Impact Point

About Impact Point

technology, policy, and people, and how they all come together to create real-world change.

Publisher

Q2IMPACT

Category

business · business · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Sept 2025

Latest episode

15 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Sept 2026

   Cutting Bureaucracy, Countering Drones, and Rethinking Battlefield Risk with Rep. Ryan Zinke

   In this episode of Impact Point, host Neelima Grover and co-host Calin Brierley (CTO at LSR Technology) are joined by former SEAL Team Six commander, former Secretary of the Interior, and current Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke. Together, they discuss the evolving threat landscape of counter-drone warfare, the legislative push to streamline defense technology exports to allies, and why overcoming acquisition bureaucracy and accepting operational risk are critical to maintaining U.S. national security. MAIN TAKEAWAYS 00:00 – Host Neelima Grover introduces co-host Calin Brierley and guest Congressman Ryan Zinke. 01:27 – Rep. Zinke explains the LEED Act, the Allied Defense Sales Act, and rapid battlefield technological changes. 03:52 – Addressing the bureaucratic friction between the State Department, Pentagon, and Congress. 06:06 – The essential role of human training and readiness across active duty and National Guard units. 08:17 – Balancing equipment, leadership, interagency coordination (JSOC), and NGO insights. 11:36 – Maximizing unit-level training and addressing top-down vs. bottom-up technology acquisitions. 15:18 – Drone swarms, AI integration, cheap mass production, and lessons from global conflicts. 20:04 – Moving away from rigid 5-year acquisition plans to field non-program-of-record technologies. 25:23 – Removing contracting middle-man barriers to allow direct operator-vendor dialogue. 29:24 – Pushing the FAA on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rules for agriculture and infrastructure. 38:02 – Debunking drone disinformation and establishing constitutional safeguards on data collection. 42:54 – Homeland defense, Fourth Amendment protections, and preparing for asymmetric threats. 46:25 – Moving legislation through the Senate and focusing on capability over hardware acquisition. 48:25 – Final thoughts on leadership, training, and American innovation. Resources & Links Mentioned Learn more about LSR Technology and Impact Point: (https://elesar.us) (https://q2impact.com) Relevant Legislation: LEED Act, Allied Defense Sales Act, Safer Skies Act #NationalSecurity #DefenseTech #CounterUAS #Drones #DefenseAcquisitions #Leadership #ImpactPoint #PublicPolicy #Innovation

2. 

   26 Aug 2026

   Beyond the Sky: Counter-UAS Tech, Interagency Coordination, and the Preparedness Gap with Brett Feddersen

   Counter-drone defense has rapidly shifted from a niche concern to an urgent national security priority across military bases, airports, federal prisons, and major public venues. But while detection and takeover technology are advancing rapidly, is human preparedness and policy keeping pace with the threat? In this episode of Impact Point, co-hosts Neelima Grover (CEO and Founder of Q2 Impact) and Marsha Slocum sit down with Brett Feddersen, Vice President of Strategy and Government Affairs at D-fend Solutions and Chair of the Security Industry Association’s Counter-UAS Working Group. Drawing on his extensive background spanning the FAA, National Security Council, Joint Chiefs, and Defense Intelligence Agency, Brett breaks down how modern RF cyber takeover technology works, the realities of interagency coordination during major events like the World Cup, and why training pipelines must expand to empower local law enforcement and critical infrastructure operators. Key takeaways: 00:00 Introduction 01:36 Brett traces his C-UAS path to 2014 White House drone incidents and explains D-Fend's RF cyber technology, which safely takes over and lands rogue drones (e.g., 2,000+ detected at the World Cup) 04:28 Explores D-Fend’s EnforceAir 2 system for swarm/single threat tracking, alongside operator training models via the FBI's Huntsville center and D-Fend's support academies. 11:50 Highlights the massive training backlog across ~18,000 U.S. police departments and stresses that drone tech and threats are evolving faster than government policies. 16:21 Emphasizes that no single device stops every threat—requiring a layered approach (radar, cameras, RF) and better interagency communication to prevent operational silos. 24:41 Discusses using wargaming, tabletop exercises, and simulation tools (like Q2 Holodeck) to build hands-on operator muscle memory for real-world incidents. 31:18 Addresses how agency rivalries and culture can hinder response efforts, pointing to Incident Command System (ICS) frameworks and continuous training as the solution. 40:07 Looks ahead to integrating C-UAS into Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) and urges Congress to grant drone mitigation authorities to private critical infrastructure (power plants, transport hubs). Thanks for listening to the Impact Point podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #DigitalTransformation

3. 

