Real Talk, Real Growth

What does it take to fund the growing healthcare needs of an entire community? Kirsten
Baier, Vice President of the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation, joins
Linda Ostovitz to discuss the critical role philanthropy plays in healthcare and why
fundraising is essential to improving patient care, expanding services, and supporting
hospital growth.

Drawing from her experience in nonprofit development, public health, and healthcare
philanthropy, Kirsten shares how donor relationships are built, how charitable investments
help fund major projects, and why transparency and community engagement are key to
successful fundraising. She also explains Maryland’s unique hospital reimbursement model,
the challenges facing modern healthcare systems, and how community support helps bridge
the gap between growing demand and available resources.

Whether you are a nonprofit leader, healthcare professional, philanthropist, business
executive, or community advocate, this conversation offers valuable insights into
leadership, relationship building, strategic fundraising, and the lasting impact of giving back
locally.

Follow and subscribe to Real Talk Real Growth wherever you listen to podcasts. New
episodes feature practical conversations with leaders who are creating meaningful impact
in business and their communities. If this episode resonates with you, leave a five-star
review and share it with someone who is passionate about leadership, healthcare, or
community engagement.

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 Introduction

01:00 Meet Kristi Simon: President and CEO of the Howard County Chamber

02:00 Kristi's Path from Volunteer to Chamber Leader

04:00 What Keeps Her Passionate About Chamber Work

05:00 Meeting Members Where They Are

07:00 Growth to Nearly 800 Members

08:00 Lessons from Leading a Chamber Through COVID

10:00 Why Advocacy Matters for Small Business

13:00 Testifying in Annapolis

14:00 Building Relationships with County Government

18:00 Making the Case for a More Business-Friendly Maryland

23:00 A Look at Chamber Committees

26:00 The Young Professional Network and Chamber Games

28:00 Who Makes Up the Chamber's Membership

30:00 Inside the CEO Dinner Series

32:00 Stepping Into Leadership After Leonardo McLarty

36:00 Supporting the County's Nonprofit Community

38:00 Goals for the Chamber's Future

40:00 How to Get Involved

Connect with Kristi Simon and the Howard County Chamber of Commerce at: https://www.howardchamber.com

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 Jordan

00:07 Welcome and Guest Introduction

01:00 What Is Bra La La?

02:00 The Last Original Retailer Standing in Maple Lawn

03:30 Surviving the 2008 Economic Downturn

05:00 Boots-on-the-Ground Marketing: Chambers, Nonprofits, and Word of Mouth

06:30 Surveying 100 Women Before Opening Day

07:30 From Cancer Research to Biotech Sales to Bra Boutique Owner

09:00 Breaking Into the Industry: Trade Shows, Mentors, and a Barn Raising Mentality

11:00 The Bra La La Experience: Private Fittings, Expert Staff, and Problem Solving

13:30 Post-Mastectomy Fitting: Certified Providers and Hospital Partnerships

15:00 200 Sizes, 5,000 SKUs, Swimwear, and What It Takes to Manage Inventory

17:00 Ambassador for Empreinte: One of 12 Stores in the World

20:00 Buying Trips to New York and Paris

22:00 Paying It Forward: Teaching New Store Owners How to Fit

23:00 Community Giving: Bra Stretches, Success in Style, and the Women’s Giving Circle

27:00 The Young Women’s Giving Circle and the Next Generation of Leaders

28:30 Family Behind the Business: Mr. Bra La La and Two Daughters Who Grew Up in the Store

30:30 Snail Mail, Jimmy Fallon, and a Daughter Who Said No to College

32:30 COVID-19: The Comfort Project, FaceTime Fittings, and Porch Deliveries

35:00 Closing Remarks

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/  

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 

• (00:00) - Welcome and Introduction

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 Thoughts

Connect with Cheryl Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylubrown/ 

• (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome

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 Thoughts

For 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/howardcountyeda

https://www.instagram.com/howardcountyeda/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/hceda1/albums/

• (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome

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 Thoughts

For 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/

• (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome

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.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome

For more information, visit the Stewart Technologies website at https://stewarttechnologies.com/ 

Follow Stewart Technologies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stewart-technologies/ 

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 compliance in a complex legal environment. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:03 Kelly Mitchell's HR Journey
03:07 Evolution of HR Over the Years
04:34 Strategic Role of HR in Modern Business
06:01 HR's Role in Times of Uncertainty
08:15 When to Hire an HR Professional
12:44 Staying Current with HR Legislation
20:16 Impact HR Services and Client Engagement
26:52 Future of HR and Outsourcing Trends
32:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information, visit the Impact HR website at https://www.impacthrllc.com/ 

Follow Impact HR on social media: 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/impacthr/ 

https://www.facebook.com/impactHRLLC/ 

https://x.com/impacthrllc

• (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome