B Student Podcast

Betsy Gardner

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. 2D AGO

    42. The Secret to Event Planning: Logistics, Luxury & Last-Minute Pivots | Laura Lawton | B Student

    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/

    36 min
  2. MAR 11

    41. Orlando Magic’s Ryan DeVos on Legacy, Leadership & The Future of Sports

    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 Room01:05 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 Wings08:30 Introvert to “Trained Extrovert”10:20 Building a New Lane Inside a Legacy Organization12:25 Failure Tolerance as the Precursor to Innovation15:00 Family Ethos: Risk, Entrepreneurship, and Responsibility17:20 Magic Gaming: Why the NBA 2K League Made Sense20:10 How Ryan Built Trust and Credibility Early On23:05 Opportunity + Responsibility and Seventh-Generation Thinking26:10 Family First: Choosing a Different Path and Prioritizing Kids29:10 Pickleball Play: Orlando Squeeze + Why It’s Growing Fast32:20 Hamlin House: Elevating the Club Experience and Community35:30 What’s Next: Managing Director Role and Focus for the Future36:35 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/

    38 min
  3. MAR 5

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

    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/

    35 min
  4. FEB 25

    39. Human in the Room: How to Build Trust, Judgment, and Presence in the Age of AI

    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 leadershipThe three pillars of trust: care, competency, and consistencyHow good judgment separates humans from machinesWhat “managing up” really means (and why it’s not sucking up)Why presence and nonverbal signals matter more than everHow to build career resilience in an era of AI disruptionWhy soft skills are the power skills of the futureBetsy 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/

    43 min
  5. FEB 18

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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.  

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