   11 Aug 2026

   Fusing the Frontline: Bridging Technology and Policy in National Security with Ben Rohrbaugh

   As counter-UAS threats grow more sophisticated, the biggest failure point facing modern defense isn't the technology—it’s the human cognitive burden. In this episode of Impact Point, co-hosts Marsha Slocum and Neelima Grover (Founder & CEO of Q2 Impact) sit down with Ben Rohrbaugh, co-founder of Lantern UAS and former Director for Enforcement and Border Security at the National Security Council. Drawing from his extensive background inside the Department of Homeland Security and the White House, Ben cuts through the noise of national security acquisition. Discover why data fusion and human-centered design are critical for modern warfighters, how artificial intelligence must be leveraged to ease operator decision-making, and what it truly takes for government systems to adapt before defense windows close. KEY TAKEAWAYS 00:00 – Introduction 02:15 – Moving From Policy to Entrepreneurship 08:30 – The Reality of the Modern Drone Threat 15:45 – Why the "best technology" fails if operators are overwhelmed. 24:10 – The messy, fragmented reality of software interoperability. 33:20 – Government Procurement and why the acquisition window is closing on outdated hardware. 42:05 – Humans in the Loop and designing interfaces for users operating under extreme pressure. 51:15 – The Q2 Impact 28 years of human-centered design applied to national security. 54:14 – Outro Thanks for listening to the Impact Point podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any future episodes. The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance

4. 

   28 Jul 2026

   The Reality of AI in the GovCon Market with Ross Wilkers of GovExec

   The federal contracting market is generating more signals than most contractors know how to read. Ross Wilkers, Senior Staff Reporter of “Washington Technology,” covers government contracting for GovExec. In this episode, he separates noise from signal, explains why the innovation pyramid has flipped, and maps where federal AI adoption is real versus aspirational. He unpacks the Anthropic-DoD guardrail dispute and closes with three priorities for contractors right now. KEY TAKEAWAYS 00:00 Introduction. 03:00 Budget top-line drama is noise. Programmatic outlays are the signal. 05:10 Agencies decide slowly but move fast once committed. Miss the window, miss the contract. 07:30 OTA and iterative contracts are becoming mainstream, not alternative. 15:15 The innovation pyramid has flipped. Commercial R&D leads; government is climbing toward it. 18:30 Teaming is not optional for small businesses. Integrators are looking for partners. 28:15 Show proof of outcomes, timeline, and a scaling pathway. 30:15 No agency weights speed, proof, and scale equally. Know your customer first. 46:30 Anthropic-DoD is a guardrail dispute with market consequences. 57:45 Outcomes, customer knowledge, workforce investment. All three, all the time. Thanks for listening to the Impact Point podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any future episodes. The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance

5. 

   21 Jul 2026

   From Acquisition to Action: Drone Dominance, Counter-UAS, and the Future of Warfighter Readiness with Neelima Grover, Marsha Grodnicki, and StrongPoint Labs co-founders, Henry Sullivan and Chris Sargent

   How do we turn cutting-edge military technology into an actual capability on the battlefield? In this episode of Impact Point, hosts Neelima Grover and Marsha Grodnicki sit down with Chris Sargent and Henry Sullivan, the co-founders of Strongpoint Labs. From the pitfalls of "cookie-cutter" vendor training to the urgent realities of the Counter-UAS (C-UAS) threat, Chris and Henry explain why true readiness isn't about what gear you buy—it's about how you train the humans operating it. They dive deep into the Drone Dominance Program (DDP), the lessons we must carry over from the counter-IED fight, and why the military must learn to embrace failure in training before heading down range. Whether you are a tech vendor, defense acquisition professional, or military leader, this episode cuts through the noise to deliver actionable insights on modern drone warfare. 00:00 – 01:42 | Intro & Guest Backgrounds 02:12 – 08:00 | The Tech-to-Warfighter Gap & Basic Training Traps 09:35 – 23:33 | Mission-Centered Training, Failure, & Real Readiness 24:47 – 36:20 | Counter-UAS (C-UAS), Decision Latency, & Interagency Challenges 42:35 – 50:54 | Future Tech Trends & Integration Key Takeaways Acquisition and Operationalization: Buying gear doesn't make a unit ready. Real capability requires hands-on, realistic, and continuous home-station training. Avoid Single-Point Failure: Don't rely on individual "tech champions" who leave after 3–5 years. Institutionalize peer-to-peer knowledge transfer. Counter-UAS Requires a System-of-Systems: Much like C-IED efforts, defeating drone threats demands combined EW, kinetic solutions, dynamic doctrine, and streamlined institutional responses. Connect With Us Strongpoint Labs: Follow Chris Sargent & Henry Sullivan. Q2 Impact: Visit q2impact.com (https://www.q2impact.com) or connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact).

