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  • 45. The "Only You" Rule: Rollins President Brooke Barnett on the Future of Higher Ed

    45. The "Only You" Rule: Rollins President Brooke Barnett on the Future of Higher Ed
    2026/04/08
    On this episode of the B Student podcast, host Betsy Gardner sits down with Brooke Barnett, the 16th President of Rollins College, for a powerful conversation at the intersection of leadership, higher education, and the future of work.

    Just months into her role, Brooke offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to lead a modern institution in a time of rapid change, where AI, shifting workforce demands, and declining trust in traditional systems are reshaping everything we thought we knew about education.

    Together, they explore the evolving value of a liberal arts education, the role of storytelling in leadership, and why “human skills” like critical thinking, discernment, and communication may be the most valuable currency in the future.

    And stick around to the very end for an exclusive reveal of Fox Day 2026!


    This episode is a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and authenticity for anyone navigating complexity in today’s world.

    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Intro + Meet Rollins College President Brooke Barnett
    03:15 Leading Higher Ed in a Time of Disruption (AI + Workforce Shifts)
    06:30 Why Liberal Arts Still Matter More Than Ever
    09:45 Storytelling vs. “Just Giving Examples” in Leadership
    13:10 The Power of Place-Based Education (Why Rollins Stands Out)
    16:25 Preparing Students for the Future of Work
    19:40 Is College Still Worth It? Breaking the Trust Gap
    23:00 Barriers to Innovation (And How Leaders Miss Them)
    26:20 How to Challenge “We’ve Always Done It This Way”
    29:10 CEO Mindset: Focus on What Actually Matters
    32:00 Leadership Lessons from the President’s Seat
    35:00 Authenticity as a Leadership Superpower
    38:00 Final Takeaways + The Future of Higher Ed

    Connect with Brooke at:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-barnett-65a74592/
    Website: https://www.rollins.edu/

    -----------------------------------
    Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

    Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.
    -----------------------------------
    Connect with Betsy Gardner:
    Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/

    Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/
    --------------------------------
    Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

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    39 分
  • 44. From Apple to Entrepreneur: Surviving COVID, Closing the Digital Divide & Leading with Empathy | David Collins

    44. From Apple to Entrepreneur: Surviving COVID, Closing the Digital Divide & Leading with Empathy | David Collins
    2026/04/01
    In this episode of the B-Student Podcast, we sit down with David Collins, CEO of Eris Technologies and Eris Foundation, a 26-year veteran of the software and telecom industry and a former Apple executive who helped launch the original iPhone into the carrier market.

    David shares the behind-the-scenes story of leaving a successful corporate career to start his own company—only to launch it three months before the global pandemic. Instead of retreating, David and his team leaned into the chaos with a simple philosophy: “We weren’t selling. We were helping.”

    From navigating crises like 9/11, the 2008 financial crash, and COVID-19, to building a company culture rooted in empathy and service, David explains how resilience, relationships, and values-driven leadership have shaped his entrepreneurial journey.

    We also dive into the powerful impact of the Eris Foundation, a nonprofit tackling the digital divide by repurposing donated technology and providing devices to students and nonprofits across Central Florida.

    If you’re building a business, leading a team, or navigating uncertainty in your career, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: the best businesses start with service.

    Time Stamps:

    00:00 – Intro + New Book Human in the Room Announcement
    03:10 – Meet David Collins (CEO of Eris Technologies)
    06:12 – The “Burn the Boats” Entrepreneur Mindset
    09:28 – Launching a Company 3 Months Before COVID
    12:41 – From Selling to Helping: The Sales Philosophy That Worked
    16:05 – Lessons from Past Crises: 9/11, 2008, and the Pandemic
    19:24 – Building an Empathy-Driven IT Company Culture
    22:46 – Hiring for Values First, Training Skills Later
    26:03 – The Importance of Team Strengths in Leadership
    29:08 – Community Leadership and Leadership Winter Park
    32:18 – The Birth of the Eris Foundation
    35:54 – Closing the Digital Divide Through Technology Access
    38:52 – Final Lessons on Service, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship

    -----------------------------------
    Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

    Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.

