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

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.

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Connect with our Jennifer:
Website:  https://polasek.org/
LinkedIn: @jennifer-deery
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/polasekmuseum/

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Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/

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