6. 

   19 May 2026

   Aid Is Not Charity, It's Investment; Syria, Security, and the Future of US Assistance with David Lillie of Syrian American Medical Society

   David Lillie (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lillie-60158196/?isSelfProfile=false), Executive Director of the Syrian American Medical Society, (https://www.linkedin.com/company/syrian-american-medical-society/) has spent 25 years delivering humanitarian assistance in conflict zones, including Syria, Sudan, and Rwanda. In this episode, he makes the case that humanitarian aid is not charity. It is crisis prevention, and the cost of cutting it is measured in instability, disease, and displacement, not budget savings. With over 320 million people globally in need of aid and US funding declining sharply, David lays out what breaks first when the money stops, why Syria demands sustained attention after liberation, and how AI and better data practices can help the sector do more with less. KEY TAKEAWAYS 00:00 Introduction. 00:42 After funding was cut, agencies faced immediate life-or-death decisions about continuing services in the field. 04:18 Humanitarian crises and big gaps do not disappear when attention and funding dry up; they become more dangerous. 06:00 Syria's displacement crisis shows how sustained investment prevents regional instability and disease spread. 18:27 Return on humanitarian investment shows up in population movement, crises that emerge,t and private sector growth, not government reports. 21:29 When funding stops, local partners collapse first, and there is a huge cost to rebuilding. 30:34 70% of humanitarians use AI, but only 3% use it for anything beyond basic summaries and translation. 38:46 AI will not replace humanitarian workers, but it can help them see risks faster and catch fraud earlier. 45:26 Humanitarian assistance is not compassion. It is a smart investment. It has a framing issue and we need to let the data speak about why HA is an investment and why it matters. RESOURCES MENTIONED David Lillie (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lillie-60158196/?isSelfProfile=false) https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lillie-60158196/?isSelfProfile=false Syrian American Medical Society (https://www.linkedin.com/company/syrian-american-medical-society/) | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/syrian-american-medical-society/ Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) | Website https://sams-usa.net/ (https://sams-usa.net/) Humanitarian Data Exchange: https://data.humdata.org/ (https://data.humdata.org/) GeoWrangler: https://geowrangler.thinkingmachin.es/ (https://geowrangler.thinkingmachin.es/) Thanks for listening to the "Impact Point" podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any future episodes. The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance

7. 

   15 Apr 2026

   The Drone Threat Is Not Waiting: C-UAS, Speed, and the Adaptation Imperative with Brad Halsey of Building Momentum

   The drone threat is no longer a future problem. Recent incidents at El Paso and Fort Hancock have exposed a critical vulnerability — not in technology, but in how organizations coordinate decisions under pressure. The biggest counter-UAS readiness gap is a practice problem, not a hardware one. In this episode of “Impact Point,” we sit down with Brad Halsey (http://linkedin.com/in/brad-halsey-74109933), Founder of Building Momentum (http://linkedin.com/company/building-momentum-llc)and former Navy Surface Warfare Officer. Brad draws on two decades of defense innovation and experiential learning to explain why adaptation speed now trumps technology sophistication, how government access restrictions are stalling domestic innovation, and why the organizations that will hold the line are built on continuous iteration — not advanced hardware. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 06:15 There is no DARPA Hard anymore, only DARPA Fast. The drone threat moves faster than two-year development cycles. 10:08 Counter-UAS agility requires rethinking the business model, not just the technology stack. 13:00 Government access restrictions have prevented war fighters from building the reps that matter most. 14:00 Risk tolerance in garrison should be higher than in combat, not lower. That cultural inversion is slowing adaptation. 16:21 Drone incidents aren't surprising because the threat is new. They're surprising because we've never practiced responding to them in the environments where they occur. 35:00 World Cup preparation should focus on the asymmetric scenarios, not the ones every security team already has an SOP for. 38:00 Fluid multi-authority communications must be practiced, not assumed. Coordination failures in low-stakes drills become casualties in real events. 44:19 The speed of adaptation is the shield. For government leaders, industry, and venture capital alike, that's the only durable competitive position. Resources Mentioned: Brad Halsey (http://linkedin.com/in/brad-halsey-74109933) http://linkedin.com/in/brad-halsey-74109933 Building Momentum (http://linkedin.com/company/building-momentum-llc) | LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/company/building-momentum-llc Building Momentum (http://buildmo.com) | Website http://buildmo.com Defense Acquisition University (DAU) (http://dau.edu) http://dau.edu Q2IMPACT (http://q2impact.com) http://q2impact.com Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. The “Impact Point” podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance

8. 

   9 Mar 2026

   Why Good Intentions Fail: The True Cost of Ignoring AM&E in Security Cooperation with Mick Crnkovich of Stratagem Consulting, LLC

   Billions are spent on US security cooperation every year. Mick Crnkovich (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mick-crnkovich/), one of the most candid practitioners in the field, joins us to make the case for treating assessment, monitoring, and evaluation (AM&E) not as compliance overhead, but as the decision infrastructure that protects taxpayer investment and keeps security cooperation honest. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:16 AM&E was built to be a decision infrastructure, not paperwork. 09:06 AM&E expertise does not exist inside the Department of Defense. 12:17 A single vendor created consistency. Fragmentation broke it. 16:55 DoD culture is the biggest obstacle to lasting AM&E progress. 20:31 Effective AM&E integrates data, people, and culture as one system. 25:18 Choosing the cheapest vendor produces garbage in, garbage out. 28:33 Big primes are a mile wide and an inch deep. AM&E needs specialists. 39:18 Rigorous AM&E aligns directly with this administration's efficiency priorities. 48:25 No one inside the combatant commands was held accountable for AM&E outcomes. 50:16 AI and ML must be integrated into SSCI proposals. The talent exists. 53:21 AM&E professionals speak a language most DoD stakeholders do not understand. 55:00 The best teams combine AM&E expertise with former security cooperation officers. 01:09:48 The enterprise is at a restart point. Not from scratch, but a deliberate reset. Resources Mentioned: Mick Crnkovich (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mick-crnkovich/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/mick-crnkovich/ Q2IMPACT (https://www.q2impact.com) https://www.q2impact.com Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) (https://www.dsca.mil/) https://www.dsca.mil/ Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) (https://dscu.edu/) https://dscu.edu/ U.S. Code § 383 — NDAA 2017 AM&E of Programs and Activieties (https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/383) https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/383 SCIP — Security Cooperation Information Portal (https://scip.dsca.mil/welcome/) https://scip.dsca.mil/welcome/ The Good American: The Epic Life of Bob Gersony (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/588768/the-good-american-by-robert-d-kaplan/) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/588768/the-good-american-by-robert-d-kaplan/ Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance

9. 

   17 Feb 2026

   From Research to Reality: What’s Missing in the US Innovation System with Sreenivas Ramaswamy of NobleReach™️

   Building resilient supply chains, translating talent across sectors, and aligning public and private incentives are becoming defining challenges for US competitiveness. Sreenivas Ramaswamy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sreeramaswamy/), Chief Innovation Officer of NobleReach (https://www.linkedin.com/company/noblereach/)™,️ joins us to explore how innovation policy, procurement reform, and workforce development must evolve to meet today’s national security and economic realities. Drawing from his varied career, including his role in shaping the CHIPS and Science Act, Sree explains why government, industry, and academia often struggle to work in sync. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:10 Sreenivas moves from space engineering to economics and McKinsey. 05:51 NobleReach™ is built to bridge language gaps between government, industry, and academia. 07:42 Moving innovation from lab to market requires addressing systemic gaps. 12:57 Capital is available, but ecosystem gaps and misaligned talent slow investment. 17:22 Solving talent gaps requires bringing capital allocators and operators into government. 18:34 Effective change management starts with clearly defining the real problem. 19:01 US–China competition requires public and private sectors to align and break down silos. 21:43 Fragmented workforce programs drive ongoing skill gaps. Resources Mentioned: Sreenivas Ramaswamy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sreeramaswamy/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/sreeramaswamy/ NobleReach (https://www.linkedin.com/company/noblereach/)™ | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/noblereach/ NobleReach™️ (https://noblereach.org/) | Website https://noblereach.org/ CHIPS and Science Act (https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4346) https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4346 Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #DigitalTransformation

10. 

