Let’s rewind to 2012 — sequestration had hit, training budgets vanished, and the federal contracting world got real quiet, real fast. Most people would panic. Not Eileen Kent. She saw an opportunity to Pivot + Thrive.

Instead of waiting for the market to recover, Eileen launched her own business as the Federal Sales Guide. She leaned into her decades of expertise in federal sales, packaged her wisdom into a “Three Step Program,” and started helping companies navigate the very chaos that had rattled her world. One company at a time, she taught teams how to train, analyze, position — and then let them fly.

“If they did hire you, what would you do in the first month?” That single question from a mentor sparked a plan that’s since helped over 350 businesses grow.

Today, Eileen is still thriving. She’s expanded her offerings and added a “Guide for a Year” mentorship model. And she’s using her platform to repost job leads on LinkedIn to help fellow federal contractors get back on their feet.

What can we learn from Eileen?

• Pivoting isn’t just reacting — it’s creating something new from what you already know.
• Listening is a superpower — to clients, mentors, even signs from the universe.
• When you thrive, share the wealth — Eileen uses her platform to lift others, reposting jobs, mentoring small businesses, and helping fellow contractors find their next opportunity.

So if you're feeling the turbulence of change, take a page from Eileen’s playbook: walk, think, build, and trust that with the right plan, the path will open.

Watch Eileen’s full #PivotAndThrive interview. 

Kaptivate remains committed to helping brands navigate uncertain times and challenges, successfully pivot, and be able to thrive in the future. Are you interested in learning more on how we can help your organization pivot and thrive? Connect with us today!