03 June 2026
52. 25 Years at Disney: Leadership Lessons & Career Reinvention with RK Kelley
B Student Podcast
About
In this episode of the B Student podcast, RK Kelley shares her incredible career journey from spending more than 25 years in leadership roles at Disney to becoming a driving force behind the Central Florida Pledge, a community initiative dedicated to fostering dignity, respect, and civil discourse across Central Florida.
RK discusses career transitions, purpose-driven leadership, mentorship, women in leadership, community engagement, Disney leadership lessons, workplace culture, and the challenges facing organizations in today's divided environment.
Throughout the conversation, RK discusses:
If you're exploring a career change, leadership growth, personal development, women in business, nonprofit leadership, or community impact, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
02:01 What Is the Central Florida Pledge?
04:26 Why RK Kelley Chose a Purpose-Driven Career
06:45 How Businesses Can Get Involved
09:12 Creating Respectful Dialogue Across Differences
11:35 The Biggest Challenge Facing Communities Today
13:57 A Vision for Central Florida's Future
16:20 Why Listening Is a Critical Leadership Skill
17:42 Lessons Learned from 25+ Years at Disney
20:35 The Relaunch Program and Career Reinvention
24:15 Mentorship, Self-Doubt, and Growth
28:08 Redefining Success Through Purpose and Family
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Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
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Connect with our Guest:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rk-little-kelley
Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce:
https://www.winterpark.org/
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Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
RK discusses career transitions, purpose-driven leadership, mentorship, women in leadership, community engagement, Disney leadership lessons, workplace culture, and the challenges facing organizations in today's divided environment.
Throughout the conversation, RK discusses:
- Disney Leadership Lessons: What 25+ years in global operations taught RK about workplace culture and respect.Career Reinvention: Navigating the shift from a high-intensity executive role to a purpose-driven "second act."
The Central Florida Pledge: Why dignity and civil discourse are the most critical tools for today’s community leaders.
Redefining Success: How to prioritize family and values while maintaining professional impact.
If you're exploring a career change, leadership growth, personal development, women in business, nonprofit leadership, or community impact, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
02:01 What Is the Central Florida Pledge?
04:26 Why RK Kelley Chose a Purpose-Driven Career
06:45 How Businesses Can Get Involved
09:12 Creating Respectful Dialogue Across Differences
11:35 The Biggest Challenge Facing Communities Today
13:57 A Vision for Central Florida's Future
16:20 Why Listening Is a Critical Leadership Skill
17:42 Lessons Learned from 25+ Years at Disney
20:35 The Relaunch Program and Career Reinvention
24:15 Mentorship, Self-Doubt, and Growth
28:08 Redefining Success Through Purpose and Family
-----------------------------------
Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
-----------------------------------
Connect with our Guest:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rk-little-kelley
Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce:
https://www.winterpark.org/
--------------------------------
Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/