Leadership Evolution Rachel Harrison

In the last episode of this limited edition series, Rachel Harrison shares her personal leadership journey and the lessons she has learned along the way. She also gives insight into her experience hosting the Leadership Evolution podcast and how it has shaped her own leadership style.
 
Craig Bedard, Deputy Associate Commissioner for the Office of Strategy, Learning, and Workforce Development at the Social Security Administration, joins the show to interview Rachel and discuss the themes of service and self-awareness that emerged from previous episodes. Hear how the COVID-19 pandemic changed Rachel’s leadership approach, the importance of creating a supportive and trauma-informed work environment, the benefits of collaboration within the community, and the concept of being trauma-informed as a leader. 
 
About Rachel Harrison:
Rachel Harrison, LCPC, NCC has worked in the field of trauma for 24 years as a therapist, trainer and business owner. After working with clients for over 17 years, Rachel founded Trauma Specialists of Maryland, LLC. Over the years, she realized again and again the root cause of so many issues and symptoms came back to an individual’s trauma.  As such, Rachel has spent many of these years training in different treatment models proven to be most effective at dealing with trauma.  Her vision was to develop a practice where all practitioners were trained in specific trauma therapies and could work as a team to treat individuals most effectively. She is passionate about helping people heal from trauma and about growing and developing leaders. 
 
About Craig Bedard:
In July 2021, Craig Bedard was named the Deputy Associate Commissioner for the Office of Strategy, Learning, and Workforce Development at the Social Security Administration. Craig began their federal career at the United States Air Force Academy where they earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Basic Academics, with a Concentration in Management.  They also earned a Master of Science Degree from McDaniel College in Human Resource Development and a Master’s Certificate in Intelligence Studies (Counterintelligence) from the National Defense Intelligence College. In the Air Force, Craig excelled as a Missile Combat Crew Member, Instructor, Evaluator, Mission Commander, and Strategic Planner.  Their career arc includes military service, small business owner, financial services, the State of Maryland, and 4 federal agencies (DoD/DIA, HHS/CMS, VA, SSA).  
 
 
Episode Timestamps:
How the podcast changed Rachel's leadership journey Themes of service and self-awareness Rachel personal journey Explanation of EMDR therapy Balancing community and team needs Challenges faced by mental health professionals during the pandemic Trauma and its impact on individuals Self-love, trust, forgiveness, and self-care Collaboration with other organizations within the community   
“The Leadership Frederick County class of 2023 has been an incredible journey of growth and self-discovery. As the host of the Leadership Evolution podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing my classmates and delving into their leadership journeys. Through these conversations, I learned valuable lessons and gained insights that have shaped my own leadership style.”
 
 
Connect with Rachel Harrison:
https://traumaspecialistsofmd.com/
https://www.frederickchamber.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma_specialist/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064008974101&mibextid=LQQJ4d
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796/
 

The public library has played a major role in Bryan Hissong’s life for almost 20 years now. He started out doing story times and puppet shows at various daycares, and he continued to grow in his career within the library over the years. Eventually, Bryan stepped into his current role as the Community Engagement Manager for the Frederick County Public Library. This new position was created for him to develop vibrant and quality programming that would be engaging for adults of all ages within the community.
 
Bryan always wanted to work in a service-based industry, and he believes that good leaders are actually good servants. He enjoys going out and making connections within the community, and beyond. Bryan and the library staff want to continue to be an equitable resource, so everyone can have access to valuable resources they need. Learning and listening is one of the best ways to lead in the community, and truly serve others. Bryan has learned that failing is even more important than success; while it’s important to learn from our failures, we don’t need to dwell on them. 
 
Bryan has found that embracing an iterative mindset versus staying stagnant in his career and life has been very important. He’s also seen that the ‘typical’ image of the public library has been shifting and changing for a while - it’s no longer a place to only study and be quiet. Tune into this episode to learn more about the innovative work Bryan is doing, and why the public library really is a fun and lively place for all ages!
 
About Bryan Hissong
Bryan Hissong has worked in public libraries for 19 years, and he is currently the Community Engagement Manager for the Frederick County Public Library. He practices servant-led leadership, and truly cares about serving the people he works with in the library, as well as the community and beyond. Bryan is a member of the Leadership Frederick County Class of 2023, and is an unassuming presence with a great sense of humor.
 
 
Episode Timestamps:
Bryan’s story of working in public libraries for almost 20 years, and his current role as the Community Engagement Manager for the Frederick County Public Library {01:25} Finding and making engaging connections in the community and beyond {06:20} Bryan’s growth process into leadership over the years {07:48} Why failing is even more important than success {09:20} A valuable leadership opportunity Bryan experienced, which he now incorporates into his own leadership {11:10} How the ‘typical’ image of the library is shifting and changing {14:00} How the pandemic affected libraries {16:35} The importance of embracing an iterative mindset, and not staying stuck in your ways {19:40}  
“It’s from our failures that we learn the most important lessons, and that’s difficult because it's not easy to fail. We can oftentimes be very hard on ourselves, but it's important we realize that growth and change is a part of life. We learn when we fail, so it's an important thing to keep in mind.”
 
 
Connect with Rachel Harrison:
https://traumaspecialistsofmd.com/
https://www.frederickchamber.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma_specialist/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064008974101&mibextid=LQQJ4d
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796/
 

Not all of us will take the traditional path when it comes to our careers. Life tends to throw us curve balls when we’re least expecting it, and this was definitely the case for Becki Delauter. Her career path was very non-traditional - she found herself needing to get back into the workforce after going through a divorce. After being a stay-at-home mom for several years, Becki started supporting herself and her two boys by juggling multiple part-time jobs. Eventually, Becki landed her current role as the Philanthropic Services Manager for the Community Foundation of Frederick County.
 
Becki has always been interested in working in a field where she was really helping people, and doing work that mattered. Throughout her career, she’s realized that it’s okay to ask for help and lean on your support system, because we can’t do it all by ourselves. She’s also learned that leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all. People in leadership lead in different ways, and what really matters is that you’re being your authentic self when you’re leading and working with others.
 
Becki’s favorite part of her job is the stewardship piece; she truly loves connecting with and staying in touch with donors, so they can really understand the legacy they are leaving. Leading with gratitude is how Becki chooses to start her days now, and she believes that as long as you’re following and embracing your unique path, you are right where you need to be. Tune into this episode to learn more about Becki’s story, and the powerful work she is doing in the philanthropic space!
 
About Becki Delauter:
Becki Delauter is the Philanthropic Services Manager for the Community Foundation of Frederick County. She has two degrees, one in psychology, and another in human services with a minor in marketing. Becki loves the stewardship aspect of her job; her favorite part is connecting with and following up with donors. She is also a member of the Leadership Frederick County Class of 2023, and is a quiet presence with a lot of great ideas.
www.frederickcountygives.org
 
 
Episode Timestamps:
Becki’s story of a taking a non-traditional career path {01:20} Important lessons Becki learned as a single, working mom of 2 while juggling multiple part-time jobs {04:25} The incredible work the Community Foundation of Frederick County does {06:10} Becki’s role as the Philanthropic Services Manager {08:20} Leadership lessons learned along Becki’s journey of growth {09:50} How the pandemic greatly impacted the Community Foundation of Frederick County and the work they were doing {12:35} Becki’s mindset in her career, and how that’s shifted over time {15:40}  
“The thing that I love the most about my job is stewardship, and that's reporting back to the donors. Once the money's gone out and it's done the thing that they were hoping for, it’s taking that story back to them so they can see the impact that it's had. A lot of our funds are started as a memorial to honor somebody who's no longer here. Going back to someone and telling them these things happened because of what you did, and it's keeping your loved one's name alive, is really my most favorite part of my job.”
 
 
Connect with Rachel Harrison:
https://traumaspecialistsofmd.com/
https://www.frederickchamber.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma_specialist/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064008974101&mibextid=LQQJ4d
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796/

Leadership isn’t necessarily something we all want to pursue in our lives, but sometimes we end up leading more than we realize. For Margaret Simoneau, her career path started in massage therapy, but the wear and tear on her body pushed her to do something different. After working with the Frederick County Workforce Services, she was introduced to Plamondon Hospitality Partners. Margaret has been with Plamondon for over 9 years and is currently the Senior Analyst. She helps to provide results-oriented support to Plamondon‘s hotels and uncovering opportunities to maximize efficiencies and GOP. 
 
Margaret never viewed herself as a leader before moving into her current role, but she now knows the advice and feedback she gives is extremely valuable to the company. She truly loves people, and is driven by the success of those around her. Margaret takes pride in making sure that the company portrays team members and their work in ways that are sincere and celebratory of the many accomplishments happening within the organization. When people feel appreciated, they will continue to go above and beyond what’s expected of them.
 
Margaret has learned how important it is to prioritize herself so she can pour into others in her life. She has always been passionate about serving and taking care of people, and her compassion for those around her shines through. Tune into this episode to hear more of Margaret’s impactful story, and the beneficial work she is doing in the hospitality space!
 
About Margaret Simoneau
Margaret Simoneau began with Plamondon as the Director of First Impressions in 2014. Her evolution from her start with Plamondon to her current position as Senior Analyst (in almost 9 years) is commentary enough to show that she is a hard working, dependable, and valuable leader. In addition to her primary job functions, Margaret assists in managing Plamondon Hospitality Partners’ marketing strategy.
 
Margaret was recently recognized by her organization with the “President’s Pride” award for her extraordinary commitment to ensuring the company is always doing the “right thing” for the financial, social community impact, and associate successes of the company. She is willing to ask tough questions and provide the type of honest feedback that truly brings out the best in others. 
 
Margaret is clearly an ambassador for the company and the Marriott and Hiltons brands they manage. She is respected by her peers and the community that she serves. With Margaret’s ability to serve others, she has been an asset in her position and a valuable leader in the company. Margaret is also a member of the Leadership Frederick County class of 2023, where she shows up with a quiet confidence, ready to get things done.
 
www.plamondonhospitalitypartners.com
 
 
Episode Timestamps:
Margaret’s career journey of working in massage therapy, to eventually transitioning into hospitality {01:20} Important lessons learned about leadership {06:45} Key differences between the executive team versus other staff members {08:29} How the pandemic influenced Margaret personally and professionally {12:15} Margaret’s passion for serving and taking care of people {17:35} Plamondon Hospitality Partners’ commitment to growth {23:00}  
“We are like a second family, and giving those little pieces of support here and there really make that difference to making someone feel like they belong and that they feel appreciated. I think we've found that when people really feel appreciated, they always go above and beyond what's expected of them. So, I know that if I take care of people and I help them to feel appreciated there, they'll do more than what I ask of them.”
 
 
Connect with Rachel Harrison:
https://traumaspecialistsofmd.com/
https://www.frederickchamber.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma_specialist/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064008974101&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Sometimes those around us need a little extra support in their lives, and someone to advocate for them. That’s exactly what Christine Cambareri-Kay did when she began working with adults with developmental disabilities after college. Christine felt like her career ‘found’ her, because she wasn’t sure what her career path would look like after completing her Master’s degree. She’s held various leadership positions over the years, working in human services and the nonprofit sector, with her most recent being the Division Director for the Division of Citizen Services in Frederick County. However, Christine is currently unemployed due to an unexpected situation with her position and department being eliminated.
 
Christine has always believed in treating others the way you want to be treated. She was always passionate about advocating for the adults with disabilities she was working with. Christine believes that leading doesn’t always look like leading a team, but people who can’t take the lead for themselves. She has learned there are key differences between managing and leading throughout her career. Leading is not just focused on what’s happening today, but the vision for the future, and how everyone you’re working with will be impacted. When she found out her position and division would be abolished, Christine still had to show up confidently for her team.
 
Change can definitely be bumpy, and Christine is currently experiencing this as she’s going through the process of finding another job. She truly believes she will find the right position to share her skills, value, and knowledge when it’s meant to happen. Christine prides herself on being authentic, and her current mantra is ‘never let success get to your head and never let failure get to your heart’. Tune into this episode to hear Christine’s openness and vulnerability during a unique time in her life, because her story is powerful!
 
