Innovative Leadership

Entrepreneur, author, business strategist, and expert EOS Implementer®, Jonathan B. Smith, sits down with Ryan and Steph at his office in New York City to discuss his origins with EOS, "tactical empathy," and how he approaches tough conversations with business leaders.

Director of Cybersecurity and Aerospace at the Maryland Department of Commerce, Kimberly Mentzell, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss how businesses are feeling the AI surge, what she's learned from being an educator, and how different generations are embracing technology in their own way.

The podcast is on the road! Ryan and Steph's first stop is in Whippany, NJ, at Preferred Business Systems. They are joined by Chief Technology Officer Ori Segall to discuss building a new team in an existing business, how EOS has helped company culture, and why retention is so important.

Innovative's Human Resources Manager, Samantha Cataldo, joins the podcast to discuss building the company's HR department, acknowledging mental health in the workplace, and common misconceptions about HR.

Innovative President & CEO Jason Rappaport returns to the show to talk about EOS from a CEO's perspective, why demands don't create results, and where he stands on the artificial intelligence conversation.

President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, Stacey Crawford, sits down with Ryan and Steph to talk about what makes community foundations unique, what makes her job so rewarding, and why we should invest in the younger generations.

Ryan Stickel and Stephanie Hurd return from their holiday hiatus to discuss what 2024 holds for Innovative and the podcast, how EOS has impacted company meetings, and their takeaways from their recent Rocks/planning session.

Julie Gaver, owner of Julie Gaver Discovery, joins the show to discuss what inspired her to start her business, the importance of a fulfilling personal life, and the Soles of Love program.

President and CEO at United Way of Washington County, MD, Heather Guessford, joins the show to discuss her transition from the corporate to the non-profit world, what's happening in Washington County, and how her team works to manage their mental health.   Our apologies as this episode does contain a slight technical issue. No need to adjust your speakers!

Founder and Managing Partner at MaxLife, LLC, Toni Bowie, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss how her upbringing shaped her, the power of honest, uncomfortable conversations, and why leaders should embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Innovative's Vice President of Finance Rose Fetters joins the show to talk about how her previous experience in the corporate world led her to Innovative, bringing an outsider's perspective to a company, and what leaders should look for when hiring. 

President of Hub Labels, Inc. Thomas Dahbura sits down with Ryan and Steph to talk about work/life balance while growing up in the family business, how his company leverages AI and automation, and the advantages of being a risk-taker in his industry.

Rotary District 7360 Governor Herb Smith joins the show to talk about the benefits of a growing community and region, the importance of having fun, and how to make decisions that are fair to everyone.

Ryan and Steph sit down to unpack the discussions they've had through the first ten episodes and preview topics they'd like to cover in the future.

President and CEO of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce Rick Weldon stops by to talk about adapting to different environments, what he's learned from his time in politics, and the most rewarding thing he's done in his career.

Bev Stitely, Owner, and her son Steven Stitely, Operations Manager, from Saunders Tax and Accounting Inc., join the show to discuss delegating responsibilities, working with family, and creating an atmosphere of accountability and trust.

Vice President of Patient Support and Education at American Kidney Fund, Michael Spigler, joins the show to discuss conflict resolution, the value of storytelling, and accountability from leadership.

Mary Ellen Waltemire (Leadership Coach and Facilitator for One Step Closer Coaching) and her daughter, Kelsi Palmer (Chief Experience Officer for Kite & Anchor), join the show to discuss the importance of face-to-face communication in today's evolving workplace, how to balance honesty with empathy, and why leaders should always be learning.

Innovative Incorporated Chief Information Officer Tyler Snyder talks with Ryan and Steph about why companies should be honest with their workforce and what he learned being one of Innovative's first employees.

Tara Bockstanz and Tara Sargent from Leadership Washington County sit down with Ryan and Steph to discuss the value of community involvement and hands-on experience, as well as what drew them to the leadership program.

Innovative Incorporated Vice President of Operations Alex Samuel joins the show to talk about his journey with Innovative and the importance of treating employees as humans rather than workers.

Innovative Incorporated founder and CEO Jason Rappaport joins the show to talk about his journey as a CEO, learning to delegate and manage ego, and how to maintain company culture.

Ryan Stickel and Stephanie Hurd introduce the Innovative Leadership podcast. In this episode, they discuss the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and its impact on Innovative Incorporated. They also preview future conversations with local business leaders.