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Real Talk, Real Growth: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Linda Ostovitz, Offit Kurman
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago43 min
Advocacy & Growth: A Conversation with Kristi Simon of the Howard County Chamber
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. Linda and Kristi dig into the chamber's advocacy work in Annapolis and at the county level, how the chamber tracks and testifies on legislation, and why Maryland's business climate remains a focus for elected officials and business owners alike. They also cover the chamber's committee structure, the Young Professional Network, the CEO dinner series, and new efforts to support the county's growing nonprofit membership. Kristi closes with her goals for the chamber's next chapter, including a push toward 900 members and national chamber accreditation. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:00 Meet Kristi Simon: President and CEO of the Howard County Chamber02:00 Kristi's Path from Volunteer to Chamber Leader04:00 What Keeps Her Passionate About Chamber Work05:00 Meeting Members Where They Are07:00 Growth to Nearly 800 Members08:00 Lessons from Leading a Chamber Through COVID10:00 Why Advocacy Matters for Small Business13:00 Testifying in Annapolis14:00 Building Relationships with County Government18:00 Making the Case for a More Business-Friendly Maryland23:00 A Look at Chamber Committees26:00 The Young Professional Network and Chamber Games28:00 Who Makes Up the Chamber's Membership30:00 Inside the CEO Dinner Series32:00 Stepping Into Leadership After Leonardo McLarty36:00 Supporting the County's Nonprofit Community38:00 Goals for the Chamber's Future40:00 How to Get Involved Connect with Kristi Simon and the Howard County Chamber of Commerce at: https://www.howardchamber.com
- Jun 18, 202636 min
Still Standing: Building a Boutique Business with Mary Jordan
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 two decades of retail turnover in a neighborhood that once felt like a cow field, and explains why community connection, compassion, and showing up for people have always been her most powerful business tools. From her store’s 200-size fitting range and post-mastectomy expertise to its role as a trusted ambassador for French luxury brand Empreinte, Mary offers a candid, heartfelt look at what it really means to run a business where making women feel good is the entire mission. She also shares stories about her daughters, her husband (a.k.a. Mr. Bra La La), the bra stretches on Route 216, and what her youngest daughter’s music career taught her about following a dream.00:00 Still Standing: Building a Boutique Business with Mary Jordan00:07 Welcome and Guest Introduction01:00 What Is Bra La La?02:00 The Last Original Retailer Standing in Maple Lawn03:30 Surviving the 2008 Economic Downturn05:00 Boots-on-the-Ground Marketing: Chambers, Nonprofits, and Word of Mouth06:30 Surveying 100 Women Before Opening Day07:30 From Cancer Research to Biotech Sales to Bra Boutique Owner09:00 Breaking Into the Industry: Trade Shows, Mentors, and a Barn Raising Mentality11:00 The Bra La La Experience: Private Fittings, Expert Staff, and Problem Solving13:30 Post-Mastectomy Fitting: Certified Providers and Hospital Partnerships15:00 200 Sizes, 5,000 SKUs, Swimwear, and What It Takes to Manage Inventory17:00 Ambassador for Empreinte: One of 12 Stores in the World20:00 Buying Trips to New York and Paris22:00 Paying It Forward: Teaching New Store Owners How to Fit23:00 Community Giving: Bra Stretches, Success in Style, and the Women’s Giving Circle27:00 The Young Women’s Giving Circle and the Next Generation of Leaders28:30 Family Behind the Business: Mr. Bra La La and Two Daughters Who Grew Up in the Store30:30 Snail Mail, Jimmy Fallon, and a Daughter Who Said No to College32:30 COVID-19: The Comfort Project, FaceTime Fittings, and Porch Deliveries35:00 Closing Remarks
- Apr 22, 202640 min
Strategies for Workforce Innovation with Dr. Minah Woo
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. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:33 Defining Workforce Innovation 04:50 Helping Employers Hire 08:33 Apprenticeships Explained 10:23 Apprenticeship Results 12:03 Shrinking Workforce Reality 16:50 Generations and Culture 20:37 Remote Work and Connection 22:52 AI as a Workforce Tool 26:17 Rethinking Retirement 28:58 Untapped Talent Pools 32:55 Trades and New Center 37:50 Team Behind the Work 39:22 Final Thanks and Wrap Up Connect with Dr. Minah Woo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minah-woo-60114250/
- Feb 5, 202634 min
Finding Clarity and Joy with Wendy Elover
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. 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 practices, and identifying “one word” for the year — can create meaningful calm in a hectic life. Wendy also discusses her 90day clarity program, her bestselling book My Cape Is at the Cleaners, and her upcoming book Too Many Tabs Open. Together, they explore how intentional living, small moments of joy, and reclaiming mental breathing room can transform how we work, lead, and show up every day. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:26 Meet Wendy Elover: Joy and Clarity Strategist 02:12 Understanding Joy and Clarity 05:36 The Space Framework for Clarity 08:50 Wendy's Personal Journey 16:34 The Role of Gratitude 22:00 The Power of One Word 25:51 Wendy's Books and Final Thoughts Connect with Wendy Elover and explore her tools, programs, and upcoming book at: https://www.wendyelover.com - Welcome and Introduction - Meet Wendy Elover: Joy and Clarity Strategist - Understanding Joy and Clarity - The Space Framework for Clarity - Wendy's Personal Journey - The Role of Gratitude - The Power of One Word - Wendy's Books and Final Thoughts
