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  • 33. How Strategic Partnerships Create Exponential Impact with Jill Vaughan

    33. How Strategic Partnerships Create Exponential Impact with Jill Vaughan
    Jan 14 2026
    Collaboration isn’t a soft skill. It’s a growth strategy.


    In this episode of the B-Student Podcast, Betsy sits down with Jill Vaughan, President & CEO of the Downtown Orlando Partnership, for a powerful conversation about partnership, leadership, and why choosing collaboration over competition changes everything.

    What begins as a discussion about working across organizations becomes a masterclass in playing the long game, building trust, and creating exponential impact without duplicating effort. Jill shares how intentional partnerships helped fuel the revitalization of Downtown Orlando and why saying “yes and” instead of guarding territory leads to stronger businesses, stronger nonprofits, and stronger communities.

    In this episode, we explore:
    • Why collaboration is a smarter strategy than competition
    • How partnerships help you scale without burning out
    • Letting go of credit and focusing on collective impact
    • Playing the long game in business and relationships
    • Why mentorship, presence, and trust matter more than ever
    • How to identify partnership opportunities hiding in plain sight
    • Downtown revitalization, place-making, and community leadership
    • Turning disruption into opportunity after COVID
    You’ll also hear about the newly announced partnership between the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Orlando Partnership, designed to give small businesses and nonprofits expanded reach, visibility, and SEO value across Central Florida.

    Time Stamps:
    • 00:00 – Intro and why collaboration beats competition
    • 02:07 – First impressions, presence, and approachability
    • 04:01 – Playing the long game in business relationships
    • 06:03 – Letting go of credit to create greater impact
    • 08:05 – Partnership as a growth strategy, not a risk
    • 10:12 – Redefining community beyond geography
    • 12:18 – Overcoming fear, intimidation, and territorial thinking
    • 14:21 – Downtown revitalization and leading through disruption
    • 16:36 – Trust, mentorship, and exponential growth through partnership
    • 18:42 – The Winter Park + Downtown Orlando partnership announcement
    • 21:04 – What small businesses and nonprofits gain from collaboration
    • 23:02 – Final takeaways and invitation to lead collaboratively


    Connect with Jill at:
    Linkedin: @jill-vaughan

    -----------------------------------
    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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    25 Min.
  • 32. Why Most Professionals Struggle to Get Noticed (And How to Fix It)

    32. Why Most Professionals Struggle to Get Noticed (And How to Fix It)
    Jan 7 2026
    Season Two of the B-Student Podcast is officially here — and this episode marks a major milestone.


    In this powerful and reflective conversation, Betsy is joined by Addison Cursey, longtime collaborator, former Chief Marketing Officer of the Winter Park Chamber, and now the podcast’s resident correspondent on the mindset of young professionals in today’s workplace.

    Together, they unpack why the B-Student Podcast has resonated so deeply with listeners and viewers, what it means to deliver mentorship at scale, and how presence, judgment, and trust have emerged as the defining themes shaping careers in a rapidly changing professional world.

    This episode explores:
    • Why most podcasts fail — and how B-Student broke the odds
    • How mentorship gaps are impacting young professionals
    • Using podcasts, LinkedIn, and content as a “networking cheat code”
    • Why presence (how you show up) still matters more than ever
    • The role of professional dress, communication, and judgment in building trust
    • Why simplicity, consistency, and showing up win long-term
    • How to move from transactional work to transformational relationships
    • Practical ways to stand out in the workplace without spending more money
    This episode is for early-career professionals, leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating multi-generational workplaces while trying to build credibility, confidence, and real connection.

    Time Stamps:
    00:00 – Season Two kickoff + why this episode matters
    03:02 – Why most podcasts fail and how B-Student beat the odds
    06:15 – Mentorship at scale and why young professionals are craving it
    09:28 – Using the podcast as a networking and LinkedIn “cheat code”
    12:41 – Presence in the workplace and why how you show up matters
    15:54 – Professional dress, credibility, and signaling trust
    19:06 – From transactional to relational work
    22:18 – The danger of being “too precious” and learning by doing
    25:31 – Building judgment as a career-defining skill
    28:44 – Presence, judgment, and trust as the Season Two pillars
    32:01 – Action steps: comment, engage, and build visibility
    34:36 – Final reflections and Season Two invitation

    Connect with Addison at:
    Linkedin: @addisoncursey

    -----------------------------------

    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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    36 Min.
  • 31. We Hit 1 Million Views in Under a Year — The Power of Podcasting & Partnership

    31. We Hit 1 Million Views in Under a Year — The Power of Podcasting & Partnership
    Dec 17 2025
    In this special year-end episode of the B-Student Podcast, Betsy sits down with the producers behind the show, Carlos and Carolina Flores, founders of Hi Hello Labs, to unpack the power of podcasting, branding, and clear messaging in a noisy digital world.

