45. The "Only You" Rule: Rollins President Brooke Barnett on the Future of Higher Ed

On this episode of the B Student podcast, host Betsy Gardner sits down with Brooke Barnett, the 16th President of Rollins College, for a powerful conversation at the intersection of leadership, higher education, and the future of work.Just months into her role, Brooke offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to lead a modern institution in a time of rapid change, where AI, shifting workforce demands, and declining trust in traditional systems are reshaping everything we thought we knew about education.Together, they explore the evolving value of a liberal arts education, the role of storytelling in leadership, and why “human skills” like critical thinking, discernment, and communication may be the most valuable currency in the future.And stick around to the very end for an exclusive reveal of Fox Day 2026!This episode is a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and authenticity for anyone navigating complexity in today’s world.Time Stamps:00:00 Intro + Meet Rollins College President Brooke Barnett03:15 Leading Higher Ed in a Time of Disruption (AI + Workforce Shifts)06:30 Why Liberal Arts Still Matter More Than Ever09:45 Storytelling vs. “Just Giving Examples” in Leadership13:10 The Power of Place-Based Education (Why Rollins Stands Out)16:25 Preparing Students for the Future of Work19:40 Is College Still Worth It? Breaking the Trust Gap23:00 Barriers to Innovation (And How Leaders Miss Them)26:20 How to Challenge “We’ve Always Done It This Way”29:10 CEO Mindset: Focus on What Actually Matters32:00 Leadership Lessons from the President’s Seat35:00 Authenticity as a Leadership Superpower38:00 Final Takeaways + The Future of Higher Ed Connect with Brooke at: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-barnett-65a74592/Website: https://www.rollins.edu/-----------------------------------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/