    Follow David Collins:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-j-collins/
    Website: aeras.tech and aeras.foundation
    -----------------------------------
    Connect with Betsy Gardner:
    Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/

    Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/    Pre-order your copy of Human in the Room today! Use code BSTUDENT through Friday, March 27 to receive 10% off. Books can be preordered at humanintheroombook.com.
    --------------------------------
    Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

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    39 分
  • 43. From Bedside Nurse to Hospital CEO: Kelly Nierstedt's Leadership Story

    43. From Bedside Nurse to Hospital CEO: Kelly Nierstedt's Leadership Story
    2026/03/25
    In this episode of the B Student podcast, Betsy Gardner sits down with Kelly Nierstedt, President of Orlando Regional Medical Center and Senior Vice President of Orlando Health, Orlando Region, to explore what modern leadership really looks like in today’s healthcare environment.

    Kelly’s journey to executive leadership was anything but traditional. A first-generation college graduate and former bedside nurse, she never set out to become a hospital president. Instead, she focused on doing meaningful work, treating people with integrity, and saying yes to opportunities that pushed her outside her comfort zone.Throughout the conversation, Kelly shares powerful insights on culture-driven leadership, mentorship vs. sponsorship, building high-performing teams, and why being a “best place to work” is the most important strategic priority in healthcare today. She also reflects on the lessons she learned during the pandemic, why she chose to work on the hospital floor in scrubs when stepping into a new leadership role, and how trust, relationships, and authenticity shape great organizations.If you are interested in leadership, healthcare management, workplace culture, and building trust-driven teams, this episode is a masterclass in what it means to lead with humanity and impact.


    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Introduction and book announcement
    03:20 Meet     Kelly Nierstedt and her journey from bedside nurse to president
    06:35 How leadership has shifted from hierarchy to human connection
    09:40 Saying yes to opportunities and building the right teams
    13:00 Why mentorship and role models matter for the next generation
    16:20 Leading through the pandemic and understanding staff burnout
    19:45 Why culture and “best place to work” is a CEO’s top priority
    23:10 The power of sponsorship and supporting new ideas
    26:50 Building trust through relationships, consistency, and integrity
    30:05 Identifying unconventional talent and promoting future leaders
    34:00 Leadership lessons from Orlando Health’s culture strategy
    38:10 Final reflections on leadership, sponsorship, and legacy

    -----------------------------------
    Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

    Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.

    Follow Kelly Nierstedt:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-nierstedt-4427a62b/
    Website: OrlandoHealth.org
    -----------------------------------
    Connect with Betsy Gardner:
    Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/

    Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/
    Pre-order your copy of Human in the Room today! Use code BSTUDENT through Friday, March 27 to receive 10% off. Books can be preordered at humanintheroombook.com.
    --------------------------------
    Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    40 分
  • 42. The Secret to Event Planning: Logistics, Luxury & Last-Minute Pivots | Laura Lawton | B Student

    42. The Secret to Event Planning: Logistics, Luxury & Last-Minute Pivots | Laura Lawton | B Student
    2026/03/18
    What makes an event truly unforgettable? In this episode of the B Student Podcast, Betsy welcomes Laura Lawton, founder of BASH Orlando, for a conversation about event planning, leadership, creativity, hospitality, entrepreneurship, personal branding, and building memorable experiences that go far beyond what shows up on Instagram.

    Laura shares how her identity as a seventh-generation Texan shaped her “go big or go home” mindset, how she built meaningful relationships after moving to Florida, and why the best events are rooted in personalization, trust, thoughtful logistics, and the guest experience. From parking and bathrooms to lighting, florals, playlists, signature cocktails, rain plans, and last-minute pivots, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to execute a successful event.

