On this episode of Beyond Strategy, we are thrilled to welcome Shubhi Mishra, the fearless CEO and Founder of RAFT. Known for its innovative approach to federal contracting, RAFT is revolutionizing how technology and data are used to solve critical government challenges. From systems modernization to advanced data analytics, RAFT has quickly established itself as a leader in the federal market, delivering impactful solutions for mission-critical agencies.

In this inspiring conversation, Shubhi opens up about the leadership principles that have guided her entrepreneurial journey and shares the bold risks she’s taken along the way. From the origins of RAFT to embracing fear as part of her growth strategy, Shubhi reveals how getting comfortable with uncertainty has been pivotal to her success.

We dive into her vision for RAFT, the challenges she set out to solve, and the unique branding that sets her company apart in the competitive GovCon space. Shubhi also discusses the evolving nature of leadership in a growing organization, the cultural “it” factor driving RAFT’s success, and the recent growth capital investment from Washington Harbour Partners.

Whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the intersection of innovation and leadership, this episode is packed with valuable insights, practical lessons, and a fearless perspective on growth.

Tune in to hear Shubhi’s journey of risk-taking, leadership evolution, and balancing bold ambitions with a personal touch. You won’t want to miss this one!

We sit down with Jonathan Moneymaker, CEO of BlueHalo, a pioneering force in the national security market. Since its inception in 2020, BlueHalo, under the auspices of Arlington Capital, has emerged as a frontrunner in high-stakes arenas, including Space Superiority, Directed Energy, and Cybersecurity, among others. Jonathan, known for his dynamic leadership and commitment to innovation, has masterfully steered BlueHalo by integrating 13 companies into a unified powerhouse. His approach—marked by a hands-on style and an unyielding passion—has accelerated BlueHalo's growth and disrupted the traditional landscape of defense technology.

In our conversation, we'll dive deep into the strategic moves that propelled BlueHalo to the forefront of the national security market, the challenges of bringing diverse companies into a single culture, and Jonathan's philosophy that drives his desire to affect change and align business goals. This episode is not just for professionals in the defense sector, but also for enthusiasts of cutting-edge technology and those fascinated by the art of leadership. It offers insights into one of the most influential figures in today's defense technology sphere, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in these topics.

Tune in to understand how vision is transformed into impact and how leadership can extend beyond business metrics to inspire and innovate across an entire industry.

2023 M&A in the National Capital region and the defense & government market has been driven by private equity. In this episode, we sit down with the leaders of one of the game-changing private equity firms in the market – Bluestone Investment Partners. Joining us are John Allen, Managing Partner, and Eric Wolking, Partner, to discuss the creation of this differentiated firm and how they are investing in the Defense & Government market.