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  • 39. Human in the Room: How to Build Trust, Judgment, and Presence in the Age of AI

    39. Human in the Room: How to Build Trust, Judgment, and Presence in the Age of AI
    2026/02/25
    What does it mean to be truly human in a workplace dominated by AI, algorithms, and automation?

    In this special episode of the B-Student Podcast, Betsy Gardner flips the script and steps into the guest seat as she’s interviewed by Addison Cursey about her new book, Human in the Room. After announcing her transition from CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce to launch Evermore Advisory, Betsy shares the framework that’s already gaining traction with business leaders across the country.

    This episode dives deep into:
    • Why trust is the new currency in leadership
    • The three pillars of trust: care, competency, and consistency
    • How good judgment separates humans from machines
    • What “managing up” really means (and why it’s not sucking up)
    • Why presence and nonverbal signals matter more than ever
    • How to build career resilience in an era of AI disruption
    • Why soft skills are the power skills of the future
    Betsy explains how Human in the Room was born out of a growing credibility crisis in business, rising generational tension in the workplace, and a disconnect between employers and employees. With practical tools, assessments, and a repeatable system, this framework helps professionals at every level show up with clarity, discernment, and confidence.

    Whether you're a young professional navigating your first leadership role, a mid-career executive refining your influence, or a CEO looking to strengthen your team’s trust and decision-making skills, this conversation will challenge and equip you.

    Time Stamps:

    00:00 – Pre-Order Announcement: Human in the Room
    02:05 – Why Betsy Is Leaving the Winter Park Chamber
    04:12 – Introducing Evermore Advisory & Addison’s New Role
    06:30 – The Foundation of Trust in Leadership
    09:10 – The 3 C’s of Trust: Care, Competency & Consistency
    12:45 – Generational Bias in the Workplace (Gen Z vs Gen X)
    15:20 – What “Managing Up” Really Means
    18:40 – The Judgment Gap: Why Smart Professionals Fail
    22:05 – AI, Influence Culture & the Credibility Crisis
    25:30 – The 3 Components of Good Judgment
    28:15 – The “Juice Test”: Is It Worth the Squeeze?
    30:40 – Leadership Presence & Nonverbal Communication
    33:20 – Grace, Failure & Rebuilding Trust
    36:10 – Why This Book Had to Be Written Now
    39:00 – Who Human in the Room Is Really For
    41:10 – Where to Pre-Order & What’s Next

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

    Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

    Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.

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

    Connect with Betsy Gardner:
    Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/

    Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/
    Pre-order your copy of Human in the Room today! Use code BSTUDENT through Friday, March 27 to receive 10% off. Books can be preordered at humanintheroombook.com.

    --------------------------------
    Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    43 分
  • 38. Why Only 1% Win on LinkedIn — The Strategy That Actually Works | Katie Lopus

    38. Why Only 1% Win on LinkedIn — The Strategy That Actually Works | Katie Lopus
    2026/02/18
    Only 1% of people on LinkedIn are posting — and your competitive advantage is simply to share your thoughts with your network.

    Today on the B-Student Podcast, we sit down with Katie Lopus, founder of Klo Marketing, former Fortune 100 social media leader for Marriott Hotels, Sheraton Hotels, Universal Studios, and St. Regis Doha, to unpack the real strategy behind building a powerful personal brand on LinkedIn and beyond.

    From being born in England and raised in Orlando to leading global hospitality brands in Qatar, Katie shares how being a global citizen sharpened her observation skills — and why observation is the hidden superpower behind great marketing.

    We cover:
    • Why LinkedIn is the most underrated career growth platform
    • The 4 types of posts anyone can create (even if you don’t think you’re a “creator”)
    • How Gen Z can network confidently without feeling “entitled”
    • How personal is too personal on LinkedIn
    • Why authenticity builds trust (but oversharing can hurt you)
    • The power of commenting strategically
    • How Katie turned a pandemic furlough into launching her own business
    • One digital habit to adopt and one to stop immediately

    If you’ve ever thought:
    “I don’t have anything to say.”
    “I’m not a content creator.”
    “I’m intimidated by LinkedIn.”
    “This feels too vulnerable.”This episode is your masterclass.Because mentorship today doesn’t require 40 years of networking — it’s one thoughtful post away.

    Time Stamps:
    • 00:00 – Welcome + Meet Katie Lopus (Klo Marketing)\
    • 02:10 – Growing Up Global: England, Ireland & Marketing Perspective
    • 04:45 – Why Authenticity Wins on Social Media
    • 07:30 – Gen Z, LinkedIn & the “Authenticity Trap”
    • 10:15 – What NOT to Share on LinkedIn
    • 12:40 – Why LinkedIn Is the Most Underrated Career Platform
    • 15:05 – Only 1% Post on LinkedIn (Huge Opportunity)
    • 17:20 – 4 Types of Content Anyone Can Post
    • 20:15 – The Power of Commenting & Tagging Strategically
    • 23:10 – How Personal Is Too Personal?
    • 26:00 – From Pandemic Furlough to Starting a Business
    • 30:05 – Digital Habits to Adopt (and Stop) + Mentorship Advice
    Connect with Katie at:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katielopusball/?hl=en
    Website: https://www.klomarketing.com/
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katielopus/

