For federal government systems integrators like Tyto Athene, 2025 could be the best time.
Based in Herndon, Virginia, IT solutions providers for the US military and other government agencies can benefit greatly from President Donald Trump's unofficial government efficiency launch.
Doge is ready to cut federal spending and modernize “federal technologies and software to maximize government efficiency and productivity,” according to an executive order issued this week. However, Tyto Athene's CFO Rick Johnson is well aware, so government spending priorities can change quickly.
Tyto Athene aims to remain agile amidst that uncertainty, but absorbs the three companies it purchased in 2024. The acquisition integration process is essential as Johnson seeks to build a culture of transparency and unify employees with a common mission. He spoke with Katie Kuehner-Hebert about AI, merger integration priorities, and the importance of employee perspectives when combining organizations.
What market and technology trends are you paying attention to in 2025?
The federal technology industry needs to track how budget priorities will change in 2025 and see what will happen if federal businesses close on March 14th. This plays a role in proposal work, existing contracts, and timing. Agency Award Notification. It all impacts our planned growth and expansion. Regardless of the outcome, we need to maintain agile and support our customers and future businesses wherever we need them.
AI remains the top agenda item for 2025, particularly when it comes to data mining for new business opportunities. AI can also provide solutions for back-office activities such as invoices and payment processes. As a technology company, we want to implement the latest technologies, such as AI, to help our teams work smarter and faster. At the same time, we hope that our employees will be absorbed into the process. [the application] Includes customer experience.
How important is it to invest in Tyto Athene's financial strategy and innovations to advance business growth?
The level of investment in R&D may be the most important decision of a growing technology company. Executive leaders must place their organizations in a future-looking position to meet the changing technical needs of government clients. If a company like us can't distinguish itself or provide unique features, it won't build the credibility needed to acquire more important opportunities and new businesses.
Tyto Athene acquired several companies in 2024. How do you manage the integration process?
My motto is to “minimise friction.” Management burden employees feel that acquisitions or large corporations need to be minimally adjusted. We want to remove stress from the process and ultimately make every employee feel at home under one Tyto Athene over time. Maintaining harmony across the entire business shift will deepen employee trust in leadership.
We are constantly thinking about the acquisition integration process from an employee perspective. There are no blind spots. That perspective recognition is key to providing consistent messaging through clear communication about (1) the company's actions and (2) the next steps in the integration process. More importantly, leaders will follow us along with our current and new teammates on the communications and commitments we make.
As a CFO, how do you help develop a strong corporate culture that supports financial growth and employee well-being?
In my experience, HR leaders report directly to the CFO team, so they are used to wearing “HR Hat” and “CFO Hat” at the same time. By being involved in HR, I was able to understand why people are the organisation's biggest asset. Even organizations that are technology leaders are driven by the heartbeat and strength of their team members.
Use employee feedback to demonstrate and invest in team commitments to understand priorities regarding benefits packages, PTO needs, and hybrid work approaches. This input gives CFO teams insight into where they invest in effectively empowering their employee base.
Given Tyto Athene's M&A activities in 2024, we will continue to harmonize employee benefits across the organization, strengthening efforts to improve employee experience, and all these moving parts will be properly coordinated and Tyto Unite your Athene team in one mission.
