FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees
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!
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190. Workplace Promise Institute - Whistleblowers United
09/05/2024
190. Workplace Promise Institute - Whistleblowers United
On September 11, 2024, Jackie Garrick and team will host the Workplace Promise Instittute. Jackie founded Whistleblowers of America, nonprofit organization assisting whistleblowers who have suffered retaliation after having identified harm to individuals or the public. Her experience as a federal employee led her to create a network of support for whistleblowers. The conference on the 11th will explore legal protections, resources available to whistleblowers and a chance to network with people who have been through the process.
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189. Data Driven Talent Management with Kris Saling
08/30/2024
189. Data Driven Talent Management with Kris Saling
Meet Kris Saling. a leader in the Army's recruiting command and analytics guru. She joined me on the podcast to talk about her new book, Data-Driven Talent Management and federal agencies and deparmtents can leverage better tools and processes to improve employee experience. She combines HR and data savvy to yield results. Here's what the listing on Amazion says about Kris new book: Data-Driven Talent Management is a practical guide for HR professionals which answers these questions. It outlines effective data collection and analysis methods as well as showing how to develop metrics and key performance indicators to support employee experience. It also provides guidance on how to build a comprehensive talent database by understanding different employee experiences, attributes, skills and journeys. In addition, there is also essential advice on how to leverage data to improve motivation and employee engagement, use data to assess different thought and work styles in the workforce and use the results to build a diverse and inclusive organization that allows all employees and the business to thrive. Full of tools, tips and frameworks and written by a professional who is implementing a data-driven approach to talent management for the US Army, the world's largest employer, this is essential reading for all mid-level and senior HR practitioners.
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188. Black Professionals in international Affairs - Professional Organization Spotlight
08/08/2024
188. Black Professionals in international Affairs - Professional Organization Spotlight
I love connecting listeners with professional organizations literally made for them! Enter Black Professionals in International Affairs! President Alexandria Maloney discusses membership, upcoming events, mission and how you can get involved in this episode. BPIA upcoming events: Alexandria Maloney's site:
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187. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - What you Need To Know
08/07/2024
187. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - What you Need To Know
Have you heard about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act? Congress passed it in 2023, but the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission just published a final regulation in June of this year. Deborah Hopkins, attorney and president of the Federal Employment Law Training Group, joined me on the podcast to discuss what you need to know as a pregnant employee and as a supervisor. This law changes the way you should think about reasonable accomodation when it comes to pregnancy. If you want to learn more, head to to learn more about additional training FELTG offers on this and other topics. --------- FedUpward Merch is here! Click the linik below to see all the goodies. Joined the FedUpward email list?
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186. What is the Merit Systems Protection Board?
07/27/2024
186. What is the Merit Systems Protection Board?
Raymond Limon, vice chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MPSB) joined me on the show to discuss what the MPSB is, what it does and why it matters. If you havent' taken training on this recently, tune in for a refresher. He also surprised me by administering the oath of office as a way to celebrate my new federal job! If you need a refresher on the merit systems principles and prohibited practices: And if you REALLY want to dig in, check out Biography of an Ideal: the Hstory of the Federal Civil Serivce.
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185. ClearanceJobs - Connect 2024 Conference Oct 3
07/18/2024
185. ClearanceJobs - Connect 2024 Conference Oct 3
Lindy Kyzer of Clearance Jobs joined me on the podcast to talk about the current state of the job market for clearance holders and what CJ has to offer. Join us at the Clearance Jobs Connect 2024 event on October 3rd. Listen for details and click below to register now! Govvies can take $100 off the ticket price by using this code at registration: GOVSQUIRREL Lindy and I discussed topics that come up often on the CJ site, and here's one you might want to take a look at:
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184. What I learned from my successful SES application
06/30/2024
184. What I learned from my successful SES application
Longtime listeners probably remember episode 131 - Well, I kept at it and got through the SES process successfully! In this episode I walk through the lessons I learned and things that surprised me about the process this time. For the basics on executive core qualitification, .
