Mock IT is your expert guide to the back-of-napkin ideas that impact people worldwide. Ever find yourself asking questions like "How did this person go from working at a restaurant to owning a Fortune 500 company?" or "How can I take my scribbles and turn them into the next AI/ML solution?" - If so, then this podcast is for you. Hosts Liz and Rachel dig for the stories of innovators in action, so you don't have to. Tune in bi-monthly whenever you listen to podcasts.
In this episode, we sit down with Joanne Woytek, one of the leaders behind the NASA's Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) Program, a U.S. Government-Wide Acquisition Contract. Joanne shares how she's witnessed NASA's technological evolution over the decades, from her early days as a NASA mathematician to leading the SEWP Program.
Joanne reflects on the early days of SEWP, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how a pilot project grew into a major procurement vehicle. She also discusses the program's future direction as technology continues to advance and offers insights for those looking to take on leadership roles in tech and government.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Joanne opens up about her personal journey—balancing her career with advocacy work and reconnection with the LGBTQIA+ community.
LINKS:
+ MetroStar: https://bit.ly/3NhtasC
+ Rhino Ramblings Blog: https://bit.ly/4eJp9Jt
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.
16 Oct 2024
Hustling in Georgetown to leading at the Department of Defense (DOD) | Mock IT Podcast
In this episode, we meet Danielle Metz, a leader who moved to Washington DC at 24 with just a car full of belongings and a determination to make it. She shares her inspiring story of hustling for her first job, knowing when to walk away when she wasn't valued, and battling imposter syndrome in high-stakes leadership roles. We explore her leadership style as Director of Information Management and Technology, her key influences, and the challenges of leading diverse teams. Plus, we discuss digital modernization at the DoD and the delicate balance of budgeting for innovation.
LINKS:
+ MetroStar: https://bit.ly/3ZWsS1F
+ Follow Danielle: https://bit.ly/3U47BiN
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.
2 Oct 2024
Driving Gov't Change with Acting Deputy Chief Digital and AI Officer for Acquisitions | Mock IT Podcast
We sat down with Bonnie Evangelista, a trailblazer in government acquisitions and digital innovation. As the Acting Deputy Chief Digital and AI Officer for Acquisitions at the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, Bonnie shares insights into how she navigates the complex world of government acquisitions, leveraging emerging technologies to drive modernization.
Bonnie walks us through her career journey, from her early days studying at Virginia Tech (#Hokies) to becoming one of the driving forces behind initiatives like the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace—a digital platform that connects the DoD with cutting-edge solutions from industry, academia, and individuals. She also reflects on her time as the host of Defensive Mavericks, the CDAO podcast, and how you never know what experiences will pop up in your career.
But Bonnie isn't all government—we chat about her family's winery and what it's like to have a life in the vineyard. Enjoy!
LINKS:
+ Bonnie: https://bit.ly/4dsnbf5
+ MetroStar: https://bit.ly/3TNSTMQ
+ Tradewinds: https://bit.ly/3zHx7n5
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.
0:00 Intro
1:54 Hosting CDAO's Podcast
9:55 Talking about AI
12:48 Resistance to Tech
15:22 Recruitment in Acquisitions
17:39 Getting a Job in Government
23:00 Asking Questions as a Skill
26:29 Cost Analysis for the TSA
29:44 Mentorship
34:16 Your Sphere of Control
38:24 Tradewinds
46:37 Protests in Tradewinds
50:17 Contract Vehicles in Tradewinds
54:15 Owning a Winery
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