From Government Employee to Digital Government Entrepreneur

What happens when nearly 20 years of government experience becomes the foundation for a technology and consulting business? Chris Astrella, MPA, is the President and CEO of Government Guru Professional Speaking and Consulting. After almost two decades working in local government, followed by several years working with government technology companies, Chris turned his experience into a business focused on education, digital government, AI, cybersecurity, communication and professional development. In this episode of Build With What You Know, Chris explains how he transformed knowledge from public administration into a new business — and how technology is changing the way government professionals work. We discuss: • How Chris turned almost 20 years of government experience into a business • What working for government technology companies taught him about real-world problems • How AI is being introduced into municipal government • Why cybersecurity and digital government require more than technology • The importance of communication across different backgrounds and perspectives • How Chris developed his speaking business from conference applications • How his first paid speaking engagement created a path toward full-time entrepreneurship • Why knowing your material matters when teaching or speaking • How word-of-mouth and previous conference attendees generate new opportunities • Why keeping business communication simple can create better client relationships • How Chris plans to expand into new sectors and continue growing his business Chris also shares how his experience as a public administration professor influences his speaking and consulting work, allowing him to connect academic learning with practical experience. The conversation is ultimately about turning accumulated knowledge into something useful — and building a business around expertise that already exists. Connect with Chris and Government Guru: Website: https://govguru702.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-astrella-mpa-495032122/ Watch the full conversation and explore more episodes of Build With What You Know. #Technology #AI #DigitalGovernment #Cybersecurity #Entrepreneurship #PublicAdministration #FutureOfWork #GovernmentTechnology