    -----------------------------------
    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/
    Let me know if you approve and if it is set for launch.
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    35 分
  • 37. Why Curiosity Is a Career Advantage | Sustainable Business, Coffee & Purpose

    37. Why Curiosity Is a Career Advantage | Sustainable Business, Coffee & Purpose
    2026/02/11
    Dr. Keith Whittingham joins Betsy Gardner for a masterclass on sharpening your curiosity muscle, building a life of learning, and leading with purpose. Keith is an Associate Professor at the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business, the owner of Artifix Cafe, and the 2026 Chair of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Board. In this conversation, he shares how his work in corporate sustainability and social responsibility led to a specialty coffee company designed to uplift coffee growers and their communities, and why shortening the distance between producer and consumer matters more than most people realize.

    You’ll hear the story behind Artifix Cafe, from annual MBA immersion trips to Costa Rica to the cloud forest community of Monteverde, where conservation, culture, and community are deeply intertwined. Keith breaks down “sustainable development” in a way that’s practical and memorable, using Costa Rica as a case study for how values-driven decisions can create long-term economic benefits. He also unpacks the real-world coffee supply chain, why farmers are often left with too little, and how new business models can create a more connected, more profitable, and more ethical path from farm to cup.

    Later, Betsy and Keith explore his unexpected career journey: a PhD in electrical engineering from Cornell, time at Bell Labs, an MBA at Rollins, and the twists that ultimately led him into business education, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. If you’re early in your career, navigating a pivot, or trying to lead with confidence in a world that’s moving fast, this episode is a blueprint for staying resilient, staying curious, and letting your values guide the way.


    Time Stamps:

    • 00:00 – Welcome + why curiosity is a career advantage
    • 03:45 – Meet Dr. Keith Whittingham (Rollins Crummer, Artifix Cafe, Chamber Chair)
    • 07:30 – What “sustainable development” actually means (in real life)
    • 11:15 – Costa Rica example: decisions that create long-term prosperity
    • 15:10 – Corporate sustainability: doing well while doing good
    • 18:45 – How Costa Rica trips led to Artifix Cafe
    • 22:25 – Monteverde + the cloud forest: community, conservation, purpose
    • 26:05 – Coffee “terroir”: why origin changes flavor (like wine)
    • 29:55 – The supply chain problem: why farmers get squeezed
    • 33:06 – Keith’s personal resiliency and mantra as “life does its thing"
    • 35:23 – How growing up as an American ex-pat led to Keith’s resiliency
    • 37:10 – Engineering PhD + Bell Labs to business professor and entrepreneur
    • 41:35 – Belonging + historic Chamber leadership moment and what it means
    • 44:47 – Final takeaways + where to find Keith and Artifix Cafe

    Connect with Keith at: Website: https://artifxcafe.com/
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithwhittinghamphd/

    -----------------------------------
    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/
    Let me know if you approve and if it is set for launch.
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    45 分
  • 36. The Details That Separate Good Trips From Great Ones | Katie Bean Travels | B Student Podcast

    36. The Details That Separate Good Trips From Great Ones | Katie Bean Travels | B Student Podcast
    2026/02/04
    Luxury travel, leadership, and culture collide in a powerful conversation with Katie Bean, founder of Katie Bean Travels, on the B Student Podcast.

    Born and raised in England and now leading a boutique luxury travel agency in the U.S., Katie shares how cultural differences around work, rest, and travel shaped her belief that luxury is the absence of worry. This conversation explores why true luxury isn’t excess or extravagance, but thoughtful planning, presence, and the freedom to disconnect from daily demands.

    Betsy and Katie unpack what separates good from great in both business and service, including why soft skills matter more than résumés, how empowering teams creates unforgettable client experiences, and why relationship-first leadership consistently outperforms transactional thinking. Katie also shares real-world stories that show how small, intentional moments can turn customers into lifelong advocates.

    The conversation expands into emerging luxury travel trends, from wellness-focused retreats and tech-free vacations to private, highly curated experiences that prioritize connection, time, and peace of mind. Katie also explains how learning to say “no” helped her refine her business, elevate her brand, and better serve the clients she’s uniquely designed to support.

    This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, leaders, and travelers who want to build businesses with heart, create meaningful experiences, and redefine success beyond hustle and accumulation.


