Purpose Driven Leadership
A lot of people took to the podium on March 26, 2024. But in the days that followed, leadership showed up where it mattered most. Out of view. When a massive container ship struck and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Port Of Baltimore, a critical hub of American commerce, came to a grinding halt. In an instant, the supply chain in Maryland and across the eastern seaboard shifted. Autos.Heavy equipment.Defense logistics. Thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on constant flow. Billions in economic activity suddenly at risk. This was not just an infrastructure failure.It was a national logistics crisis with real economic consequences. While cameras rolled and public statements were delivered, a different kind of leadership went to work. Quietly. Immediately. Relentlessly. At the center of that effort was Scott Spellmon, then Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the US Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for restoring safety, navigability, and confidence under extreme pressure. He led the unified effort to clear the channel, coordinate across agencies, and move with urgency without sacrificing safety. This is command leadership at its highest level. ✔️ Calm under pressure✔️ Precision amid chaos✔️ Execution over optics✔️ Accountability without applause The work was complex and dangerous. Debris removal. Channel clearance. Worker safety. Coordination across federal, state, local, and private sector partners. All with no margin for error and no time to waste. Most people will never see how close systems like this come to failure. I know how quickly disruptions ripple, because I built a company in the supply chain management space. They will also never see how much depends on leaders who do not step into the spotlight, but step forward when it matters most. This is the 7th post in my series recognizing William Webster Profiles in Leadership honorees, leaders who embody integrity, service, and responsibility under extraordinary circumstances. I also want to continue recognizing Lynn Mattice, whose vision and commitment made this awards program possible and whose leadership ensures these stories are told. And thank Philip Niedermair “The price of Liberty is eternal vigilance.” for the invitation to this wonderful event. Real leadership is not always visible. But its impact is undeniable. hashtag#Leadership hashtag#PublicService hashtag#NationalSecurity hashtag#WilliamWebsterLeadership
Adventures with Leslie: Advocacy
Advocacy starts with the individual. But when done well, it builds a community. As we close out 2025 and look toward a new year, I’ve been reflecting on one of my core leadership principles: Advocate. Most people think advocacy is something you do for others.But it’s first something you learn to do for yourself. I learned it long before titles or leadership roles, when I was a high school dropout trying to get my first job in business, working in a call center. No one was opening doors for me. So I learned how to knock. Repeatedly. Years later, I used those same skills to advocate for justice, I called persistently, following up, and refusing to be dismissed. Until a decision-maker finally listened. Two decades after one of the most terrifying nights of my life, that advocacy led to accountability. And ultimately, to freedom for others and additional felony convictions for the same perpetrator. Different arenas.Same skill. Advocacy transcends background, career, and context.What I learned in business served me in the justice system.And that same skill showed up again. This time for my sister, Leslie. Before Leslie came to live with me, she spent her days in a program where she was essentially warehoused. Sitting in a small room, watching television and doing word searches. I knew that couldn’t be the full measure of her life.So I advocated. Today, Leslie is thriving in a deeply engaged residential program, supported by direct support professionals who have become like family. Her days are full with activities, community events, celebrations, and connection. And in the process, my life has expanded too. I’ve come to know the DSPs who care for her—not just as professionals, but as people. We’ve celebrated birthdays, attended religious services, toured the Festival of Lights, gone to shows at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, and shared moments of real joy. They show up—even on their days off. They also handle the hard parts no one sees: illnesses, endless doctor appointments, grocery runs, emergencies, and yes—even a bedbug outbreak. This work requires patience, kindness, and extraordinary care. As 2025 draws to a close, I want to acknowledge every direct support professional caring for loved ones in our communities. The quality of care matters. How these professionals are treated and valued matters. It directly shapes the lives of the people they support. Richcroft Inc was recently named a Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun, an award based on employee feedback. That didn’t surprise me. Advocacy doesn’t stop with placement; it continues in partnership, respect, and presence. Leadership isn’t just what you build.It’s who you’re willing to stand up for.And how relentlessly you’re willing to do it. hashtag#ResourcefulLeadership hashtag#DirectSupportProfessionals hashtag#AdventuresWithLeslie
