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. 16H AGO

    50. How to Return to Work After a Career Break (With Confidence)

    Thinking about returning to work after a career break — but not sure where to start? In this episode, Ashley Billings interviews Betsy Gardner, CEO of Evermore Advisory and former President & CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. After her own 13-year career break, Betsy created the Relaunch program — a proven return-to-work program now helping professional women confidently reenter the workforce across the country. Whether you've been out of the workforce for 2 years or 15, this episode breaks down exactly what it takes to come back — not at the bottom, but at your level. What you'll learn: How to return to work after a career gap without starting overWhy women struggle with confidence after a career break (and how to rebuild it)How to update your resume, LinkedIn profile, and personal brand for reentryThe 3 drivers of every career decision: control, content, and compensationWhy forward-thinking employers are actively hiring career returners The leadership and soft skills that make returning women high-value hires This episode is for you if: You're woman considering returning to work after time off for family, caregiving, or personal reasonsYou're mid career-transition and need a confidence resetYou're an HR leader or employer looking to hire experienced returning professionals Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction + Betsy Gardner and the Relaunch program (03:05) The origin of the Relaunch program (06:10) The business case for hiring women returning to the workforce (09:15) Why women leave the workforce and struggle to return (12:20) The confidence gap after a career break (15:10) Betsy's personal career reentry story (18:05) What Relaunch teaches (branding, resumes, LinkedIn) (21:00) The psychology of returning to work after years away (24:05) Control, content, compensation: the 3 Cs of starting a job (27:10) How employers should view resume gaps in 2026 (30:00) The hidden skills career returners bring to the workplace (33:00) Final advice: stop waiting for the "right time" to return to work ----------------------------------- Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. If this episode helped you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a woman who needs to hear it. ----------------------------------- Connect with our Guest: Website: http://Humanintheroombook.com Or http://Betsygardner.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebetsygardner YouTube: @humanintheroompodcast Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/ -------------------------------- Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

    36 min
  2. 6D AGO

    49. Why Creativity and Curiosity Matter in Leadership | Jennifer Deery | B Student

    Today on the B-Student Podcast, Ashley Billings interviews Jennifer Deery, Executive Director of the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, about her journey from corporate banking leadership to nonprofit arts and culture leadership in Winter Park, Florida. Jennifer shares how growing up moving frequently helped shape her adaptability, curiosity, and leadership style. She opens up about earning her Fine Arts degree, working as an art director in the corporate world, and eventually transitioning into museum leadership and nonprofit management. This episode explores: Career pivots and professional reinventionLeadership lessons from corporate and nonprofit spacesWhy arts and culture matter to local economiesThe impact of museums and cultural institutionsThe story and legacy of sculptor Albin PolasekCreativity, curiosity, and lifelong learningHow art inspires innovation and community connectionWinter Park’s thriving arts and culture sceneStroke awareness and resilience through creativityAdvice for young creatives and aspiring leadersJennifer also shares exciting updates about upcoming exhibits, educational programming, collaborations with local organizations, and the museum’s vision for the future as it celebrates 65 years. If you’re passionate about leadership, creativity, entrepreneurship, nonprofit work, museums, community development, or personal growth, this conversation is packed with valuable insight. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Jennifer Deery & the Polasek Museum 02:08 – Childhood influences, travel, and discovering museums 04:12 – Jennifer’s first year leading the museum 06:18 – The future vision for the Polasek Museum 08:03 – Transitioning from board member to Executive Director 10:38 – Why arts and culture are economic drivers in Winter Park 13:02 – Collaboration between local museums and cultural organizations 15:02 – Jennifer’s career path from art school to corporate leadership 17:20 – Creativity, psychology, and leadership in business 18:55 – Museum tourism and attracting visitors from around the world 20:02 – Upcoming exhibits, events, and community programming 23:24 – Albin Polasek’s resilience after stroke & advice for creatives 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 our Jennifer: Website:  https://polasek.org/ LinkedIn: @jennifer-deery Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/polasekmuseum/ ----------------------------------- Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/ Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

