Jonathan Beck, Brianna Bibona, Andrea Stefanic, Robert O'Brion, Victoria Marcano Castells, Caroline Krywonos, Dwayne Jones, Cory Gunning, Natalie Broadhurst, Shaw Bouley, Victoria Varela, Fabian Arcila
Produced at UCF, Nexus is a premier business podcast featuring in-depth conversations with industry pioneers, scholars, leaders, and global change-makers.
We dive into emerging trends, strategies, and the evolving landscape of business to equip students, professionals, and entrepreneurs with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of today, and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.
Whether it's revolutionizing industry or reshaping organizational practices, these real-world stories and insights offer a fresh perspective on innovation, impact, and the breakthroughs that occur when visionary thinking meets the pace of modern innovation.
Join us as we connect you to the future of business.
Publisher
Jonathan Beck, Brianna Bibona, Andrea Stefanic, Robert O'Brion, Victoria Marcano Castells, Caroline Krywonos, Dwayne Jones, Cory Gunning, Natalie Broadhurst, Shaw Bouley, Victoria Varela, Fabian Arcila
The Work Behind Impact: Inside Nonprofit Leadership
What if the biggest steps in your career come from stepping outside your comfort zone? From embracing unexpected opportunities to building authentic connections, growth often starts when you’re willing to take a chance. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Luke Kelly sits down with Marisa Diaz, HR and talent acquisition leader and president of ALPFA Orlando, to explore nonprofit organizations, business development, and the power of professional networking. From building an authentic perso...
14 Oct 2026
Rooted In Principles: How Values Build A Business That Lasts
In this episode of Nexus at UCF, we sit down with Marc Robertz-Schwartz, a media and marketing professional whose career began in television and eventually led him to build and grow his own marketing and production company. Marc shares how he spent his first 20 years after college working for television stations along the East Coast before transitioning into marketing and creative services. After being laid off in 2008, he turned that unexpected career change into an opportunity to start his...
19 Aug 2026
Franchise Fever: How One Bagel Idea Became a Repeatable Business Model
From a homemade bagel recipe to a growing franchise, Jeff Perera shares how taking a risk, putting in the work, and building a strong brand can turn a side hustle into a business. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, our host, Luke Kelly, sits down with Jeff Perera, founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run, to explore entrepreneurship, franchising, and how Jeff's Bagel Run grew from a home kitchen into a successful brand. From the financial risks of starting a business to the power of storytelling and social ...
29 Jul 2026
Nexus Presents: Moments Worth Remembering Part 2
Join us as we kick off Part two of our one-year anniversary special, celebrating some of the most impactful conversations and insights that have shaped Nexus at UCF over the past year. In this special anniversary edition of Nexus at UCF, we revisit standout conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, educators, and industry leaders to explore entrepreneurship and the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of business. From building resilient startups and embracing calculated risk t...
17 Jul 2026
Nexus Presents: Moments Worth Remembering
Join us as we kick off Part One of our one-year anniversary special, celebrating some of the most impactful conversations and insights that have shaped Nexus at UCF over the past year. In this special anniversary edition of Nexus at UCF, we revisit standout conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, educators, and industry leaders to explore entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of business. From building resilient startups and em...
10 Jun 2026
The Foundation of Leadership: How to Build a Career That Can Thrive in Any Room
What does it take to become a leader people actually want to follow? From emotional intelligence to mentorship and resilience, this conversation explores the skills that make leadership transferable and impactful across industries evolving workplace. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Luke Kelly sits down with Jamie Merrill, the president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, to explore leadership development, emotional intelligence, and transferable leadership skill...
6 May 2026
Beyond the 9-to-5: How Strategic Side Hustles Build Skills, Energy, and Opportunity
What if your side hustle could actually give you more energy instead of draining it? In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Natalie Broadhurst sits down with Dr. Jim Gallo, Faculty Talent Management at UCF / Human Resources Principals Professor, to explore the role of side hustles in career development and personal growth, and how it’s shaping the future of business. From time management and prioritization strategies to career exploration through side hustles, this conversation dives deep in...
8 Apr 2026
Built to Bounce Back: How Resilient Leaders Shape Stronger Teams and Businesses
What if the key to success in business isn’t avoiding failure—but learning how to rise from it? In this episode, we explore how resilience, curiosity, and strong leadership can transform both individuals and organizations. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Natalie Broadhurst sits down with Dawn Sipley, President of “Sipley The Best”, to explore resilience in the workplace and how it’s shaping the future of business. From navigating workplace challenges and building strong team culture to ...
