The Buzz with ACT-IAC
The Buzz with ACT-IAC
From Aviation to GovCon: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from Leidos
In this episode of The Buzz from ACT-IAC, host Yohanna Baez interviews Ryan Cloghessy, a capture manager at Leidos, about his journey through the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. They discuss Ryan's career trajectory, the impact of the program on his professional growth, and the valuable lessons and experiences he gained. Ryan shares his initial challenges, his role at Leidos, insights from his mentor, and the confidence he has developed in the GovCon industry. The conversation also includes a fun segment called 'Acronym Wars' and encourages listeners to explore ACT-IAC's professional development opportunities.
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Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells
Courtesy of Epidemic Sound
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Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)
Yohanna: [00:00:00] Hello and welcome back to The Buzz from ACT IAC. I am your host, Yohanna Baez . And today, we are diving into the experiences of early career professionals who have taken part in the ACT IAC Professional Development Associates Program. We will explore their journeys. Before, during, and after the program, what they learned, how they grew, and where they are headed next.
Yohanna: Okay, let's jump right in. I'm here with Ryan Cloghessy. Welcome to The Buzz. How are you feeling, Ryan?
Ryan: Hey, Johanna. I'm feeling good. Appreciate you having me on.
Yohanna: Yeah, thank you so much. So let's just start from the beginning. You can introduce yourself.
Ryan: Yeah, absolutely. So, I'm Ryan Cloghessy, I'm a capture manager within our business development organization over at Leidos.
Ryan: I work over in Reston, our headquarters there, and I do a little bit of work out of Gaithersburg, Maryland. So, uh, kind of all over the place within the DMV, um, but I've been with Leidos [00:01:00] for four years now, but I've been in this area for about three and been doing BD and capture for about three years.
Yohanna: That's good. That's fun. It's kind of fascinating hearing everybody's different experiences and how it shapes their career choices. Now that you're in your current role, can you tell us more about, I guess, your responsibilities? What a typical day looks like for you?
Ryan: Yeah, absolutely. So, uh, I guess there's probably a lot of, uh, opinions or I guess different definitions of what capture management is.
Ryan: I'll try and kind of hit it, hit the nail on the head, uh, in a way where anybody that's listening is kind of in agreement with it, but my role can stem from as far left to finding a specific opportunity and doing that business development legwork for, for a certain program or, you know, possible opportunity within the government.
Ryan: And then all the way. To the right of submitting that proposal. And, uh, I definitely can be, uh, in the midst of both of those sides, but really the majority of my job is being right in the middle of that and making sure that we're building the right [00:02:00] strategy and, and going about that opportunity or that program the right way and doing it the most strategic and most effective manner.
Ryan: So as broad as that sounds, that's kind of my day to day and hopefully some beady capture people hear that. They're in agreement or, uh, they can, uh, shoot me a message on LinkedIn and say, Hey, I have a better definition or a better way for you to respond. But, uh, I think for the most part, most people will be at a, in agreement with that kind of a broad capture.
Ryan: Capture definition.
Yohanna: That sounds good. That's brave of you. You're like, Hey, hit me up. Let me know.
Ryan: Right. Well, you know, and then you get a couple more, uh, LinkedIn connections. So, you know, just, just, uh, you know, being smart about it.
Yohanna: Yeah, that's great. Yeah. I'm all about building community. Um, uh, so every career move has kind of like a spark behind it.
Yohanna: Is there something that pushes you to get to the next step? What was it about our, um, our. professional development associates program that kind of caught your eye and made you want to apply.
Ryan: Yeah, absolutely. Well, [00:03:00] I mean, I could go as far back as graduating college, which was going on seven years now, which is crazy to think about.
Ryan: So, um, I graduated in 2018 and I was born and raised in Indiana. And so my first job out of college, I was in Indianapolis and had a job in the, uh, Aviation airline field. And I really thought, you know, this is kind of going to be my career. I'll be kind of, um, stuck in this industry is as frustrating as that might sound as much as I love that industry and love that side of that world.
