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

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 Kersey 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

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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. 

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Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/