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.
Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you. ----------------------------------- Connect with our Jennifer: Website:https://polasek.org/ LinkedIn: @jennifer-deery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polasekmuseum/
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