Eighty-two percent of companies in the defense industrial base say qualified STEM workers are hard to find, according to National Defense Magazine. For Margarita Howard, who leads the federal contractor HX5, that figure describes a daily reality. The shortage reaches well beyond defense. ManpowerGroup’s 2024 research found that 71% of U.S. employers struggle to locate

Competitive advantages in government contracting rarely come from a single win. They accumulate, and Margarita Howard built HX5 around that principle from its founding in 2004. What started as one early purchase, a government-approved accounting system, eventually became a form of protection that compounded year after year. Margarita Howard chose the system specifically because it

Brand resurrection is part art, part science: reviving a dormant or declining name requires honesty about past failures, a clear vision for relevance, and disciplined execution across product, story, and channels. When done well, a revived brand can tap nostalgia while winning new customers who never knew the original. Why brands fadeBrands lose traction for

Bankruptcy can feel like an ending, but for many it becomes the starting point for a stronger financial future. A deliberate recovery plan, disciplined habits, and smart use of financial tools make a comeback not only possible but common. Here’s how to rebuild credit, restore financial stability, and emerge more resilient. Start with the basics–

Crisis management has become a core competency for organizations of every size. With fast-moving digital channels, interconnected supply chains, and evolving security threats, the way a company prepares for and responds to disruption can define its reputation and long-term resilience. Why preparation mattersPreparation reduces ambiguity and speeds decision-making when seconds count. A well-crafted crisis plan

Brand resurrection is the art of bringing a dormant, declined, or outdated brand back to life and relevance. When done well, it taps into nostalgia while aligning the brand with modern values and behaviors. The goal is not simply to relaunch a logo or tweak packaging — it’s to rebuild meaningful customer relationships and deliver

Corporate turnarounds: a practical roadmap for leaders When a company slips from growth to distress, speed and focus make the difference between recovery and failure. A successful corporate turnaround blends financial triage, operational realism, clear leadership and disciplined execution. The guidance below outlines a pragmatic, actionable approach that leaders can use to stabilize performance and

Corporate Turnaround Playbook: Practical Steps That Work A successful corporate turnaround blends decisive leadership, rapid liquidity fixes, operational focus, and clear stakeholder communication. Facing market disruption, margin pressure, or a damaged balance sheet, leaders must move quickly from diagnosis to disciplined execution. Here’s how to structure a pragmatic, results-driven turnaround. Rapid diagnosis and triage– Perform

Crises are inevitable, but the difference between chaos and control is preparation. Modern crisis management blends traditional command structures with fast, transparent communication and digital monitoring. Organizations that treat crisis readiness as an ongoing program — not a one-off checklist — protect people, operations, and reputation. Core principles of effective crisis management– Clear roles and

7 PR Strategies That Drive Coverage, Trust, and Measurable Results Public relations has evolved beyond media lists and press releases. Today’s most effective PR programs blend storytelling, data, and digital tactics to secure meaningful coverage, build credibility, and move audiences to action. Use these strategic approaches to make PR a measurable driver of brand growth.