The Real Deal

Life Is Now: XCorp’s Leap from Languages to IT, Cyber & AI with Cesar Nader

What does it really take to build a thriving federal contracting business from the ground up? In this episode of The Real Deal, Cy Alba talks with Cesar Nader. 
From U.S. Marine to GovCon CEO, Cesar Nader has steered X Corp Solutions (XCorp) through a bold evolution; starting with language services and expanding into intel, IT, cyber, and now AI and Disruptive Technologies. In this no-nonsense conversation with Cy Alba, he" keeps it real" and breaks down the three phases of federal contracting—startup, growth, and maturity—and the unique hurdles of each: cash flow, talent, and writing proposals that don’t just check boxes, but win with a compelling end state.
Cesar pulls back the curtain on the strategy behind XCorp’s rise to one of the most successful small businesses of his time: a simple, repeatable formula powered by relentless networking and integrity with government partners. He dives into hot-button realities—“incumbinitis,” when to protest (or not), subcontracting vs. priming, and how JVs can accelerate growth. He shares the secret formula for small businesses to follow.
But beyond the mechanics, he makes clear: culture and leadership are the real drivers of M&A value.
Looking forward, Cesar is bullish on Disruptive Tech like blockchain, quantum, 5G, AI, and even space tech as the next frontiers; and his advice for entrepreneurs is timeless: stay curious, stay agile, and stay consistent.
To connect with Cesar, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about X Corp by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Sarah, visit her LinkedIn page here.Learn more about Speedshift Ventures by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Cy, visit his LinkedIn page here.Learn more about PilieroMazza PLLC by visiting their webpage here.

The Real Deal: From Bold Startup to AI Innovation - Alex Duan on Dynamo’s Evolution and Their New Holokai Platform

What does it really take to build a thriving federal contracting business from the ground up? In this episode of The Real Deal, Sarah Djamshidi and David Blackburn chat with Alex Duan, Co-founder and CEO of Dynamo Technologies. Alex shares the raw story of why he started Dynamo in 2012, coming off a failed startup, with a baby on the way and little money in his pocket. From those beginnings, how he and his Partner built Dynamo into a thriving digital transformation and services company supporting more than 20 federal customers across 30 states with expertise in IT modernization, data governance, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
We dive into the lessons Alex learned moving Dynamo from subcontractor to prime, navigating joint ventures, financing challenges, and adapting to survive and scale in the GovCon market. He offers candid advice for founders and CEOs about why growth has to be a priority and the discipline it takes to carve out time for it.
Alex also teases Dynamo’s newest venture: Holokai, an AI platform spun out of their R&D practice to help enterprises drive security and compliance as they navigate complex digital landscapes. Dynamo is hosting an event next week to showcase Holokai. You can attend and learn more here.
This conversation is a real look at what it takes to start, scale, and sustain a GovCon business, from embracing the startup mindset and lucky breaks to finding new opportunities in AI and beyond.
To connect with Alex, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Dynamo by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Sarah, visit her LinkedIn page here.Learn more about Speedshift Ventures by visiting their webpage here.
 

The Courage to Start: Growing a GovCon Business from Zero with Ganesh Natarajan

What does it really take to build a thriving federal contracting business from the ground up? In this episode of The Real Deal, Sarah Djamshidi and Cy Alba sit down with Ganesh Natarajan, CEO of Ennoble First, to uncover the realities behind growing a government contracting company.
Ganesh shares his journey from leaving a senior role at Lockheed Martin to bootstrapping his own firm, starting with zero, building trust, and landing that critical first customer. He reveals the five P’s for growth (People, Partners, Process, Performance, and Patience), the importance of staying in your lane, and why chasing shiny objects can sink your business. Along the way, he discusses challenges from finance to legal structure, moving from subcontractor to prime without losing your edge, building IP and valuation strategically, and why resilience, relationships, and advisory boards matter most.
Packed with hard-earned advice, this conversation offers real-world lessons on scaling, strategy, and staying true to your core strengths—plus why courage and preparation are the greatest assets for any business leader.
To connect with Ganesh, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Ennoble First by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Sarah, visit her LinkedIn page here.Learn more about Speedshift Ventures by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Cy, visit his LinkedIn page here.Learn more about PilieroMazza PLLC by visiting their webpage here.