    20 Jan 2026

    Inside the Talent Shift: How AI and Procurement Reform Are Reshaping GovCon with Jake Frazer of Precision Talent Solutions

    The GovCon landscape is undergoing seismic change, and navigating it requires a new kind of leadership, talent strategy, and organizational mindset. In this episode, we sit down with Jake Frazer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer/), President and Co-Founder of Precision Talent Solutions (https://www.linkedin.com/company/precision-talent-solutions/), to explore how CEOs, executives, and transitioning professionals can adapt, upskill, and thrive in a rapidly shifting market. Jake shares insights from decades in the industry, highlighting what today’s GovCon leaders must understand about procurement reform, AI-driven shifts, and the changing nature of business development. He also discusses career pivots, organizational mapping, and how empathy and human connection remain irreplaceable in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:20 CEOs face the most turbulent GovCon talent landscape since 9/11. 05:14 AI now handles major BD tasks that once required full teams. 08:12 CEOs should use assessment tools to see who can adapt to rapid change. 10:32 Assess team personalities to identify who can adapt. 14:59 Career Concierge launches to provide structured career guidance. 22:01 Hire for future behavior, not past experience. 24:23 AI frees recruiters to focus on a deeper understanding of customers and candidates. 26:23 Critical hires deserve support from expert search partners. Resources Mentioned: Jake Frazer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer/ Precision Talent Solutions (https://www.linkedin.com/company/precision-talent-solutions/) | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/precision-talent-solutions/ Precision Talent Solutions (https://pts.careers/) | Website https://pts.careers/ The Future of GovCon Podcast (https://pts.careers/podcast) https://pts.careers/podcast GovWin Intelligence Platform (https://iq.govwin.com/neo/home) https://iq.govwin.com/neo/home Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #DigitalTransformation

11. 

    15 Dec 2025

    Inside Saudi Arabia’s Innovation Wave and Investment Boom with Sean Jones of The American University in Cairo

    Saudi Arabia is transforming at a scale and speed rarely seen, reshaping perceptions, markets, and opportunities across the Middle East. In this episode, we sit down with Sean Jones (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-jones-920648a/), Adjunct Professor of The American University in Cairo (https://www.linkedin.com/school/aucegypt/) and Board Member of the Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt (https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulbright-egypt/), to unpack what this shift means for businesses, policymakers, and innovators. We explore firsthand impressions from Riyadh, the forces driving the country’s rapid change, and why now is a pivotal moment for engagement in the region. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:21 Saudi Arabia’s rapid change defies common preconceptions. 04:40 Leadership and vision, not wealth, drive Saudi Arabia’s momentum. 07:56 A large forum unites small companies with investors from around the world. 08:34 Young entrepreneurs and tech-focused startups are converging on new opportunities. 13:15 Success in Saudi Arabia requires strong relationships, not just an American business label. 16:42 Real change happens when strong political will is paired with bold incentives. 21:22 Saudi Arabia’s global integration is aligning economic, cultural, and social norms. 23:05 Now is the moment to enter the region and bring forward new ideas. Resources Mentioned: Sean Jones (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-jones-920648a/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-jones-920648a/ The American University in Cairo (https://www.linkedin.com/school/aucegypt/) | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/school/aucegypt/ The American University in Cairo (https://www.aucegypt.edu/) | Website https://www.aucegypt.edu/ Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt (https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulbright-egypt/) | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulbright-egypt/ Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt (https://fulbright-egypt.org/) | Website https://fulbright-egypt.org/ Garage Startup Ecosystem (https://thegarage.sa/) https://thegarage.sa/ Saudi Vision 2030 (https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en) https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

12. 

