Nexus at UCF

Jonathan Beck, Brianna Bibona, Andrea Stefanic, Robert O'Brion, Victoria Marcano Castells, Caroline Krywonos, Dwayne Jones, Cory Gunning, Natalie Broadhurst, Shaw Bouley, Victoria Varela, Fabian Arcila
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Produced at UCF, Nexus is a premier business podcast featuring in-depth conversations with industry pioneers, scholars, leaders, and global change-makers. We dive into emerging trends, strategies, and the evolving landscape of business to equip students, professionals, and entrepreneurs with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of today, and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow. Whether it's revolutionizing industry or reshaping organizational practices, these real-world stories and insights offer a fresh perspective on innovation, impact, and the breakthroughs that occur when visionary thinking meets the pace of modern innovation.Join us as we connect you to the future of business.

Episodes

  1. DEC 1

    Unlocking Potential: The Role of Mentorship and Culture in Developing Future Innovators

    How do you build a culture that shapes tomorrow’s leaders? 🌱 In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Natalie Broadhurst sits down with Dean Sheila of the Burnett Honors College and Dean Marty, Senior Associate Dean of the Burnett Honors College, to explore the culture within the College, how leadership influences student growth, and how community-driven environments mirror successful business cultures. From developing personal and professional skills to fostering collaborative and innovative spaces, this conversation dives into leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of organizational culture in shaping future business talent. 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com/nexus-at-ucf 💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf ▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf 🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. 🔗 Connect with UCF 🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/ 📊 College of Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucf-college-of-business/posts/?feedView=all ⭐Burnett Honors College Website: https://honors.ucf.edu/ 💫Burnett Honors College LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/burnett-honors-college/posts/?feedView=all 🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/ 💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-central-florida/posts/?feedView=all 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business. #NexusatUCF #BusinessInnovation #Podcast #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #FutureOfBusiness #HigherEducationLeaders #ProfessionalGrowth

    28 min

  2. NOV 6

    Creativity as a Competitive Edge: How Innovation and Purpose Drive Modern Brand Growth

    How do creative marketing and branded experiences shape real-world connections in a digital age? ✨ In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Dwayne Jones sits down with Dean Caravelis, CEO, author, and mentor, to explore how immersive brand experiences and creative campaigns are reshaping the future of business. From leveraging branded merchandise to spark connection to building authentic offline communities in a digital world, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of marketing and brand strategy. 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com/nexus-at-ucf 💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf ▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf 🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. 🔗 Connect with UCF 🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/ 📊 College of Business on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucf-college-of-business/posts/?feedView=all 🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/ 💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-central-florida/posts/?feedView=all 🔗 Connect with Dean 🌐 Blezoo Website: https://blezoo.com/ 📖 Dean’s Book: https://a.co/d/cbyHaKO 🎵 Dean’s Mixtapes: https://www.mixcloud.com/graphtek/ 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business. #NexusatUCF #BusinessInnovation #Podcast #CreativeMarketing #BrandExperience #Entrepreneurship #UCFAlumni #HumanConnection #MarketingStrategy

    31 min

  3. OCT 16

    Bridging the Gap: Transforming Academic Learning into Business-Ready Thinking

    What does it really take to bridge the gap between college and the real world? 🎓✨ In this inspiring conversation, we explore how academic learning can transform into business-ready thinking, and why hands-on experience, soft skills, and adaptability matter more than ever. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Natalie Broadhurst sits down with Dr Christopher Leo, a business consultant, mentor, and associate lecturer at UCF’s College of Business, to explore how education and practical experience intersect to shape the future of business. From early work experience and the power of internships to AI, LinkedIn, and the evolution of business education, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of higher education. 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com/nexus-at-ucf 💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf ▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf 🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. 🔗 Connect with UCF 🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/ 📊 College of Business on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucf-college-of-business/posts/?feedView=all 🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/ 💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-central-florida/posts/?feedView=all 🔗 Connect with Christopher Leo ▶️ LeaderShrimp Scampi: https://www.youtube.com/@christopherleo8632 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business. #NexusatUCF #BusinessInnovation #Podcast #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #UCFBusiness #FutureOfWork #AIinBusiness #Nexus

    47 min

  4. SEP 26

    Beyond Compliance: How Accessibility Unlocks New Markets and Experiences

    In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Dwayne Jones sits down with Tim Fischer, CEO of ADA Lift Rentals of America and Southeast Elevator, to explore accessibility and how it’s shaping the future of business. From home elevators that allow people to age in place to ADA-compliant solutions for major sporting and music events, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of accessibility in creating inclusive experiences. 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com/nexus-at-ucf 💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf ▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf 🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. 🔗 Connect with UCF 🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/ 📊 College of Business on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucf-college-of-business/posts/?feedView=all 🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/ 💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-central-florida/posts/?feedView=all 🔗 Connect with Tim’s Businesses 🌐Southeast Elevator: https://seelevator.com/ 🌐ADA Lift Rentals of America: https://adaliftrentals.com/ 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business. #NexusatUCF #Nexus #Podcast #Business #BusinessInnovation #AccessibilityInBusiness #InclusiveDesign #FutureOfEvents #UniversalDesign #ADAInnovation