Ryan: It kind of felt like would I ever be able to branch out? And so if you would have told me back then, Hey, seven years from now, you'll be in, in GovCon and be working for a government contractor, I'd be like. How so, uh, but to kind of put it in, in a, in short terms of how I got here, the COVID really affected the airline aviation industry.
Ryan: And so at that time in 2020, I was really in a spot where, uh, I was, you know, looking for work and was really trying to. Think outside the [00:04:00] box on what else can I do and where else can I apply? And so, um, got advice about applying to within GovCon and looking to the government side and seeing what roles might exist, certain, certain jobs within the, within that field, um, where, where I could have some overlap and apply, so probably applied to some stuff that I was definitely not qualified for.
Ryan: And. Um, was definitely reaching, but I took a chance and something hit and that was with Leidos. And so my first role with them was on a program and doing quality engineering. And so that took me from Indiana, where I was born and raised to Virginia. And you know, that's four years ago now, which is just, yeah, like I said, crazy to think.
Ryan: And so, um. I walked into that role knowing nothing, knowing nothing about government contracting, knowing nothing about really this world. And so because that was in my eyes, really a short time ago, only four years, it's been drinking through a fire hose. I'm sure you've heard that expression. And so as much as I love that, because I'm getting new experience so much, and there's so much that I'm [00:05:00] learning.
Ryan: Um, I'm always looking for ways to kind of still fill that gap. But those knowledge gaps and really just kind of grow my confidence, because I don't know if I'll always, you know, I'm not going to ever fill all those gaps. I might not as get as confident as I want, but there's always room for growth. And I knew to essentially answer your question, uh, full circle is I knew ActDiag would be a program that could do that for me.
Ryan: It would absolutely, um, early in my career, start giving me a little bit more of that strength, a little bit more of that knowledge of GovCon and really. Giving me that confidence and assurance that I can be in this industry. And this is something that I can do. Um, so that's really what I found appealing with the program.
Ryan: And it's, it's absolutely what it did for me. So, uh, kind of my, my long back story of, of how I ended up here. Yeah, it's, it's come full circle. And, uh, I just love getting to, to kind of know more about what I, what it is I'm doing and how I can be better. And Act. ix is a great way to do that.
Yohanna: That's amazing to hear.
Yohanna: I really like your journey. [00:06:00] So when you started the program, were you intimidated at all? Were there any things that you felt like, okay, this is a program that's going to help me grow? But the first impressions with the PDA program, was there anything that stood out that surprised you that you were like, okay, I'm here to grow, but this is really interesting.
Yohanna: This is brand new.
Ryan: Absolutely intimidated for sure. Um, I remember stepping, yeah, that first day in April where we all got introduced and we were really understanding. What the associates program was going to be and what it entailed. Absolutely. It was, um, thinking, you know, should I be here? Am I supposed to be here?
Ryan: And so you definitely have that, uh, um, that imposter syndrome of really is this. An environment that I, that I should be a part of. And, but you quickly learn the way the programs ran and who's involved. They do a great job of making sure you, you do feel welcome, but you also do feel, um, you know, valued and, and know that you're supposed to be there.
Ryan: And so I would say that's kind of what surprised me was how quickly we kind of became a [00:07:00] community, um, or really just a class. So it wasn't just the, the leadership and how it was ran and then making you feel comfortable and then making you excited about what you were getting involved in. But then just getting to know people, you know, your peers, who our class was, all 40 of us, it was such a great experience.
Ryan: And I was really surprised from that, you know, like you said, or asked that moment of intimidation quickly turned into excitement. And then no more than 10 months later, these are all friends. These are all great peers. These are people that I feel comfortable and confident enough to ask for career advice, ask for help.
Ryan: So although that intimidation and that fear starts, you quickly see it go away, at least for me. And then It's really just this great community and this great, great camaraderie that grows. And I think that's just a great compliment to the program, I should say, and really how the associates program is ran and, and built.
Yohanna: That's good. What was the name of your team and who was your coach?
Ryan: We were Act Up Check Up and Dan Lichtenstein was our coach and yeah, great [00:08:00] experience with him. And, um, really just a great experience with the project. Definitely. At the beginning felt like, all right, this is going to be a tough task and felt like we would definitely have, uh, our work to be done, but it all came together and we had a great presentation in December.