    Time Stamps:
    • 00:00 Welcome + introduction to Katie Bean
    • 03:00 Growing up in England and the role of travel in family life
    • 06:05 Cultural differences between U.S. and UK views on work and rest
    • 09:10 Defining luxury as the absence of worry
    • 12:15 What truly differentiates a luxury travel advisor
    • 15:20 Hiring for care, passion, and soft skills over résumés
    • 18:25 Moving from good to great through empowered teams
    • 21:30 Leadership, culture, and playing the long game
    • 24:35 What modern luxury travel looks like today
    • 27:40 Wellness, tech-free travel, and presence as luxury
    • 30:45 Saying no, refining your niche, and boutique business growth
    • 33:50 Final insights on brand, care, and where to find Katie Bean

    Connect with Katie at:
    Website: https://www.katiebeantravels.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiebeantravels/

    -----------------------------------
    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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    34 分
  • 35. Luxury Isn't Expensive - It's Intentional with Guest Emily Williams

    35. Luxury Isn't Expensive - It's Intentional with Guest Emily Williams
    2026/01/28
    What is luxury really — and who gets to participate in it? In this episode of the B Student Podcast, we sit down with Emily Williams, entrepreneur, tastemaker, and owner of Be on Park and co-owner of Z Properties to explore a modern, more human definition of luxury — one rooted in belonging, craftsmanship, meaning, and personal milestones.

    Emily has built an extraordinary career spanning fine jewelry, interior design, and women’s apparel. Her work has been featured in national publications and admired far beyond Winter Park, yet her philosophy remains grounded: luxury isn’t about price tags — it’s about intention.

    In this conversation, we cover:
    -How Emily bridged real estate, design, and fine jewelry into one cohesive vision
    -Why luxury is a signal of belonging, not exclusivity
    -The difference between something being expensive vs luxurious
    -How to build a “jewelry wardrobe” at any stage of life
    -Meaningful ways to mark milestones, from engagements to personal victories
    -Why craftsmanship, weight, feel, and story matter more than trends
    -How to invite luxury into your life without spending a dollar

    Whether you’re early in your career, building a business, or simply rethinking how you celebrate life’s moments, this episode offers a refreshing, empowering lens on living beautifully — on your own terms.
    • Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the B Student Podcast
    • 01:05 – Meet Emily Williams: jewelry, real estate, and design
    • 03:10 – How her worlds of real estate, interior design and fine jewelry first connected
    • 05:45 – Self-belief over having a perfect entrepreneurial plan
    • 08:20 – Childhood roots of taste, style, and creative instinct
    • 11:00 – The pragmatism behind “pretty” luxury businesses
    • 13:30 – What luxury really means (and why it’s not about money)
    • 16:10 – Expensive vs luxurious: how to tell the difference
    • 18:45 – Luxury as belonging, identity, and personal meaning
    • 21:30 – Styling outside your comfort zone and breaking the rules
    • 24:10 – Building a jewelry wardrobe and marking milestones
    • 27:10 – Everyday luxury, rituals, and final reflections

    Connect with Emily at:
    Website: https://beonpark.com/ and www.zpropertiesinc.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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    30 分
  • 34. The Long Game of Entrepreneurship: Loyalty, Ethics, and Sustainable Growth

    34. The Long Game of Entrepreneurship: Loyalty, Ethics, and Sustainable Growth
    2026/01/21
    Welcome back to the B-Student Podcast, where we sit down with Arnaldo Oliveras, CEO of 180 Commercial Real Estate Advisors, to unpack the real superpower behind sustainable success in business: relationships, family, and playing the long game. Recognized by the U.S. Congress as a distinguished leader during Hispanic Heritage Month, Arnaldo shares how loyalty, ethics, and service-first thinking turn clients into lifelong partners and referral-driven growth into the norm, not the exception.


    From his entrepreneurial roots in Puerto Rico to building a bicultural, multinational advisory practice across Central Florida, Puerto Rico, Mexico City, and Madrid, Arnaldo explains why listening with empathy, hiring for values, and creating an elegant client experience matter more than quick wins. He dives into community building, mentorship, and why you “can’t microwave your way to the top,” offering practical wisdom for young professionals eager to move from transactional work to transformational impact.

    This conversation is packed with stories, laughs, and actionable insight for entrepreneurs, service professionals, and leaders who want business to walk in on its own two feet—built on trust, patience, and genuine human connection.

    Time Stamps:
    • 0:00 – Welcome to the B-Student Podcast + Guest Introduction
    • 3:10 – Why Relationships and Family Are Arnaldo’s Business Superpower
    • 6:05 – From Transactional to Transformational Work
    • 9:15 – Listening With Empathy and Playing the Long Game
    • 12:25 – Bicultural Leadership Across Global Markets
    • 15:40 – Why You Can’t “Microwave” Your Way to the Top
    • 18:50 – Hiring for Values Over Skills
    • 22:05 – Elegance, Brand Consistency, and Client Experience
    • 25:10 – Early Entrepreneurship Stories From Puerto Rico
    • 28:20 – Family, Time, and Flying Home for What Matters Most
    • 31:35 – Community Building and Giving Before Getting
    • 35:10 – Final Reflections on Relationships, Loyalty, and Legacy

    Connect with Arnaldo at:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnaldo-oliveras-fernandez-mba-cls-0a5ba439/

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

    33. How Strategic Partnerships Create Exponential Impact with Jill Vaughan
    2026/01/14
    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 分
  • 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)
    2026/01/07
    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 分