    2025 has been the “year of millions” for the B-Student Podcast. Together, the team crossed a huge milestone of 1 million YouTube views in under a year. In this conversation, they go behind the scenes on how the show launched, why they shifted from monthly to weekly distribution, and how data, AI, and intentional branding turned a simple idea into a high-impact mentorship platform for the next generation.

    If you are a business leader, young professional, or creator who is curious about starting a podcast or sharpening your digital footprint, this episode will help you think differently about content. From teachability and honest feedback, to video-first podcasting, wardrobe and set decisions, and how to vet the right production partners, you will hear the real story of what it takes to build “hot content” that actually works.

    In this episode, we cover:
    • The B-Student journey from idea to 1M YouTube views
    • Why podcasting is the new relationship-driven business tool
    • How Hi Hello Labs uses data and AI to guide content strategy
    • The importance of being teachable and open to feedback on camera
    • Building a digital footprint that truly reflects your expertise
    • Why authenticity and high production value can coexist
    • Practical first steps if you want to launch your own show
    Time Stamps:

    00:00 – Welcome + The Year of Millions
    03:10 – Why Podcasting Works for Modern Leaders
    06:25 – Introducing Hi Hello Labs
    09:40 – Honest Feedback, Trust & Becoming Camera-Ready
    13:05 – Authenticity, Generational Gaps & Mentorship
    16:30 – Early Traction: From Monthly to Weekly Episodes
    19:55 – Data, AI & Strategy Behind Podcast Growth
    23:20 – Teachability, Humility & Hiring Experts
    26:45 – Why Podcasting Is Replacing Traditional Media
    30:10 – The Chamber’s New Digital Model
    33:35 – Guest Impact, Charting Success & Global Reach
    37:50 – How to Build Your Digital Footprint + Final Thoughts


    Connect with Carlos and Carolina at:
    Instagram: @carlosflores | @carolinadiplanflores | @hihellolabs

    Website: www.hihellolabs.com

    -----------------------------------
    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.
  • 30. From Refugee to Congress: Stephanie Murphy on Belonging, Leadership, and America’s Future

    30. From Refugee to Congress: Stephanie Murphy on Belonging, Leadership, and America’s Future
    Dec 10 2025
    In this episode of The B-Student Podcast, host Betsy Gardner, president of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, sits down with former U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy for a powerful conversation on belonging, bipartisanship, and the future of American communities.


    Stephanie shares her remarkable journey from escaping communist Vietnam as a six-month-old baby on a boat, to being rescued by the U.S. Navy, growing up in rural Virginia, working at the Department of Defense after 9/11, and eventually representing Central Florida in Congress. She reflects on how that immigrant experience shaped her deep sense of gratitude, service, and responsibility to make room for others at the table.

    Together, Betsy and Stephanie dig into:
    • How social media and Big Tech are eroding our sense of connection
    • Why belonging is a public health and economic crisis, not just a feeling
    • What it really looks like to lead from the center and call “balls and strikes” in a hyper-partisan Washington
    • The skills that young people will need in an AI-enabled world, including emotional intelligence, curiosity, and real-world people skills
    • Why Stephanie chose to step away from Congress for her family, and why she is now running for Orange County Mayor to tackle affordability, housing, and thoughtful growth in Central Florida
    Time Stamps:
    00:00 – Introduction + Why Belonging Matters
    02:45 – Stephanie Murphy’s immigrant journey from Vietnam
    05:30 – Being rescued by the U.S. Navy + early lessons in gratitude
    08:10 – Growing up in rural Virginia and navigating belonging
    10:55 – From Department of Defense to Congress
    13:40 – Bipartisanship, moderation, and leading from the center
    16:25 – Social media, polarization, and the belonging crisis
    19:10 – Emotional intelligence in an AI-enabled world
    21:55 – Parenting, identity, and choosing to leave Congress
    24:40 – The affordability crisis + Central Florida’s future
    27:25 – Rethinking housing, zoning, and community planning
    30:10 – Stephanie’s run for Orange County Mayor
    32:55 – Lightning round: books, emojis, and walk-up song
    35:20 – Final reflections + where to find Stephanie Murphy

