B Student Podcast

Betsy Gardner
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The B Student Podcast is hosted by Betsy Gardner, the President and CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. The podcast focuses on exploring the "B side" of influential and dynamic professionals. Just like the B-side of a record, where deeper, more personal passions often live, this podcast highlights the less publicized yet deeply impactful aspects of these individuals' work and lives. Betsy brings her extensive experience as a CEO, speaker, consultant, and executive coach to dive into conversations with experts from diverse fields. The goal is to provide listeners with actionable insights, strategies, and inspiration to help them succeed and create meaningful impact in their own careers and communities. Each episode introduces listeners to unique perspectives and lessons on topics like leadership, emotional intelligence, community building, and personal growth—empowering the audience to "be" more successful and impactful in their own lives. About the host: Betsy Gardner is a dynamic leader with a diverse professional background. Since January 2017, she has served as the President and CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, where she has been instrumental in modernizing the organization and implementing innovative programs to support local businesses and the community.  Under her leadership, the chamber has received national recognition, including the North American Chamber Innovation Grand Prize, surpassing larger chambers such as Greater Boston and Vancouver.  Before her tenure at the chamber, Gardner co-founded Longwave Apparel Ltd. in London, a company specializing in luxury UV-protective swimwear. She also served as the Director of Business Development for Mentore Consulting Ltd., focusing on mentoring programs for women in leadership roles.  A native of Winter Park, Florida, Gardner holds a degree in History from the University of Florida, where she was recognized for her leadership and academic achievements. She is passionate about community development and has been involved in various initiatives, such as "Relaunch: Career Re-entry for Professional Women," which assists women returning to the workforce. She is also known for advocating for important issues and her efforts to make the chamber's programming more inclusive and relevant. Her leadership style is characterized by a strong bias toward action, strategic clarity, and a commitment to driving transformative revenue growth and innovation. She is dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and is recognized for her ability to energize cross-functional teams to consistently outperform targets.  

  1. 3D AGO

    38. Why Only 1% Win on LinkedIn — The Strategy That Actually Works | Katie Lopus

    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 Perspective04:45 – Why Authenticity Wins on Social Media07:30 – Gen Z, LinkedIn & the “Authenticity Trap”10:15 – What NOT to Share on LinkedIn12:40 – Why LinkedIn Is the Most Underrated Career Platform15:05 – Only 1% Post on LinkedIn (Huge Opportunity)17:20 – 4 Types of Content Anyone Can Post20:15 – The Power of Commenting & Tagging Strategically23:10 – How Personal Is Too Personal?26:00 – From Pandemic Furlough to Starting a Business30:05 – Digital Habits to Adopt (and Stop) + Mentorship AdviceConnect 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.

    35 min

  2. FEB 11

    37. Why Curiosity Is a Career Advantage | Sustainable Business, Coffee & Purpose

    Dr. Keith Whittingham joins Betsy Gardner for a masterclass on sharpening your curiosity muscle, building a life of learning, and leading with purpose. Keith is an Associate Professor at the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business, the owner of Artifx Cafe, and the 2026 Chair of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Board. In this conversation, he shares how his work in corporate sustainability and social responsibility led to a specialty coffee company designed to uplift coffee growers and their communities, and why shortening the distance between producer and consumer matters more than most people realize. You’ll hear the story behind Artifx Cafe, from annual MBA immersion trips to Costa Rica to the cloud forest community of Monteverde, where conservation, culture, and community are deeply intertwined. Keith breaks down “sustainable development” in a way that’s practical and memorable, using Costa Rica as a case study for how values-driven decisions can create long-term economic benefits. He also unpacks the real-world coffee supply chain, why farmers are often left with too little, and how new business models can create a more connected, more profitable, and more ethical path from farm to cup. Later, Betsy and Keith explore his unexpected career journey: a PhD in electrical engineering from Cornell, time at Bell Labs, an MBA at Rollins, and the twists that ultimately led him into business education, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. If you’re early in your career, navigating a pivot, or trying to lead with confidence in a world that’s moving fast, this episode is a blueprint for staying resilient, staying curious, and letting your values guide the way. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome + why curiosity is a career advantage03:45 – Meet Dr. Keith Whittingham (Rollins Crummer, Artifx Cafe, Chamber Chair)07:30 – What “sustainable development” actually means (in real life)11:15 – Costa Rica example: decisions that create long-term prosperity15:10 – Corporate sustainability: doing well while doing good18:45 – How Costa Rica trips led to Artifx Cafe22:25 – Monteverde + the cloud forest: community, conservation, purpose26:05 – Coffee “terroir”: why origin changes flavor (like wine)29:55 – The supply chain problem: why farmers get squeezed33:06 – Keith’s personal resiliency and mantra as “life does its thing"35:23 – How growing up as an American ex-pat led to Keith’s resiliency37:10 – Engineering PhD + Bell Labs to business professor and entrepreneur41:35 – Belonging + historic Chamber leadership moment and what it means44:47 – Final takeaways + where to find Keith and Artifx Cafe Connect with Keith at: Website:  https://artifxcafe.com/ Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithwhittinghamphd/ ----------------------------------- 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.

