Real Talk, Real Growth
Join host Linda Ostovitz each month for meaningful, practical discussions with guests who are on the cutting edge of business. They'll talk and you'll grow.
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Behind the Scenes at Howard County Hospital with Kirsten Baier
<p>What does it take to fund the growing healthcare needs of an entire community? Kirsten<br>Baier, Vice President of the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation, joins<br>Linda Ostovitz to discuss the critical role philanthropy plays in healthcare and why<br>fundraising is essential to improving patient care, expanding services, and supporting<br>hospital growth.</p><p>Drawing from her experience in nonprofit development, public health, and healthcare<br>philanthropy, Kirsten shares how donor relationships are built, how charitable investments<br>help fund major projects, and why transparency and community engagement are key to<br>successful...
Advocacy & Growth: A Conversation with Kristi Simon of the Howard County Chamber
<p>In this episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, host Linda Ostovitz sits down with Kristi Simon, President and CEO of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about advocacy, membership growth, and what it takes to lead a chamber through change. Kristi shares her path from volunteer to chamber executive, including her years away leading the Central Maryland Chamber during the early days of COVID, and what she learned navigating remote engagement during that time.</p><p> </p><p>Linda and Kristi dig into the chamber's advocacy work in Annapolis and at the county level, how the c...
Still Standing: Building a Boutique Business with Mary Jordan
<p>Host Linda Ostovitz welcomes Mary Jordan, owner of Bra La La, a bra fitting boutique in Maple Lawn, Fulton, Maryland, for an inspiring conversation about what it takes to build a business from the ground up and keep it standing through every storm. Mary shares the unlikely journey that took her from cancer research at Georgetown’s Lombardi Cancer Center to biotech sales, and ultimately to opening a specialty boutique with nothing but a great idea, 100 surveys, and a road trip up and down the East Coast. She reflects on surviving the 2008 economic downturn, the COVID-19 pandemic, and nearly tw...
Strategies for Workforce Innovation with Dr. Minah Woo
<p>In this episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, host Linda Ostovitz welcomes Dr. Minah Woo, Vice President of Workforce Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Howard Community College. They discuss how the college partners with businesses to build talent pipelines through job fairs, short-term certifications, internships, advisory committees, and registered apprenticeships. The two also discuss the “shrinking workforce” driven by an enrollment cliff and retirements, emphasizing retention, culture, generational differences, and relationship-building, including in hybrid work. </p><p>00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro <br>01:33 Defining Workforce Innovation <br>04:50 Helping Employers Hire <br>08:33 Apprenticeships Explained <br>10:23 Apprenticeship Results <br>12:03 Shrinking Workforce Reality <br>16:50 Ge...
Finding Clarity and Joy with Wendy Elover
<p>In this episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, host Linda Ostovitz welcomes Wendy Elover, Joy & Clarity Strategist, author, and coach dedicated to helping high achieving professionals slow down, clear the noise, and reconnect with what truly matters. Wendy shares her unconventional career path, the creation of her unique title, and the powerful personal journey that led her to develop her signature SPACE framework for gaining clarity. </p><p>Wendy and Linda dive into what it means to have “too many tabs open,” why high performers carry emotional weight from unmade decisions, and how simple tools — like gratitude, brain dumps, clarity...
Embracing Change with Cheryl Brown
<p>In this episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, host Linda Ostovitz welcomes Cheryl Brown, General Counsel & VP of Human Resources at Southeastern Container in Asheville, North Carolina. Cheryl discusses her bold career transition from attorney at a labor and employment law firm in Maryland to an in-house role with Southeastern Container. Cheryl shares her journey, including her extensive community involvement in Howard County and her decision to move closer to family. She emphasizes the importance of taking risks for professional growth, the need for patience and opportunity, and the challenges and excitement of adapting to a new industry. Cheryl...
Building the Future in Howard County with Jennifer Jones
<p>In this episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, host Linda Ostovitz sits down with Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. Jennifer shares her journey from Howard County to Purdue University for engineering and law school, and her various professional roles that led her back to her community. She details the challenges and strategies of taking over a long-standing leadership role and her vision for Howard County's economic development. The conversation covers Jennifer's management style, her innovative initiatives such as the Cyber Howard Accelerator program, and her belief in the importance of economic development in driving...
Elevating the Service Industry with Lynda Ellis
<p>In this episode of Real Talk Real Growth, host Linda Ostovitz welcomes Lynda Ellis, owner of Capitol Concierge. They discuss Lynda's journey from joining the company in 1998 to eventually purchasing it and expanding its reach globally. Lynda shares insights into her business philosophy, including the importance of employee satisfaction, transparency, and listening to clients. She also recounts various unique services Capitol Concierge has provided and emphasizes the significance of strategic planning, mentorship, and community involvement. This episode offers valuable lessons on building a successful business through treating employees with respect and fostering strong client relationships.</p><p>00:00 Introduction and...
Business Acquisition and Growth with Kristy Mumma
<p>In this episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, host Linda Ostovitz welcomes Kristy Mumma, co-owner of Stewart Technologies. Kristy shares her journey of transitioning from a department manager to a business owner along with her business partner, Tara Schinkel. Kristy talks about her involvement with the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, their successful Women's Leadership Conference, and the intricacies of leading a tech company. She delves into their strategic decision-making process, staffing challenges, and how Stewart Technologies navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. Kristy also sheds light on the impact of the newly introduced Maryland IT service tax and provides valuable...
Strategic HR Insights with Kelly Mitchell
<p>In this episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, host Linda Ostovitz welcomes Kelly Mitchell, owner of Impact HR. Kelly shares her extensive experience in the HR field, discussing the evolution of HR from traditional administrative roles to strategic functions focused on people and culture. She highlights the importance of HR in organizational growth, workforce planning, compliance with laws, and maintaining a positive company culture. Linda and Kelly also explore the ideal timing for businesses to engage HR professionals and the benefits of outsourcing HR functions. The conversation underscores HR’s crucial role in navigating modern business challenges and maintaining co...