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183. FedFam brings you savings on hotel stays
06/04/2024
183. FedFam brings you savings on hotel stays
Jason Coleman of FedFam joined me on the show to talk about discounts FedFam negotiated just for you! FedRooms is shutting down and FedFam is stepping in. Learn more about the first great rates here:
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182. Federal Executive Institute Alumni Association's Federal Executive Forum
05/10/2024
182. Federal Executive Institute Alumni Association's Federal Executive Forum
Dr. Kandis Boyd, Federal Executive Institute Alumni Aassociation (FEIAA) President, joined me on the podcast to disuss their upcoming event. The Federal Executive Forum is open to GS-12s through SESs and you don't have to be a FEIAA alum to attend this hybrid event. Yes, you can participate virtually. To learn more about FEI's course offerings, .
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181. Federal Human Capital Conference April 15-17, 2024 - For Feds Only!
04/11/2024
181. Federal Human Capital Conference April 15-17, 2024 - For Feds Only!
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: I hope I see you there - in person or virtually.
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180. Change Management in Government
12/11/2023
180. Change Management in Government
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 Brian mentioned a change management certification in this episode.
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179. Join Now! Membership for Feds
11/08/2023
179. Join Now! Membership for Feds
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
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178. Shared Services Leadership Coalition
10/25/2023
178. Shared Services Leadership Coalition
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 . In this episode, he describes his book () 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.
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177. FEHB Open Season - THE TOOL YOU NEED - 20% Off!
10/21/2023
177. FEHB Open Season - THE TOOL YOU NEED - 20% Off!
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. 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.
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176. Humans of Public Service - Nominate a Coworker
10/12/2023
176. Humans of Public Service - Nominate a Coworker
Heard of Humans of New York? Well, Brian Whittaker founded Humans of Public Service. 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.
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174. Shutdown Resources, News Sources and Discounts
09/29/2023
174. Shutdown Resources, News Sources and Discounts
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: Washington Posts's Shutdown Guide Sites Offering Federal Shutdown News Without Much Partisan Spin: Businesses Offfering Support:
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173. Shutdown Countdown?
09/01/2023
173. Shutdown Countdown?
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. 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.
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172. University of Maryland Global Campus - Programs for You
07/03/2023
172. University of Maryland Global Campus - Programs for You
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 (), 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.
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171. Public Service Motivation and Belonging with Doug Wilson
07/03/2023
171. Public Service Motivation and Belonging with Doug Wilson
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/
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170. Federally Employed Women (FEW) National Training Event - Register Today!
06/28/2023
170. Federally Employed Women (FEW) National Training Event - Register Today!
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 . 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
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169. How to Request Telework the Smart Way & Latest Exec Order on Remote Work
06/24/2023
169. How to Request Telework the Smart Way & Latest Exec Order on Remote Work
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! OPM's April 2023 guidance on returning to work:
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168. Pay Compression: How it Hurts You & the Public (and What You Can Do About It)
06/18/2023
168. Pay Compression: How it Hurts You & the Public (and What You Can Do About It)
I welcomed 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 -- Then move to discussions of why have people cap out early on pay ain't great: This isn't new...
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167. Debt Ceiling Chaos - What to Do, What to Watch
05/26/2023
167. Debt Ceiling Chaos - What to Do, What to Watch
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.
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166. Building Bridges to Solve Big Problems
05/24/2023
166. Building Bridges to Solve Big Problems
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: 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:
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165. The Rodel Federal Executive Fellowship
05/19/2023
165. The Rodel Federal Executive Fellowship
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: General email:
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164. So You're Under Investigation - Here's What To Do First
05/03/2023
164. So You're Under Investigation - Here's What To Do First
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 worked 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:
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163. Take Your #$%^!# Leave
04/06/2023
163. Take Your #$%^!# Leave
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: And here's the OPM website:
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162. ADHD: Superpower and Challenge for Feds
03/29/2023
162. ADHD: Superpower and Challenge for Feds
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?
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161. Feds in Motion Challenge - Join the FedUpward Community Team
03/11/2023
161. Feds in Motion Challenge - Join the FedUpward Community Team
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! 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. .to submit an application for you, your spouse or your college age children.
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160. Inspiring Workplaces - Join Me on March 16th!
03/11/2023
160. Inspiring Workplaces - Join Me on March 16th!
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:
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