    24 Nov 2025

    From Policy to Practice: Embedding Evaluation Across the State Department with Sarah Kohari of Kohari Consulting, LLC

    Systematic change in government organizations doesn’t happen overnight. It takes structure, collaboration, and a commitment to learning. In this episode, we speak with Sarah Kohari (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-m-kohari/), Principal at Kohari Consulting, LLC, and former Chief for Planning, Performance, and Learning at the US Department of State (https://www.linkedin.com/company/doscareers/). She shares how the 18 FAM 300 policy transformed monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) practices across the State Department, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:34 The evaluation policy showed bureaus lacked clarity on project goals. 05:33 Many staff already supported 18 FAM 300 and welcomed the rollout. 11:17 The policy now drives ownership and program design at every bureau level. 14:56 Diplomatic results take years, from curbing narcotics to advancing cybersecurity laws. 16:54 Monitoring feels slow, but evaluations show what drives success. 21:33 AI can help organize decades of bureau project data. 25:25 Faster analysis tools now turn complex data questions into quick insights. 28:45 Strong leadership and clear expectations make monitoring sustainable. Resources Mentioned: Sarah Kohari (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-m-kohari/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-m-kohari/ US Department of State (https://www.linkedin.com/company/doscareers/) | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/doscareers/ US Department of State (https://www.state.gov/) | Website https://www.state.gov/ 18 FAM 300 Policy (https://fam.state.gov/Volumes/Details/18FAM) https://fam.state.gov/Volumes/Details/18FAM Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. The “Impact Point” podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

13. 

    28 Oct 2025

    Building Credibility in a World of Generative AI with Jake Shapiro of Princeton University

    The world is entering a post-documentation era where truth and evidence are no longer easily verifiable. In this episode, we speak with Jake Shapiro (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-shapiro-502b811/), John Foster Dulles Professor of International Affairs at Princeton University (https://www.linkedin.com/school/princeton-university/), to explore how technology, reputation, and trust shape our understanding of facts in a rapidly changing information landscape. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:27 The era of trusting recordings as undeniable proof of truth is coming to an end. 05:09 Chains of reputation sustained high-trust trade across long distances. 12:35 Large-scale aid in Iraq shows how efforts can miss long-term goals. 14:32 Reaching rural women means bringing programs to them. 16:50 Solving problems works best with a customer development mindset. 18:23 ESOC connects researchers and practitioners to better address and reduce conflict. 20:25 Different leaders process information differently, so tailoring communication is key. 24:07 New technology shapes how people choose information, and evidence has its limits. Resources Mentioned: Jake Shapiro (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-shapiro-502b811/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-shapiro-502b811/ Princeton University (https://www.linkedin.com/school/princeton-university/) | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/school/princeton-university/ Princeton University (https://princeton.edu) | Website https://princeton.edu Empirical Study of Conflict Project (ESOC) (https://esoc.princeton.edu/) https://esoc.princeton.edu/ Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

14. 

    7 Oct 2025

    Innovation, Agility, and the Next Era of Foreign Assistance with Neelima Grover and Rob Jenkins of Q2IMPACT

    Foreign assistance is undergoing one of its most dramatic transformations in decades, forcing organizations to rethink strategies, funding sources, and innovation models. In this episode, Neelima Grover (https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelima-grover/), Founder and CEO of Q2IMPACT (https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/), and Rob Jenkins (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jenkins-b512559/), Senior Advisor of Q2IMPACT (https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/), explore the challenges and opportunities facing foreign assistance amid geopolitical shifts, funding uncertainty, and the rise of emerging technologies like AI. They discuss how adaptive management, innovation, and private sector leadership are shaping the future of global development. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 00:45 Foreign assistance is evolving into a transformative new chapter. 05:48 With no clear roadmap, organizations must adapt and innovate. 10:07 Despite challenges, billions in funding remain available for future programs. 14:16 Adaptive management and a systems approach are crucial for lasting impact. 20:33 Delays in decision-making have long hindered effective action in foreign assistance. 25:38 AI can gather real-time insights from social media to transform data collection. 30:11 The private sector must drive adaptive, systems-based solutions as government lags. 32:55 State Department must rebuild systems to manage funds and seize opportunities. Resources Mentioned: Neelima Grover (https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelima-grover/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelima-grover/ Rob Jenkins (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jenkins-b512559?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name) https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jenkins-b512559?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name Q2IMPACT LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/) h (https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/)ttps://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/ Q2IMPACT website (https://q2impact.com/) https://q2impact.com/ Global Fragility Act (https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2116) https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2116 USAID (https://www.usaid.gov/) https://www.usaid.gov/ *Podcast recorded prior to Government shutdown. Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

15. 