About Christine Cambareri-Kay
Christine Cambareri-Kay is a member of the Leadership Frederick County class of 2023. She is currently unemployed, but has held various leadership positions in human services and nonprofit work. Her most recent position was the Division Director for the Division of Citizen Services in Frederick County.
 
Christine shows up with a sense of quiet, calm support for those who are lucky enough to interact with her.
 
 
Episode Timestamps:
Christine’s story of her career path and various leadership positions over the years {01:23} A valuable leadership lesson for Christine as she was working with individuals with disabilities at the beginning of her career {03:50} Key differences between managing and leading {06:40} Changes from the pandemic that affected citizen services work {11:10} The situation regarding Christine’s current unemployment {13:20} Never let success get to your head and never let failure get to your heart {21:10}  
“When you sit back and you're leading, you're learning to kind of, give up control, of how things are going, and trusting a team of people to work with you. You start realizing that there's a vision of where you’re going in the future. You can't just worry about today, but what’s coming down the pipe.”
 
 
Connect with Rachel Harrison:
https://traumaspecialistsofmd.com/
https://www.frederickchamber.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma_specialist/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064008974101&mibextid=LQQJ4d
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796/
 

Leadership has always been a key part of Karan Kalantzis’ journey - it actually started for her back in junior high when she joined student council. Over the years, Karan was drawn to planning and organizing activities for others in school and with her career, and she’s gained a great deal of experience in the small business community working in program development. Karan learned about the Maryland Women’s Business Center during the pandemic, which then led to her current role as the Senior Business Consultant for Frederick County.
 
Being collaborative, allowing others to let their voices be heard, and learning empathy have been some of the key lessons Karan has learned on her leadership journey. She loves working with women who are starting businesses in a variety of fields. Karan knows how important it is for them to have flexibility in their schedules, while still being able to make a unique difference in the world. Finding a balance with business consulting and business coaching has been essential for Karan when working with her clients too. Sometimes, they just need a cheerleader who will actually listen and share encouragement as they’re working through challenges.
 
If you’re looking to start a business, grow your business, or just want something special to happen in your life, the magic happens outside your comfort zone. You have to be willing to do things that will make you uncomfortable in order to succeed, and Karan has definitely experienced this on her own journey. Tune into this episode to hear Karan’s story, and the incredible work she is doing to help women dream big with their businesses!
 
About Karan Kalantzis
Karen Kalantzis is the Senior Business Consultant for Frederick County. Most recently, she was the Director of Community Programs for the Business Innovation Network, Montgomery County’s business incubator program, where she created training classes and provided business technical assistance to members. Prior to that, she worked for Montgomery County’s Department of Economic Development as a program manager for the Silver Spring and Wheaton Innovation Centers. She joined the small business ecosystem after starting an IT company called Corporate Network Services in 1993 with her business partner. The company was a Maryland Certified Woman Owned Small Business, named to the Inc. 5000 fastest growing businesses list, and a winner of numerous Best Place to Work awards.
 
A native Chicagoan, Karen earned a Bachelor of Science from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University and an MBA from George Washington University. She is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery Core Class of 2018, and is currently participating in the 2022-23 cohort of Leadership Frederick. On a personal note, Karen has three adult children, loves to travel, and often visits our local beaches.
 
https://marylandwbc.org/team/karen-kalantzis/
 
 
Episode Timestamps:
Karan’s career journey and how she eventually became the Senior Business Consultant for Frederick County {01:15} A key difference for women-owned businesses vs. non women-owned businesses {07:40} The types of businesses that Karan typically works with {8:50} Leadership lessons Karan has learned {10:50} Balancing business consulting with business coaching {12:20} The ‘save the world’ type of mentality many women in business have {16:35} What to know about the Maryland Women Business Center {17:28} Why magic happens outside your comfort zone {22:40}  
“You can teach the technical business aspects (like the steps of starting a business), but when you uncover roadblocks that they're facing, that's when the therapy part kicks in. I think you just have to kind of be part cheerleader and part ear listening. Let them have their say, and in the end, just be encouraging.”
 
 
Connect with Rachel Harrison:
https://traumaspecialistsofmd.com/
https://www.frederickchamber.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma_spec