Real Talk, Real Growth

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 (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 (16:28) - The Role of Gratitude (21:43) - The Power of One Word (25:30) - Wendy's Books and Final Thoughts

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/  (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

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/ (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

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/ (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

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 (00:49) - Meet Kristy Mumma: Co-Owner of Stewart Technologies (01:47) - Stewart Technologies: What We Do (03:08) - The Decision to Buy Stewart Technologies (06:18) - Partnership and Roles (07:45) - Clientele and Services (09:06) - Transition from Employee to Owner (12:03) - Navigating Challenges and Strategic Planning (16:29) - Staffing and Team Dynamics (22:35) - Budgeting and Financial Planning (27:32) - Impact of New IT Services Tax (32:18) - Future of Stewart Technologies (34:58) - Advice for Aspiring Business Owners (38:52) - 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/ 

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 (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

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 Introduction02:46 History of Octavia Boutique04:41 Shop Offerings and Unique Appeal06:17 Challenges and Renovations10:19 Navigating COVID-1917:06 Community Engagement and Events20:02 Marketing and Future Plans22:21 Conclusion and AppreciationFor more information, visit Octavia Boutique on the Cross Keys websiteFollow Octavia Boutique on social media:InstagramFacebook  (00:00) - 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

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 (00:45) - Welcome and Guest Introduction (02:44) - Introduction to HSA Plans (03:48) - HSA Contributions and Rollovers (05:09) - Qualified Medical Expenses (05:53) - Employer Contributions to HSA (11:38) - Tax Benefits of HSA (14:08) - Tax Planning (17:29) - Starting Early with Financial Planning (24:43) - Advice for January Financial Planning (25:48) - Managing Credit Card Debt (27:21) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts For more information, visit Shaun's website https://oxfordplanning.com

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.