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

In this episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, host Linda Ostovitz welcomes Betsy Wendell, owner of Octavia Boutique in Baltimore. They discuss the history of the boutique, its reputation for unique and special fashions, and Betsy's personal journey in managing the store through challenging times like COVID-19 and reconstruction. Betsy shares her insights on customer loyalty, community engagement, and the boutique's unique marketing strategies. They also touch on Betsy's plans for potential future expansion and her involvement in local events such as the Pretty in Pink fashion show.

00:45 Welcome and Introduction
02:46 History of Octavia Boutique
04:41 Shop Offerings and Unique Appeal
06:17 Challenges and Renovations
10:19 Navigating COVID-19
17:06 Community Engagement and Events
20:02 Marketing and Future Plans
22:21 Conclusion and Appreciation

For more information, visit Octavia Boutique on the Cross Keys website

Follow Octavia Boutique on social media:

• Instagram
• Facebook 

• (00:00) - Welcome and Introduction

In this episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, host Linda Ostovitz welcomes Shaun Eddy, CEO and partner at Oxford Planning Group. Shaun, a certified financial planner with a master's degree in financial analysis, explores the benefits and mechanics of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). He explains how HSAs can grow tax-deferred and be used for medical expenses, particularly in retirement. The discussion covers the nuances of high-deductible health plans, qualified medical expenses, and the role of employers in contributing to HSAs. Shaun also stresses the importance of financial planning from an early age, tax efficiency, and the value of professional financial advice. The episode also provides practical budgeting tips, reducing credit card debt, and planning for future tax liabilities.

• (00:00) - Maximizing Financial Growth: Insights on HSAs and Smart Investment Strategies with Shaun Eddy

Welcome to Real Talk, Real Growth.

Join host Linda Ostovitz each month as she has meaningful, practical discussions with guests who are on the cutting edge of business. They'll talk, and you’ll grow.

Please be sure to like and subscribe to Real Talk, Real Growth wherever podcasts are found and join Linda each month as she discusses a new topic of interest.