The Diligent Leader

The Diligent Leader Podcast is dedicated to sharing some of the greatest lessons other leaders mastered the hard way! Whether you are running a small department or you are in the C-Suite of a corporation, sometimes, as leaders, you need to know you aren’t alone in the challenges you face. It is very lonely when you are at the top or leading people. So how do others do it? How do you inspire people? How do you know if you are doing it right? We hope to help demystify and provide you with candid and conversations from everyday people that have accepted the challenge to lead, inspire, and build successful organizations.

  1. TDL EP 24: Introducing Fello: A New Name, Same Powerful Mission

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    TDL EP 24: Introducing Fello: A New Name, Same Powerful Mission

    Welcome back to The Diligent Leader — where we dive deep into real stories of leadership, purpose, and impact. In this special in-person episode, hosts Alex Fakeri and Holly Basta sit down with Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello — formerly known as The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. This isn’t just a conversation about a name change. It’s about identity, evolution, and what it means to stay rooted in your mission while boldly stepping into the future. Jonathon opens up about the heart behind the rebrand, what “Fello” truly means, and how the organization is continuing to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in more intentional, connected ways than ever before. You’ll hear honest reflections on leadership during change, the importance of internal alignment, and how staying people-centered can drive lasting impact. Topics Covered: ✔️ The story behind the shift from The Arc to Fello ✔️ How to lead a mission-driven rebrand with authenticity ✔️ Lessons in culture, communication, and internal buy-in ✔️ How Fello is deepening its impact in the community ✔️ What the future holds for the people and families they serve 🔗 Stay Connected: Website: https://thediligentleader.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thediligentleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thediligentleader/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thediligentleader Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xxg7n7ymEGzDYv4bI9ivJ?si=0f6ba59d4f624704 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-diligent-leader/id1774074876 Guest Jonathon Rondeau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrondeau/ Fello: https://fello.org Hosts Alex Fakeri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fakeri/ Holly Basta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollybasta/ Company Website: https://mojo.biz Thanks for tuning in. If this episode resonates with you, leave a comment, share it with a colleague, and be sure to subscribe for more conversations with leaders who are showing up, digging deep, and making a difference. #Fello #TheDiligentLeader #Leadership #RebrandWithPurpose #MissionDriven #NonprofitLeadership #DisabilityServices #LeadershipPodcast

    41 phút
  2. TDL EP 23: Driving Growth: Leadership and Vision with Amy Gowan of AAEDC

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    TDL EP 23: Driving Growth: Leadership and Vision with Amy Gowan of AAEDC

    In this episode, hosts Holly, Kalie, and Alex are joined by Amy Gowan, President & CEO of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation. Together, they dive into what it means to lead through complex relationships—both internally with teams and externally with stakeholders and partners. Amy shares her perspective on building trust, fostering collaboration, and leading with intention in the public sector. She also discusses the balance between strategic growth and human-centered leadership, and how to stay focused amid competing priorities. Topics Covered: ✔️ Leading through complex stakeholder relationships ✔️ Capacity, bandwidth, and leadership limits ✔️ Fostering internal collaboration ✔️ Navigating public sector challenges ✔️ The value of transparency and clear communication 🔗 Stay Connected: Website: https://thediligentleader.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thediligentleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thediligentleader/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thediligentleader Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xxg7n7ymEGzDYv4bI9ivJ?si=0f6ba59d4f624704 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-diligent-leader/id1774074876 Guest Amy Gowan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amygowan/ Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation: https://www.aaedc.org Hosts Holly Basta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollybasta/ Kalie Jakovics: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalie-lastagarkov/ Alex Fakeri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fakeri/ Company Website: https://mojo.biz Subscribe for more conversations with leaders making a difference, and let us know in the comments what leadership topic you'd like to hear next! #Leadership #EconomicDevelopment #PublicSectorLeadership #AnneArundel #AmyGowan #DiligentLeader #Podcast #LeadershipInsights

    50 phút
  3. TDL EP 22: Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Ft. Meade’s Garrison Commander Col. Yolanda Gore

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    TDL EP 22: Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Ft. Meade’s Garrison Commander Col. Yolanda Gore

    In this episode, hosts Holly Basta and Kalie Jakovics are joined by Col. Yolanda Gore, Garrison Commander at Fort Meade. Together, they explore what it means to lead with clarity, emotional intelligence, and purpose—especially in high-responsibility roles within the military. Col. Gore shares powerful insights on making mission-driven decisions, the value of removing emotion from leadership choices, and how self-awareness strengthens your ability to lead others. Topics Covered: ✔️ Emotional intelligence in leadership ✔️ Balancing mission-focused and personal decision-making ✔️ Lessons learned through command ✔️ The importance of purpose in leadership ✔️ How to lead with integrity through high-stakes challenges 🔗 Stay Connected: Website: https://thediligentleader.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thediligentleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thediligentleader/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thediligentleader Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xxg7n7ymEGzDYv4bI9ivJ?si=0f6ba59d4f624704 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-diligent-leader/id1774074876 Guest Yolanda Gore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-gore-82a1a1106/ Fort Meade: https://home.army.mil/meade/ Hosts Holly Basta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollybasta/ Kalie Jakovics: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalie-lastagarkov/ Company Website: https://mojo.biz Subscribe for more conversations with leaders making a difference, and let us know in the comments what leadership topic you'd like to hear next! #Leadership #MilitaryLeadership #FortMeade #DiligentLeader #Podcast #MissionDriven #LeadershipInsights

    37 phút
  4. TDL EP 19: Mission & Momentum: Championing Veterans and Small Biz Success

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    TDL EP 19: Mission & Momentum: Championing Veterans and Small Biz Success

    This week on The Diligent Leader, we’re diving deep into the world of state-level contracting—and uncovering the hidden opportunities that most businesses overlook. Joining us is Danielle Davis, Program Compliance Manager at the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs, who brings a wealth of insight on building meaningful partnerships, unlocking state-funded programs, and creating real economic impact. If you’ve ever assumed the federal side is where all the action is, think again. Danielle unpacks the power of state contracting—where over $1.5 billion was awarded to socioeconomic programs just last year. From breaking misconceptions to offering practical, real-world strategies, this conversation is a masterclass in mission-driven momentum. 🎯 Whether you’re in government contracting, leading a small business, or building partnerships, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you show up, stay compliant, and win contracts. 🔗 Stay Connected: Website: https://thediligentleader.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thediligentleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thediligentleader/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thediligentleader Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xxg7n7ymEGzDYv4bI9ivJ?si=0f6ba59d4f624704 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-diligent-leader/id1774074876 Guest: Danielle Davis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-davis-31557b8/ Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs: https://gomdsmallbiz.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx Hosts Kalie Jakovics: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalie-lastagarkov/ Alex Fakeri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fakeri/ Company Website: https://mojo.biz 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss our next episode! 👇 Drop your questions in the comments—how are you navigating the state contracting landscape? #Leadership #GovernmentContracting #SmallBusiness #StateFunding #Procurement #MissionDriven #Momentum #WomenInBusiness #TheDiligentLeader #Podcast

    43 phút

Giới Thiệu

The Diligent Leader Podcast is dedicated to sharing some of the greatest lessons other leaders mastered the hard way! Whether you are running a small department or you are in the C-Suite of a corporation, sometimes, as leaders, you need to know you aren’t alone in the challenges you face. It is very lonely when you are at the top or leading people. So how do others do it? How do you inspire people? How do you know if you are doing it right? We hope to help demystify and provide you with candid and conversations from everyday people that have accepted the challenge to lead, inspire, and build successful organizations.

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