Behind the Win

In this Lift Up episode, Josh Johnson, head of office operations and strategy for LSI in the Washington, D.C. region, explains that visiting your Congress member is not as simple as walking into Congress. There is a variety of other staff working to ensure that information reaches your Congress member through the proper channels; this episode details which ones you are likely to speak to.

Welcome back to Behind the Win. Today's conversation is about something so many people think about, but far fewer actually do. What does it really look like to walk away from a stable career and build something on your own? And not just build it, but grow it in a way that stays true to who you are, your values, and your community. Because from the outside, success can look simple, but behind every...

Today's Lift Up episode features a HIPE breakout session led by Randy Glantz, who shares how to do a capability statement right. "Your capability statement is one input into whether they say yes to engaging you on their next move or inviting you to their next industry day."

We hear a lot about workforce programs, training pipelines, and development initiatives, but the real question is what actually works? What actually changes someone's life, not just in theory, but in reality? Because behind every job placement, every certification, every success story, there's a person who made a decision to start over. Joining us today is Shannon O'Shea, director of the Clearfiel...

In this episode, Josh Johnson, head of office operations and strategy for LSI in the Washington, D.C. region, shares insights from his 40-year career living and working in the nation's capital. Drawing on his 17 years of experience as a professional congressional committee staffer, Johnson breaks down the unique responsibilities, day-to-day realities, and vital role that committee staffers play in...

Today's conversation is about something every business owner feels but not always knows how to navigate: regulation, policy, and having a voice in the system. We're talking about what it actually takes to cut through the red tape and create an environment where small businesses can grow and compete. Joining me today is Trent Staggs, regional advocate for the US Small Business Administration Office...

In this episode of Lift Up, we feature an insightful keynote speech delivered by LSI’s Sam Beasley at the 2026 Hill Industry Partner Exchange. Drawing from LSI’s extensive logistics work with complex organizations like CAL FIRE, Sam breaks down the hidden reasons why business partnerships fail and how to build alliances that actually last. Skip the performative "communication theater" and discover...

Today's episode is a special one for us, because I'm joined by someone who helped shape not only my own leadership journey, but also the trajectory of our company and the podcast. Sean Slatter is the former president and CEO of LSI, a lifetime leader in government contracting, and currently serves as chairman of the board. Over the course of his career, he has worked at the intersection of busines...

Are you chasing the right opportunities? Do you know what you're chasing and why? In this episode of Behind the Win's Lift Up Series, learn insider tips and tricks on knowing what opportunities are worth your time and what ones you have the highest chance of winning.

We're joined by Cisco C. Minthorn, an attorney and former federal leader whose career spans public service, law, and highly complex policy environments. Cisco has worked inside systems where decisions are scrutinized, consequences are long-lasting, and the margin for error is thin. This episode is about what it really takes to lead under pressure, beyond theory, beyond headlines, and what leaders...

Our Chief Operations Officer, Sam Beasley, talks us through the differences between activity and progress, and how to tell if there's real movement or just motion. His experiences give him a unique perspective on how to make sure teams are spending their time on what matters the most.

Welcome back to Behind the Win. Today's conversation is about something happening right here in our backyard, but with national impact. We're talking about HIPE, the Hill Industry Partner Exchange, taking place May 5th through the 7th in Ogden, Utah. HIPE brings together leaders from Hill Air Force Base, industry partners, and organizations across the defense ecosystem for real conversations aroun...

Welcome back to Behind the Win. Today we're joined by Joel C. Spangenberg, a leader whose career spans public service, energy policy, and national competitiveness. Joel has worked at the intersection of government, industry, and innovation as a government senior executive in both career, civil service, and political appointee roles, and today plays a critical role in shaping conversations around n...

So many have asked, "Who knows who you are," or many times we ask, "Who is this other company?" Josh Johnson, talks a little about how you get to know what others know about you, and just as importantly, what how you can get to know other players in your space.

Welcome back to Behind the Win. We are continuing our discussion with Marcie Valdez of Blue Star Families discussing how military families are in need of help and what Blue Star Families is doing to meet those needs. 

Sam Beasley, the Chief Operations Officer at LSI, walks us through some of the great opportunities and also pitfalls that the rise of AI tools brings. He discusses the implications for quality-assurance, compliance, and how to responsibly maximize the value these advancements offer.

Welcome back to Behind the Win. Today we're talking with Marci Valdez, the Executive Director of the Utah chapter of Blue Star Families. Blue Star Families is doing transformative work right here in Utah, strengthening military families, bridging the military-civilian divide, and making sure spouses and children have the support and resources they deserve.

In this episode of "Behind the Win: Lift Up", Josh Johnson talks us through how to maximize opportunities you may have to participate in a "Fly-In" to DC through an association, union, or other organization you belong to. These are unique chances to interact directly with your representatives and make them aware of your priorities.

Welcome back to Behind the Win. We are continuing our discussion with Angie Osguthorpe on Why Chambers Matter. 

LSI's own Josh Johnson discusses the difference between the RFP and the RFI, which is also known as "sources sought". He explains how to capitalize on the opportunity that an RFI presents and answers some common questions on the process here. Bottom line: is it worth your time to respond to an RFI?

Welcome back to Behind the Wind. Today we're joined by Angie Osguthorpe, the CEO of the Davis Chamber of Commerce. Angie has spent her career championing businesses, strengthening local economies, and bringing leaders together at a time when connection and advocacy matter more than ever. Today we're talking all things chambers of commerce, why they still matter, why they matter more now than ever,...

Welcome back to Behind the win, as we close out the year Sarah takes a moment to reflect on some of the incredible wins we've seen in 2025. This is our year in review episode, our chance to highlight a few of our favorite lessons from guests, moments with the LSI team, and the things that made this year one to remember.

Welcome to Behind the Win, the podcast that goes inside the minds of leaders shaping business, government, and community innovation. Today's guest is Bill Crim, president and CEO of United Way of Salt Lake. Bill has been at the forefront of building cross-sector partnerships that transform education, strengthen communities, and drive long-term change. From championing cradle to career pathways to...

Welcome back to Behind the Win. Today, we're doing something a little different. We're flipping the script. I'm Kevin Jacobson, Director of Administration here at LSI, and Sarah's assistant. And instead of Sarah hosting, I'll be putting her in the hot seat. Sarah is our president and CEO, the force behind this podcast, and today, we're going to get to learn more about her story, her leadership, an...

Welcome back to Behind the Win. This week, we're doing something a little different for Thanksgiving. Instead of talking strategy, innovation, or leadership, I wanted to pause and reflect on gratitude. Wins are important, but so are the people, lessons, and moments that get us there. Today, you'll hear a few reflections from me and from members of our team on what we're thankful for this year.