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. 3D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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. MAR 18

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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