In this episode of Beyond Strategy, we sit down with Dennis Kelly, a seasoned executive and current CEO of Tyto Athene, a federal systems integrator delivering mission-focused digital transformation solutions across defense, intelligence, space, and public safety. With over three decades of experience and a leadership track record spanning multiple high-growth, private equity-backed firms, Dennis brings a rare depth of insight to the evolving landscape of government contracting.

Under Dennis’s leadership, Tyto Athene has aggressively expanded its capabilities through four strategic acquisitions in under two years - StackArmor, Microtel, MindPoint Group, and Key Solutions Inc. bringing nearly 500 new team members into the fold and enhancing Tyto’s reach in AI/ML, cybersecurity, and capture strategy.

In this episode, Dennis shares:

• His core leadership principles and how his Navy experience continues to shape his executive style
• Insights on navigating private equity partnerships, including his long-standing relationship with Arlington Capital
• Partners and previous leadership with Bluestone Investment Partners
• The art and discipline of serial acquisitions, including how to integrate talent, culture, and technology while maintaining mission alignment
• Why mid-market firms like Tyto are well positioned in a procurement environment prioritizing speed, agility, and innovation
• His vision for Tyto Athene’s growth strategy, balancing further
• M&A with organic capability expansion

From boardroom leadership to national security support, Dennis reflects on the lessons he’s learned leading across multiple portfolios and shares guidance for current and aspiring GovCon executives operating in a fast-changing, high-stakes environment.

Whether you’re a CEO, investor, or operator in the federal space, this episode offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to scale, lead, and evolve in the modern government services market.

Beyond Strategy: Shana Cosgrove, Founder & CEO of Nyla Technology Solutions

In this episode of Beyond Strategy, we sit down with Shana Cosgrove, the visionary Founder and CEO of Nyla Technology Solutions—an award-winning federal contractor specializing AI engineering, data science, and software development for the U.S. Intelligence Community and Department of War.

With over 85% of Nyla’s team holding Top Secret security clearances, Shana has built a company uniquely equipped to tackle some of the nation’s most complex and classified missions. Recognized as an Inc. 5000 honoree and a 2025 ACG Growth Award winner for best emerging growth company, Nyla’s success reflects a powerful combination of mission focus, technical innovation, and cultural differentiation.

In this episode, Shana shares:

• The leadership philosophy that has guided her from startup founder to CEO in the high-stakes world of defense technology
• Her decision to launch Nyla after early career aspirations of climbing the corporate ladder
• How she built a company that thrives in the unique demands of the Intelligence Community
• How Nyla is leveraging its expertise in AI, cloud, and data to solve the government’s most urgent technology challenges
• Insights into talent acquisition and retention in a highly specialized, security-cleared market

Shana also opens up about the personal side of leadership—what keeps her up at night, how she balances mission and life, and the lesson she believes every entrepreneur should learn.

If you’re an aspiring founder, defense tech leader, or advocate for diversity in national security, this is a must-listen conversation with one of the boldest and most thoughtful voices in the federal contracting space.

In this episode of Beyond Strategy, we sit down with Gautam Ijoor, the dynamic Founder, President, and CEO of Alpha Omega, one of the fastest-growing federal technology services firms in the National Capital region. Since its founding in 2016, Alpha Omega has evolved into a mission-driven powerhouse—scaling from under $1 million in revenue to over $130 million in just seven years. Alpha Omega delivers cutting-edge services across Digital Modernization, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity, supporting clients such as the Department of State, DHS, USDA, TSA, NIH, and more. Under Gautam's leadership, the firm has been repeatedly recognized for growth and excellence, appearing on the Inc. 5000, Washington Technology Fast 50, and NOVA Chamber's Fantastic 50 lists.

In this episode, you'll hear Gautam discuss: The leadership philosophy that's guided him from startup founder to CEO of a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Early entrepreneurial experiences shaped his mindset on risk, culture, and strategy. The evolving landscape of federal contracting and emerging trends in AI and cyber, Alpha Omega's recent acquisitions of SeKon and Macro Solutions, and how M&A fits into a broader strategic roadmap. His unique talent acquisition and retention approach in a security-cleared, highly competitive environment. What's next for Alpha Omega as it expands into new capabilities and missions.

Whether you're a growth-stage founder, a seasoned executive, or just curious about what it takes to scale a GovCon business in today's landscape, this episode offers inspiration, practical insights, and a masterclass in mission-focused leadership.

In this special edition of Beyond Strategy, we dive into one of the most compelling professional services transactions in the federal market: Aprio’s acquisition of NextFed. This strategic combination brings together Aprio’s national accounting and advisory platform with NextFed’s deep-rooted expertise in government contracting, compliance, and advisory services.

Join us as we sit down with:

• Aaron Myers, Former Managing Partner at NextFed and now a Partner at Aprio
• Kayla Kania, Mid-Atlantic Regional Leader and Partner at Aprio
• Jim Fennel, Partner and GovCon Practice Leader at Aprio

Hosted by Andy McEnroe and Jenn Wappaus, this episode explores the full lifecycle of the transaction—from leadership principles and cultural integration to growth strategy and lessons learned.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The strategic rationale behind Aprio’s acquisition of NextFed
• How private equity investment positioned Aprio for targeted M&A
• The founding story of NextFed and how it identified unmet needs in the GovCon advisory space
• Insights into market dynamics, compliance trends, and what’s next for firms serving the federal sector
• The challenges and rewards of cultural integration post-deal
• Why this combination creates a unique value proposition for clients ranging from commercial businesses to high-end defense and intelligence contractors

You’ll also hear personal leadership insights from all three guests, what surprised them most during the M&A process, and advice for firms considering a similar growth path.

Tune in now for a behind-the-scenes look at how two complementary firms came together to reshape the GovCon advisory landscape.

In this episode of Beyond Strategy, we sit down with Katie Selbe, Chief Executive Officer of GRVTY, a fast-rising defense technology company delivering advanced platforms, software, and data solutions to support national security operations. With a career that began in systems engineering and evolved into senior leadership roles at Northrop Grumman, Alion, BlueHalo, and Eqlipse, Katie brings deep technical knowledge and proven executive insight to her role at the helm of GRVTY.

GRVTY is redefining mission-driven innovation with cutting-edge capabilities in geospatial and signals intelligence, cyber operations, and automated Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T). Its portfolio includes the SPEAR platform for real-time RF signal detection, AI-powered software for aerospace and cyberspace situational awareness, and expert teams that turn complex data into actionable intelligence.

In this episode, Katie shares:

• Her journey from engineer to CEO
• GRVTY’s mission and the impact it’s having across the defense ecosystem
• How the company is building a culture of innovation and execution
• The integration of standout firms like Royce Geo, VGI, and Dark Star
• And the leadership principles that guide her through growth and change

Katie also offers powerful reflections on building high-performing teams, the future of defense technology, and the lessons she's learned leading in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Tune in for an energizing conversation with one of national security’s most forward-thinking leaders.

In this episode of Beyond Strategy, we sit down with Erik Wittreich, CEO of Ridgeline International, a cutting-edge software and technology firm at the forefront of digital privacy and surveillance protection. A proud portfolio company of Enlightenment Capital, Ridgeline has become a key player in the national security technology space—supporting U.S. government agencies and private sector clients with secure infrastructure, digital signature management, and managed attribution solutions.

Based in Tysons, Virginia, Ridgeline is not just a tech company—it’s a mission-driven partner helping clients counter the growing threats of ubiquitous technical surveillance and global data exploitation. Erik shares how Ridgeline’s proprietary software and elite tradecraft empower customers to operate securely in an increasingly exposed digital world.

In this conversation, Erik walks us through Ridgeline’s strategic growth journey, including its 2025 acquisition of System High Corporation, another Enlightenment Capital portfolio company. The deal brought together two leaders in national security—merging Ridgeline’s digital protection capabilities with System High’s deep experience in protection and security engineering services.

With a background as an Army Green Beret, Erik brings a unique blend of military discipline and corporate vision to his role as CEO. He reflects on:

• His leadership evolution in high-pressure environments
• What it takes to build and scale mission-critical teams
• The strategy behind the Ridgeline + System High integration
• And the challenges and opportunities ahead in the world of digital defense and national security

Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, national security professional, or simply curious about where technology meets mission, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a look into what it means to lead at the edge of innovation.

Tune in now to hear Erik Wittreich’s powerful perspective on leading Ridgeline International into its next era.

Beyond Strategy is back with another episode, and this time, we’re diving deep into the creation and evolution of Amentum, a global leader in engineering and technology solutions serving the U.S. Government and allied partners.

In this episode, we sit down with John Heller, Chief Executive Officer, and Adam Harrison, SVP of Strategy & Corporate Development at Amentum, to explore the company’s transformation following its strategic combination with Jacobs Solutions’ Critical Mission Solutions and Cyber & Intelligence businesses.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

The story behind Amentum’s formation and go-public journey. The leadership challenges of integrating multiple mission-focused businesses. How John’s extensive CEO experience helped shape the company’s strategy. The decision-making process behind Amentum’s branding and messaging. How the leadership team was built to drive long-term success. Insights on optimizing a global workforce of 53,000 employees across 80 countries. The key differentiators that position Amentum for future success.

John and Adam also share personal lessons from their careers, reflect on leadership in a high-growth environment, and discuss what keeps them up at night as they lead one of the most impactful companies in the defense and government sector.

Tune in now for an inside look at Amentum’s bold strategy, leadership insights, and the future of mission-driven innovation!

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!