developing a personal brand: femininity as power, not a liability
11:17 – Why showing up authentically leaves a lasting impression
13:21 – Where to follow Dr. Haynes and her new projects
15:56 – Final thoughts: This moment of chaos is your moment of opportunity

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