    45 min

  3. FEB 4

    36. The Details That Separate Good Trips From Great Ones | Katie Bean Travels | B Student Podcast

    Luxury travel, leadership, and culture collide in a powerful conversation with Katie Bean, founder of Katie Bean Travels, on the B Student Podcast. Born and raised in England and now leading a boutique luxury travel agency in the U.S., Katie shares how cultural differences around work, rest, and travel shaped her belief that luxury is the absence of worry. This conversation explores why true luxury isn’t excess or extravagance, but thoughtful planning, presence, and the freedom to disconnect from daily demands. Betsy and Katie unpack what separates good from great in both business and service, including why soft skills matter more than résumés, how empowering teams creates unforgettable client experiences, and why relationship-first leadership consistently outperforms transactional thinking. Katie also shares real-world stories that show how small, intentional moments can turn customers into lifelong advocates. The conversation expands into emerging luxury travel trends, from wellness-focused retreats and tech-free vacations to private, highly curated experiences that prioritize connection, time, and peace of mind. Katie also explains how learning to say “no” helped her refine her business, elevate her brand, and better serve the clients she’s uniquely designed to support. This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, leaders, and travelers who want to build businesses with heart, create meaningful experiences, and redefine success beyond hustle and accumulation. Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome + introduction to Katie Bean03:00 Growing up in England and the role of travel in family life06:05 Cultural differences between U.S. and UK views on work and rest09:10 Defining luxury as the absence of worry12:15 What truly differentiates a luxury travel advisor15:20 Hiring for care, passion, and soft skills over résumés18:25 Moving from good to great through empowered teams21:30 Leadership, culture, and playing the long game24:35 What modern luxury travel looks like today27:40 Wellness, tech-free travel, and presence as luxury30:45 Saying no, refining your niche, and boutique business growth33:50 Final insights on brand, care, and where to find Katie Bean Connect with Katie at:  Website: https://www.katiebeantravels.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/katiebeantravels/ ----------------------------------- 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/

    34 min

  4. JAN 28

    35. Luxury Isn't Expensive - It's Intentional with Guest Emily Williams

    What is luxury really — and who gets to participate in it? In this episode of the B Student Podcast, we sit down with Emily Williams, entrepreneur, tastemaker, and owner of Be on Park and co-owner of Z Properties to explore a modern, more human definition of luxury — one rooted in belonging, craftsmanship, meaning, and personal milestones. Emily has built an extraordinary career spanning fine jewelry, interior design, and women’s apparel. Her work has been featured in national publications and admired far beyond Winter Park, yet her philosophy remains grounded: luxury isn’t about price tags — it’s about intention. In this conversation, we cover: -How Emily bridged real estate, design, and fine jewelry into one cohesive vision -Why luxury is a signal of belonging, not exclusivity -The difference between something being expensive vs luxurious -How to build a “jewelry wardrobe” at any stage of life -Meaningful ways to mark milestones, from engagements to personal victories -Why craftsmanship, weight, feel, and story matter more than trends -How to invite luxury into your life without spending a dollar Whether you’re early in your career, building a business, or simply rethinking how you celebrate life’s moments, this episode offers a refreshing, empowering lens on living beautifully — on your own terms. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the B Student Podcast01:05 – Meet Emily Williams: jewelry, real estate, and design03:10 – How her worlds of real estate, interior design and fine jewelry first connected05:45 – Self-belief over having a perfect entrepreneurial plan08:20 – Childhood roots of taste, style, and creative instinct11:00 – The pragmatism behind “pretty” luxury businesses13:30 – What luxury really means (and why it’s not about money)16:10 – Expensive vs luxurious: how to tell the difference18:45 – Luxury as belonging, identity, and personal meaning21:30 – Styling outside your comfort zone and breaking the rules24:10 – Building a jewelry wardrobe and marking milestones27:10 – Everyday luxury, rituals, and final reflections Connect with Emily at: Website: https://beonpark.com/ and www.zpropertiesinc.com ---------------------------------- 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/