Ryan: But yeah, Dan was at the helm of that and, and was a great leader, a great coach and, and really just, you know, drove us to, to have this great project and was, was a great coach and just a great mentor and, and gave us a lot of great advice.
Yohanna: Yeah. I mean, speaking of coaches and mentors, I think, you know, they can be a game changer when it comes to career development.
Yohanna: Is there any one piece of wisdom from Dan that you, that kind of just stayed with you at all? Or maybe there was like a moment where you were like, Oh, this is a gem. This is amazing.
Ryan: Yeah. Um, I would probably say he, he taught me inadvertently, so I don't think he probably knows this, but. I love the way that Dan, he was always kind of just there for us.
Ryan: And then the way that he would respond to, [00:09:00] you know, just simple questions, but then on my end, when I typically, I, maybe I was, or I'm selling myself too short, or I'm, I'm, I'm making this sound more drastic than it is. But, you know, I felt like I would come to Dan with maybe problems or questions that, um, you know, I was worried to bring him, it's just kind of the, you know, you want to know everything and you want to be this confident person and have everything together, but.
Ryan: There were moments when I really needed to go to Dan and just be like, Hey, I need clarification here. And I'm sorry to bring this to you, but you know, how do we solve this? And the way that he would always just kind of communicate and talk was just great leadership qualities that I'm, I really want. And I really took that away from him and I don't think he knew it, but I love a leader that's, that is able to respond in a calm manner and be like, rather than let's keep discussing what.
Ryan: My, the problem be, let's just get to the solution and here's how I can help you. And he was just so quick to do that. And he always did in a way where I felt more invited to kind of keep going to him. And that's, that's really what you want out of a leader. So [00:10:00] I guess that wisdom is, is really knowing how to be an inviting leader.
Ryan: No, you want your, whoever you're mentoring, whoever you're coaching or who's ever really reporting to you, you want them to feel confident and okay with coming to you. And so I've seen that with. You know, some leaders and people I've worked with, but it definitely resonated with Dan. And so it's definitely something I took away and appreciated about him.
Yohanna: That's great. That's good to hear that Dan is leading by example and it's rubbing off on you. And that's something that you can implement right away in your work. You went back to Leidos and you were like, yeah, this is, I just met this guy and I like his style. You know, that's good to hear. Are
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Yohanna: Welcome back. We've been diving into the experiences of professional development graduates, and now it's time to talk about what happens after the program, how it's made an impact, and what lessons are carrying forward.
Yohanna: So now that you've completed our associates program and you are a, an official graduate, how do you think it has influenced your career path? Where do you see yourself going from, from here?
Ryan: The best part of going through ACT IAC from start to finish, you definitely see your [00:12:00] growth and confidence. I definitely grew in terms of confidence about GovCon and really about industry and about government.
Ryan: And so those were just really large strengths and elements that I'm really happy I took away. Um, and so I do think it'll play a pivotal role in me feeling like I can move up and, and want to continue this career. So I know it's kind of a broad answer, but it's definitely, um, given me that confidence to say, this is an area where I want to stay.
Ryan: And, uh, this is an area where I can continue learning. I don't need to know everything right away. And it's, uh, it's, it's great. No one had to have that confidence. And I think had I. You know, not gone through the associates program and not had act. I act, I could have still done my job and continued for the next couple, you know, two, four years.
Ryan: But I think in the next four to eight, uh, I can kind of look back at associates and act, I can, I think it's going to give me that extra kick, like extra confidence, um, to, you know, kind of look back and [00:13:00] remember, like, this is somewhere I want to be in something that I can do. Or because of the experience that I, that I had in it and, and people I've met and, and all the great benefits you get after doing the program, the people I meet and everything that'll, that might come after this year, um, going into 2025.
Ryan: Um, it could, you know, even expedite where I might see myself in my career, and I owe a lot of that to ACT IAC. So, uh, I definitely see continued growth and movement, but just confidence with my career, and that's what I'm excited about.
Yohanna: From what I, I'm listening, it sounds as if, like, from your perspective, this program really prepares.
