Innovative Leadership

Natalie Brockway, Director of Corporate Sales for the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss making a bold career change, how community-focused partnerships are shaping Hagerstown, and the lessons in passion, perspective, and listening she learned from Leadership Washington County.

Ryan, Lauren, and Stephen go behind the scenes of Innovative's 25th anniversary celebration to discuss building a marketing department from the ground up alongside a company rebrand, how thoughtful planning and AI helped a small team pull off a big event, and the people and partners who made the night possible.

Dave Shuster, President and CEO of Horizon Goodwill Industries, returns to discuss how his organization approaches change management and getting community buy-in, the Horizon Market grocery initiative tackling food access in downtown Hagerstown, and the practical, human-centered ways Goodwill is putting AI to work behind the scenes.

Nicole Rappaport joins Ryan and Steph to celebrate 25 years of Innovative by discussing the early days of building the business from home, stepping back over time to make room for the next generation of leadership, and finding her own identity and interests beyond the business.

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.