52. 25 Years at Disney: Leadership Lessons & Career Reinvention with RK Kelley

About this episode

RK Kelley shares her leadership lessons from 25 years at Disney and discusses her career reinvention and community initiatives.

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: 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. RK also shares how stepping away from a demanding executive career allowed her to redefine success, prioritize family, and embrace a purpose-driven chapter focused…

People in this episode

Host: Betsy Gardner

Guest: RK Kelley

Topics covered

• leadership lessons
• career reinvention
• women in leadership
• community engagement
• workplace culture
• nonprofit leadership

Keywords

• Disney
• leadership
• career change
• women in business
• community impact
• mentorship
• workplace culture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Disney, Central Florida Pledge

More episodes of B Student Podcast

• 51. The Soft Skills AI Can’t Touch: Career Success & Real Estate with Courtney Pelfrey · May 27, 2026 · 30 min
• 50. How to Return to Work After a Career Break (With Confidence) · May 20, 2026 · 36 min
• 49. Why Creativity and Curiosity Matter in Leadership | Jennifer Deery | B Student · May 14, 2026 · 27 min
• 48. She Quit Law Twice, Then Invented a Water Scooter | B Student | Lindsay Kiley · May 6, 2026 · 31 min
• 47. Graduation Day Betsy’s Final Episode · April 22, 2026 · 16 min
• 46. Mayor Buddy Dyer: The "Airport Tram" Voice Who Led Orlando Through the Pulse Tragedy | B Student · April 15, 2026 · 41 min