    30 min

  5. JAN 21

    34. The Long Game of Entrepreneurship: Loyalty, Ethics, and Sustainable Growth

    Welcome back to the B-Student Podcast, where we sit down with Arnaldo Oliveras, CEO of 180 Commercial Real Estate Advisors, to unpack the real superpower behind sustainable success in business: relationships, family, and playing the long game. Recognized by the U.S. Congress as a distinguished leader during Hispanic Heritage Month, Arnaldo shares how loyalty, ethics, and service-first thinking turn clients into lifelong partners and referral-driven growth into the norm, not the exception. From his entrepreneurial roots in Puerto Rico to building a bicultural, multinational advisory practice across Central Florida, Puerto Rico, Mexico City, and Madrid, Arnaldo explains why listening with empathy, hiring for values, and creating an elegant client experience matter more than quick wins. He dives into community building, mentorship, and why you “can’t microwave your way to the top,” offering practical wisdom for young professionals eager to move from transactional work to transformational impact. This conversation is packed with stories, laughs, and actionable insight for entrepreneurs, service professionals, and leaders who want business to walk in on its own two feet—built on trust, patience, and genuine human connection. Time Stamps: 0:00 – Welcome to the B-Student Podcast + Guest Introduction  3:10 – Why Relationships and Family Are Arnaldo’s Business Superpower  6:05 – From Transactional to Transformational Work  9:15 – Listening With Empathy and Playing the Long Game  12:25 – Bicultural Leadership Across Global Markets  15:40 – Why You Can’t “Microwave” Your Way to the Top  18:50 – Hiring for Values Over Skills  22:05 – Elegance, Brand Consistency, and Client Experience  25:10 – Early Entrepreneurship Stories From Puerto Rico  28:20 – Family, Time, and Flying Home for What Matters Most  31:35 – Community Building and Giving Before Getting  35:10 – Final Reflections on Relationships, Loyalty, and Legacy Connect with Arnaldo at:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnaldo-oliveras-fernandez-mba-cls-0a5ba439/ ----------------------------------- 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/

    39 min

  6. JAN 14

    33. How Strategic Partnerships Create Exponential Impact with Jill Vaughan

    Collaboration isn’t a soft skill. It’s a growth strategy. In this episode of the B-Student Podcast, Betsy sits down with Jill Vaughan, President & CEO of the Downtown Orlando Partnership, for a powerful conversation about partnership, leadership, and why choosing collaboration over competition changes everything. What begins as a discussion about working across organizations becomes a masterclass in playing the long game, building trust, and creating exponential impact without duplicating effort. Jill shares how intentional partnerships helped fuel the revitalization of Downtown Orlando and why saying “yes and” instead of guarding territory leads to stronger businesses, stronger nonprofits, and stronger communities. In this episode, we explore: Why collaboration is a smarter strategy than competitionHow partnerships help you scale without burning outLetting go of credit and focusing on collective impactPlaying the long game in business and relationshipsWhy mentorship, presence, and trust matter more than everHow to identify partnership opportunities hiding in plain sightDowntown revitalization, place-making, and community leadershipTurning disruption into opportunity after COVIDYou’ll also hear about the newly announced partnership between the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Orlando Partnership, designed to give small businesses and nonprofits expanded reach, visibility, and SEO value across Central Florida. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Intro and why collaboration beats competition02:07 – First impressions, presence, and approachability04:01 – Playing the long game in business relationships06:03 – Letting go of credit to create greater impact08:05 – Partnership as a growth strategy, not a risk10:12 – Redefining community beyond geography12:18 – Overcoming fear, intimidation, and territorial thinking14:21 – Downtown revitalization and leading through disruption16:36 – Trust, mentorship, and exponential growth through partnership18:42 – The Winter Park + Downtown Orlando partnership announcement21:04 – What small businesses and nonprofits gain from collaboration23:02 – Final takeaways and invitation to lead collaboratively   Connect with Jill at:  Linkedin: @jill-vaughan ----------------------------------- 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/

    25 min

  7. JAN 7

    32. Why Most Professionals Struggle to Get Noticed (And How to Fix It)

    Season Two of the B-Student Podcast is officially here — and this episode marks a major milestone. In this powerful and reflective conversation, Betsy is joined by Addison Cursey, longtime collaborator, former Chief Marketing Officer of the Winter Park Chamber, and now the podcast’s resident correspondent on the mindset of young professionals in today’s workplace. Together, they unpack why the B-Student Podcast has resonated so deeply with listeners and viewers, what it means to deliver mentorship at scale, and how presence, judgment, and trust have emerged as the defining themes shaping careers in a rapidly changing professional world. This episode explores:Why most podcasts fail — and how B-Student broke the oddsHow mentorship gaps are impacting young professionalsUsing podcasts, LinkedIn, and content as a “networking cheat code”Why presence (how you show up) still matters more than everThe role of professional dress, communication, and judgment in building trustWhy simplicity, consistency, and showing up win long-termHow to move from transactional work to transformational relationshipsPractical ways to stand out in the workplace without spending more moneyThis episode is for early-career professionals, leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating multi-generational workplaces while trying to build credibility, confidence, and real connection. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Season Two kickoff + why this episode matters 03:02 – Why most podcasts fail and how B-Student beat the odds 06:15 – Mentorship at scale and why young professionals are craving it 09:28 – Using the podcast as a networking and LinkedIn “cheat code” 12:41 – Presence in the workplace and why how you show up matters 15:54 – Professional dress, credibility, and signaling trust 19:06 – From transactional to relational work 22:18 – The danger of being “too precious” and learning by doing 25:31 – Building judgment as a career-defining skill 28:44 – Presence, judgment, and trust as the Season Two pillars 32:01 – Action steps: comment, engage, and build visibility 34:36 – Final reflections and Season Two invitation Connect with Addison at: Linkedin: @addisoncursey ----------------------------------- 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/

