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

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.

  1. Oct 15

    The Work Behind Impact: Inside Nonprofit Leadership

    What if the biggest steps in your career come from stepping outside your comfort zone? From embracing unexpected opportunities to building authentic connections, growth often starts when you’re willing to take a chance. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Luke Kelly sits down with Marisa Diaz, HR and talent acquisition leader and president of ALPFA Orlando, to explore nonprofit organizations, business development, and the power of professional networking. From building an authentic personal brand to developing transferable skills that stand out to employers, this conversation dives deep into leadership, career growth, community impact, and the evolving role of professional organizations in creating opportunities for the next generation of business leaders. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 Teaser 0:22 Welcome to Nexus & Meet Matias Diaz 3:43 Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable 6:58 Why You Should Seek Discomfort 10:22 What is ALPFA? 13:45 What ALPFA Means to Me 16:52 How to Get Involved as an Introvert 24:32 Building Your Personal Brand (BYOB) 30:35 Key Characteristics Employers Look For 34:00 Understanding ALPFA’s Impact & Footprint 37:17 The Journey to Becoming President 43:17 Breaking Free from Tunnel Vision & Rigid Expectations 52:47 Why Changing Your Path Isn't a Failure 58:27 Finding the Pieces to Your Puzzle 59:09 The Importance of Giving Back to the Community 1:04:52 Outro 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com/nexus-... 💼 LinkedIn:   / nexusatucf  📱 Instagram:   / nexusatucf  🎵 TikTok:   / nexusatucf  ▶️ More episodes:    / @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-c... 🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/ 💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/unive... 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business. #NexusatUCF #BusinessInnovation #Podcast #Business #BusinessInnovation #ProfessionalNetworking #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanResources #BusinessDevelopment

  2. Oct 14

    Rooted In Principles: How Values Build A Business That Lasts

    In this episode of Nexus at UCF, we sit down with Marc Robertz-Schwartz, a media and marketing professional whose career began in television and eventually led him to build and grow his own marketing and production company. Marc shares how he spent his first 20 years after college working for television stations along the East Coast before transitioning into marketing and creative services. After being laid off in 2008, he turned that unexpected career change into an opportunity to start his own company, which he grew for 15 years. Throughout the conversation, Marc discusses the evolution of media, the growing importance of content creation and video, entrepreneurship, networking, career transitions, internships, leadership, and the importance of defining your personal values. He also discusses "The Red Apples Way", his book based on nine core values that he used to guide his business, relationships, hiring decisions, and leadership. Whether you're interested in media, marketing, entrepreneurship, or simply figuring out what you want your career and life to look like, Marc offers practical advice about being proactive, building relationships, and understanding who you are. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Nexus + Meet Marc Roberts Schwartz 11:28 From Getting Laid Off to Becoming an “Accidental Entrepreneur" 15:50 “The Game Is Different When It’s Your Money” 28:45 Finding Your Path in Modern Media 30:05 What Does Media Mean in the Creator Era? 36:39 Using Networking to Create Opportunities 38:45 Why Relationships Matter Long-Term 45:40 How Values Determine Who You Are  47:29 Family, Core Memories & What’s Next 50:36 Marc’s Final Message 51:09 (Outro) – Thank you for listening! 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com/nexus-... 💼 LinkedIn:   / nexusatucf  📱 Instagram:   / nexusatucf  🎵 TikTok:   / nexusatucf  ▶️ More episodes:    / @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-c... 🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/ 💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/unive... 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business.

  3. Aug 19

    Franchise Fever: How One Bagel Idea Became a Repeatable Business Model

    From a homemade bagel recipe to a growing franchise, Jeff Perera shares how taking a risk, putting in the work, and building a strong brand can turn a side hustle into a business. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, our host, Luke Kelly, sits down with Jeff Perera, founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run, to explore entrepreneurship, franchising, and how Jeff's Bagel Run grew from a home kitchen into a successful brand. From the financial risks of starting a business to the power of storytelling and social media, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of branding in business. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – teaser 00:14 Welcome to Nexus + Meet Jeff Perera 02:40 How Jeff’s Bagel Run started 07:51 What UCF taught Jeff + Advice on how to utilize college 12:54 When is a business ready to franchise? 16:06 Who you need to start a franchise 17:40 Utilizing social media for brand building 20:22 Past experiences become  tools for the present 22:37 Expanding a franchise in Florida + becoming a franchisee 29:06 The future of Jeff’s Bagel Run + Bagel of the day’s impact 33:08 Jeff’s advice on starting a business 33:31 (Outro) – Thank you for listening! 🔗 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.

  4. Jul 29

    Nexus Presents: Moments Worth Remembering Part 2

    Join us as we kick off Part two of our one-year anniversary special, celebrating some of the most impactful conversations and insights that have shaped Nexus at UCF over the past year. In this special anniversary edition of Nexus at UCF, we revisit standout conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, educators, and industry leaders to explore entrepreneurship and the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of business. From building resilient startups and embracing calculated risk to leveraging AI, fostering workplace culture, mentorship, and adaptability, this anniversary compilation highlights some of the most valuable lessons shared by our guests throughout Nexus at UCF's first year. As Part two of our anniversary celebration, this episode reflects on the ideas, experiences, and perspectives that continue to shape the future of business. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:51 Artificial Intelligence: Its roots, what it can do now, and what it will do 04:56 Entrepreneurship: How to be a successful founder in 2026 07:01 Entrepreneurship: Developing yourself, your brand, and your brand identity 09:55 Entrepreneurship: Take care of your customers and your stakeholders 13:02  (Outro) – Thank you for listening! 🔗 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.