    This conversation is also a powerful episode for women in business, creatives, and professionals navigating reinvention. Laura opens up about staying home with her children for 18 years, returning to work, overcoming a confidence gap, and using credentialing and training to step back into business with confidence.

    If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, event design, hospitality strategy, women returning to work, leadership under pressure, or how to create luxury experiences through human connection, this episode is packed with insight.

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 Intro + Human in the Room preorder
    1:05 Meet Laura Lawton of Bash Orlando
    4:10 Seventh-generation Texan roots + “go big” mindset
    7:42 Building community in Florida + staying authentic
    10:18 What makes an event memorable: personal over performative
    13:52 Why Laura doesn’t do weddings + the pressure of Instagram-worthy events
    17:28 The new luxury: gathering people well + guest experience matters
    21:46 Behind the scenes of event planning: parking, bathrooms, weather, and pivots
    27:18 Returning to work after 18 years at home + confidence, credentialing, and imposter syndrome
    31:48 Hosting tips, entertaining trends, signature cocktails, final takeaways + book reminder

    -----------------------------------
    Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

    Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.

    Follow Laura Lawton / Bash Orlando:
    Instagram: @bash.orlando
    Website: bashorlando.com
    -----------------------------------
    Connect with Betsy Gardner:
    Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/

    Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/    Pre-order your copy of Human in the Room today! Use code BSTUDENT through Friday, March 27 to receive 10% off. Books can be preordered at humanintheroombook.com.
    --------------------------------
    Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    36 分
  • 41. Orlando Magic’s Ryan DeVos on Legacy, Leadership & The Future of Sports

    41. Orlando Magic’s Ryan DeVos on Legacy, Leadership & The Future of Sports
    2026/03/11
    In this episode of the B-Student Podcast, Betsy sits down with Ryan DeVos, Managing Director of the Orlando Magic, for a candid conversation about legacy, leadership, and building something new without abandoning what came before.

    Ryan opens up about what it was like to grow up carrying the DeVos name, why he chose Orlando to “spread his wings,” and how he learned to lead with humility while building trust in high-stakes environments. They explore Ryan’s approach to innovation inside legacy organizations, including launching Magic Gaming and stepping into emerging spaces like Major League Pickleball with the Orlando Squeeze, and co-creating the elevated social club experience behind Hamlin House.

    This is a conversation about responsibility and opportunity, entrepreneurship with a seventh-generation mindset, and the real discipline of prioritizing family while building a career at the intersection of sports, community, and business.

    Time Stamps:
    • 00:00 Preorder Reminder: Human in the Room
    • 01:05 Welcome Ryan DeVos (First Podcast as a Guest)
    • 03:00 Growing Up DeVos: Legacy, Pressure, and the “Fishbowl”
    • 06:10 Why Orlando and Rollins: Spreading His Wings
    • 08:30 Introvert to “Trained Extrovert”
    • 10:20 Building a New Lane Inside a Legacy Organization
    • 12:25 Failure Tolerance as the Precursor to Innovation
    • 15:00 Family Ethos: Risk, Entrepreneurship, and Responsibility
    • 17:20 Magic Gaming: Why the NBA 2K League Made Sense
    • 20:10 How Ryan Built Trust and Credibility Early On
    • 23:05 Opportunity + Responsibility and Seventh-Generation Thinking
    • 26:10 Family First: Choosing a Different Path and Prioritizing Kids
    • 29:10 Pickleball Play: Orlando Squeeze + Why It’s Growing Fast
    • 32:20 Hamlin House: Elevating the Club Experience and Community
    • 35:30 What’s Next: Managing Director Role and Focus for the Future
    • 36:35 Where to Find Ryan + Hamlin House + Orlando Squeeze

    -----------------------------------
    Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

    Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.
    -----------------------------------
    Connect with Betsy Gardner:
    Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/

    Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/    Pre-order your copy of Human in the Room today! Use code BSTUDENT through Friday, March 27 to receive 10% off.