    36 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    31. We Hit 1 Million Views in Under a Year — The Power of Podcasting & Partnership

    In this special year-end episode of the B-Student Podcast, Betsy sits down with the producers behind the show, Carlos and Carolina Flores, founders of Hi Hello Labs, to unpack the power of podcasting, branding, and clear messaging in a noisy digital world. 2025 has been the “year of millions” for the B-Student Podcast. Together, the team crossed a huge milestone of 1 million YouTube views in under a year. In this conversation, they go behind the scenes on how the show launched, why they shifted from monthly to weekly distribution, and how data, AI, and intentional branding turned a simple idea into a high-impact mentorship platform for the next generation. If you are a business leader, young professional, or creator who is curious about starting a podcast or sharpening your digital footprint, this episode will help you think differently about content. From teachability and honest feedback, to video-first podcasting, wardrobe and set decisions, and how to vet the right production partners, you will hear the real story of what it takes to build “hot content” that actually works. In this episode, we cover: The B-Student journey from idea to 1M YouTube viewsWhy podcasting is the new relationship-driven business toolHow Hi Hello Labs uses data and AI to guide content strategyThe importance of being teachable and open to feedback on cameraBuilding a digital footprint that truly reflects your expertiseWhy authenticity and high production value can coexistPractical first steps if you want to launch your own showTime Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome + The Year of Millions 03:10 – Why Podcasting Works for Modern Leaders 06:25 – Introducing Hi Hello Labs 09:40 – Honest Feedback, Trust & Becoming Camera-Ready 13:05 – Authenticity, Generational Gaps & Mentorship 16:30 – Early Traction: From Monthly to Weekly Episodes 19:55 – Data, AI & Strategy Behind Podcast Growth 23:20 – Teachability, Humility & Hiring Experts 26:45 – Why Podcasting Is Replacing Traditional Media 30:10 – The Chamber’s New Digital Model 33:35 – Guest Impact, Charting Success & Global Reach 37:50 – How to Build Your Digital Footprint + Final Thoughts Connect with Carlos and Carolina at: Instagram: @carlosflores | @carolinadiplanflores | @hihellolabs Website: www.hihellolabs.com ----------------------------------- 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/

    41 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The B Student Podcast is hosted by Betsy Gardner, the President and CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. The podcast focuses on exploring the "B side" of influential and dynamic professionals. Just like the B-side of a record, where deeper, more personal passions often live, this podcast highlights the less publicized yet deeply impactful aspects of these individuals' work and lives. Betsy brings her extensive experience as a CEO, speaker, consultant, and executive coach to dive into conversations with experts from diverse fields. The goal is to provide listeners with actionable insights, strategies, and inspiration to help them succeed and create meaningful impact in their own careers and communities. Each episode introduces listeners to unique perspectives and lessons on topics like leadership, emotional intelligence, community building, and personal growth—empowering the audience to "be" more successful and impactful in their own lives. About the host: Betsy Gardner is a dynamic leader with a diverse professional background. Since January 2017, she has served as the President and CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, where she has been instrumental in modernizing the organization and implementing innovative programs to support local businesses and the community.  Under her leadership, the chamber has received national recognition, including the North American Chamber Innovation Grand Prize, surpassing larger chambers such as Greater Boston and Vancouver.  Before her tenure at the chamber, Gardner co-founded Longwave Apparel Ltd. in London, a company specializing in luxury UV-protective swimwear. She also served as the Director of Business Development for Mentore Consulting Ltd., focusing on mentoring programs for women in leadership roles.  A native of Winter Park, Florida, Gardner holds a degree in History from the University of Florida, where she was recognized for her leadership and academic achievements. She is passionate about community development and has been involved in various initiatives, such as "Relaunch: Career Re-entry for Professional Women," which assists women returning to the workforce. She is also known for advocating for important issues and her efforts to make the chamber's programming more inclusive and relevant. Her leadership style is characterized by a strong bias toward action, strategic clarity, and a commitment to driving transformative revenue growth and innovation. She is dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and is recognized for her ability to energize cross-functional teams to consistently outperform targets.  

Information

  • Creator
    Betsy Gardner
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Hi Hello Labs Network
  • Show Website
    B Student Podcast