  5. Jul 17

    Nexus Presents: Moments Worth Remembering

    Join us as we kick off Part One of our one-year anniversary special, celebrating some of the most impactful conversations and insights that have shaped Nexus at UCF over the past year. In this special anniversary edition of Nexus at UCF, we revisit standout conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, educators, and industry leaders to explore entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of business. From building resilient startups and embracing calculated risk to leveraging AI, fostering workplace culture, mentorship, and adaptability, this anniversary compilation highlights some of the most valuable lessons shared by our guests throughout Nexus at UCF's first year. As Part One of our anniversary celebration, this episode reflects on the ideas, experiences, and perspectives that continue to shape the future of business. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:17 Leadership: How to Succeed 03:55 Leadership: The Required Character & Perseverance 06:22 Advice: Facing storms and taking opportunities 08:47 Advice: Taking risks and finding your passion 10:25 Advice: Problem solving and being fully immersed 13:28 Advice: Joining communities and organization alignment 15:08 (Outro) – Thank you for listening! 🔗 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.

  6. Jun 10

    The Foundation of Leadership: How to Build a Career That Can Thrive in Any Room

    What does it take to become a leader people actually want to follow? From emotional intelligence to mentorship and resilience, this conversation explores the skills that make leadership transferable and impactful across industries evolving workplace. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Luke Kelly sits down with Jamie Merrill, the president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, to explore leadership development, emotional intelligence, and transferable leadership skills and how they’re shaping the future of business. From mentorship and feedback to adaptability and resilience through failure, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and its evolving role across nonprofit organizations, healthcare, and business environments. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Nexus + Meet Jamie Merrill 01:44 The importance of listening 02:30 Taking criticism + Being an approachable leader 05:34 Confidence is not innate, it's built up 06:45 Accountability + How to handle feedback 13:31 Why everyone needs mentorship + How to utilize a mentor correctly 15:54 How to get a mentor! 18:06 Learn to fail successfully + Jamie's push pull strategy 21:00 Be present with your employees 22:50 Leadership books, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset 28:42 Jamie's last pieces of advice + her most ambitious career choice 33:17 Outro – Thank you for listening! 🔗 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 #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #Mentorship #CareerGrowth #FutureLeaders

  7. May 6

    Beyond the 9-to-5: How Strategic Side Hustles Build Skills, Energy, and Opportunity

    What if your side hustle could actually give you more energy instead of draining it? In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Natalie Broadhurst sits down with Dr. Jim Gallo, Faculty Talent Management at UCF / Human Resources Principals Professor, to explore the role of side hustles in career development and personal growth, and how it’s shaping the future of business. From time management and prioritization strategies to career exploration through side hustles, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of human resources and workforce development. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Teaser 00:34 Welcome to Nexus + Meet Jim Gallo 01:49 What is a side hustle? How do you get into it? 04:12 The benefits of side hustles + How to balance it 10:17 Utilizing your side hustles’ benefits for your career 17:01 Career shifts: How to utilize side hustles to find your passion 19:54 Beginner mistakes made in taking on side hustles 22:04 Have your side hustle recharge you, not stress you! 27:04 Early career mentality: Build a foundation of long-term payoffs & explore opportunities 31:56 Summarizing concepts + Closing thoughts 34:01 (Outro) – Thank you for listening! 🔗 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.

  8. Apr 8

    Built to Bounce Back: How Resilient Leaders Shape Stronger Teams and Businesses

    What if the key to success in business isn’t avoiding failure—but learning how to rise from it? In this episode, we explore how resilience, curiosity, and strong leadership can transform both individuals and organizations. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Natalie Broadhurst sits down with Dawn Sipley, President of “Sipley The Best”, to explore resilience in the workplace and how it’s shaping the future of business. From navigating workplace challenges and building strong team culture to developing emotional intelligence and effective leadership strategies, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of human resources. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Teaser 00:31 Welcome to Nexus + Meet Dawn Sipley 01:36 What is resilience to Dawn? + How she started in HR leading to her company’s genesis 05:22 Resilience to rebound: How to keep going & what not to do 08:51 Human resources: Friend or foe? 10:26 Danger of gossip in the workplace + Importance of good character in an employee 17:14 Your character is shown in the storm 18:44 With great risk comes great reward 20:09 The importance of having a support circle to get through difficult times 25:37 The importance of strong community bonds 27:59 Professionalism in the workplace: Don’t overshare yet remain genuine + Lead by example 31:43 How to be a good mentor / boss 34:37 Human interaction: a lost gem in the workplace  36:44 How to become a resilient employee & person 42:36 Outro: Thank you for Listening! 🔗 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 #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #HRInsights #Resilience #FutureOfWork

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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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nexus at UCF
  • Show Website
    Nexus at UCF