    38 min

  5. SEP 8

    From Data Mess to Data Mastery: Leadership, Strategy, and the Impact of Master Data Management

    Clean data isn’t just numbers—it’s the key to safer, smarter, and more profitable business.  In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Cory Gunning sits down with Dave Kuketz, Vice President of MDM Global Strategies at Sphera, to explore Master Data Management (MDM) and how it’s shaping the future of business. From the challenges of data governance to the critical role of clean data in safety, sustainability, and operational excellence, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of data in driving success. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to Nexus + Dave Kuketz Intro 01:41 - What inspired your path to data strategy? 03:42 - What is Master Data Management (MDM)? 05:26 - When did MDM start becoming a critical business function? 07:26 - Are there industries that benefit more using MDM? 09:02 - Does every business need MDM? 09:18 - What are the key components of MDM? 12:23 - Is MDM more prevalent in 2025 than ever before? 14:26 - How do organizations begin to implement MDM? 14:59 - The 9P’s 16:12 - Agile supply chain 17:45 - Organizational communication 19:28 - Governance and keeping data clean 20:45 - KPIs 21:09 - Parts and equipment 22:47 - Can MDM be outsourced? 24:31 - What are the biggest challenges with MDM? 29:06 - How do you measure success with MDM? 33:16 - What are some emerging data management trends? 38:55 - What’s something we can take away from your experience? 40:45 - Race analogy 42:55 - Why do cars have brakes? 43:42 - Final thoughts 44:13 - Thank you for tuning in! 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com/nexus-at-ucf 💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf ▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf 🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. 🔗 Connect with UCF 🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/ 📊 College of Business on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucf-college-of-business/posts/?feedView=all 🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/ 💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-central-florida/posts/?feedView=all 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business. #NexusatUCF #BusinessInnovation #Podcast #Business #BusinessInnovation #DataStrategy #EnterpriseTransformation #MasterDataManagement #BusinessGrowth #FutureofWork

    45 min
  6. The Magic of Immersion: Why Theme Parks are Betting Big on Experience

    AUG 20

    The Magic of Immersion: Why Theme Parks are Betting Big on Experience

    Theme parks aren’t just selling tickets—they’re selling worlds. Here’s how immersive design drives guest loyalty and revenue. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Dwayne Jones sits down with Dr. Ray Eddy, award-winning UCF professor and former Disney stuntman, to explore how immersive experiences are transforming business. From the psychology of immersion to the future of AI-driven theme parks, this episode is packed with insights for anyone in entertainment, tech, or innovation. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00:00 – Welcome to Nexus + Dr. Ray Eddy Intro. 00:01:50 - What was it like being Indiana Jones at Disney? 00:03:51 - What is immersion and how does it affect us? 00:06:05 - Tell us more about the research you've done. 00:10:08 - What makes an experience truly immersive? 00:13:23 - Are there levels of immersion designers aim for? 00:15:34 - What’s next for immersion and AI in entertainment? 00:17:42 - The business case for immersive lands in theme parks. 00:19:55 - How immersion drives attendance and revenue. 00:22:25 - Are storytellers writing with theme parks in mind? 00:23:45 - What does the future of immersion look like for the parks? 00:25:45 - How rapid are these innovations coming? 00:27:59 - Final thoughts: personalization, passion, and innovation. 00:29:25 - Thank you for tuning in! 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf ▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf 🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. 🔗 Connect with UCF 🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/ 📊 College of Business on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucf-college-of-business/posts/?feedView=all 🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/ 💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-central-florida/posts/?feedView=all 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business. #NexusatUCF #Nexus #Podcast #BusinessInnovation #ImmersiveDesign #ThemeParkStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #AIandStorytelling #LeadershipInBusiness

    30 min
  7. Coming Soon...

    AUG 6

    Coming Soon...

    On 8/20, grab your headphones, and prepare for launch...

    7 sec

Trailer

About

Produced at UCF, Nexus is a premier business podcast featuring in-depth conversations with industry pioneers, scholars, leaders, and global change-makers. We dive into emerging trends, strategies, and the evolving landscape of business to equip students, professionals, and entrepreneurs with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of today, and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow. Whether it's revolutionizing industry or reshaping organizational practices, these real-world stories and insights offer a fresh perspective on innovation, impact, and the breakthroughs that occur when visionary thinking meets the pace of modern innovation.Join us as we connect you to the future of business.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Beck, Brianna Bibona, Andrea Stefanic, Robert O'Brion, Victoria Marcano Castells, Caroline Krywonos, Dwayne Jones, Cory Gunning, Natalie Broadhurst, Shaw Bouley, Victoria Varela, Fabian Arcila
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Nexus at UCF
  • Show Website
    Nexus at UCF