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

  July 22, 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 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. 

  June 18, 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.  Connect with Dr. Minah Woo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minah-woo-60114250/  

  April 22, 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.

  February 5, 2026

• Embracing Change with Cheryl Brown

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

  November 3, 2025

• Building the Future in Howard County with Jennifer Jones

  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. 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

  September 12, 2025

• Elevating the Service Industry with Lynda Ellis

  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. 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/

  July 14, 2025

• Business Acquisition and Growth with Kristy Mumma

  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. For more information, visit the Stewart Technologies website at https://stewarttechnologies.com/ Follow Stewart Technologies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stewart-technologies/

  June 13, 2025

• Strategic HR Insights with Kelly Mitchell

  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. 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

  April 11, 2025

• Fashioning Success with Betsy Wendell

  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. For more information, visit Octavia Boutique on Cross Keys website at https://www.crosskeysbaltimore.com/tenant/octavia/. Follow Octavia Boutique on social media: https://www.instagram.com/octavia_boutique/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550922516373

  February 17, 2025

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

  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. For more information, visit Shaun's website https://oxfordplanning.com.

  January 17, 2025

• Coming Soon: Real Talk, Real Growth

  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. We'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. 

  January 6, 2025