Yohanna: future leaders. Um, do you see yourself applying for maybe more of our programs? Because we do have a voyages program. Maybe we'll see you again. Or maybe you can come back as a coach as a mentor. That would be amazing.
Ryan: It's funny. I've heard the yeah, I've heard the ACT IX sales pitch a couple times after, uh, after graduation.
Ryan: But, um, I'm absolutely excited about it. So I'll definitely be in [00:14:00] contact with, with Sarah, with Dan, whoever it may be. Um, and then the, you know, the great part is, yeah, I got colleagues and friends who I know will, will be in touch and we'll be able to talk about Act IAC and what our plans are for the future.
Ryan: So I know it'll definitely be on the radar. I definitely won't lose. The act diet connection. And so I know it'll, it'll be out there in the future waiting for me. So when it does, and there's an opportunity, um, because I had such a great experience, I absolutely see myself, uh, uh, applying and just continuing to, uh, grow with act.
Yohanna: Well, that's a great review. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. So, uh, I guess last question, if, if someone's listening and is maybe just on the fence or a little iffy about applying, what would you say aside from all the beautiful things that you've just said, what else is something else that you could kind of recommend?
Ryan: Absolutely. I, I think if, if, if you're actually iffy and, and you're, and you just don't know to do it, do it. Just do it. [00:15:00] First off. Just apply there, there's absolutely nothing stopping you from doing that. And, and if it's, it's about doing the program, um, I, I promise you what I said earlier, it'll definitely.
Ryan: Resonate with you. I think when you start this program and if you feel kind of that, um, intimidation or, you know, lack of clarity, like what is this going to be and what is this going to going to entail it, it kind of quickly subsides and you do feel the excitement, um, the quick confidence and, and the overall community.
Ryan: And I think when that happens as quickly as it does, um, within associates, it, it really turns into fun and it's more fun than it is anything that it could be stressful. So you won't regret it.
Yohanna: Thank you so much. Appreciate you. Alright, so we are at the end of our conversation. Um, and I want to have a little bit of fun before we wrap up.
Yohanna: We're going to play a quick game called Acronym Wars.
Ryan: Perfect. And
Yohanna: the rules are pretty simple. I'm going to quiz you on your knowledge of common and not [00:16:00] so common government acronyms. Are you ready? I'm ready. Here we go. First acronym. DOE.
Ryan: Department of Energy.
Yohanna: There you go. Nice. That was, that's an easy one.
Ryan: Layup.
Yohanna: Switch. Um, all right. NSA.
Ryan: National Security Administration.
Yohanna: Close. If it's not administration, it's?
Ryan: Agency. There you go. Nice. Oh, I got cocky. That's
Yohanna: why. This one is a tough one. Alright, last acronym. BLM.
Ryan: That should be Bureau of Land Management.
Yohanna: There you go. Nice. Okay.
Ryan: I was iffy about the bureau. I don't know why I thought branch. I don't, but yeah, I went with bureau.
Yohanna: Nice. There you go. All done. That was fun. Thanks for playing along. [00:17:00] Um, so before we close, is there anything else you'd like to share with our listeners?
Ryan: Yeah, I would just say, um, you know, Act IAC is, has been a great experience. And, uh, I hope I made that clear, you know, through the, uh, through the interview, but I would definitely say that, uh, for anybody that's thinking about Act IAC and you see it as a, um, as a possibility, absolutely go for it. Um, they've done a lot for me in the past year.
Ryan: I've learned so much and it's been such a good experience. And, and I'll really say, I mean, if, you know, this was a I had no idea or Zero knowledge of, you know, four or five years ago. So, um, you know, to see myself in this spot and kind of gain this confidence and, and, and continue to want to do, um, this work and be in, be in this industry, um, act is, you know, played a big part in that.
Ryan: And so I definitely recommend anybody to get involved and, um. You know, please reach out more than happy to, to elaborate on my experience and happy to make more connections. [00:18:00]
Yohanna: This has been such an insightful conversation. Thank you for sharing your journey and experiences with us. And to our listeners, if you're interested in learning more about ACT IAC's professional development program, be sure to check out actiac.
Yohanna: org slash professional dash development. Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and we will see you in the next episode.