    23 Sept 2025

    Preserving Human Value in an AI-Dominated Future with Dr. Varun Grover of the University of Arkansas

    The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping not only technology but also how humans define knowledge, value, and dignity in their work. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Varun Grover (https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-grover-0a44a03a/), George and Boyce Billingsley Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor of the University of Arkansas ­- Sam M. Walton College of Business (https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-arkansas-sam-m-walton-college-of-business/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3BzS4jecSJSXO1SBBhg2aCeQ%3D%3D), to explore the concept of benchmark inversion and the future of human-AI collaboration. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:01 ChatGPT highlights the shift from programmed to data-driven AI. 04:25 AI mimics empathy and judgment, but it lacks true consciousness. 09:33 Throwing AI tools at employees without integration is not a recipe for success. 14:22 True change management needs leadership to overcome resistance. 16:52 Unlike functional tools, AI is defined by open-ended potential. 18:11 AI should be implemented at the speed of trust, not the speed of technology. 21:23 Humans enhance their value by using AI. Resisting it risks replacement. 24:56 As AI grows, preserving human dignity and identity is essential. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Varun Grover (https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-grover-0a44a03a/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-grover-0a44a03a/ University of Arkansas (https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-arkansas/) | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-arkansas/ University of Arkansas (https://www.uark.edu/) | Website https://www.uark.edu/ MIT AI Strategy and Leadership Program (https://executive-ed.xpro.mit.edu/ai-strategy-and-leadership) https://executive-ed.xpro.mit.edu/ai-strategy-and-leadership NVIDIA (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/) https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/ Gartner Hype Cycle (https://www.gartner.com/en/research/methodologies/gartner-hype-cycle) https://www.gartner.com/en/research/methodologies/gartner-hype-cycle Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

16. 

    16 Sept 2025

    Cutting Through the Noise at the Crossroads of AI, National Security, and Global Change with Neelima Grover, Marsha Grodnicki, Rob Jenkins of Q2IMPACT

    We’re living through a defining moment where technology, geopolitics, and national security converge at an unprecedented pace. In this inaugural episode, Neelima Grover (https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelima-grover/), Founder and CEO of Q2IMPACT (https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/), Marsha Grodnicki (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-grodnicki-a1985415/), Managing Director of Q2IMPACT (https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/), and Rob Jenkins (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jenkins-b512559?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name), Senior Advisor of Q2IMPACT (https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/), discuss how organizations can navigate disruption, harness reliable data, and lead with innovation in an AI-first world. Together, they reflect on the pivotal role of reliable information, change management, and forward-looking leadership in shaping resilient strategies for government, industry, and society. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 00:19 Impact Point launches with a focus on national security and AI. 00:36 Geopolitical change and ubiquitous AI are reshaping the landscape. 01:00 Leaders with practical experience will share actionable insights. 01:38 The show moves past jargon to deliver real impact. 02:44 This moment in history demands immediate attention and action. 03:13 Rapid change requires reliable data and practical solutions. 04:06 Organizations must learn to navigate and thrive through disruption. 04:29 Change management puts people at the center of transformation. 05:20 AI frees people to focus on higher-level, creative work. 06:04 There's optimism about new opportunities emerging from change. 07:14 Global partnerships enable creative collaboration and innovation. 08:02 Q2IMPACT connects dots across sectors for maximum impact. 09:08 Change affects national security and every other domain. 10:05 Every episode will deliver practical, actionable takeaways. 10:31 Impact Point invites listener ideas and active engagement. 11:03 The show does things differently and makes it a conversation. Resources Mentioned: Neelima Grover (https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelima-grover/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelima-grover/ Marsha Grodnicki (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-grodnicki-a1985415/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-grodnicki-a1985415/ Rob Jenkins (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jenkins-b512559?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name) https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jenkins-b512559?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name Q2IMPACT (https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/) | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/ Q2IMPACT (https://q2impact.com/) | Website https://q2impact.com/ Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

13 ratings

Contact Impact Point

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.