Presence. Judgment. Trust.
Build the credibility that makes people want to follow, fund and promote you.
Author. Speaker. CEO.
Betsy Gardner
Be the Human in The Room.
I’ve spent my career studying what makes people trust, follow, and bet on certain leaders, and why others with equal talent get overlooked. The answer isn’t luck. It’s a system. I wrote Human in the Room to give you that system: the pillars for presence, judgment, and trust—that I’ve learned the hard way.
Human in the Room is coming this Spring. Presales are now open.
Clients include:
Many leaders feel frustrated and stuck — perhaps you do, too.
Sound Familiar?
Are your emerging leaders technically excellent but struggling to earn trust in the room?
Have you built expertise but struggle to translate it into the kind of influence that opens doors?
Have you been told you’re “not quite ready” for the next level without being told what’s actually missing?
Have you spent money on training that didn’t change how your people actually show up?
Do you wonder why less talented people keep getting promoted over you?
Human in the Room isn’t inspiration. It’s a system. And it works.
ABOUT
I’m Betsy, And I’ve spent my career learning what no one teaches YoU.
I've led organizations, built teams, and sat in rooms where careers were made or stalled with a single decision. Along the way, I discovered a pattern: the people who rise aren't always the most talented. They're the ones who've mastered Presence, Judgment, and Trust.
Working across industries and global markets, I’ve guided organizations through growth, turnarounds, and transformation. But my real work is helping leaders become the person people turn to when the stakes are high.
That's why I wrote Human in the Room. Because the skills that matter most are the ones no one teaches—until now.
I go by many different names.
CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce
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Author, Human in the Room: The New Art of Presence, Judgement & Trust
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Marathon Finisher: New York and San Diego
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Host of the B Student Podcast
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Graduate, Erma Bombeck Humor Writers’ Workshop
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Mom to Haden and Lucy, two grown and launched adults
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Dog mom to Axel - a Cockapoo
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what can you expect when working with me
Whether I'm keynoting, teaching, or consulting, I help leaders master what actually moves careers: trust that opens doors, judgment that earns respect, presence that commands the room. You’ll gain a system, not just inspiration, and hear honesty that helps you grow.
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Resilience and Future-Readiness
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Empowered and Diverse Leadership
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Innovative and High-Impact Solutions
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Robust Board Governance
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Strategic Turnaround and Sustainable Growth
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Increased Stakeholder and Community Impact
Speaking
InspirING teams and EncouragING Them To Take Action
KEynote Topics
Human in the Room: The Three Pillars That Separate Those Who Get Promoted from Those Who Get Passed Over
Trust Equity: How to Build, Measure, and Repair the Currency That Runs Your Career
The Judgment Triangle: How to Read the Room, Trust Your Gut, and Make the Call
The Presence Playbook: How to Show Up So People Believe You Belong
Managing Up Without Selling Out: Building Trust with the People Who Control Your Future
Interested in Booking Me To Speak?
the proof is in the results
Testimonials
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"Betsy Gardner is a true visionary who understands the critical link between business success and community impact. Her leadership has not only driven remarkable growth but has also strengthened the fabric of our community. Betsy’s ability to unite business objectives with community values is what sets her apart as a leader who truly makes a difference."
Garry Jones, President
Full Sail University -
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“As a leader, Betsy understands that fostering a sense of belonging is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. She creates inclusive environments where every voice is heard, empowering teams to collaborate and innovate, which ultimately drives our competitive edge in the market.”
Markys Mackey, CEO
Verity Construction -
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"Her passion for advancing women in leadership and fostering diverse teams is evident in every project she undertakes. Betsy is a true champion of inclusive leadership."
Kelly Nierstedt, CEO
Orlando Regional Medical Center -
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"Betsy’s global perspective, innovative solutions, unwavering integrity, and exceptional relationship-building skills make her a leader who consistently exceeds the expectations of even the most discerning stakeholders."
Ryan DeVos, Vice President of Shareholder Engagement
Orlando Magic -
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"Betsy’s sense of taste and style is as refined as it is visionary. Much like a perfectly balanced dish, her leadership blends creativity with precision, delivering results that are both sophisticated and impactful. Her ability to curate experiences—whether in the boardroom or at the table—is a testament to her impeccable taste and keen eye for detail."
Mike Collantes, Michelin Star Chef
Soseki -
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"Betsy’s high EQ and ability to energize teams into action have consistently delivered value beyond the bottom line. She is a leader who truly makes a difference.”
Allan Keen, Trustee
Rollins College -
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"Betsy doesn’t just advocate for sustainability—she quantifies it. Her double-bottom line approach seamlessly integrates commercial success with responsible environmental stewardship, ensuring that our businesses thrive while prioritizing the well-being of our planet.”
Ryan Evans, CEO
Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy -
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“Betsy’s expertise in board relations and governance is exceptional. She builds strong, collaborative relationships with board members and ensures that governance practices are both effective and aligned with our strategic goals. Her leadership in this area has been pivotal in driving the Chamber’s success.”
Paul Dietrich, Managing Partner
Maynard Nexen
I’m a life long learner, COMMITTED to growth.
With a background in history and a commitment to continuous learning, I actively contribute to various national, local and academic boards, where I share my expertise and drive impact. I've been honored with several "Woman of the Year" awards for my leadership in community development and sustainable growth.
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University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Foreign Study - British History, 1990University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
BA, History, 1991Phi Beta Kappa, UF Hall of Fame, Outstanding Female Leader,
Florida Blue KeyUnited States Chamber of Commerce, Washington DC
Certificate, Institute for Organizational Management, 1990
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Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy
National Leadership CouncilSeacoast Bank
Community BoardGreater Orlando Builders Association
Government Affairs CommitteeRollins College Department of Business
Advisory Board
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Finalist, National Chamber of the Year
Grand Prize, North American Chamber Innovation
Orange Appeal Magazine
“Woman of the Year”Orlando Business Journal
“Women Who Mean Business”Orlando Magazine
“Women Who Move the City”
“Women of the Year”Women’s Executive Council
“Woman of the Year”
join the conversation
I love to dive into meaningful conversations with fellow leaders and innovators. In these podcast episodes, I share insights on leadership, community building, and the challenges and triumphs that come with being the CEO of the Winter Park Chamber. Whether you're looking for inspiration or practical advice, I invite you to listen in and join the conversation.
Podcast Episodes
my recent episodes
B Student Podcast
Winter Park Gets a Taste of Puerto Rico with Celebrity Chef Mario Pagán
Why Most Professionals Struggle to Get Noticed (And How to Fix It)
B Student Podcast
B Student Podcast
Dress Smarter, Lead Stronger: Fashion Tips from Stylist Fiona Rubie
say hello to new POSSIBILITIES.
This is your opportunity to elevate your organization to new heights. Whether it’s strategic consulting, keynote speaking, executive coaching, or transforming your business model, I'm here to help.
Please fill in the form, and I’ll be in touch soon.
Learn more about the Winter Park Chamber, click here.
