Real Talk, Real Growth

About Real Talk, Real Growth

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

Publisher

Linda Ostovitz, Offit Kurman

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Jan 2025

Latest episode

16 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Behind the Scenes at Howard County Hospital with Kirsten Baier

   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.

2. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Advocacy & Growth: A Conversation with Kristi Simon of the Howard County Chamber

   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

3. 

   18 Jun 2026

   Still Standing: Building a Boutique Business with Mary Jordan

   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

4. 

   22 Apr 2026

   Strategies for Workforce Innovation with Dr. Minah Woo

   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.

5. 

   5 Feb 2026

   Finding Clarity and Joy with Wendy Elover

   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 (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

6. 

   3 Nov 2025

   Embracing Change with Cheryl Brown

   Linda Ostovitz interviews Cheryl Brown, General Counsel & VP of Human Resources, who recounts her career transition and community involvement, highlighting the significance of embracing change for professional development.

7. 

   12 Sept 2025

   Building the Future in Howard County with Jennifer Jones

   Host Linda Ostovitz interviews Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority, discussing leadership strategies and innovative initiatives for regional growth.

8. 

   14 Jul 2025

   Elevating the Service Industry with Lynda Ellis

   Linda Ostovitz interviews Lynda Ellis, owner of Capitol Concierge, about her journey growing the company by prioritizing employee satisfaction and strong client relationships, offering insights into building a successful business.

9. 

   13 Jun 2025

   Business Acquisition and Growth with Kristy Mumma

   Kristy Mumma discusses transitioning to business ownership and navigating challenges at Stewart Technologies, including strategic planning and the impact of new IT service taxes, in an interview with Linda Ostovitz.

10. 

    11 Apr 2025

    Strategic HR Insights with Kelly Mitchell

    Host Linda Ostovitz interviews Kelly Mitchell, owner of Impact HR, about HR's evolution into a strategic function vital for organizational growth and compliance.

11. 

    17 Feb 2025

    Fashioning Success with Betsy Wendell

    Host Linda Ostovitz interviews Betsy Wendell, owner of Octavia Boutique, about building customer loyalty and navigating business challenges to foster fashion success.

12. 

    17 Jan 2025

    Maximizing Financial Growth: Insights on HSAs and Smart Investment Strategies with Shaun Eddy

    Host Linda Ostovitz interviews Certified Financial Planner Shaun Eddy, CEO of Oxford Planning Group, about maximizing financial growth through HSAs and smart investment strategies.

13. 

    3 Jan 2025

    Coming Soon: Real Talk, Real Growth

    Host Linda Ostovitz interviews industry experts on practical business insights for listener growth.

Who has been a guest on Real Talk, Real Growth

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Cheryl Brown
• Jennifer Jones
• Lynda Ellis
• Kristy Mumma
• Kelly Mitchell

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

54,369

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

55

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

0

Contact Real Talk, Real Growth

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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