    Connect with Stephanie:
    Instagram: @murphyforocmayor
    Website: murphyformayor.com

    -----------------------------------

    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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    36 Min.
  • 29. How to Build Trust in a World That Moves Fast — with Laura Walda

    29. How to Build Trust in a World That Moves Fast — with Laura Walda
    Dec 3 2025
    Loyalty might sound old-fashioned, but in an AI-enabled world, it’s quickly becoming one of the most powerful “unautomatable” skills you can have. In this episode of the B-Student Podcast, we sit down with attorney and community leader Laura Walda, shareholder at Lowndes, to explore what loyalty really looks like in law, leadership, friendship, and civic life.


    Laura shares her journey from growing up in Indiana and working in state government to becoming a law partner, board chair, mom, and deeply engaged community advocate in Orlando. Together, we unpack how loyalty shows up in real client relationships, how to build a reputation you don’t want to lose, and why saying “I’ve got your back” still matters in a world obsessed with speed and short-term gains.

    In this Episode you’ll learn:
    • How to practice loyalty in your career without becoming a doormat
    • Why reliability (showing up when you say you will) is a quiet superpower
    • Navigating mistakes, owning them, and building long-term trust
    • What it means to have someone’s back in business, law, and community work
    • How women in law and business are reshaping the “one seat at the table” mindset
    • Balancing work, family, and board service without losing yourself
    • Why the next generation views loyalty to employers differently — and how firms must adapt
    • The human qualities AI can’t replace: credibility, judgment, trust, and character
    Time Stamps:
    00:00 – Introduction + Laura Walda’s accolades
    02:18 – How Laura found her path to law
    05:10 – Early career lessons from state government
    07:42 – Choosing Lowndes + community-minded career values
    10:25 – Balancing partnership, motherhood, and leadership
    13:04 – Loyalty inside the attorney–client relationship
    15:33 – When loyalty costs you
    18:49 – The meaning of “I’ve got your back”
    21:12 – Women in law, mentorship, and breaking old models
    24:45 – Redefining loyalty in a new workforce era
    27:58 – Listening, trust, and building a better workplace
    30:40 – Why AI can’t replace credibility and judgment
    33:02 – Everyday loyalty “hacks” for young professionals
    35:15 – Serving your community with purpose
    36:20 – Final reflections + closing

    Connect with Laura:
    Linkedin: @laura-walda
    Website: lowndes-law.com

    -----------------------------------
    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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    37 Min.
  • 28. Dress Smarter, Lead Stronger: Fashion Tips from Stylist Fiona Rubie

    28. Dress Smarter, Lead Stronger: Fashion Tips from Stylist Fiona Rubie
    Nov 19 2025
    What you wear is a message. In this B-Student Study Abroad episode, host Betsy Gardner sits down in London with Fiona Rubie — fashion stylist and brand consultant, former Fashion Director at BOAT International, and former Senior Fashion Editor at Harper’s Bazaar UK and InStyle UK. With credits spanning Eva Green, Linda Evangelista, and brand work for Graff, Monica Vinader, and Bergdorf Goodman, Fiona shows how style can build trust, credibility, and presence.

    In this Episode you’ll learn:
    • How to curate a professional presence that signals trust
    • “Buy the outfit, not the separate” to end morning stress
    • Capsule formulas that work in real life (tailoring, denim, knits, loafers)
    • When to invest: coat, bag, belt, and shoes that elevate everything
    • Mixing vintage finds with modern accessories for a unique look
    • Using tailoring to read the room in high-stakes meetings
    • Color and silhouette basics that flatter and feel like you
    • Why dressing well changes your mindset and outcomes

