Humble Beginnings
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Podcast Overview
<p>The CEOs and senior GovCon leaders of today weren't always sitting in the corner office. They weren't born in suits with a handbook for success and a direct path to leadership. In fact, before many of these executives came into positions of powers, they had rather humble beginnings -- no corporate family tree or unlimited access. Many had to find their way on their own with little to fall back on. This podcast will share the stories of high school part-time work, first jobs and early-career decisions, decades before the CEO appointments and the board memberships. We'll learn about the unconventional paths to success, the ones most of us can relate to.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
2/16/2023
1 verified contact email on file for Humble Beginnings
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Recent Episodes
January 14, 2026
Humbled Early, Grounded Always: Warren Kohm on Work Ethics, Loss & Leadership
Warren Kohm didn’t grow up with a silver spoon — he grew up learning how to make things work, and how not to take anything for granted. In this episode of "Humble Beginnings," we sit down with Warren, CEO of Aurex Defense, to trace the formative experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy, from growing up as the youngest of five in a modest Long Island home to leading a private equity–backed defense company. Raised by two teachers, Warren learned early the value of independence, d...
January 6, 2026
No Glass Ceiling: Deb Alderson’s Journey from a Norfolk Farm to CEO and a Defining Comeback
In this episode of "Humble Beginnings," we sit down with Deb Alderson, CEO of ViaPath Technologies, as she shares of her upbringing in Norfolk, Virginia; and how she'd later turn every challenge into an opportunity. Deb was raised by her mother and grandmother in a farming community near a military area, where she learned early lessons in hard work, giving back and breaking barriers. She was the first woman in her family to earn a college and graduate degree. From starting her career as a GS4...
August 19, 2025
From Bombay, to Founder & CEO: Rohit Gupta's Journey to Leadership
In this episode of "Humble Beginnings," host Amanda Ziadeh sits down with Rohit Gupta, CEO of Artem, as he shares his extraordinary journey leading a major GovCon company in the U.S. Before the executive title, before the acquisitions and AI strategies, Gupta's journey began in a one-bedroom apartment in Bombay — and a one-way ticket to the U.S. with just enough money to support him during his master’s degree program. Gupta discusses his upbringing in India, educational and career path that t...
37 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Humble Beginnings?
<p>The CEOs and senior GovCon leaders of today weren't always sitting in the corner office. They weren't born in suits with a handbook for success and a direct path to leadership. In fact, before many of these executives came into positions of powers, they had rather humble beginnings -- no corporate family tree or unlimited access. Many had to find their way on their own with little to fall back on. This podcast will share the stories of high school part-time work, first jobs and early-career decisions, decades before the CEO appointments and the board memberships. We'll learn about the unconventional paths to success, the ones most of us can relate to.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 7 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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