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IMPACT Podcast Series
IMPACT is FORUM’s signature podcast highlighting the women whose leadership, expertise, and vision are shaping the future of government, technology, and the federal contracting community. Each episode features in-depth, authentic conversations with executives, trailblazers, innovators, and rising leaders who are driving meaningful progress across the public and private sectors.
The podcast explores a wide range of topics essential to modern leadership: building inclusive workplaces, navigating career advancement, leading through change, supporting mission outcomes, and fostering collaboration between government and industry. Guests share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and actionable insights that empower listeners to lead with confidence and drive impact within their organizations.
IMPACT offers more than professional stories—it provides a platform for thoughtful dialogue on mentorship, opportunity, innovation, and the challenges and successes women encounter at every level of the GovCon and federal technology ecosystem. Whether you are an emerging professional, a seasoned executive, or someone passionate about leadership and community, the podcast delivers inspiration and practical guidance you can apply immediately.
About the Host:
Mary Ann Brown hosts IMPACT and brings deep experience supporting government–industry collaboration. As Senior Director of Operations at FORUM, she helps create strategic events, leadership initiatives, and platforms that elevate voices across the federal community and advance meaningful conversations about leadership and mission success.
Subscribe to IMPACT to hear the stories and perspectives of the women shaping the federal landscape—and to be inspired by the leadership driving change across government and industry.
IMPACT Podcast Series
A Strategic Plan For Leadership with Melanie Cook
Melanie Cook is the CEO and Founder of Veritas Management Group (VMG). Melanie is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership to VMG while driving company growth. Let's dig into what makes Melanie such a success.
Melanie Cook
CEO and Founder
Veritas Management Group (VMG)
Over the past 20 years, Melanie has served as a corporate attorney, management consultant, and business development executive. Melanie’s impressive resume includes roles with a Wall Street investment bank, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and an IT consulting firm.
Melanie coauthored Business Success Secrets, an honest, raw, and real look at some of the best-kept entrepreneurial secrets. Her chapter in the book, “From ADD to Harvard,” chronicles her courageous journey and her challenges.
She supports diversity, equity, and neuroinclusion in the workplace, and is close to the world of learning disabilities and a role model to those struggling in the academic and business environments.
Melanie holds degrees from Spelman College and Harvard Law School and is active in the Atlanta business community.
Veritas Management Group (VMG)
VMG is a leading management consulting firm serving government and commercial sector organizations, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations, domestically and globally. VMG employs 90+ employees in 19 US states and 10 global locations. VMG’s core services include Research and Evaluation, Health Equity, Global Health, I.T., Data Analytics, Military Support, and more. In 2023, Melanie and VMG acquired ASAP Talent Services, a leading I.T. Executive Search Firm.
IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation.
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Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts