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

    53. From Launching Old Navy & PINK to Building a Local Coffee Shop | Tracy Liffey | B Student

    Tracy Liffey spent years helping launch some of the most iconic retail brands in the world, including Old Navy and PINK by Victoria's Secret, eventually overseeing creative teams of more than 100 people. But despite a highly successful corporate career, she chose to make a major pivot. Today, she is the founder of New General Café, a beloved clean food and coffee brand in Winter Park, Florida. In this episode of the B Student podcast, host Ashley Billings sits down with Tracy to talk about what it takes to leave corporate America and build a business from scratch. Tracy shares an honest look at the identity shift that happens when you leave a major job, the daily realities of entrepreneurship and working motherhood, and how to build a business that values community and connection over quick trends. Throughout this episode, Tracy shares: The realities of walking away from an executive corporate careerBehind-the-scenes lessons from launching global brands like Old Navy and PINKLearning a completely new industry from scratch and building New General CafeHow to listen to your customers and pivot when things get tough (including navigating COVID)The identity shift that comes with leaving a successful career to start overBalancing the demands of entrepreneurship with working motherhoodPractical advice for anyone navigating a major career transition or launching a small businessTime Stamps: (00:00) Welcome to The B Student Podcast (02:15) How New General became a community hub (05:30) Leaving corporate America to be more present (08:10) The original vision for New General Cafe (11:25) Listening to customers and pivoting fast (14:40) Creating healthier coffee and food options (17:55) Learning the food and beverage business (20:45) Building with community support in Winter Park (23:30) Navigating COVID as a small business (26:45) The reality of entrepreneurship as a working mom (30:10) Lessons from Gap, Old Navy, PINK, and Victoria’s Secret (33:20) Advice for women considering a career pivot ----------------------------------- Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. ----------------------------------- Connect with our Guest: LinkedIn:  @tracy-brand-liffey Website: https://www.newgeneral.us/ Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/ -------------------------------- Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/  #BStudentPodcast #WinterParkFL #NewGeneral #WomenInBusiness #CorporatePivot #Entrepreneurship #OldNavy #VictoriasSecretPINK #SmallBusinessOwner #CareerTransition

    35 min
  2. Jun 3

    52. 25 Years at Disney: Leadership Lessons & Career Reinvention with RK Kelley

    In this episode of the B Student podcast, RK Kelley shares her incredible career journey from spending more than 25 years in leadership roles at Disney to becoming a driving force behind the Central Florida Pledge, a community initiative dedicated to fostering dignity, respect, and civil discourse across Central Florida. RK discusses career transitions, purpose-driven leadership, mentorship, women in leadership, community engagement, Disney leadership lessons, workplace culture, and the challenges facing organizations in today's divided environment. Throughout the conversation, RK discusses:Disney Leadership Lessons: What 25+ years in global operations taught RK about workplace culture and respect.Career Reinvention: Navigating the shift from a high-intensity executive role to a purpose-driven "second act." The Central Florida Pledge: Why dignity and civil discourse are the most critical tools for today’s community leaders. Redefining Success: How to prioritize family and values while maintaining professional impact. RK also shares how stepping away from a demanding executive career allowed her to redefine success, prioritize family, and embrace a purpose-driven chapter focused on creating lasting impact. If you're exploring a career change, leadership growth, personal development, women in business, nonprofit leadership, or community impact, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration. Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 02:01 What Is the Central Florida Pledge? 04:26 Why RK Kelley Chose a Purpose-Driven Career 06:45 How Businesses Can Get Involved 09:12 Creating Respectful Dialogue Across Differences 11:35 The Biggest Challenge Facing Communities Today 13:57 A Vision for Central Florida's Future 16:20 Why Listening Is a Critical Leadership Skill 17:42 Lessons Learned from 25+ Years at Disney 20:35 The Relaunch Program and Career Reinvention 24:15 Mentorship, Self-Doubt, and Growth 28:08 Redefining Success Through Purpose and Family ----------------------------------- Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. ----------------------------------- Connect with our Guest: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rk-little-kelley Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce:  https://www.winterpark.org/ -------------------------------- Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

    31 min
  3. May 27

    51. The Soft Skills AI Can’t Touch: Career Success & Real Estate with Courtney Pelfrey

    How do you pivot careers from higher ed to real estate while managing motherhood and a family business? Courtney Pelfrey (Miller Grant & Company) joins Ashley Billings on the B Student Podcast to reveal the reality of building a relationship-based business in Winter Park, FL. In this episode, we go past the transaction to discuss the emotional side of home buying, the truth about career transitions, and the "secret" soft skill every professional needs: curiosity. Watch the full conversation to learn: The Pivot: How Courtney moved from 10 years in collegiate career services into the real estate industry.The "Baby" Metaphor: Why closing on a home is like bringing home a baby and why aftercare matters.Curiosity vs. AI: Why curiosity is the leadership skill technology can't replicate.Family Dynamics: The challenges and rewards of running a brokerage with your father and sister.Working Motherhood: Practical wisdom on staying present as a mom while building a recognizable local brand.Relationship Business: Why being "purpose-driven" wins over trends every time. Whether you're a relauncher returning to the workforce, a new agent, or a business owner in a new season of life, Courtney’s journey offers a roadmap for staying aligned with your values. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating a new season in life or business. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Meet Courtney Pelfrey & Her Career Pivot Story02:12 – Why She Left Higher Education for Real Estate04:48 – Building a Family-Owned Real Estate Business05:31 – Why Closing on a Home is Like Bringing Home a Baby07:15 – Working With Family: Strengths, Roles & Dynamics09:42 – Creating a Relationship-Driven Real Estate Brand12:18 – The Emotional Side of Buying & Selling Homes14:36 – How Career Services Prepared Her for Real Estate17:08 – The Reality of Working Motherhood & Flexibility19:45 – Balancing Business, Kids & Boundaries at Home22:04 – Social Media, Branding & Standing Out in Real Estate24:26 – Advice for Young Realtors Starting Their Careers26:18 – Why Curiosity Is a Powerful Leadership Skill That AI Can’t Replace28:10 – Serving the Winter Park Community & What’s Next for Miller Grant ----------------------------------- Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. ----------------------------------- Connect with our Guest: Website: https://millergrantandco.com/ Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/courtneympelfrey/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneympelfrey/ Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/ -------------------------------- Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

    30 min
  4. May 20

    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
  5. May 14

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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.