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

    49. Why Creativity and Curiosity Matter in Leadership | Jennifer Deery | B Student
    May 14 2026
    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 reinvention
    • Leadership lessons from corporate and nonprofit spaces
    • Why arts and culture matter to local economies
    • The impact of museums and cultural institutions
    • The story and legacy of sculptor Albin Polasek
    • Creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning
    • How art inspires innovation and community connection
    • Winter Park’s thriving arts and culture scene
    • Stroke awareness and resilience through creativity
    • Advice for young creatives and aspiring leaders
    Jennifer 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/
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    27 Min.
  • 48. She Quit Law Twice, Then Invented a Water Scooter | B Student | Lindsay Kiley

    48. She Quit Law Twice, Then Invented a Water Scooter | B Student | Lindsay Kiley
    May 6 2026
    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 again
    • The Campable startup experiment and what it taught her
    • Entrepreneurship while raising kids, the parts nobody posts about
    • How Swelly went from a garage idea to retail shelves
    • What she'd tell anyone who feels like they've missed their window
    If 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/
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    31 Min.
  • 47. Graduation Day Betsy’s Final Episode

    47. Graduation Day Betsy’s Final Episode
    Apr 22 2026
    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 leadership
    • The growing mentorship gap in today’s workforce
    • How vulnerability builds trust, influence, and impact
    • The importance of presence, polish, and personal brand
    • Lessons from top guests including entrepreneurs, chefs, and industry leaders
    • What’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/
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    16 Min.
  • 46. Mayor Buddy Dyer: The "Airport Tram" Voice Who Led Orlando Through the Pulse Tragedy | B Student

    46. Mayor Buddy Dyer: The "Airport Tram" Voice Who Led Orlando Through the Pulse Tragedy | B Student
    Apr 15 2026
    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 Dyer
    • 02:15 The iconic airport tram voice & unexpected notoriety
    • 04:30 From top student to feeling average at Brown University
    • 07:45 Advice on competing in high-performance environments
    • 10:20 First political run… and losing early
    • 12:40 The “thank goodness I lost” mindset shift
    • 15:10 Selling “TerraSeal” and learning real-world skills
    • 18:00 Law school success + losing to Charlie Crist
    • 21:10 Networking, relationships, and winning people over
    • 24:30 Becoming an “accidental mayor” of Orlando
    • 27:45 Vision for Orlando + building a thriving city
    • 30:20 Leading through the Pulse nightclub shooting
    • 35:10 Crisis leadership, communication, and emotional resilience
    • 38:20 Fatherhood, legacy, and life beyond the mayor’s office
    Connect 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/


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

    45. The "Only You" Rule: Rollins President Brooke Barnett on the Future of Higher Ed
    Apr 8 2026
    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/

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

    44. From Apple to Entrepreneur: Surviving COVID, Closing the Digital Divide & Leading with Empathy | David Collins
    Apr 1 2026
    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/
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    39 Min.
  • 43. From Bedside Nurse to Hospital CEO: Kelly Nierstedt's Leadership Story

    43. From Bedside Nurse to Hospital CEO: Kelly Nierstedt's Leadership Story
    Mar 25 2026
    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/
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    40 Min.
  • 42. The Secret to Event Planning: Logistics, Luxury & Last-Minute Pivots | Laura Lawton | B Student

    42. The Secret to Event Planning: Logistics, Luxury & Last-Minute Pivots | Laura Lawton | B Student
    Mar 18 2026
    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/
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    36 Min.