Adventures with Leslie: Richcroft Appreciation
This week, The Baltimore Sun recognized Richcroft Inc as one of the region’s Top Workplaces — and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see this organization celebrated. For me, Richcroft isn’t just a nonprofit. It’s personal. My sister, Leslie, who is developmentally disabled, is supported by Richcroft. The care, dignity, and independence they’ve given her is something my family and I will never take for granted. I’ve seen firsthand what true commitment looks like, not just from leadership, but from every staff member who shows up with heart and purpose. That’s why I’m honored to serve as Chair of Richcroft’s Advisory Board and soon as Chair of the Host Committee for our annual gala. The mission isn’t abstract — it’s lived every day in homes and communities across Maryland. Top Workplace awards aren’t just plaques or recognition. They’re proof of something deeper: ✔️ a culture built on respect ✔️ teams that go above and beyond ✔️ leadership that puts people first ✔️ work that genuinely transforms lives Congratulations to the entire Richcroft team on this well-deserved honor from The Baltimore Sun’s 15th Annual Top Workplaces Celebration. As a bonus, I ran into a bunch of old friends, including Meisha R. Dockett ❤️ And thank you Richcroft from me, from my sister, and from the many families whose lives you improve every single day. And Trif Alatzas for this great event! Your work matters. And it shows. hashtag#leadership hashtag#service
The Power of Showing Up
At 23, I was making $7/hour with no benefits. I didn’t even know what benefits were. I answered an ad for customer service reps at T. Rowe Price. The hiring manager didn’t want to hire me — I didn’t have a college degree. But I convinced him to give me an interview and promised I’d finish school, with no idea how I’d actually do it. A few months later, a snowstorm hit. I didn’t own boots or a winter coat, but I made it into the office early. Weeks later, a letter arrived from the company President & CEO: “Your dedication made it possible for us to open on time for the markets and our clients.” That letter mattered. But the bigger lesson was this: Showing up — even when it’s inconvenient, even when you’re underqualified, even when it’s uncomfortable — can change everything. Fast forward ten years. I was applying to Loyola University in Maryland’s MBA program. On paper, I wasn’t qualified: didn’t finish high school, no college degree. But I had something else. Months earlier, I had shown up for a nonprofit in my community. A contact there wrote me a great recommendation. When I asked if he knew George Collins — the same executive who had written me that letter a decade before — he did. And Mr. Collins agreed to recommend me for the MBA program. Against the odds, Loyola said yes. And three years later, I walked across the stage and earned my MBA. That’s the power of showing up! – Show up for your employer. – Show up for your community. – And, most importantly, show up for yourself. It won’t always guarantee an easy path — but it can change the trajectory of your life. 👉 I’d love to hear from you: What’s one moment when simply showing up changed everything for you?
Define Yourself
“Her story attracts scrutiny.” That’s what a journalist once wrote about me — and he was right, though his reason couldn’t have been more wrong. But I had been here before. As a teenager, I told the truth about what happened to me. In that case, the police didn’t believe me. My own family didn’t believe me. For 19 years, my story was treated like a question mark. One day, I decided to take the same resourcefulness I’d learned in business and apply it to something much more personal. I called the Baltimore City Police Department every day until I found the right person, and he called me back. Once my case was investigated, after 19 years, it was solved in three days. Years later, when that journalist cast doubt on my integrity in two prominent newspapers, I knew I had to once again leverage my resourcefulness to prove I was telling the truth. I dug through public records, scanned old articles, uncovered documents and long-buried secrets — until I could fully document my own story. Not because I needed to convince the world, but because I needed clarity for myself. What I found was so much worse than I remembered…FBI knocking on our front door, ties to the mafia, corruption. And it laid the groundwork for a book. This process of uncovering the secrets of the past led me to the first and most important principle of my life and leadership: get absolute clarity about who you are. If you do not define yourself, someone else will. It’s not just knowing your strengths or “personal brand.” It’s being willing to face the hardest truths, sift through the noise, and declare: This is my story. This is who I am. And no one else gets to decide it or define it. That’s what clarity does — it gives you the power to decide your boundaries, your actions, and your leadership. This is me with the binders of research I uncovered. Have you ever had to claim your own story?
