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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? https://www.interlacesolutions.com/contact  

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! Click here to get started.  FEEA 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. Click here.to submit an application for you, your spouse or your college age children.

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: Don't wait - register today! 

Feds - do you have a stressful job of importance and need to take a few minutes to practice mindfulness? The Mindful Fed community is exactly what you're looking for. NOAA employee Garth Smelser runs an amazing group that you can sign up for FOR FREE to help you stay focused and balanced. And if you happen to work at an organization that can help Garth find a permanent home for the program which he runs on an ad hoc basis in addition to his full time federal job, PLEASE reach out to him to keep this great program running and thriving! To join the iMindful Fed community or learn more, email Garth at garth.smelser@noaa.gov. Federal employees can send a blank email HERE -- Mindful-FED-subscribe-request@listserv.gsa.gov -- to receive community email invitations and stay tuned for expanding services.

Jamie Jones Miller, former federal employee in the executive and legislative brances, joined me on the show to discuss her new role as the dean and CEO of Northeastern University's new Arlington, VA campus. They're open for business and offering degree and certificate programs specifically for federal employees and the contractors who support them. Northeastern hopes to fill critical skills gaps for federal agencies and departments with programs on Blockchain, software enginerring systems, and information systems - think STEM with a public service flavor.  Learn more here: https://arlington.northeastern.edu/

Tony Zerante, Chief Strategy Officer, and Stephanie Baker, Chief Experience Officer, at WAEPA, joined me to discuss short term disability insurance and why you might need it. They walk us through the product WAEPA offers and how to learn more. WAEPA is a proud sponsor of the FedUpward Podcast. To learn more about WAEPA and the products they offer public servants, head to https://www.waepa.org/resources/calculators/ You can get a quick esitmate on how much you'd pay for life insurance or short term disabilty insurance. (Spoiler alert: WAEPA's life insurance rates beat FEGLI for many feds.)

Dr. Heath Harding of the Office of Personnel Management's Center for Leadership Development, described what the Federal Executive Institute is and why you want to attend. FEI, located in Charlottesville, VA, offers leader development and networking opporunities you should know about. I attended many years ago and had a great exerpience that included working in teams with representatives from agencies and departments across the government. Listen to learn more. https://leadership.opm.gov/facilities.aspx?f=48 https://www.opm.gov/services-for-agencies/

Consumers' Checkbook, a non-profit organization that helps youi make better financial decisions, offers a fantastic tool to compare FEHB plans. With open season coming mid-November, you should explore changes to your current plan, what other plans offer, and how much premiums are changing (spoiler - rate increases are NOT uniform across plans). Kevin Moss explains how you can leverage the tool and save a few dollars using a code available only to FedUpward listeners. The comparison tool will be available in the next week. Right now, you can check out the website and sign up to use it as soon as it's available. https://www.checkbook.org/newhig2/year20/advice/how-can-checkbooks-guide-to-health-plans-for-federal-employees-help-me

Tom Davenport, an AI/machine learning expert who also happens to be my first cousin once removed (yes, I said it), discussed what AI is, how feds might leverage it. If you feel like you *should* already understand AI but you don't, this is a great place to start. Tom  is a world-renowned thought leader and author, is the President’s Distinguished Professor of Information Technology and Management at Babson College, a Fellow of the MIT Center for Digital Business, and an independent senior advisor to Deloitte Analytics. Tom's written TONS of articles and books on this topic, and you can find his latest here: https://www.amazon.com/Advantage-Artificial-Intelligence-Revolution-Management/dp/0262039176 https://www.tomdavenport.com/ And you can find him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davenporttom/

What should you be thinking about when higher level leadership says it's time to return to the physical office? If you're facing questions and resistance from your team, this episode is for you. FEDS Protection CEO and founder Tony Vergnetti reminds us of the liability coverage his company, a proud aponsor os this podcast, offers federal employees. Tony runs through many considerations you should have top of mind as you navigate through the return to work mine field (and yes, many of us are STILL going through this saga). Learn more about professional liability insurance at the link below. https://info.fedsprotection.com/feds-PPC-lp/?c=GoogleAds&utm_source=GoogleAds&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=FEDSPPC&gclid=CjwKCAjw7eSZBhB8EiwA60kCW-O0scfsfXq-P8xttx_cUXJWT37UOKK6oyeChneXYNF5gsPMckHE0RoCr-cQAvD_BwE  

Something awful happened at work and you're considering an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint, or maybe you should go to the Inspector General (IG) in your agency/department. Or maybe your supervisor's supervisor could help. Where do you even start? Enter Kevin Shehan.of Shehan Legal. He's worked in federal employment law for a federal agency and served as a fed. Now he serves folks like us and delivers advice you'll find helpful if you're considering a filing a complaint, helping an employee going through it, or you had a complaint lodged against you.  This episode is NOT an ad.  You can find Kevin and his team at the links below: https://www.shehanlegal.com/about https://www.shehanlegal.com/feds