    Quick tips from Fiona:
    • Buy the full look the day you shop, so it’s ready to wear
    • Build capsules by color (navy, black, gray, neutrals)
    • Keep a go-to uniform: blazer + knit + great jeans + flats or heels
    • Blend high/low: Uniqlo tee, designer belt, polished bag
    • Create a simple mood board so you shop with intention
    Time Stamps:
    • 00:00 – Intro & why presence builds trust
    • 04:12 – Meet Fiona Rubie: editor to stylist (Emily Blunt era)
    • 08:25 – From magazines to private clients: the 2020 pivot
    • 12:40 – Confidence as “armor”: tailoring, denim, knits, loafers
    • 16:55 – Rule #1: buy the outfit (end the land of lost skirts)
    • 21:10 – Capsules by color + high/low mixing (bag, belt, shoes)
    • 25:25 – Signaling trust in high-stakes rooms (men & women)
    • 29:40 – Case studies on seasons, events
    • 33:55 – Winter essentials: invest in coats, mood boards, vintage hacks
    • 38:10 – Joy > trackies: mindset, quick lifts, where to find Fiona
    Connect with Fiona:
    Instagram: @fionarubie
    Website: fionarubie.com

    -----------------------------------
    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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    40 Min.
  • 27. Juliet Mayhew’s Playbook for Influence, Community, and Courage

    27. Juliet Mayhew’s Playbook for Influence, Community, and Courage
    Nov 12 2025
    Give first. Get later. In this B-Student Study Abroad episode, host Betsy Gardner sits down in London with her longtime friend Juliet Mayhew — actress turned event and lifestyle imaginator, philanthropist, brand personality, and cast member of Real Housewives of London — to unpack the “give first” mindset that can transform your work, your network, and your life.


    You’ll hear Juliet’s global story from Queensland to London, what fearless generosity looks like in action, and how simple encouragement can unlock extraordinary results on any team.

    In this episode:
    • The “give first, get later” approach to business and networking
    • Turning encouragement into a leadership advantage
    • Choosing community over isolation and scarcity
    • Building a bigger life through curiosity and global citizenship
    • Practical ways to serve wherever you are
    • Faith over fear and taking the next brave step

    Time Stamps:00:00 – Welcome to The B-Student Podcast
    01:00 – Meet Juliet Mayhew: Real Housewives of London & global citizen
    4:30 – Fearless beginnings and lessons from a life of service
    08:45 – The moment she saved a life and the Scotland Yard award
    11:40 – “Give first, get later”: generosity as a success strategy
    15:20 – Encouragement over criticism: leadership that uplifts
    19:10 – Love languages, marriage, and family values
    23:00 – From acting to entrepreneurship and global living
    28:30 – Finding belonging and faith in London life
    33:50 – Final reflections: courage, community, and giving first


    Connect with Juliet:
    Instagram: @juicymayhew

    -----------------------------------
    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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    37 Min.
  • 26. 10 London Must-Dos + Life Lessons You’ll Actually Use

    26. 10 London Must-Dos + Life Lessons You’ll Actually Use
    Nov 5 2025
    Welcome back to The B-Student Podcast with your host Betsy Gardner — where we explore the B-Side of people’s stories: the lessons, curiosities, and moments that shape who we become and how we show up in life, leadership, and business.


    In this special Study Abroad episode, Betsy takes us to London, England, her former home and one of the cities that most transformed her personally and professionally. She shares her Top 10 things to do in London — from hidden museums and cozy theaters to parks, pubs, and perfect martinis — plus the deeper life lessons she learned living abroad.

    You’ll hear how living in London taught her to:
    • Slow down and savor life’s beauty
    • Lead with curiosity instead of certainty
    • Build belonging in unfamiliar places
    • Find transformation through challenge and community
    • Embrace both/and thinking instead of either/or
    If you love travel, culture, and thoughtful reflections on how our environments shape who we become, this episode will inspire you to see the world — and yourself — a little differently.

    Time Stamps:
    • 00:00 – Welcome to The B-Student Podcast
    • 00:40 – Betsy’s London connection & why travel changes us
    • 02:10 – Top 10 must-do experiences in London
    • 03:20 – Favorite museums & theaters off the beaten path
    • 05:10 – Where to shop, sip, and savor in style
    • 06:55 – Slowing down to enjoy beauty and simplicity
    • 08:40 – How London transformed Betsy’s perspective
    • 10:30 – The power of curiosity and cultural connection
    • 12:15 – Living with intention: capsule wardrobes & savoring life
    • 14:20 – Finding belonging and community abroad
    • 16:10 – Holding space for both/and thinking
    • 18:00 – Lessons in resilience, gratitude, and friendship
    • 20:10 – Champagne on a Tuesday: a life philosophy
    • 21:40 – Final reflections & invitation to subscribe
    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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    22 Min.