Adventures with Leslie: Transformation
Adventures with Leslie Who’s ready for a Leslie update? Everywhere I go, people ask how she’s doing—and I love that you care as much as I do. Leslie is still rocking her signature style: frilly pastel dresses, the occasional leopard print, and making more decisions for herself. But not all of them. It took some convincing but her new favorite—VEJA velcro sneakers (both chic and life-changing!). The biggest news? When Leslie came to live with me, she was registered for her day program but hadn’t attended in years. She had spent every day in her room alone, watching television or listening to music. If you know Leslie, you know every suggestion starts with a firm no. Eventually, she warms up, but sometimes I have to help her take the leap.This was one of those times. We started small: one day a week at her program. Then two. Then three. Building slowly, celebrating each milestone—walking up stairs upright, learning to take a shower, saying please and thank you. None of it easy, but step by step, Leslie showed us all what persistence and courage look like. Recently, with the support of her Service Coordinator (thank you, Kyree Neal!), we moved her to a new day program at Richcroft Inc. This also started with a no but… The change has been transformative. Instead of of up to 50 calls a day out of boredom, Leslie now calls me smiling—and even a little tired from all the activities! Behind the scenes, programs like Community Pathways (Medicaid) make this possible. They cover Leslie’s healthcare, her residential and day programs, and the support services that give her dignity and independence. For the first time ever, Leslie even has her own savings account—an ABLE account—helping her pay for little joys like coffee outings, movie nights, and recently, her very first airplane ride to visit her brother. As I often remind my children: “How we care for the most vulnerable is a reflection of who we are as a society.” Leslie’s story is one of courage, love, and yes—resourcefulness. And I’m so grateful to share it with all of you. 💜
Adventures with Leslie: International Women’s Day
For International Women’s Day I’d like to recognize my sister, Leslie. Yesterday, we did what we do every month: a Target run. This is our tradition—stocking her up with snacks and coffee creamer (only the flavored kind—machiatto, vanilla). Shopping with Leslie is always an adventure. When Leslie first came to live with us, my kids were confused by some of her behaviors, especially when she didn’t say “please” or “thank you.” They didn’t understand. I chalked it up to the way we were raised—politeness was present, but grace was in short supply—and I gave her a pass because she’s differently-abled. But my kids? They didn’t let that slide. Sitting at the kitchen counter, having her meals, Leslie would ask for things like a fork or iced tea—but they insisted: “Say please.” When they handed her something, they expected to hear, “Thank you.” Leslie wasn’t avoiding these pleasantries intentionally, she just didn’t understand. Now she walks through Target, hands firmly on the cart as she breaks land records wheeling her way through the store, and says “Thank You” to every person she passes. Afterwards, we went to Starbucks for her favorite – a Frappucino. As I stood there next to her, it occurred to me that while there are moments of frustration (like when she drives the cart into my Achilles tendon), I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I know that Leslie might not fully comprehend the potential her life could have had, but I do. And I feel blessed that she’s here with us, teaching us more than we realize. I see the small moments: how people sometimes pull their children in when Leslie gets a little too close. I understand, but it still breaks my heart. Leslie might be oblivious to these small interactions, but I’m not. And what I’ve come to realize is that people like Leslie teach us the most important lessons of all—compassion and acceptance. So today, on International Women’s Day, I celebrate Leslie: my sister, my childhood best friend, and one of the kindest souls I know. She’s an amazing woman. And I’m so lucky to call her family. hashtag#InternationalWomensDay hashtag#Compassion hashtag#Acceptance hashtag#DifferentlyAbledInternational Women’s Day
White Party