Wish there was a playbook on how to work more efficiently in a federal agency or department? Look no further. Marina Nitze and Nick Sinai wrote the book on strategies you can use in your daily work to get things done. They've worked at the highest levels of the federal government and were both known for getting the job DONE. Marina joined me on the podcast to discuss why they wrote the book, what's in it, and how you can make it work for you. I am super jealous I didn't write this book first!  Find info on where to buy the book and any upcoming author events at this link: https://www.hackyourbureaucracy.com/

Sunayna Tuteja, the first ever Chief Innovation Officer at the Federal Reserve System, isn't your typical civil servant. She spent most of her career in fintech working on emerging technologies (think crypto currency). She laughed when a recruiter claled her about taking on the role of innovation officer at the Fed. But her outsider status made her exactly the right person to take the job. In this episode, she outlines how she came to government service, what it's like to be the first in a role, and gives career civil servants advice on how to deal with newbies like her who can bring SO much to an organization. I had the plesure of hearing her speak at a conference and knew immediately I had to have her on the show. She's a fast talker, so buckle up. You won't want to miss a word. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunaynatuteja/

SOOO excited to welcome Rob Seidner back to the podcast. While working at the Office of Management and Budget, he explained how the rules for civil service really suck. The history lesson helped us understand WHY they suck.You can listen to that episode at this link. Rob recently transitioned to a job outside government. He talks about why that was a difficult decision and why the mission of his current employer drew him in. EdX, where Rob serves as the director for government partnerships, works to democratize learning. MAJOR colleges and universities use this platform to offer micro degree and upskilling opportunities that cost WAY less than in-person degree programs. If you're a federal agency/department training lead or a manager/employee looking for an easy way to get access to great content feds can use to uplevel, you need to talk to Rob. On this platform, you can take individual classes, work toward professional certificates and more. And no, this isn't an ad.  https://www.edx.org/about-us https://www.edx.org/schools-partners Find Rob on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-seidner-b79095143/

The Federal Training Academy, a company dedicated to your learning, offers tailored training, consulting, and coaching to federal agencies and departments. Angela Kochuba, the founder and managing director, created the organization in 1999 and never looked back. Grounded in public service, she offers a long list of services that can help you and your team. Their offerings are specifically tailored for government employees.  Listen for more info and click on the link below: https://federaltrainingacademy.com/ #notanad

Do you hear the outrageous accusations against federal employees just doing their jobs (think IRS, FBI right now) and think, "I really wish someone was sticking up for them!" The Professional Managers Association (PMA) does just that. Executive Director Chad Hooper shared thoughts on what the PMA is and how they advocate for IRS employees right now. Learn how you can help in this podcast. Want to join or support? Head to: https://www.promanager.org/

Your TSP statement making you cry? I talked to certified financial planner Brian Sigwart about the long-term outlook and new funds available for us to choose. Need personalized advice? You can contact Brian here: Brian Sigwart CFP® , RICP ® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional Financial Services Representative  11350 McCormick Road, Executive Plaza IV, Suite 200         Hunt Valley, MD  21031 |  T: (410) 937-9098  |  F: (410) 785-7655 Bsigwart@financialguide.com http://www.caafg.com/ (410) 773-4451

If you live outside the DC/VA/MD area and haven't connected with your regional Federal Executive Board, you need to explore all your FEB has to offer. They provide regional news for feds, policy changes that may impact you, training, development opportunities and much more. Here's the FEB website and a few examples of the regional board sites: https://www.feb.gov/ https://www.feb.gov/locations/los-angeles/https://chicago.feb.gov/https://honolulu-pacific.feb.gov/https://kansascity.feb.gov/https://www.philadelphia.feb.gov/https://dfw.feb.gov/ And on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baltimore-federal-executive-board/ https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6704715904774656000/

Y'all, I needed a break. With the recent Supreme Court ruling, my head has been spinning. I recorded my thoughts on recent events. Link below for OPM guidance on use of sick leave to cover travel for medical care for yourself or an immediate family member. OPM guidance on use of sick leave to cover travel for medical care And some guidance about the Hatch Act and Roe v Wade https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2022/05/feds-comment-roe-v-wade-hatch-act/366508/

Have you watched the TV show Government Matters?  It's about our work as federal employees and the topics that matter most to the leaders of our organizations. Hosted by Mimi Geerges, Government Matters is a multi-platform news program dedicated to providing non-partisan information and analysis to federal managers, contractors and those supporting the federal marketplace. Government Matters is focused on exploring the challenges and issues facing federal managers, highlighting success stories within the federal community and providing an outlet for both government and industry to share their outlook with the federal marketplace. Mimi describes the show and how she came to host it, highlighting the unique aspects of both her career and the reporting the Government Matters team executes. You can find the show at this link: https://govmatters.tv/topics/ The hsow airs on weeknights at 8 PM and 10:30 PM on WJLA 24/7, and Sunday Mornings at 10:30 AM on 7News. You can also catch the show on AFN, or at the link above. The shows are also converted into podcasts for easy on-the-go listening.