Chris Brewer, Executive Director of the Washington County Arts Council, joins Ryan and guest co-host Lauren to discuss the winding path that led him to leadership, why creativity and community spaces matter more than ever in a digitally disconnected world, and the arts scene of downtown Hagerstown.

Michael Pallansch, Vice President - Client Relationship Officer at Middletown Valley Bank, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss how strong workplace cultures foster accountability and trust, the value of stepping outside your comfort zone, and how fatherhood has reshaped his approach to work-life balance.

Leshia Chandler, Director of the Division of Family Services for Frederick County Government, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss leading with purpose through personal adversity, building resilient and people-centered teams, and strengthening communities through collaboration and service.

Melynda Burdette Wintrol, Managing Director of the Maryland Ensemble Theatre, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss building community through the arts, leading a mission-driven nonprofit, and creating accessible theater experiences for audiences of all ages.

Jaime McKay, Deputy Director and Chief Morale Officer for Transit Services of Frederick County, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss leading with authenticity, building a people-first workplace culture, and the power of public transit to remove barriers and strengthen communities.

Stephen Schutte, Marketing Manager at Innovative, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss community-focused relationship-building, earning the right to make a sales pitch, and why follow-through is the foundation of trust and leadership.

Sam Stotler, HR manager at Innovative, and Jake Menard, mortgage banker at CNB Bank, join Ryan and Steph to discuss their Leadership Washington County experiences, personal growth through leadership development, and the connections that strengthen local communities.

Patrick Simoneau, founder of Leading Through, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss leadership through influence instead of authority, building trust and psychological safety with teams, and how AI may shape the future of coaching and performance management.

Casey Clark, founder and CEO of Amplified Change and C3, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss her leadership journey shaped by resilience, how self-awareness and mindset impact business growth, and her mission to build a therapeutic art school supporting children with trauma.

Get your tickets to the Seeds of Change Gala: https://amplifiedchange.org/gala/

Innovative CEO Jason Rappaport joins Ryan and Steph to discuss 25 years of Innovative, lessons learned in leadership decision-making, and why embracing the messy, essential human element matters as technology accelerates beyond imagination