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. Jul 23

    TDL EP 30: Episode: Building People-First Leadership in Hospitality, Tourism & Community Impact

    What does it really mean to lead with purpose—and create opportunities that transform entire communities? In this episode of The Diligent Leader Podcast, hosts Holly Basta and Kalie Jakovics sit down with Shannon Harcum, Chief Operating Officer of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County and Executive Director of the Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Foundation. Shannon shares her remarkable leadership journey from finance and administration to executive leadership, reflecting on the lessons she's learned about servant leadership, building trust, and leading with authenticity. She also discusses becoming the organization's first Black female COO, what that milestone means personally and professionally, and why leadership begins long before you receive a title. The conversation explores the future of tourism and hospitality, workforce development, creating meaningful career pathways, and how organizations can build stronger communities by investing in people. Shannon also shares insights on mentorship, innovation, AI's impact on hospitality, and the Foundation's work to create opportunities for the next generation through programs like the Backstage Pass Program. Whether you're an executive, emerging leader, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about building people-first organizations, this episode is packed with practical leadership insights and inspiring perspectives. In This Episode: ✔️ Why leadership starts before the title ✔️ Transitioning from finance to executive leadership ✔️ Building trust across teams ✔️ Leading through growth and change ✔️ Workforce development in hospitality and tourism ✔️ The future of AI and customer experience ✔️ Creating career pathways for the next generation ✔️ Purpose-driven leadership and community impact ✔️ Shannon's best leadership advice Learn more about Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Foundation: 🌐 https://www.visitannapolis.org/vaaac/who-we-are/the-foundation/ Connect with us: Shannon Harcum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-harcum-22402a265/ Kalie Jakovics: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalie-lastagarkov/ Holly Basta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollybasta/ Alex Fakeri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fakeri/ 🎙️ About The Diligent Leader Podcast The Diligent Leader Podcast features conversations with accomplished executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who share the experiences, challenges, and lessons that have shaped their leadership journeys. Our mission is to provide practical insights and real-world advice to help leaders grow, inspire their teams, and make a lasting impact. Subscribe for new episodes featuring leaders from a wide range of industries. #TheDiligentLeader #LeadershipPodcast #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #ServantLeadership #Hospitality #Tourism #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityLeadership #BusinessLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #AnneArundelCounty #VisitAnnapolis #PurposeDrivenLeadership

    TDL EP 30: Episode: Building People-First Leadership in Hospitality, Tourism & Community Impact
  2. 07/08/2025

    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

    TDL EP 24: Introducing Fello: A New Name, Same Powerful Mission
  3. 06/19/2025

    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

    TDL EP 23: Driving Growth: Leadership and Vision with Amy Gowan of AAEDC
  4. 06/03/2025

    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

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

About

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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