In this 'Success After Service' special episode of GovCon Unscripted, Chelsea sits down with Gene Moran, Founder of Capitol Integration, Navy veteran, lobbyist, and trusted advisor on federal budget strategy and congressional process.

Gene breaks down how Washington truly works.

Not the myths, but the real interplay of timing, process, funding cycles, and influence that determines outcomes for federal contractors.

He shares what companies misunderstand about advocacy, why access alone is never enough, and how small businesses can position themselves long before decisions are made.

On this episode, we discuss:

• Understanding the federal lifecycle and why timing changes outcomes
• Lessons from Gene’s new book, Cleared Hot
• Why strategy requires patience, not shortcuts
• How to build influence the right way
• What contractors get wrong about Congress and advocacy
• How to align actions with budget cycles and committee movement

Timestamps:

[00:00 ] – Introducing Gene Moran

[02:12 ] – How Washington really works behind the scenes

[06:32 ] – Timing, process, and aligning with the federal lifecycle

[09:55 ] – Misconceptions about access and advocacy

[13:40 ] – Where small businesses lose momentum

[18:10 ] – Influence versus access in the federal environment

[23:05 ] – Gene’s book Cleared Hot and its core message

[28:44 ] – What companies should understand before engaging Congress

[33:30 ] – Final insights on winning in Washington

Links & Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile

• Gene Moran Website

• Gene’s LinkedIn

• Gene’s Instagram

• Gene’s YouTube Channel

• Book – “Cleared Hot”

🎧 Listen now on:

🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482

🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy

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