    Books can be preordered at humanintheroombook.com.
    --------------------------------
    Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

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    38 分
  • 40. How to Start a Successful Podcast | Jason Lederman | B Student Podcast

    40. How to Start a Successful Podcast | Jason Lederman | B Student Podcast
    2026/03/05
    Preorder Betsy’s book Human in the Room now! Use code BSTUDENT for 10% off your order at HumanInTheRoomBook.com.


    In this special episode of the B Student Podcast, we turn the tables.

    Betsy interviews newly-hired Chief Marketing Officer Jason Lederman (who has a background in podcasting) to unpack what makes a podcast successful, where the medium is headed, and how leaders can leverage podcasting to build brand presence in a digital-first world.

    From Jason’s early days in radio and podcasting at VH1 and Popular Science to scaling digital storytelling inside nonprofits and startups, this conversation dives into the evolution of podcasting — audio vs. video, YouTube’s dominance, discoverability, engagement, and why high-quality sound and video matters more than ever.

    They also explore:
    • Why mentorship at scale is resonating with younger professionals
    • How podcasting democratizes storytelling
    • Why engagement and community now outperform “like and subscribe” culture

    If you're thinking about starting a podcast — or using podcasting to grow your brand — this episode is your playbook.

    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Book Announcement: Human in the Room
    01:10 Meet Jason Lederman (CMO & Producer)
    03:05 From VH1 to Digital Marketing Strategy
    05:40 Why This Chamber Podcast Hit 1M Views
    08:15 The Power of Storytelling in Business
    10:45 What Makes a Podcast Successful?
    13:20 Audio vs. Video: Does It Matter?
    16:05 Why Sound Quality Is Everything
    18:40 Is Podcasting Oversaturated?
    21:15 YouTube’s Big Podcast Moment
    24:00 Mentorship at Scale for Young Professionals
    27:30 The Secret to Being a Great Host
    30:10 Engagement > “Like & Subscribe”
    32:45 Should You Start a Podcast?
    35:00 Jason’s Dream Show: “Can I Pet Your Dog?”
    36:40 Final Takeaways & Preorder Reminder

    -----------------------------------

    Listen to more episodes of The B Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

    Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.
    -----------------------------------
    Connect with Betsy Gardner:
    Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/

    Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/    Pre-order your copy of Human in the Room today! Use code BSTUDENT through Friday, March 27 to receive 10% off. Books can be preordered at humanintheroombook.com.
    --------------------------------
    Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    35 分
  • 39. Human in the Room: How to Build Trust, Judgment, and Presence in the Age of AI

    39. Human in the Room: How to Build Trust, Judgment, and Presence in the Age of AI
    2026/02/25
    What does it mean to be truly human in a workplace dominated by AI, algorithms, and automation?

    In this special episode of the B-Student Podcast, Betsy Gardner flips the script and steps into the guest seat as she’s interviewed by Addison Kersey about her new book, Human in the Room. After announcing her transition from CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce to launch Evermore Advisory, Betsy shares the framework that’s already gaining traction with business leaders across the country.

    This episode dives deep into:
    • Why trust is the new currency in leadership
    • The three pillars of trust: care, competency, and consistency
    • How good judgment separates humans from machines
    • What “managing up” really means (and why it’s not sucking up)
    • Why presence and nonverbal signals matter more than ever
    • How to build career resilience in an era of AI disruption
    • Why soft skills are the power skills of the future
    Betsy explains how Human in the Room was born out of a growing credibility crisis in business, rising generational tension in the workplace, and a disconnect between employers and employees. With practical tools, assessments, and a repeatable system, this framework helps professionals at every level show up with clarity, discernment, and confidence.

    Whether you're a young professional navigating your first leadership role, a mid-career executive refining your influence, or a CEO looking to strengthen your team’s trust and decision-making skills, this conversation will challenge and equip you.