    27 min
  3. MAY 6

    48. She Quit Law Twice, Then Invented a Water Scooter | B Student | Lindsay Kiley

    Lindsay Kiley did it twice. She stepped away from law to raise her kids, went back to try again as a lawyer, and still something didn't feel right. It wasn't until she invented the Swelly water scooter that she finally built something that felt in alignment. In this episode, host Ashley Billings talks with Lindsay about what those in-between years looked like: the failed ventures, the slow realization that returning to law wasn't the answer, and what it takes to keep going when nothing is working. The overnight success part? It's the smallest part of the story. We get into: Leaving law, returning to it, and leaving againThe Campable startup experiment and what it taught herEntrepreneurship while raising kids, the parts nobody posts aboutHow Swelly went from a garage idea to retail shelvesWhat she'd tell anyone who feels like they've missed their windowIf you're mid-pivot, stuck, or rebuilding, Lindsay's been there. More than once. This episode is part of B Student: Summer School, a limited series featuring entrepreneurs and professionals who have gone through Winter Park Chamber of Commerce leadership and talent development programming #swelly #entrepreneurship #womeninbusiness #femalefounder #smallbusiness #productbusiness #careerpivot #careerchange #workingmoms #mompreneur #founderstory #youtubepodcast #spotifypodcast #businesspodcast Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction + Meet Lindsay Kiley 02:45 Leaving Law + Entering the Unknown 05:30 Trying Again (And Why It Still Didn’t Fit) 08:10 Failed Paths: Campable + In-House Role 10:50 Starting Over Without a Plan 13:30 Building Resilience + Not Giving Up 16:00 Mom Life + Returning to Work 18:45 Entrepreneurship While Raising Kids 21:30 Launching Swelly + First Wins 24:00 Expanding the Brand + New Products 26:30 Overcoming Fear + Stepping Outside Comfort Zone 29:30 Advice for Career Pivots + Final Thoughts ----------------------------------- Listen to more episodes of B Student wherever you get your podcasts. Like this video, subscribe, and leave a comment with the moment you knew it was time to make a change. ----------------------------------- Connect with our Guest: Website: https://swelly.us/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/swelly.us/ Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/ -------------------------------- Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

    31 min
  4. APR 22

    47. Graduation Day Betsy’s Final Episode

    This is more than a farewell episode… it’s a leadership blueprint for the future of work. In this powerful final episode as host of the B Student Podcast, Betsy Gardner reflects on the biggest lessons learned from interviewing top leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across the globe. From navigating business challenges to building meaningful relationships, this episode dives deep into what truly drives success in today’s world. You’ll learn why relationships matter more than strategy, how vulnerability becomes your greatest leadership advantage, and why soft skills are the most critical asset in the age of AI. This episode also explores: Why human connection is the missing piece in modern leadershipThe growing mentorship gap in today’s workforceHow vulnerability builds trust, influence, and impactThe importance of presence, polish, and personal brandLessons from top guests including entrepreneurs, chefs, and industry leadersWhat’s next for the B Student Podcast and “B Student Summer School”If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, young professional, or someone navigating growth in your career, this episode will challenge how you think about success and equip you with the mindset needed for what’s ahead. Time Stamps: 0:00 Graduation Day & Final Episode Begins 1:30 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey 3:00 Why Relationships Matter More Than Results 4:30 The Mentorship Gap & Human Skills Crisis 6:00 Vulnerability in Leadership & Personal Growth 7:30 Learning to Show Up Authentically 9:00 The Power of Feedback & Being Coachable 10:30 Lessons from Guests & Real Conversations 12:00 The Future of Work, AI & Soft Skills 13:30 What’s Next: Summer School & New Chapter 15:00 Betsy’s Next Move & Final Thank You ----------------------------------- 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/

    16 min
  5. APR 15

    46. Mayor Buddy Dyer: The "Airport Tram" Voice Who Led Orlando Through the Pulse Tragedy | B Student

    Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer sits down with Betsy Gardner for one of the most candid conversations he's ever had on camera. Before he became Orlando's longest-serving mayor, Buddy Dyer lost his first election, felt out of his depth at Brown University, and spent time selling industrial sealant door-to-door. This is the story he doesn't usually tell - and the lessons that shaped his leadership. In this episode of B Student, Mayor Dyer opens up about how losing early turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him, the unexpected phone call from Pastor Sam Green that convinced him to run for mayor, and what he's learned about showing up for people when the stakes couldn't be higher. But the heart of this conversation is what happened on June 12, 2016. Mayor Dyer talks about the moment he got the 2am phone call about the Pulse nightclub shooting, what he did first, why he went toe-to-toe with FBI agents to insist that Orlando needed to see its mayor speak, and how grief from that night didn't fully catch up with him until the first anniversary of the tragedy. The conversation also goes deep on fatherhood, legacy, and - in a B Student exclusive - the name of Orlando's new first dog. If you're navigating setbacks, building something, or trying to lead people through hard moments, this one is worth your full attention. Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome + intro to Mayor Buddy Dyer02:15 The iconic airport tram voice & unexpected notoriety04:30 From top student to feeling average at Brown University07:45 Advice on competing in high-performance environments10:20 First political run… and losing early12:40 The “thank goodness I lost” mindset shift15:10 Selling “TerraSeal” and learning real-world skills18:00 Law school success + losing to Charlie Crist21:10 Networking, relationships, and winning people over24:30 Becoming an “accidental mayor” of Orlando27:45 Vision for Orlando + building a thriving city30:20 Leading through the Pulse nightclub shooting35:10 Crisis leadership, communication, and emotional resilience38:20 Fatherhood, legacy, and life beyond the mayor’s officeConnect with Mayor Buddy at:  X: https://x.com/orlandomayor Website: https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Mayor-City-Council/Buddy-Dyer ----------------------------------- 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
  6. APR 8

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

    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/

    39 min
  7. APR 1

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

    In this episode of the B-Student Podcast, we sit down with David Collins, CEO of Aeras Technologies and Aeras 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 Aeras 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 – Meet David Collins (CEO of Aeras 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 Aeras 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/

    39 min
  8. MAR 25

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

    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/

    40 min
5
out of 5
13 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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