From Startup to Standout: Realm One’s Journey in Federal Contracting with Gary Daigle

In the third episode of The Real Deal: Winning, Growing, and Exiting in GovCon, Sarah Djamshidi, CEO and Managing Partner of SpeedShift Ventures, and David Blackburn sit down with Gary Daigle from RealmOne to unpack the real playbook behind sustained growth, strategic acquisitions, and seamless integrations in the federal contracting space.
Gary shares RealmOne’s journey from a lean startup in 2005 to a thriving middle-market powerhouse backed by Enlightenment Capital, revealing how culture, creativity, and calculated risks fueled their momentum. From breaking into prime contracts, to using M&A for smart—not just big—growth, to building a workplace that attracts top talent, Gary dives deep into the art and science of scaling.
 
Along the way, he offers candid advice for CEOs of $20–$30M GovCon firms: know your why, prioritize intangibles like culture and leadership, and be ready to pivot when mission priorities shift. Whether you’re eyeing your first acquisition or planning your exit, this conversation delivers the unfiltered insights you need to navigate today’s GovCon market with confidence.
 
To connect with Gary, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about RealmOne by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Sarah, visit her LinkedIn page here.Learn more about Speedshift Ventures by visiting their webpage here.

The Real Deal: Gautam Ijoor Shares the Alpha Omega Blueprint for Explosive Growth

In the second episode of The Real Deal, Sarah Djamshidi, CEO and Managing Partner of SpeedShift Ventures, and David Blackburn have a conversation with Gautam Ijoor, CEO of Alpha Omega, to uncover the strategic blueprint behind the company's meteoric rise—from a startup to a $226M powerhouse in less than nine years. Gautam shares the internal building blocks that made Alpha Omega’s growth sustainable, including redefining company values, getting the right people in the right roles, and leading with a passionate "why." He dives into how visionary planning, both for the present and the future, fuels enterprise value, drives culture, and prepares the business for bold moves like acquisitions and private equity partnerships.
With candid insights on market headwinds, strategic M&A, and how CEOs can (and should) be ambassadors for their company’s mission, this conversation is a masterclass in long-term thinking and intentional leadership in the federal contracting space.
To connect with Gautam, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Alpha Omega by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Sarah, visit her LinkedIn page here.Learn more about Speedshift Ventures by visiting their webpage here.

Cybersecurity, Contracts and Culture: De-risking Your Deal Before You Sell with Sarah Djamshidi and Cy Alba

The Real Deal is a new Peel series created by Speedshift Ventures and PilieroMazza PLLC. Episodes will explore the fast-evolving world of M&A in the government contracting space. This series dives deep into the realities facing buyers, sellers, advisors, and operators—unpacking the trends, risks, and decisions behind successful (and sometimes failed) deals. In this premiere episode, Sarah Djamshidi, President and Managing Partner at Speedshift Ventures and Cy Alba, Partner at PilieroMazza PLLC unravel the complex dynamics shaping mergers and acquisitions in government contracting today.
Sarah Djamshidi, CEO and Managing Partner of SpeedShift Ventures, is a licensed investment banker with over two decades of experience advising more than 300 government contractors. She shares invaluable insight into what makes a business truly ready to sell in 2025—from strong margins and pipeline visibility to key positions on vehicles like GSA and OASIS+. Sarah also walks through the biggest deal-breakers she sees, including due diligence blind spots, integration missteps, cultural mismatches, and overreliance on founder relationships. Her approach emphasizes strategic preparation and risk awareness, helping sellers avoid costly surprises.
Cy Alba, a partner at PilieroMazza, offers deep legal perspective on the evolving regulatory landscape. He breaks down the rising importance of 800-171 and CMMC compliance, sharing why early transparency and risk mitigation are critical in preserving deal value. Sai explains how AI usage in federal proposals is becoming less controversial under the current administration, and how OTAs and teaming with OEMs are boosting valuation potential. He also addresses how contractors should respond when facing a de-scoping modification or a termination for convenience, laying out legal protections, proactive strategies, and real-world examples of how to protect your interests.
This episode is packed with insights and actionable guidance for government contractors navigating the buy-sell landscape in a year defined by scrutiny, compliance, and opportunity. Whether you’re preparing to exit or preparing to buy, you’ll walk away better equipped to evaluate readiness, manage risk, and close with confidence.
To connect with Sarah, visit her LinkedIn page here.Learn more about Speedshift Ventures by visiting their webpage here.To connect with Cy, visit his LinkedIn page here.Learn more about PilieroMazza PLLC by visiting their webpage here.