In this episode of The Career Compass, Alisha reflects on her powerful journey from federal contractor to full-time entrepreneur, sharing the emotional highs, the learning curves, and the unexpected victories that shaped her path. As she launches Season 3, the spotlight turns to veteran entrepreneurs who’ve traded traditional employment for the freedom (and challenge) of building their own businesses.

This season is all about stories, strategies, and support for veterans redefining success on their own terms.

✅ Action Steps

1. Follow the Career Compass Podcast on Instagram → @thecareercompasspodcast
2. Share this episode with veteran friends or family members exploring entrepreneurship.
3. Connect a veteran entrepreneur (at any stage!) with the show:

• 📧 Email: info@aliciadbrown.com
• 🌐 Website: www.alishadbrown.com

In this episode of The Career Compass, Alisha shares a powerful and personal story about transitioning from a stable federal career to full-time entrepreneurship after an unexpected contract non-renewal. Discover how moments of uncertainty can become opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

This episode explores the emotional and professional journey of rebuilding confidence, embracing risk, and finding purpose beyond traditional employment. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, starting your own business, or searching for direction, these lessons will inspire you to move forward—even when the path isn’t clear.

Key Takeaways:

• Do It Scared: Take action even when fear is present. Growth requires courage.
• Embrace the Journey: Stay flexible and committed—entrepreneurship is constant learning.
• You Can’t Do It Alone: Build a strong network and lean on mentors and peers.
• If It Wasn’t Meant for You, It Wouldn’t Be Yours: Trust your path and stay true to your purpose.

Plus:

• Tips on self-development for emerging leaders.
• How to stay connected to your field through part-time or contract work.
• A preview of Season 3, featuring veteran entrepreneurs sharing their insights and success stories.

Follow & Connect:

Stay inspired and get updates on new episodes by following @thecareercompasspodcast on Instagram.

Listen & Subscribe:

Subscribe to The Career Compass on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

This episode explores how to embrace change, lean on support systems, and find purpose after job loss.

Learn practical steps for staying grounded from filing for unemployment and managing finances to reframing setbacks and reigniting entrepreneurial goals. Drawing on 25 years in HR, military, and federal service, Alisha offers real-world resilience and hope for anyone facing career transitions.

💬 Call to Action: Need support or fresh ideas? Schedule a free 20-minute chat to talk through your next steps.

(Hope, purpose, and strength are closer than you think.)

When life throws you a curveball, how do you bounce back? In this inspiring episode of The Career Compass, Alisha shares how losing her federal contract became the spark that launched her into full-time entrepreneurship.

You’ll discover:

• How to turn unemployment into opportunity
• The 3 key steps Alicia took to rebuild:
• 1️⃣ Partnering with a SCORE mentor
• 2️⃣ Refining her business plan
• 3️⃣ Building a strong support network
• Tips for balancing career and entrepreneurship
• Why authentic leadership matters

Resources Mentioned:

• SCORE Mentors – sba.gov
• Instagram – @thecareercompasspodcast

Next Up:

Alisha will be diving into stories from veteran entrepreneurs and practical advice for transitioning from uniform to business ownership.

💬 Follow, rate, and review The Career Compass Podcast — your support helps us inspire more career changers and entrepreneurs!

When life throws an unexpected curveball like losing a long-term federal contract, how do you rebuild?

In this deeply personal episode, our host shares the emotional journey of suddenly losing a federal position after years in labor and employee relations. From the initial shock to finding resilience, this story dives into what it really takes to turn job loss into personal growth.

You’ll hear about:

• The financial and emotional impact of losing a career you’ve built your life around
• Moving through depression, self-doubt, and uncertainty toward healing and hope
• The role of self-care, support systems, and mental health during major transitions
• Finding new opportunities through entrepreneurship and reinvention
• Honest reflections on following your own advice in today’s job market

Whether you’re navigating a career change or supporting someone who is, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone and that every ending holds the potential for transformation.

🎧 Listen now and join us on the journey from employment to empowerment.

In this episode, Alisha discusses critical strategies for federal employees who may be facing job uncertainty. With years of experience navigating the unique dynamics of federal employment, Alisha offers clear and practical advice for anyone considering a transition to the private sector.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why your EOPF (Electronic Official Personnel Folder) is more valuable than you think — and how to safely download and store it
• The importance of saving comprehensive benefit information, including retirement and insurance details
• How your past performance ratings can strengthen your resume and future applications

Whether you're proactively planning a career shift or reacting to potential downsizing, these steps are essential for protecting your professional history and future options.

🔐 Don’t wait until it’s too late—take control of your documentation now.

📲 Subscribe and Share:

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe and share it with fellow federal employees who might benefit from Alisha’s expert guidance.

In this episode, Alisha returns with expert guidance tailored for federal employees navigating career transitions during changing administrative landscapes. She shares four essential tips to help streamline and strengthen federal resumes, making them not only competitive within the government sector but also marketable to private employers.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why a Master of Experience document is a game-changer

✅ The benefits of using a chronological resume format

✅ How to align your resume with specific vacancy announcements

✅ The power of showcasing your problem-solving achievements

Alisha’s insights offer actionable strategies that will help you modernize your resume and position yourself for new opportunities—whether you're staying in government or exploring the private sector.

🎧 Tune in now for resume strategies that work!

In this episode of Career Compass, host Alisha Brown—widely known as the Workplace Doctor—delivers powerful guidance for federal employees considering a leap into the private sector. Drawing from her extensive experience, Alisha highlights the critical role of mindset in making a successful transition and shares three essential tips to consider before hitting "apply."

Listeners will learn how to:

✅ Align career moves with core values

✅ Weigh work-life balance expectations

✅ Evaluate total compensation beyond salary

Whether you're actively job hunting or just exploring possibilities, this episode is packed with insight to help you make intentional, informed decisions. Tune in and walk away with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of direction.