FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees

For decades, Bob Tobias has helped shape the federal workforce—from fighting landmark legal battles on behalf of federal employees to founding the renowned Key Executive Leadership Program at American University. In this episode of FedUpward, Bob reflects on his remarkable career, the leadership principles that continue to influence thousands of federal managers, and why trust, vulnerability, and relationships are the foundation of effective leadership.
 Bob also shares the deeply personal story behind his transition to writing poetry after retirement, discussing how childhood experiences, leadership, and self-reflection inspired his new collection, "What Lives in Me." Whether you're an aspiring supervisor, an experienced executive, or simply interested in personal growth, this conversation offers timeless lessons about leadership, resilience, and leaving a meaningful legacy.
 Ger your copy of "What Lives in Me" - https://finishinglinepress.com/product/what-lives-in-me-by-robert-m-tobias
Key Executive Leadership Program at American University - https://www.american.edu/spa/key/mpagpt.com 
Connect with Love:
Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas, and get better.
Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!

What does it take to reach the Senior Executive Service (SES) in today's federal workforce?
In this episode of the FedUpward Podcast, I sit down with Kelly Foster, Director of Mentoring for the National Association of Future Federal Executives (NAFFE), to discuss the resources, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities available to aspiring federal executives. Kelly shares her remarkable journey from starting as a GS-1 student employee to serving nearly 39 years in federal government before transitioning into entrepreneurship and executive mentoring.
The conversation explores how NAFFE helps federal employees prepare for SES careers through mentoring, ECQ mastery training, resume development, and structured interview preparation. Kelly also explains the evolving SES application process, the role of the Qualifications Review Board (QRB), and practical advice for federal professionals looking to advance into executive leadership positions.
Whether you're a GS-11 planning your next promotion or a GS-15 considering the SES, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating the path to executive leadership.
Learn more about the National Association of Future Federal Executives at https://naffee.org
Connect with Love:
Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas, and get better.

What happens when one of the government's leading experts on federal employment law and human capital management steps away from public service—and into advocacy?
Raymond Limon returns to the FedUpward podcast for a timely conversation about the challenges facing today's federal workforce. After more than 30 years in federal service—including leadership roles at OPM, the State Department, the Department of the Interior, and the MSPB—Limon discusses why he launched Merit Service Advocates and what federal employees need to know as workplace policies continue to evolve. 
The discussion explores the purpose of the merit-based civil service system, the impact of workforce restructuring efforts, concerns surrounding federal hiring and workforce protections, and the resources employees can use to stay informed. Limon also offers practical advice for federal employees navigating uncertainty, discusses potential reforms to federal hiring and appeals processes, and explains why resilience, professional development, and public service remain as important as ever.
Whether you're a current federal employee, retiree, supervisor, or simply interested in the future of the federal workforce, this episode provides valuable context from someone who has spent decades shaping and defending the systems that support public service.
Find out more about his work here.
Connect with Love:
Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas, and get better.
Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!

Public Service Recognition Week is here—and it's a moment to reflect on the impact of federal service.
I share resources, events (there's one tomorrow!), and practical ways to engage:
Partnership for Public Service (PSRW resources): https://ourpublicservice.org
FormerGov (career support & events): https://formergov.com
Whether you're currently serving or exploring your next chapter, this episode is a reminder of the mission behind the work—and why it still matters.
🎧 Listen now and take a moment to reconnect with your "why."

Violent threats against public servants aren't isolated incidents anymore—they're escalating nationwide, impacting federal, state, and local officials alike. In this episode of FedUpward. I sit down with Isabella Ulloa, founder of the Public Service Alliance, to unpack what the data is showing—and why it should concern everyone.
Drawing on her experience at the Department of Homeland Security, Ulloa explains how threats have surged over the past decade, increasingly targeting not just officials, but their families. The conversation explores the growing gap in protections for public servants and the real-world consequences: burnout, resignations, and a chilling effect on civic participation.
Ulloa also introduces the Public Service Alliance's approach to solving the problem—from a first-of-its-kind marketplace offering vetted security and support resources, to advocacy efforts aimed at driving policy change and awareness. A standout initiative, the "security map," uses aggregated data and storytelling to visualize the scale of the issue across all 50 states.
This episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap—highlighting how public servants can better protect themselves, and why addressing this issue is critical to the future of public service itself.
Learn more: https://thepublicservicealliance.com/ 
Connect with Love:
Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge

Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas, and get better.
Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!