Innovative Leadership

Ryan, Steph, and Brad officially announce Innovative's upcoming Cybersecurity Summit! Join us for an insightful morning at the beautiful Maryland Theatre as leading business technology and cybersecurity experts share real-world trends impacting businesses and nonprofits. Designed for business owners, executives, and leaders at all levels, this event will help you understand the biggest risks and w...

Jodie Ostoich, President & CEO at Interfaith Housing Alliance, joins Ryan and Steph for a candid conversation about why she pursued social work as a career, why nonprofits are prone to financial scrutiny, and navigating the cost of housing.

Addie Nardi, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, joins the show to discuss her journey from minor league baseball to the nonprofit sector, how she fosters culture through employee feedback, and understanding what kind of workplace you’re seeking.

Rich Smith, Owner and President of The Royal United Company, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss what inspired his move to the United States, his five-year immigration journey, and how he turned someone else’s doubts into his own motivation.

Ryan and Steph celebrate 50 episodes of Innovative Leadership by breaking down the stories, stats, and themes that have shaped the show so far.

Dave Shuster, President & CEO at Horizon Goodwill Industries, joins the podcast to discuss finding purpose while making a living, Goodwill success stories, and identifying and closing resource gaps to better serve the community.

Nicholas Natale, Founder, Owner, and Principal Broker at Trust Home Financial, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss his recent grand opening, why he moved his business to downtown Hagerstown, and his process for managing his time and priorities.

Jenn Goldman, President & CEO of Jennifer E. Goldman, LLC, joins the show to discuss misconceptions about nonprofit boards, how she assists organizations in becoming more sustainable, and the lifelong lesson she learned from a high school job.

Jeannie Asbury, Executive Director of Reach of Washington County, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss how leadership positions have found her throughout her life, the most common issues she's seen first-hand in the region, and tips for boosting team morale and camaraderie.

Jeanne F. Singer, Owner of The Law Offices of Jeanne F. Singer, P.A., joins Ryan and Steph to discuss how she became a social introvert, the importance of giving back to the community, and the challenges & rewards of forging your own path.

Brittany Wedd, Executive Director of Children in Need Washington County, joins the show to discuss the value of a strong volunteer base for nonprofits, the stigma around addiction and receiving assistance, and how leaders can openly discuss their mental health and well-being.

Thomas Burge, co-owner of Elite Performance Institute, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss gaining and building trust with clients, why goals need intentionality, and young peoples’ phone etiquette learning curve.

Melissa Noel, co-owner of Noel's Fire Protection and The Yarn Shop, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss the series of unfortunate events that led her and her husband to start a business, the importance of maintaining perspective during difficult times, and why collaboration is so crucial for downtown businesses.

Leadership and sales executive Dana Jenkins joins the show to discuss navigating change, the necessity of self-awareness, and how she dealt with the greatest challenge of her career.

Jim Kercheval, Executive Director at The Greater Hagerstown Committee, joins the show to discuss his small business origin story, how young people are navigating today's job and housing markets, and the continued growth of Hagerstown.

Ryan and Steph kick off 2025 with a discussion about goal-setting, common traits among their podcast guests, and what to expect from the show in the year ahead.

Jessica Green, Executive Director at The Maryland Theatre, joins the show to discuss the unique attributes of an independent non-profit, balancing art with operations, and the revitalization of downtown Hagerstown.

Innovative business development specialist Brad Weber joins Ryan and Steph to bring a new employee's perspective to the podcast. They talk about learning the language of EOS and technology, how honesty contributes to a healthy culture, and the advantages of getting outside your comfort zone.

Regional manager at PREIT Reality, LLC, Julie Rohm, joins the show to talk about her unexpected career opportunities, why she views the mall as a type of community center, and her creative and unconventional methods when closing deals.

CNB Bank mortgage banker and Shepherd University assistant defensive line coach, Jacob Menard, joins the show to discuss the similarities between football & business, what it's like to work with his father, and responding to both successes and failures.

Andrew Sargent, Senior Business Development Representative at the Maryland Department of Commerce, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss the variety of jobs he took early in his career, the crucial characteristic of adaptability, and his positive outlook for the region.

Chief Operating Officer at Visionary Eye Doctors, Kara Vittetoe, joins the show to discuss what drew her to the healthcare industry, how she works to ensure everyone on the team feels heard and valued, and the perception of a problem vs. the problem itself.

Marketing Coordinator at CNB Bank, Mary-Jane Bowyer sits down with Ryan and Steph to talk about her journey from art to banking, finding true happiness in your work, and the importance of addressing workplace issues before they worsen.

President & CEO of WLR Automotive Group, Randy Simpson, joins the show to talk about the origins of his business, his big plans for leveraging artificial intelligence, and surviving and evolving during the pandemic.

President & CEO of Meritus Health Inc, Maulik Joshi, Dr. P.H., joins Ryan and Steph to discuss navigating the pandemic, facilitating cohesive teamwork, and non-linear career trajectories.