18 Mar 2026
The Invisible Risk on Your Balance Sheet: ESG, Reputation, and the Future of Corporate Survival
How Corporate Sustainability & Environmental Compliance Shape the Future of Business In this episode of Nexus at UCF, Natalie Broadhurst sits down with Michael Hewitt, former Director of Sustainability Programs at Publix and former Director of Environmental Affairs at La-Z-Boy, to explore corporate sustainability and environmental compliance and how it’s shaping the future of business. From navigating regulatory frameworks and corporate responsibility to leading large-scale sustainability...
25 Feb 2026
Entrepreneurship as a Journey: Growing Skills, Confidence, and Leadership
Turning a college side hustle into a purpose-driven business isn’t easy—but Kayla Doering did exactly that. From teaching swim lessons as a freshman at the University of Central Florida to founding Kayla Swimming Sailors while building a full-time career in tech recruiting, her journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, hosted by Natalie Broadhurst, Kayla opens up about what it really takes to start, grow, and sustain a business during your college years. She sha...
4 Feb 2026
The CEO Inside Your Brain: Neuroscience, Emotional Control, and Future-Proof Leadership
In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Natalie Broadhurst sits down with Patricio Cuesta, a founder, executive mentor and keynote speaker to explore how neuroscience, emotional regulation, and AI intersect to shape the future of leadership and business. Drawing from decades of executive experience, this conversation breaks down how understanding the brain can unlock better decision-making, stronger teams, and long-term relevance in a rapidly evolving workplace. From managing emotions under pre...
15 Jan 2026
Purpose-Built Startups: How Great Founders Earn Traction, Trust, and Long-Term Growth
What does it really take to become a great founder in today’s fast-changing business world?🌎 You’ll hear real insights from someone who’s lived it—both as a startup founder and as a venture capital deal team lead. On this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Natalie Broadhurst sits down with Diego Rivera, a venture capital deal team lead at Capital Key Ventures and founder of Dr. Sports and Athletics, to explore what makes a great founder and how early-stage decision-making shapes the future of bus...
1 Dec 2025
Unlocking Potential: The Role of Mentorship and Culture in Developing Future Innovators
How do you build a culture that shapes tomorrow’s leaders? 🌱 In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Natalie Broadhurst sits down with Dean Sheila of the Burnett Honors College and Dean Marty, Senior Associate Dean of the Burnett Honors College, to explore the culture within the College, how leadership influences student growth, and how community-driven environments mirror successful business cultures. From developing personal and professional skills to fostering collaborative and innovative s...
6 Nov 2025
Creativity as a Competitive Edge: How Innovation and Purpose Drive Modern Brand Growth
How do creative marketing and branded experiences shape real-world connections in a digital age? ✨ In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Dwayne Jones sits down with Dean Caravelis, CEO, author, and mentor, to explore how immersive brand experiences and creative campaigns are reshaping the future of business. From leveraging branded merchandise to spark connection to building authentic offline communities in a digital world, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and the evo...
16 Oct 2025
Bridging the Gap: Transforming Academic Learning into Business-Ready Thinking
What does it really take to bridge the gap between college and the real world? 🎓✨ In this inspiring conversation, we explore how academic learning can transform into business-ready thinking, and why hands-on experience, soft skills, and adaptability matter more than ever. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Natalie Broadhurst sits down with Dr Christopher Leo, a business consultant, mentor, and associate lecturer at UCF’s College of Business, to explore how education and practical experienc...
26 Sept 2025
Beyond Compliance: How Accessibility Unlocks New Markets and Experiences
In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Dwayne Jones sits down with Tim Fischer, CEO of ADA Lift Rentals of America and Southeast Elevator, to explore accessibility and how it’s shaping the future of business. From home elevators that allow people to age in place to ADA-compliant solutions for major sporting and music events, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of accessibility in creating inclusive experiences. 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Website: https://ne...
8 Sept 2025
From Data Mess to Data Mastery: Leadership, Strategy, and the Impact of Master Data Management
Clean data isn’t just numbers—it’s the key to safer, smarter, and more profitable business. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Cory Gunning sits down with Dave Kuketz, Vice President of MDM Global Strategies at Sphera, to explore Master Data Management (MDM) and how it’s shaping the future of business. From the challenges of data governance to the critical role of clean data in safety, sustainability, and operational excellence, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadershi...
20 Aug 2025
The Magic of Immersion: Why Theme Parks are Betting Big on Experience
Theme parks aren’t just selling tickets—they’re selling worlds. Here’s how immersive design drives guest loyalty and revenue. In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Dwayne Jones sits down with Dr. Ray Eddy, award-winning UCF professor and former Disney stuntman, to explore how immersive experiences are transforming business. From the psychology of immersion to the future of AI-driven theme parks, this episode is packed with insights for anyone in entertainment, tech, or innovation. ⏱️ Timestam...
6 Aug 2025
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On 8/20, grab your headphones, and prepare for launch...
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