Recently, I had the honor of speaking at an Influence Circle Dinner in Tysons Corner, Northern Virginia—an experience that reminded me of one powerful truth: Showing up is everything. Erika Baez-Grimes invited me to this incredible event, and, to be honest, there were plenty of reasons not to go—an hour-plus drive after a long workday, rush hour traffic, and rain. But I said yes. Why? Because showing up is a choice. And sometimes, that one simple decision can lead to incredible opportunities and experiences you never imagined. At the dinner, I met some truly inspiring individuals—including Dr. Geith Kallas, who later invited me to my first-ever White Party (another event I almost talked myself out of…who has a perfect white outfit just waiting for an invitation?!). But once again, I said yes—and let me tell you, it was AMAZING. Imagine: flamenco dancers, a mermaid in the pool, water bubble dancing, a stunning opera performance, and delicious Syrian food. But the real magic? Dr. Kallas’s story. He shared his journey of coming to America—navigating the risks, the challenges, and the incredible opportunities that arose simply because he chose to show up. His story was filled with gratitude, not just for what he has, but for everything he’s worked for. It was the kind of reminder that the American Dream is built on hard work, resilience, and the courage to take that first step, even when it’s uncomfortable. 🌟 Key Takeaway: Opportunity is always knocking, you just have to open the door. Showing up—even when it feels inconvenient or uncomfortable—unlocks doors to new connections, lessons, and opportunities that can transform your life. So here’s to showing up. To saying yes when it counts. Because you never know what might be waiting on the other side of that decision. hashtag#ShowingUp hashtag#Leadership hashtag#Networking hashtag#AmericanDream hashtag#Opportunities hashtag#Gratitude hashtag#PersonalGrowth hashtag#LeadershipLessons hashtag#RiskTaking
Resourcefulness Got Me An MBA
Resourcefulness got me into an MBA program without finishing high school or college, helped me build a venture-backed tech startup, and helped me prove my own story after a journalist questioned it. This weekend, it led me down a skincare rabbithole. Let me explain: Every year, I look forward to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — especially the Beauty Exclusives (Yes, I may or may not have an 80-step skincare routine 😄). A few years ago, I bought an expensive product that seemed to go bad way too quickly, and after multiple unanswered emails to the company to find out the manufacture or expiration date, I became more determined. Fast forward to me diving into AI, chats, and reviews for answers, and here’s what I uncovered: 1️⃣ AI can compare products effectively.I compared two Kiehl’s moisturizers (one for face, one for body) and, surprise, the ingredients were nearly identical! The face product was smaller and more expensive, but the body moisturizer worked just as well on the face. 2️⃣ Product codes are not random!I used a site called CheckFresh to decipher the tiny, seemingly random product codes on the packaging and found that a Clarins serum I just purchased was almost 2 years old… before I even opened it. And this $200+ serum is listed with a 2-year shelf life. Same for Lancome. 3️⃣ Consumers are more informed than ever.Thanks to AI, I found that many “premium” skincare products weren’t actually better—in fact, many less expensive options had the same ingredients. Another surprise: Items packaged as a set for the sale had very different manufacture dates, months or years apart. Are old products being repackaged? What does this mean for the future of skincare…and business? As AI spreads, consumers will demand more. More transparency, better consumer knowledge, and the rise of natural ingredients that offer real value. I will still buy some “premium” products, especially if they have higher-quality ingredients but I’ll do more research first! If there’s one lesson here, it’s that resourcefulness always pays off — whether you’re navigating business or the beauty aisle. Kiehl’s Since 1851 | Clarins USA, Inc. | L’OCCITANE Group (B Corp) | ELEMIS | Beiersdorf | CheckFresh.com hashtag#Resourcefulness hashtag#AI hashtag#Skincare hashtag#BeautyTech hashtag#ConsumerPower hashtag#Innovation
Jason Virts
Some people start with every advantage. Others start with almost none — and still succeed. When Jason Virts was removed from his home as an infant under unimaginable circumstances, and later lost his mother in a tragic act of violence, he didn’t have a roadmap. He had to create one. At 14, he was working in a grocery store. Today, he’s in college and interning at the Space Telescope Science Institute—proof that resilience and resourcefulness can change the trajectory of a life. On this episode of The Laura Neuman Show, we talk about:👉 What it means to choose your family 👉 How to keep showing up when the odds are against you 👉 And how determination, not luck, has shaped Jason’s path S1: Episode 3 – Choosing Your Family with Jason Virts This is a conversation about strength, growth, and finding your own way forward—no matter where you start. Watch/Listen now-Youtube: https://lnkd.in/eHSY4K2m Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e9JmGN3F Apple: https://lnkd.in/eVUFekSh hashtag#Resilience hashtag#Resourcefulness hashtag#Leadership hashtag#Grit hashtag#TheLauraNeumanShow hashtag#Podcast hashtag#Inspiration hashtag#OvercomingAdversity