    Time Stamps:

    00:00 – Pre-Order Announcement: Human in the Room
    02:05 – Why Betsy Is Leaving the Winter Park Chamber
    04:12 – Introducing Evermore Advisory & Addison’s New Role
    06:30 – The Foundation of Trust in Leadership
    09:10 – The 3 C’s of Trust: Care, Competency & Consistency
    12:45 – Generational Bias in the Workplace (Gen Z vs Gen X)
    15:20 – What “Managing Up” Really Means
    18:40 – The Judgment Gap: Why Smart Professionals Fail
    22:05 – AI, Influence Culture & the Credibility Crisis
    25:30 – The 3 Components of Good Judgment
    28:15 – The “Juice Test”: Is It Worth the Squeeze?
    30:40 – Leadership Presence & Nonverbal Communication
    33:20 – Grace, Failure & Rebuilding Trust
    36:10 – Why This Book Had to Be Written Now
    39:00 – Who Human in the Room Is Really For
    41:10 – Where to Pre-Order & What’s Next

    -----------------------------------

    Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

    Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.

    -----------------------------------

    Connect with Betsy Gardner:
    Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/

    Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/
    Pre-order your copy of Human in the Room today! Use code BSTUDENT through Friday, March 27 to receive 10% off. Books can be preordered at humanintheroombook.com.

    --------------------------------
    Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    43 分
  • 38. Why Only 1% Win on LinkedIn — The Strategy That Actually Works | Katie Lopus

    38. Why Only 1% Win on LinkedIn — The Strategy That Actually Works | Katie Lopus
    2026/02/18
    Only 1% of people on LinkedIn are posting — and your competitive advantage is simply to share your thoughts with your network.

    Today on the B-Student Podcast, we sit down with Katie Lopus, founder of Klo Marketing, former Fortune 100 social media leader for Marriott Hotels, Sheraton Hotels, Universal Studios, and St. Regis Doha, to unpack the real strategy behind building a powerful personal brand on LinkedIn and beyond.

    From being born in England and raised in Orlando to leading global hospitality brands in Qatar, Katie shares how being a global citizen sharpened her observation skills — and why observation is the hidden superpower behind great marketing.

    We cover:
    • Why LinkedIn is the most underrated career growth platform
    • The 4 types of posts anyone can create (even if you don’t think you’re a “creator”)
    • How Gen Z can network confidently without feeling “entitled”
    • How personal is too personal on LinkedIn
    • Why authenticity builds trust (but oversharing can hurt you)
    • The power of commenting strategically
    • How Katie turned a pandemic furlough into launching her own business
    • One digital habit to adopt and one to stop immediately

    If you’ve ever thought:
    “I don’t have anything to say.”
    “I’m not a content creator.”
    “I’m intimidated by LinkedIn.”
    “This feels too vulnerable.”This episode is your masterclass.Because mentorship today doesn’t require 40 years of networking — it’s one thoughtful post away.

    Time Stamps:
    • 00:00 – Welcome + Meet Katie Lopus (Klo Marketing)\
    • 02:10 – Growing Up Global: England, Ireland & Marketing Perspective
    • 04:45 – Why Authenticity Wins on Social Media
    • 07:30 – Gen Z, LinkedIn & the “Authenticity Trap”
    • 10:15 – What NOT to Share on LinkedIn
    • 12:40 – Why LinkedIn Is the Most Underrated Career Platform
    • 15:05 – Only 1% Post on LinkedIn (Huge Opportunity)
    • 17:20 – 4 Types of Content Anyone Can Post
    • 20:15 – The Power of Commenting & Tagging Strategically
    • 23:10 – How Personal Is Too Personal?
    • 26:00 – From Pandemic Furlough to Starting a Business
    • 30:05 – Digital Habits to Adopt (and Stop) + Mentorship Advice
    Connect with Katie at:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katielopusball/?hl=en
    Website: https://www.klomarketing.com/
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katielopus/

    -----------------------------------
    Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

    Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.
    -----------------------------------
    Connect with Betsy Gardner:
    Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/

    Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/
    --------------------------------
    Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
    Let me know if you approve and if it is set for launch.
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    35 分