- Nov 3, 202533 min
Embracing Change with Cheryl Brown
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 also discusses the responsibilities of managing HR and legal functions within a manufacturing facility and her plans to continue community engagement in her new locale.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:10 Cheryl's Career Background 02:35 Community Engagement and Leadership 05:12 Decision to Move to North Carolina 10:29 New Professional Opportunity 15:10 Challenges and Adaptations in New Role 21:21 Succession Planning and Recruitment 26:18 Personal Reflections and Future Plans 32:09 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Cheryl Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylubrown/ - Introduction and Guest Welcome - Cheryl's Career Background - Community Engagement and Leadership - Decision to Move to North Carolina - New Professional Opportunity - Challenges and Adaptations in New Role - Succession Planning and Recruitment - Personal Reflections and Future Plans - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- Sep 12, 202538 min
Building the Future in Howard County with Jennifer Jones
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 the state forward amid financial challenges. Listeners will learn valuable insights about leadership, strategic planning, and the significance of regional collaboration.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:23 Jennifer's Early Life and Education 04:07 Career Beginnings and Engineering Background 05:06 Transition to Law and Business 07:20 International Experience and Return to Howard County 13:01 Political Involvement and Local Impact 18:24 Role as Chief Strategy Officer 20:23 Collaborating with Dr. Ball: Initiatives and Strategies 21:10 The Role of Chief Strategy Officer 22:31 Economic Development Authority's Mission 24:11 Team Structure and Responsibilities 26:13 Transitioning into Leadership 31:07 Management Style and Approach 33:38 Cyber Howard Accelerator Program 35:27 Future of Economic Development in Howard County 37:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFor more information, visit the Howard County Economic Development Authority website at https://howardcountyeda.org/Follow Howard County Economic Development Authority on Social Media:https://www.linkedin.com/company/hceda/https://www.facebook.com/HoCoEDA/https://www.youtube.com/user/howardcountyedahttps://www.instagram.com/howardcountyeda/https://www.flickr.com/photos/hceda1/albums/ - Introduction and Guest Welcome - Jennifer's Early Life and Education - Career Beginnings and Engineering Background - Transition to Law and Business - International Experience and Return to Howard County - Political Involvement and Local Impact - Role as Chief Strategy Officer - Collaborating with Dr. Ball: Initiatives and Strategies - The Role of Chief Strategy Officer - Economic Development Authority's Mission - Team Structure and Responsibilities - Transitioning into Leadership - Management Style and Approach - Cyber Howard Accelerator Program - Future of Economic Development in Howard County - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- Jul 14, 202544 min
Elevating the Service Industry with Lynda Ellis
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.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:33 Lynda Ellis' Business Journey 04:12 Extraordinary Concierge Services 08:26 Company Growth and Expansion 12:59 Hiring and Employee Standards 23:48 Transparency and Trust in Leadership 34:09 Community Involvement and Mentorship 38:41 Advice for Entrepreneurs 43:08 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFor more information, visit the Capitol Concierge website at https://www.capitolconcierge.com/Follow Stewart Technologies on Social Media:https://www.linkedin.com/company/capitol-concierge/https://www.instagram.com/captlconcierge/https://www.facebook.com/CapitolConcierge/ - Introduction and Guest Welcome - Lynda Ellis' Business Journey - Extraordinary Concierge Services - Company Growth and Expansion - Hiring and Employee Standards - Transparency and Trust in Leadership - Community Involvement and Mentorship - Advice for Entrepreneurs - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- Jun 13, 202540 min
Business Acquisition and Growth with Kristy Mumma
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 advice for anyone looking to buy out their employer. This insightful episode encapsulates real talk and real growth, highlighting Kristy's journey from employee to a successful business owner. - Introduction and Welcome - Meet Kristy Mumma: Co-Owner of Stewart Technologies - Stewart Technologies: What We Do - The Decision to Buy Stewart Technologies - Partnership and Roles - Clientele and Services - Transition from Employee to Owner - Navigating Challenges and Strategic Planning - Staffing and Team Dynamics - Budgeting and Financial Planning - Impact of New IT Services Tax - Future of Stewart Technologies - Advice for Aspiring Business Owners - Conclusion and Final Thoughts For more information, visit the Stewart Technologies website at https://stewarttechnologies.com/ Follow Stewart Technologies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stewart-technologies/
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About 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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