The Diligent Leader

The Diligent Leader: a podcast about mastering business

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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.

Recent episodes

EP 23

06.19.2025

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.

EP 22

06.3.2025

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.

EP 21

05.20.2025

Building a Brand in Waste Management: Leadership, Strategy & Sustainability

In this episode, hosts Holly Basta and Alex Fakeri are joined by Danielle Fields from Biomedical Waste Services (BWS). Together, they explore the behind-the-scenes leadership, collaboration, and operations of a medical waste management company. Danielle shares insights into how BWS handles biohazardous materials, the importance of team collaboration across departments, and what it really means to lead with diligence in a regulated industry.

EP 20

05.6.2025

Emerging Leaders: Passion, Purpose & Drive

This week on The Diligent Leader, we’re doing something different — and truly special. Instead of highlighting a seasoned professional, we’re going back to the roots of leadership with Jessalyn Tavenner, a high school freshman who already wears multiple leadership hats as class president and captain of her volleyball team. At just 15, Jessalyn demonstrates the passion, discipline, and vision that define great leaders.

Meet the hosts

Hi, we are Kalie, Alex & Holly!

We are passionate leaders and advocates for professional growth, dedicated to uncovering the hard-earned lessons from seasoned leaders. With over 50 years of combined professional experience, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with guiding others.

Driven by a belief that leadership is both an art and a science, we hope to create a welcoming space for candid conversations, helping listeners feel less isolated in their journeys. Through engaging discussions, together we aim to inspire and equip leaders at all levels to build successful, thriving organizations.

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