Innovative Leadership

Natalie Brockway, Director of Corporate Sales for the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss making a bold career change, how community-focused partnerships are shaping Hagerstown, and the lessons in passion, perspective, and listening she learned from Leadership Washington County.

Ryan, Lauren, and Stephen go behind the scenes of Innovative's 25th anniversary celebration to discuss building a marketing department from the ground up alongside a company rebrand, how thoughtful planning and AI helped a small team pull off a big event, and the people and partners who made the night possible.

Dave Shuster, President and CEO of Horizon Goodwill Industries, returns to discuss how his organization approaches change management and getting community buy-in, the Horizon Market grocery initiative tackling food access in downtown Hagerstown, and the practical, human-centered ways Goodwill is putting AI to work behind the scenes.

Nicole Rappaport joins Ryan and Steph to celebrate 25 years of Innovative by discussing the early days of building the business from home, stepping back over time to make room for the next generation of leadership, and finding her own identity and interests beyond the business.

Chris Brewer, Executive Director of the Washington County Arts Council, joins Ryan and guest co-host Lauren to discuss the winding path that led him to leadership, why creativity and community spaces matter more than ever in a digitally disconnected world, and the arts scene of downtown Hagerstown.

Michael Pallansch, Vice President - Client Relationship Officer at Middletown Valley Bank, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss how strong workplace cultures foster accountability and trust, the value of stepping outside your comfort zone, and how fatherhood has reshaped his approach to work-life balance.

Leshia Chandler, Director of the Division of Family Services for Frederick County Government, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss leading with purpose through personal adversity, building resilient and people-centered teams, and strengthening communities through collaboration and service.

Melynda Burdette Wintrol, Managing Director of the Maryland Ensemble Theatre, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss building community through the arts, leading a mission-driven nonprofit, and creating accessible theater experiences for audiences of all ages.

Jaime McKay, Deputy Director and Chief Morale Officer for Transit Services of Frederick County, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss leading with authenticity, building a people-first workplace culture, and the power of public transit to remove barriers and strengthen communities.

Stephen Schutte, Marketing Manager at Innovative, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss community-focused relationship-building, earning the right to make a sales pitch, and why follow-through is the foundation of trust and leadership.

Sam Stotler, HR manager at Innovative, and Jake Menard, mortgage banker at CNB Bank, join Ryan and Steph to discuss their Leadership Washington County experiences, personal growth through leadership development, and the connections that strengthen local communities.

Patrick Simoneau, founder of Leading Through, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss leadership through influence instead of authority, building trust and psychological safety with teams, and how AI may shape the future of coaching and performance management.

Casey Clark, founder and CEO of Amplified Change and C3, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss her leadership journey shaped by resilience, how self-awareness and mindset impact business growth, and her mission to build a therapeutic art school supporting children with trauma.

Get your tickets to the Seeds of Change Gala: https://amplifiedchange.org/gala/

Innovative CEO Jason Rappaport joins Ryan and Steph to discuss 25 years of Innovative, lessons learned in leadership decision-making, and why embracing the messy, essential human element matters as technology accelerates beyond imagination

Ryan and Steph discuss the launch of Innovative's AI User Group, key lessons from business use cases like AI note takers and process automation, strategies for leading team adoption and data governance, and the evolving tension between AI, creativity, and marketing.

Register for the AI User Group here: https://www.innovativeinc.net/events

Jason Cline, Founder of Lockhouse Studios, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss building a creative business in Frederick, evolving from freelance production into studio ownership, and balancing artistry, technical craft, and business strategy to tell compelling brand stories.

Jarad Bowens, Contract Compliance Administrator for The City of Frederick, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss addressing systemic barriers through economic development, building community wealth through SOUL Street and the downtown retail incubator, and navigating emotionally charged issues as a leader.

Rich Daughtridge, CEO of Warehouse Cinemas, joins the show to discuss how his professional soccer career shaped his work ethic and competitiveness, how EOS has transformed his organization, and the unique ways Warehouse Cinemas creates memorable moviegoing experiences.

Ryan and Steph kick off 2026 with Innovative HR Manager Sam Stotler. They discuss their New Year's resolutions (or lack thereof), adjusting to the changes 2025 brought, and building deeper connections with the community through leadership programs.

Lauren Paulet-Miller, Sustainability Outreach Coordinator for The City of Frederick, joins Ryan and Steph to share her unexpected journey from Florida to Frederick, how she leads with her values, and the importance of connecting with and caring for nature.

Ericka Rohrbaugh, Manager of Opportunity & Transformation for the City of Frederick, sits down with Ryan and Steph to discuss removing barriers for others through value-driven work, owning your personal brand and reputation, and some eye-opening moments from her early LFC experiences.

Amanda Portner, lead tour guide/event planner/CEO of Maryland Double Deckers, joins the show to discuss her career transition after 30 years, connecting more with the community through bus tours, and her experiences with Leadership Frederick County so far.

On this special edition of Innovative Leadership, hear the small business panel from Innovative's Cybersecurity Summit, where three leaders discussed how they protect their businesses, how they balance cybersecurity with other top priorities, and their advice for other leaders in the similar positions.

Panel:

Lloyd Thoburn, owner of Live at Hub City Vinyl, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss turning his passion into his business, how he creates standout experiences for customers, and his belief in the potential of Downtown Hagerstown.

Tara Bockstanz, Director of Graduate Engagement at Leadership Washington County, returns to the show to discuss how LWC changed her life, the unique camaraderie in leadership programs, and encouraging local civic engagement.

Nicole Houser, CEO of Family Healthcare of Hagerstown, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss how her team serves the community through collaboration, the value of client feedback, and understanding where to invest resources.

Tara Sargent, Executive Director of Leadership Washington County, returns to the show to discuss the balancing act between AI and human experience, how economic uncertainty is affecting nonprofits, and community involvement trends among younger people.

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 where to focus your time and resources. Enjoy a light breakfast, connect with peers and experts, and get your most pressing questions answered through engaging talks and interactive panel discussions.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elevated-event-cybersecurity-summit-tickets-1226769493579?utm-campaign=social&ut...

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.